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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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The ABCs of Labels for Education #Labels4Edu #CBias

September 9, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 34 Comments

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

Our family approached a huge milestone recently – we sent our firstborn to first grade.

So since he hit the big time, mama has been getting schooled on all the “other stuff” like policies, homework processes, carpool rules, etc.


And of course, those are just the ones the school put in the book. Then there’s all the other “other stuff” like PTA, room mom and my next mama challenge, Labels for Education.

ABCs#Labels4Edu #CollectiveBias #Ad

I had heard about Labels for Education for a long time, but wasn’t sure how the whole process worked. However, before this year it wasn’t important for me to know what it was.  But now – if there’s someway I can help my child and all the other kids get a better education with more tools and resources – you bet, I’m gonna learn about it and figure out how I can help.

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Labels for Education is a simple, yet amazing program that rewards schools when you purchase any of the more than 2,600 products registered in the program. It’s as easy as A-B-C!

Allocate #Labels4Edu #CollectiveBias #AdVisit Labels for Education’s website and make sure your  school is on the list of participating schools!

Buy #Labels4Edu #CollectiveBias #Ad

Buy any of the more than 2,600 products in Labels for Education list!

Collect #Labels4Edu #CollectiveBias #Ad

 Collect the special Labels for Education UPCs and redeem for merchandise for your school!

AND right now there’s even more ways to get money for your school while saving money for you at the same time!

Coupons: One of my favorite words, there are many high-dollar value coupons available for products you buy every time you go to the grocery store, so make sure to check these often for even more savings on top of your other coupon deals! (I saved $3 by just printing off the coupons available!)

Elabels for Education: Double your points, double the fun! Electronically collect an additional 1 point for each participating Labels for Education® product purchased when you use your shopper card at participating retailers like Kroger and Tom Thumb.

Bonus Time: At periodic times, there are special opportunities to collect EVEN MORE points for your school!

Labels for Education Sweepstakes: Now until the end of the year, you can win your school a chance to win $1000! 1000 schools will win $1000 when you enter online, so make a click now to make a difference!

Sweepsteaks#Labels4UEdu#CollectiveBias#Ad

However, the best way to make a difference for your family and your school is to buy the participating products and make delicious meals for them.

One of my first recipes that I cooked that my husband liked when we got married was this Chicken and Rice Casserole. It was super easy and quick – and best of all, it never failed me! However, to add a little extra crunch (and Labels for Education points), I’ve dredged it in a little crushed Emerald almonds! So not only is this a staple recipe for anyone to add to their “cookbook,” now you know when you make it, you earn 10 Labels for Education points!

ChickenRiceRecipe #Labels4Edu #CollectiveBias #Ad

Make sure to sign up and start collecting for your school today + enter for $1000 for your school from Labels for Education.

labels-for-ed

10 Point Chicken & Rice Casserole

September 9, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment


ChickenRiceRecipe #Labels4Edu #CollectiveBias #Ad

 

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10 Point Labels for Education Chicken & Rice Casserole


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Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 Boneless Chicken Breast
  • 1–2 stick of butter
  • 1 can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom
  • 1 can of Campbell’s Create of Chicken
  • 1 can of Campbell’s Create of Celery
  • 2 c. instant rice, uncooked (I prefer White Rice, but you can use brown rice)
  • 1 c. Emerald Almonds, crushed
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • white pepper
  • garlic
  • paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Melt butter with all the soups in a sauce pan until blended.
  3. Meanwhile, pound the chicken until it’s an even width.
  4. Then dredge chicken in almonds until slightly covered.
  5. Add rice to the mixture into 9X13 inch glass pan and then add chicken atop the mixture.
  6. Use a spoon or knife to get mixture on top of chicken as well to make sure it doesn’t dry out during cooking.
  7. Sprinkle paprika across the top.
  8. Then place in an oven and cook at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge

9 Fit & Fantastic Foods You Need for Fiber

September 3, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I was provided complimentary product and compensation to accept the  Fiber Choice© 30-Day Get Picky Challenge. 

