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What REALLY Happens: Lasik Laser Eye Surgery {Free Printable}

March 26, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 31 Comments

Thinking about LASIK, but don’t know where to start? Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge is giving you a real look at LASIK, with a look at her LASIK laser eye surgery, with the help of Kleiman|Evangelista and the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. #KEHELPEDMESEE

Did it hurt?

That’s been the #1 question I’ve been asked since I had my Blade-Free HD IntraLasik at Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center.

So I want to share the experience from start to finish and answer one of those other questions that I’ve been asked the most – “Was it worth it?”

After my first consultation, I made arrangements for my very kind mother to be with me during the procedure only a week later. While the procedure lasts less than 15 minutes (yes only 15 minutes), I needed her there to be able to drive me home (and for me to take care of the kids), after the procedure.

I put on something comfortable and a little warm as well since the surgery suite is a little cool and once I was home after the procedure I was going to bed. (This is a perfect time to break out the stretchy pants or that fuzzy Velour suit sitting in the back of your closet.)

We arrived :30 minutes early so we could arrange for my two prescriptions (two sets of eye drops that were also obtained at the office) and to take something to allow me to relax. I was provided a small dosage of Valium, just enough to keep me calm and not to get too anxious as well as to make me sleepy after the procedure so I could let my eyes rest. (Note to self, you aren’t going out that night to show of your new eyes quite yet!)

Then just a few minutes later they called my name.

Show time.

I walked in to the suite to meet my doctor and the team of experienced professionals ready to make magic happen. While I’m a little foggy about what exactly happened step by step (see mention of Valium above), the doctor took a look at my eyes before the procedure at one of the many machines in the room. And then I was walked over to the laser area, seated comfortable and then it begin.

I’ll admit – it wasn’t like getting a massage. It was a little uncomfortable as my eyes were being completely changed! And with my astigmatism, that meant a little more under the laser. It’s not like I felt anything that hurt; it was just the feeling of a bright light, pressure to my eyes, and then we were done.

Meanwhile, my mother/chauffeur/caretaker/photographer took pictures of the whole thing while I was having the procedure. While I’ll admit it took me a few days to really look at these, it does show almost every part of the procedure – one shot at a time.

So here’s your disclaimer: if you want to see some really, up close photos of my procedure, be my guest. If your stomach is a little weak, I wouldn’t do it. Just remember, these photos are in no order of the procedure, but they are pretty wild what happens in the Lasik Suite. However, if you want to see a video that explains exactly what happens in a procedure like this, then take a look at this.

When it was done, they took another look at my eyes and said “Everything looks good.”

I was able to put on some shades (your eyes are uber sensitive after the procedure) and my mother walked me to the car.

As soon as we got home, I slid into bed.

I had hoped I would nod off to sleep, but two little kids that had gotten home from school wanted to check on me and I wanted to hug them.

They each visited me quietly in the bed and carefully kissed me so they wouldn’t touch my eyes. I was wearing my super awesome eye shields to keep them from hitting my eyes while I laid down), but they wanted to be extra careful.

Soon after I did begin to feel more pressure on my eyes. Actually I don’t have the words for the feeling since I hadn’t really had that sensation on my eyes before. Somewhere between having a tattoo (you know that feeling after you have it) and that straining feeling after a long day of staring at the computer. Since I’m not much of one for pain (like zero tolerance), I had my mom call the doctor to make sure it was normal to feel uncomfortable.

They did let her know for everyone the discomfort is different, so some people don’t feel anything, while others will feel pressure and pain. However, two Tylenol PMs took care of that and my anxiety, so soon I was off to sleep.

The next morning when I woke up, I took off my special sleepwear, ready to see if I could see.

Wow, I could! I mean like it was crystal clear due quite yet, but it was a huge difference than when I had woke up all the years before.

Before getting ready to go to my follow-up appointment that morning, as instructed, I put in my drops. (Actually my mama did, but I was definitely making use of having my mama time while mine was there!) The drops are a really important part of the Lasik process because they relieve a lot of the dryness and pressure from your eyes beginning to heal. The instructions from my doctor were to put in the medicated drops four times a day and the eye drops once an hour. Although that sounded like a lot, I crafted a little chart (after the one my mom sketched to use on me) that was able to keep me in check with my drops and added an alarm to my phone to remind me to take them.