Over the last 30 days, I’ve gotten a huge crash course in fiber.

Since accepting the Fiber Choice© 30-Day Get Picky Challenge, I’ve been committed to replacing my regular fiber supplement with Fiber Choice© as well as increasing my fiber intake in my diet as well as my families. 

FiberPhoto

To be completely honest, I thought fiber was something only “old people” had to worry about and considering I felt I was a “regular” I didn’t have anything to be concerned about. While I knew fiber was good for you, I didn’t know why or how much I should taking. And most of all, I wasn’t even sure what I should be expecting as a positive result.

While I’m normally not very good at regularly taking my vitamins, with Fiber Choice©, I looked forward to them as the taste was a hint of strawberry and because they were chewable, I couldn’t make excuses why I didn’t take my supplement. When I was waiting for my coffee, I could quickly take my Fiber Choice© Weight Management and be ready for the day. And most of all, when I forgot my  Fiber Choice©, I could tell quickly! 

results_strawberry

But making Fiber Choice© Weight Management wasn’t just easy because of the taste, it was also because of how much better I felt from giving my body the amount of fiber it actually needed. However, as much as Fiber Choice© can help with reaching your ideal goal of 25-30 grams daily, you still have to make an effort to conscientious decision to eat foods that have fiber.

Remember, fiber is good not just for the digestive system, but overall health for things to run the way their supposed to and in some studies it’s thought to help you lose weight by making your body work at its optimum best. 

Still think prunes are the only way to get your fiber? Think again.

Some of my favorite foods are high in fiber; but there’s nine foods that I love to cook with that I didn’t even know were great for fiber. 

  1. Navy Beans
  2. Almonds
  3. Artichokes
  4. Raspberries
  5. Wheat Bread
  6. Apples
  7. Brussel Sprouts
  8. Raisins
  9. Pumpkin

I’ve even put together a Pinterest board of great fiber recipes including these delicious ingredients. (Remember,  Fiber Choice© supplements can give you six grams of fiber everyday towards your 25-30 gram count!) 

Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}’s board Fiber Foods on Pinterest.

And my favorite ingredient EVER, pumpkin, gets its own board, too! Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}’s board Oh, Pumpkin on Pinterest.


Go Back to the Future with WFAA Free Movie at Coyote Drive In

September 1, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Thanks to our sponsor WFAA ABC for hosting this event for free this Thursday!

wfaa abc

A few weeks ago we celebrated the end of summer with a little staycation fun in Fort Worth. Driving around town sparked a new bucket list of places to eat and visit like Coyote Drive-In. This little gem has been hot on my must-do list and now WFAA ABC is hosting a family-friendly night to enjoy movie classic Back to the Future for free and preview a new surprise fall show on ABC.


What a way to do Throwback Thursday than with Marty McFly under the stars, with your family and for FREE!

What’s your favorite Back to the Future moment?

THROWBACK THURSDAY with WFAA
Thursday, September 4
Doors open at 7pm
Coyote Drive-In
223 NE 4th St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
New ABC Fall show will be played followed by family favorite “Back to the Future”
Free

wfaa abc drivein

 

Chili’s® at Home Heats Up the Frozen Food Aisle

August 21, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 9 Comments

Many thanks to Bellisio Foods for sponsoring this post about Chili’s® Grill & Bar frozen meals at home.

There are days that seem I have meals handled and then the days that deserve going out to eat. And now there is a new option from Bellisio Foods when it’s just not in mom to make dinner or going out to eat, but the rest of the family is still hankering for some of their restaurant favorites (at home!) Thankfully, you now find Chili’s® Grill & Bar as single-serve entrees and multi-serve meals made for adventurous taste buds on a flavor mission in your freezer section.

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Chili’s® Grill & Bar new line of frozen foods delivers the bold, southwestern flavors with entrées like Pepper Jack Mac ‘N’ Cheese and Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl. And with my kids, we couldn’t resist the Bacon Mac ‘N’ Cheese and Seasoned Chicken Bites with Honey Chipotle Sauce. For mom and dad the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl and the Chicken Bacon Ranch caught our eye and taste buds.

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And all mom had to do when take it out of the freezer, to the microwave and in about three minutes it was on our plates, straight to our bellies!

Available at major retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Food Lion, H-E-B, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Schnucks and more, I was able to score a coupon for a free Chili’s® Grill & Bar single entrée from Kroger on their smartphone app, so keep your eyes peeled for other possible offers.

IMG_0137

SINGLE-SERVE ENTRÉES
1. Bacon Mac ‘N’ Cheese
2. Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo
3. Cheesy Chicken Pasta Florentine
4. Chicken Bacon Ranch
5. Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
6. Island Chicken & Rice
7. Mango Chicken with Rice
8. Pepper Jack Mac ‘N’ Cheese

MULTI-SERVE MEALS
1. Bacon Mac ‘N’ Cheese
2. Chicken Bacon Ranch
3. Chicken Fajita Rice
4. Nacho Potatoes with Beef & Bacon
5. Seasoned Chicken Bites with Honey Chipotle Sauce

Now you can have your favorite restaurant foods from at your fingertips with Chili’s® Grill & Bar frozen meals at home.

Three Tips to Make Getting a Shot Easier for Kids

August 18, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

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

Preparing for the new school year is much more than a new back pack and new pencils. With a first-grader now in the family, we had a long list of needs to get ready for school including making sure we had his required immunization records updated and a copy to complete his registration for his new school. Rather than competing for an appointment at the pediatrician, I wanted something close to home and didn’t require me sitting in the doctor’s office for a while.

#GiveaShot #Shop #Cbias Lead


Targeting kids ages 7-and up, the Get a Shot. Give a Shot (R), Shot@Life program at Walgreens is designed to make it easy and quick to get kids Back-to-School required immunizations! And best of all, when your child gets their immunizations, Walgreens pays it forward by providing a life-saving vaccine for a child in developing country through the United Nation Foundation’s Shot@Life Campaign.  And you don’t even have to make an appointment to get your vaccinations and most insurances are accepted!

Outdoors #GiveaShot #Shop #Cbias

Just like the commercial says, Walgreens is at the corner of Happy & Healthy! I’m a happy camper and immunizations help to keep my family healthy!

While it’s as easy as dropping by your closest Walgreens to get your immunizations, it’s difficult to comprehend that  1 in 5 children around the globe still lacks access to the lifesaving immunizations.  Since immunizations have become part of the public health recommendations and has shown that in some cases that it has completely eradicating or minimizing  some of the worst health concerns , it’s hard to imagine that a simple pinprick can be the difference between life and death for some many children. Just take a look at the historical rundown of the history of the immunization schedule, including the recommended shots today. (The history of vaccines at historyofvaccines.org is a great resource of seeing how immunizations has impacted us since the 1700s!)

#History #GiveaShot #shop #cbias

Graphic credit: http://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/history-immunization-schedule

Walgreens may make it easy to get the show,  but there’s still the  issue of not getting the shot to be as traumatic for the kids. So after a nice chat with my local pharmacists at Walgreens and a little of my own experience with shots and kiddos, here’s some helpful tips to make it even easier (or at least happier!)

THREE TIPS TO MAKE GETTING A SHOT EASIER

1. Just Cough

According to a study that appeared in Pediatrics in 2010 on Health.com, that when kids coughed before and after a shot, they experienced less pain.  Making the same action of “blowing out candles” may do the same thing, too!