Remember, this was a guide created by mamachallenge.com. Please remember to consult with your doctor for any prescription/dosage instructions post surgery.

PDF |

For someone like me who is often on the computer (yes, that same day I was back on the computer), eye drops will help you so much. AND while it wasn’t required of my Lasik, my regular optometrist had always told me getting up and getting away from the computer after so long in front of the computer was necessary for good eye health. So I was back on the computer, but not quite for the 10 hour stretch (at least not yet!)

When I returned the next day for my followup post-opp appointment at the Kleiman-Evangelista Eye Center, I was able to meet with my doctor to see how things were going with my eyes after the surgery. After just a few minutes of me looking into the eye machines, he said things looked great and to continue to take the drops as instructed throughout the week.

And then I made my post-surgery appointment for a week and that was it.

Seems so easy, right? It was. (And no judgement on no makeup. Remember, no eye make up – that’s a rule for a week!)

And was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY.

I’ll share next time about what it’s been like since the appointment and of course, why not getting Lasik may actually be costing you money.

Yep, that’s right. It’s not as cheap as you think wearing glasses, contacts and all the other stuff that goes with it.

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What to Expect: First Lasik Appointment

March 15, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 12 Comments

Thinking about LASIK, but don’t know where to start? Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge is giving you a real look at LASIK, starting with the first LASIK appointment, with the help of Kleiman|Evangelista and the Mom it Forward Blogger Network. #KEHELPEDMESEE

My junior year of high school had lots of good things happen. However, one of the two big moments that happened included getting braces AND glasses. While my prescription wasn’t bad, my astigmatism was. I tried contacts, but there wasn’t enough frustration or money to try to keep finding the “right” ones for me, so I gave up. From that point on, me and the glasses didn’t stray far from one another…and that’s been about 20 years ago.

And while I can tell you many funny stories about glasses, including the ways I’ve broken them, at one point I finally had enough.

In just one morning:

I had forgotten where I laid my specs down the night before, so I spent 7 minutes looking for them.
When I found them they were covered in little people fingertips and I had to clean them.
Then when I cleaned them they smeared even more.
I rushed to get in the car and had to switch my glasses for sunglasses (the ones I spent a fortune on for prescription glasses I wasn’t ashamed of.)
When I ran into the A/C, my glasses fogged up so I had wait for them to clear.
After sitting in a long meeting, the glasses slid down my nose so I pushed them about 10 times in between taking them off to rest my eyes and the headache I was beginning to feel.

…And that was all before 10 AM.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t look bad in glasses and have really built a style to wearing them. And while I never wear them on camera, they are on right before and right after that camera goes to “ON AIR.”

But at one point, you just want to make your life easier and get rid of the unnecessary crap that gets in your way and annoys you. This year was supposed to be about change. For the better. I’ve been making changes to make me happier and the best me I could be.

So after thinking about it for 10+ years, I decided to quit making wishes and making things happen. So to Google I went and found out I could make a free appointment to start the process with one the leader in LASIK, Kleiman|Evangelista and they had a location close to me. I wasn’t sure what the process was, but I figured this was the first way to figuring it out what’s next and it was free. What do you have to lose?

So here’s what happens at the first consultation (of course, each experience may differ based on the patient, location and person needs, but this will give you a basic feel for what will happen based on my experience at Kleiman|Evangelista.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FREE CONSULTATION LASIK APPOINTMENT

1. Enter the Waiting Room to check in and wait to hear your name.
I was surrounded by others just like me that either were getting the surgery or coming in for a first-time appointment. While you’re there you’ll be able to watch the other surgeries happening while they are happening with this lovely clear door. Yes, you can watch it from start to finish since it only last 15 minutes! (Of course, if you don’t want people to watch, they do that, too!

2. Next I was ushered into first room to receive basic eye exam as well as to look at the health of the eye.

3. Then I entered another room to take give me a real feel for what was going to happen in the procedure. (It only takes 15 minutes to do the procedure, but it’s amazing what happens in that time!) At this time I was given an opportunity to ask every question – big or small. Actually throughout the entire process, I was asked if I had any questions. While I had a few, I was able to find a lot of answers online at the website. However, I think the biggest one of course, like everyone is – “Is it going to hurt?” (And my answer to that I can share after my procedure next week!)

4. Next you’ll take a seat in another waiting room for another look at my eyes with an Ophthalmologist. I love that they were so thorough to make sure that I really was the ideal candidate for the procedure. (I was really nervous about the procedure but the fact that they kept checking everything so thoroughly made me feel that much more confident.)

5. Meet with your doctor to determine if you are a good or bad candidate based on all the records of your eye health examination.

Based on your candidacy, you’ll make your way back to the waiting area and meet with team area to get a breakdown of costs. Candidacy is based on several different factors, I found out during my appointment, But basically five majors ones:

You need to have stable vision.
You should be 18 years of age or older.
You should not be pregnant or nursing.
You have sufficient corneal thickness.
You should have realistic expectations.
You are a great post-procedure patient.

Find out more about if you are a good LASIK candidate.

6. If you are a good candidate, now you get to make the appointment. Depending on your schedule, you make your appointment for your surgery and cover all the dos and don’ts. Make sure to have your calendar with you so you can get a date on the calendar. A few things you’ll need to take into consideration when making your LASIK surgery is:

You will need to have someone to drive you home after the appointment. (Thanks, mom!)
You will go home that day and go to bed, so while recovery is quick, it’s not that quick! (Also, thanks to mom for watching the kids!)
You’ll not be able to go in a hot tub, pool or wear makeup for a week. (So don’t plan for that vacation yet.)
Followup with routine drops as prescribed. (I had two sets of drops and they’ll tell you exactly how and when to add them.)
Attend a few appointments to followup. (These appointments will be to make sure how your eyes are shaping up!)

7. Now all you have to do is wait for your LASIK surgery appointment!

Everyone is invited to make a free appointment Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 pm, with appointment to find out start the lasik process. However, there is quick test that can tell you right now if you’re right choice for them.

Now what? Next week I’m sharing my procedure experience, so make sure to stay connected!

Seeing things for the first time: I’m sharing everything you need to know about Blade-Free HD IntraLASIK, the newest and best LASIK treatment available at Kleiman|Evangelista Eye Center.

Make the Most of Your Sweetest Moments

March 5, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 120 Comments

This sweet look at life is brought to you by BASKIN-ROBBINS. No matter what life brings, make the most of your sweetest moments.

The other day while I was buying clothes for the kids, a little tear rolled down my check.

As I continued to thumb through the new size for my son, I kept looking at shirts and thinking, “there’s no way he can wear these!?? These are much to big for my little guy.” Except I knew I was wrong.

He is exactly THAT size.

As I stepped back at the rack, I realized at in the big room full of clothes consigned for the sale, that each of these rows of clothes weren’t just a room full of well-kept hand-me-downs. They were like little time capsules of each family’s experiences as a child experienced their first day of school, Christmas, a birthday – whatever – they had done it in that shirt. And now it was time for my kid to do the same.

I wasn’t sure if it was one of those hormonal mama moments or what, but all of a sudden, I realized that I looked like Gene Simmons with my mascara running down my face.

However, it was a good thing. I was getting my own little reminder of how quick they grow up.

Later when I ~~battled~~ sat in the carpool line to get them from school, I didn’t immediately take them up to start the everyday grind of snack, homework, dinner, bath, book and then bed.

Instead we went to Baskin-Robbins.

But today it wasn’t just ice cream either. We went for sweet goodness – all.the.way. We went for ice cream sandwiches.

Each of the kids bellied up to the bar to pick two warm cookies – chocolate chip, macadamia nut, chocolate chocolate chunk or peanut butter. Part of me wanted to order for them, but another mama moment made me see they didn’t need me to do that anymore.

They could make their own decisions…without my mama’s help.

Next pairing it with their favorite pick of ice cream. The girl quickly pointed to something pink, purple and filled with sprinkles. The boy, who thinks long and hard about each selected in life, landed on the newest BR flavor, Cookie Jar Mashup, Filled with OREO®, CHIPS AHOY!® and NUTTER BUTTER® cookie pieces with vanilla ice cream swirled with a chocolate ribbon. I gloated a little as I felt he had made just the choice I would have. (Points for mom for instilling good taste.)

Next came the toppings – one with more sprinkles the other one without. Last the slightly warm cookies sandwiched the ice cream together for two awesomely gooey treats.