#GiveaShot #shop #cbias #Cough

2. Diversion

I’m the first mom to admit that the iPhone has allowed me to get many things done with my kids when I hand it over. Too bad when I ask them to stop it’s a lot harder to get their attention when they are zoned in. However, when it comes to getting a shot, this is exactly what you want. Turn on their favorite show, app or even run through photos  just long enough to get that shot over with and on without a crying fit.

#GiveaShot #shop #cbias #Phone

3. Sugar 

Since the day my son was born he’s undergone more needles than I ever have. Another hiccup was that he wasn’t supposed to get upset or do anything that would get his heart pumping overtime. So the first time the nurse popped up a little sugar water to give to him before a shot “to ease the pain” I was wowed how good it worked! Throughout his childhood, I’ve made sure to have a little “dum-dum” pop to lick right before the shot. It works like a dream and will for you too!

#GiveaShot #shop #cbias #Sucker

Once the shot is over,  the Walgreens’ pharmacists will provide an update to your own primary care pediatrician! And for moms like me that have a problem maintaining records, Walgreens even has an Online Immunization Record you can update to keep up with all your immunization appointments.

#App #GiveaShot #shop #cbias

From the Walgreens App

Don’t forget Walgreens is also the place for great deals for back-to-school supplies! Make sure to check out your Walgreens app to check this week’s ad and electronic coupons for all things you need – for you AND them. Supplies aren’t just for the kids; I picked up a few journals for my notes and as always, a new set of Sharpies ($ .49 when my coupon!) I also ordered a notebook with the kids’ photos at the Photo Center.

#GiveaShot#shop#cbias#sign

 GET A SHOT, GIVE A SHOT with WALGREENS

“What Back-to-School tasks do you still have left to complete?”

Hatch Chile and Chorizo Breakfast Pie

August 15, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Want to spice up your brunch game? This Hatch Chile and Chorizo Breakfast Pie is the answer! And make it in advance for the win! 

If you live in the south (especially in Texas or New Mexico), Hatch Chile time is like football season. It may not have a Hallmark card made in its honor, but by golly we celebrate it, give praise and make lots of food based in its honor.

MarketStreetChiles


If you’ve never had the privilege to partake in enjoying hatch chilies, I’m about to give you a reason to book a plane to your nearest Market Street to load up on this lovely little pepper that’s available for a short time in August/September.  It’s got cheese, eggs, chorizo, tortillas and a whole lotta love. And it’s SOOO good you’ll make it for breakfast and still be craving more of it at dinner (although it won’t make it past lunch time!)

However, I thought we’d do things Alton Brown style (my ultimate foodie crush) and take a look at when, how and what made the hatch chile “hatch” into such a phenomenon.

Let’s take a trip to where it all started. In a most appropriately named town in New Mexico called Hatch. Similar to the fact you can only call champagne if it comes from the region of France otherwise you have to call it sparkling wine, Hatch chiles are technically only grow in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico. And while I can go on about how Christopher Columbus is also a part of the pepper story and how space ships enter the picture, we have some Hatch Chile & Chorizo Breakfast Pie to eat.

But first, other than taste, do peppers have any real nutritional value?

HatchChilePepper

Photo from Market Street Facebook Page

According to the official Hatch Chile Festival website, there are a lot of “capsational” reasons to enjoy chiles:

  • One fresh medium-sized green chile pod has as much Vitamin C as six oranges.
  • One teaspoon of dried red chile powder has the daily requirements of Vitamin A.
  • Hot chile peppers burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic burn in the body, which speeds up the metabolism.
  • Teas & lozenges are made with chile peppers for the treatment of a sore throat.
  • Capsaicinoids, the chemical that make chile peppers hot, are used in muscle patches for sore and aching muscles.
  • Chile peppers are relatives of tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, all belonging to the nightshade family.
  • The color extracted from very red chile pepper pods, oleoresin, is used in everything from lipstick to processed meats.
  • There are 26 known species of chile pepper, five of which are domesticated.