Normally, I would have begun the freak out by requesting the cookies be put in a bowl and carefully asked them not to get their clothes dirty. Actually, I’m pretty sure I would have pulled out the placements I have in the car (yes, I do), but today, it was about just enjoying the simple things.

Like ice cream and cookies. And lots of love.

And man, it was a mess. Partly because it’s Texas and it’s already 75 degrees. And the other part because they’re kids and that’s what they do. They make big messes. BIG BIG MESS.

But somehow I didn’t care as we licked the remaining bite and ran to the bathroom to get it off our fingers, face, and my toe.

Today was about making the most of our sweetest moments.

And you should too.

Make time today to celebrate your sweetest moments. One lick at a time.

Enter now to create your sweetest moments with a giveaway for a Baskin-Robbins gift card for $31

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Baskin-Robbins’ NEW Warm Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches and Sundaes can be personalized with a guest’s choice of warm cookies, their favorite ice cream flavor and topping. The chewy, warmed to order cookie options include Dark Chocolate Chunk, Double Fudge, Peanut Butter Chocolate and White Chunk Macadamia Nut Cookies. Guests can choose their cookie and mix and match more than one type of cookie in their sandwich or sundae for the ultimate flavor experience.

Don’t miss this #MAMACHALLENGE MOMENT

Cars that Look Good for Less at the DFW Auto Show

March 4, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Since almost 40,000 hours are spent driving a car, it’s important to know how to make the best of your time behind the wheel. We are excited to partner with the to bring you the newest and coolest trend in cars for 2016.

Since having children seven years ago, I made the shift (begrudgingly) to my mom-mobile. While having an attractive car was important to me, features such as safety, navigation and integrated technology now outranked it. And it seemed that was the case with cars as well. After testing out 12 different SUVs, the trend seemed to be that either you could have a great looking car that lacked a good system or one that could pretty much cook you dinner, but wasn’t as sporty on the outside.

Thankfully, the trends for 2016 show that the leading car companies finally have married the two ideas to create some of the best looking AND most smartest cars – all in one package. You’ve seen seen the commercial where a once “grandma” car now looks so cool that no one can recognize it. Or driven up to the stoplight behind a hot car wondering “wow, what kinda car is that?” and then started Googling it to find out it was a once considered budget car?

Since technology features are now top of the list for everyone – not just early adopters, it’s time for even “budget” cars to get a leaner, meaner and more sleek look.

Some of them that I’m looking forward to seeing at the

Headed out for weekender in the NEW KIA Sportage to @visitgranbury. #DFWAuto #DFWAutoKia #GoingGranbury ad pic.twitter.com/ImzKNHTMPx

— MamaChallenge (@mamachallenge) March 12, 2016

Another vehicle that has really gotten my attention is the Kia Sportage. Starting at $22,000 it’s hard to think there’s anything luxurious to look forward to, but this baby is loaded. I actually even had the opportunity to test drive the newest model that will also be a part of the Ride and Drive event at the DFW Auto Show.

Get a look at these beauties with two tickets to the DFW Auto Show 2016!

Never been to a car show? Here why it should attending the DFW Auto Show is so important, especially if you’re looking for a new car!

DFW Auto Show
March 16-20, 2016
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
650 S. Griffin
Dallas, TX
At the show $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and seniors 65+

Win 2 Tickets to the DFW Auto Show

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Live On. Give On. Give Back.

March 2, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 114 Comments

We’re excited to partner with the 2015 Bakken Invitational Awards to share stories of what it means to Live On. Give On. and Give Back. And we’re providing $100 gift card to help you share in the spirit of giving back to the community.

“Life isn’t about what you got, but what you gave.”

That’s a mantra that I like to say I live by, but when you take a look at the 12 Honorees for the 2015 Bakken Invitation Award you really understand what it means. Each of these extraordinary individuals shows how the will of the human spirit to overcome a life-changing medical challenge and then take control of “their second life” made possible by a medical device.

A global program launched in 2013, the Bakken Invitational was named for Medtronic co-founder, Earl Bakken, who developed the first external, battery-powered, wearable pacemaker, an invention that has saved millions of lives and shaped the modern medical device industry.

It’s from incredibly giving individuals like the Bakken honorees, that people just like our family have touched from the giving spirit of others. From the college scholarships I received to get me through college or my son’s wish to go to Disney World by an organization that grants wishes for children with life-threatening conditions, our lives have forever been changed for the better because gave.

Photo credit: TR Photography

Have you been given an extra life and are living with a medical device or using medical technology?

Share it here and Medtronic Foundation will donate $10 to Project HOPE to help ensure that medical technology is available in underserved communities around the world.

One of the honoree’s stories that really touched me was that of Tanya Hall. Like my son, Tanya was born with a hole in her heart and a heart murmur. At 9 she had open heart surgery and then at 21, she was diagnosed with a number of heart arrhythmias requiring her to get a pacemaker. While she may have had the medical support she needed, she found herself frustrated with the lack of cardiac patient support groups in Australia and at a loss for how she would spend the rest of her life, so she founded hearts4heart.

Knowing first-hand the need for finding support for heart issues when my son was born, the story was even more touching as she also was the patient. So to carry on the work of educating, creating awareness of heart diseases, and to continue to provide support to others, goes to show the huge measure of her character and the real size of Tanya’s heart.

[Tweet “”Life isn’t about what you got, but what you gave.” @mamachallenge #LiveOnGiveOn AD “]

looking at her story, any of the other honoree’s stories or even mine, it’s clear that medical technology can dramatically improve the life of one person. The Bakken Invitation Award Honorees demonstrate that it can have social impact that reaches beyond just that person.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Which Bakken honoree inspires you?

Share your choice by commenting below and you could win a $100 VISA gift card to do some good in your community. (Valid only for U.S. citizens, 18 years and older. Winner will be selected on March 18, 2016.)

For continued inspiration connect with Medtronic Foundation on Twitter and the Bakken Invitational on Facebook.

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.

New Way To Keep Your Kids From Getting Sick

February 25, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 6 Comments

Wanna know the best way to keep your kids from getting sick? It’s washing their hands! But with this new mom-created invention, hands are 3X cleaner keeping you and your family healthier.

Kids are dirty. Ask any parent how often they get sick now that they have kids. They’ll tell you – once it gets in the house, everyone’s got it.

The nose is running, there’s coughing and sneezing…It’s all over their hands and then all over you. It’s gross. And while none of us like to see our kiddos ill, it’s worse when it comes knocking on your immune system.

However, no matter how powerful the bug or virus that takes over your house, doctors will still tell you the best, easiest and cheapest way to keep from getting sick is…to wash your hands.

Yep, genius right? You were ready for me to tell you some huge CIA-level secret, right?

Well, the CIA isnt’ involved, but a lot of folks are thanks to a just launched kickstarter campaign for SCRUB BUGS.

These cute little critters are a parent’s answer to making sure kids don’t just “wash their hands,” but wash them 3X better, ensuring those germs are actually washed away.

Mom Kelly Stuart connected the dots one day watching her kids brush their teeth and thinking about how surgeons use brushes to wash their hands. She realized that if kids could use a brush, like the surgeons, they too would have cleaner hands. And the idea behind Scrub Bugs was born.

Using Scrub Bugs will help kids:

Clean hands 3X better than normal handwashing
Make washing hands fun
Create better personal hygiene skills
Make it harder to spread germs – making you and them healthier

Real life in-use tests prove that kids wash their hands more often, with more pressure, and for longer with Scrub Bugs.

So while you can’t quite get your hands on this little tool now (production starts in May), you’ll want to make sure to keep up with this Kickstarter campaign!

What’s your best tip for keeping kids from getting sick? Would you get a Scrub Bug?

Want more tips on your kid’s health?

Best Spaghetti and Meatballs EVER

January 18, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 23 Comments

You can never go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs. A timeless dish, the perfect plate of spaghetti and meatballs doesn’t have to take hours to make, just a great sauce and this recipe for the baked meatballs (which can be made gluten-free, too!)

We are serious spaghetti eaters. Like at least three times a week. It’s quick, it’s easy, and everyone is happy with the results (except that one time I accidentally switched out a little salt and pepper for sugar and cinnamon (yep, it wasn’t good.)

In the past we would have spent hours on the meatballs trying to get them carmelized to the point of perfection – crunchy and juicy in the pan. We put a lot of love in making the meatballs, but it took a lot of time and a toll of my dishwashing with the pans, bowls and to be honest, I didn’t even want to eat them after I was done preparing them. I was already too tired to eat (and that says a lot.)

Then we learned a big short cut. Like HUGE.

Baking them using a muffin pan changed everything. From getting them all to be the same size (so they cooked evenly), to cooking them with less mess, and then of course, making them healthier, baking your meatballs will change your life.

But that’s not all.

Want to improve the taste of your meatballs without adding tons of filler and other stuff? Mix your meats.

For us we enjoy a mix of ground turkey, ground Italian sausage and ground beef. Most the time we use the leaner side of things in making our meatballs, but make sure to add a little fat either to the mix or to the pan (using cooking spray) to make sure the meatballs aren’t too dry or stick to the pan.

Also, because of our dietary needs, we use gluten-free breadcrumbs, but you can always opt to use ground oatmeal (quick oats with a course ground in your blender) to make a really tasty (and healthier) meatball. (I also use this trick for meatloaf!)

That’s all.

Now all you need is your favorite Ragu and some pasta to complete the meal.

After 30 minutes, you have the best (and easiest) spaghetti and meatballs! Full of all the good stuff that even Assunta Cantisano, the mama that created the family Ragu recipe the company started with all the way in 1937.

Best Baked Meatballs

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 lb. ground turkey
1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 tsp. parsley
1 1/2 tsp. basil
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. bread crumbs (gluten free) or 1/2 c.ground quick oats oatmeal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.
Spray muffin pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
Combine meats together in a bowl. Add all the ingredients 1/4 cup (1/2 of the breadcrumbs). Set aside breadcrumbs.
Mix all the ingredients together and with your hands create small balls to fit inside mini muffin pan.
Before placing meatballs into pan, roll each one lightly in breadcrumbs. (Can sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you prefer, but the breadcrumbs give the meatball that crunchy, but juicy bite.)
Then place each meatball into mini muffin pan.
Cook in the oven for 20 minutes until golden.
Serve with pasta sauce (we love Ragu) and your favorite spaghetti noodles (we use gluten free!)

Notes

Leftover meatballs? Put them in freezer bag and be ready for quick and easy spaghetti and meatballs anytime!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 396
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 1080
Fat: 23
Saturated Fat: 9
Unsaturated Fat: 11
Trans Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 12
Protein: 35
Cholesterol: 154

With no artificial flavors or high fructose syrup, you can feel just as good about the sauce as you do the meatballs you just made for your family. And without all the work…all thanks to her “secret” Ragu recipe and the mamachallenge “secret” to meatballs.

What’s your secret to the best spaghetti and meatballs?

Touchdown with Slow Cooker Shrimp Bisque

January 15, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 25 Comments

Be the MVP of your big game party with this easy recipe for Slow Cooker Shrimp Bisque. Give it the kick that will have them coming back for more with El Yucateco hot sauce!

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

The best part of any game, either if you’re tailgating or sitting front row in your living room, is the party! Whether you go all out or just keep it to the couch, you can really score with a recipe like this Slow Cooker Shrimp Bisque that lets your play with the team instead sit on the sidelines! What gives this Cajun favorite its really amazing flavor is El Yucateco.

Bisque has always been one of my favorites. Anytime I can find it on the menu, it’s a must have to order and in my time I’ve enjoyed different recipes made in several different ways (A LOT!) However, with the perfect mix of creamy and smooth with bits of shrimp and the full flavor delivered by El Yucateco, each spoonful of this bisque gives you just what you want and still leaves you wanting more.

With other hot sauces one of the main ingredients is vinegar, but with El Yucateco the pepper is definitely #1! It’s also really versatile for everything from meats to margaritas, especially when there are different levels of heat and pepper blends available at Walmart!

If you really like to give it some heat with a smokey flavor without the sweetness of chipotle, try the El Yucateco Black Label Reserve Hot Sauce!

Just like NOLA, there’s a party in every bite of this Slow Cooker Shrimp Bisque!

And since you aren’t spending time cooking for your big game party, you can actually add a little fun to your Mardi Gras party as easy as a few beads, masks and even just a little zydeco music will get everyone moving! If you are tailgating or hosting your shindig outdoors, El Yucateco has you covered with a whole line of fun gear in the El Yucateco Store where you’ll find some really cool gear from board shorts for the summer, hoodies for the winter and many shirts for your any kind of party you’re going to!

TOUCHDOWN!

So ready to see how easy it is to get your party started?

Slow Cooker Shrimp Bisque

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

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