Adapted from the New Mexico Chile Institutes’ “Chile Pepper Facts”

But you want to know the best reason to eat ’em? It’s because everything taste better with hatch peppers. And I’ve taken all the best parts of a Mexican breakfast along and added a little hatch for a perfect breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner meal (we actually ate this as a snack and it didn’t make it to a meal it was so good!)

Hatch Chile Chorizo Breakfast Pie

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Hatch Chile & Chorizo Breakfast Pie


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Ingredients

Scale
  • 5–6 Hatch chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded and chopped (you can get them roasted at Market Street)
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small tomato, diced
  • 6 ounces pork chorizo, casing removed
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
  • 4–5 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese, Mexican Style Cheese Mix

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add oil.
  3. Sauté onion and garlic, until softened.
  4. Add tomatoes and chorizo and cook until completely cooked (chorizo doesn’t brown though so don’t overcook.) Now add the hatch peppers to saute just a little bit.
  5. In a bowl whisk the eggs and then add the milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and chipotle powder.
  6. Now taking an iron skillet, add a little butter or oil then cover the bottom of the skillet with the tortillas. I let them overlap a little to make a thin “crust” on the bottom of the pan. Next add the eggs, then the meat and last cover with cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge

Once you have your first hatch experience, you’ll be ready to hatch everything! ST find more recipes on the Market Street Hatch Chile Fest Pinterest board! And if you do make anything, make sure to tag it #HatchChileFest and it might end up on the board too!

What do you think Hatch Chiles would be good with? 

Let’s Get Straight About Invisalign

August 7, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 18 Comments

This is a sponsored post for Invisalign. 

However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.  About a year ago I opened up about my “fun times” as a teenager with braces. (And yes, I shared yearbook photos!)

Thankfully, now as a mom, I am thankful that when it comes that time for my kids, I won’t have to put them through the same “rite of passage” thanks to and Invisalign Teen.


Developed by leading orthodontists to correct the most common teeth straightening issues – from severe cases to more minor, cosmetic adjustments, Invisalign clear aligners straighten teeth without traditional wires and brackets.

Invisalign compare to braces

However, I recently found out that you don’t have to wait as long as I did to get your teeth straightened!

Actually, The American Association of Orthodontics recommends taking children for their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7 since your dentist can spot problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth early on, while the primary teeth are present.”

So rather than wait until the teen angst has really set in, your teen and preteen can opt for Invisalign Teen, without all that social awkwardness (you know, spinach in their teeth or the thought they might lock lips with another “brace face”) and those other “fun” issues that normally come from a major case of FOMO (fear of missing out) with .

I mean really, do you want your kiddo’s memories of high school to remind you of Joan Cusack in Sixteen Candles?

And for teens that play sports now with Invisalign Teen they don’t have to worry about mouth injuries due to impact with traditional braces and continue with their activities like cheerleading, musical instruments, acting and singing without interference.

Of course, if it seems too good to be true it probably is… I mean with enough cash you can make any teeth look good, right? Wrong again! Actually, Invisalign Teen is around the same and is covered by most dental insurance policies — up to 50% of the cost may be covered by insurance (and accepted under most FSA plans!)

While a course of treatment depends on each teen’s dental needs (normally around a year like regular braces) and just in case your kids are anything like mine, they’ll receive up to six FREE replacement aligners with the Invisalign Teen plan.

As affordable of around $99/per month (depending on your orthodontist), Invisalign Teen is a great way to avoid a lot of the issues that happen with being a teen. If only they could come up with a plan to fix all those other things that happen growing up!

Hey, at least they’ll have straight teeth and no one can call them “Braceface.”

ENTER NOW TO WIN INVISALIGN TREATMENT

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Or for the Mobile friendly sweeps

 

P.F. Chang’s Rolls Out New Menu – Only in Dallas

July 18, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

This delicious post is sponsored by P.F. Chang’s, but my opinions are all my own.

The destination for Asian flavors in a beautiful, yet homestyle atmosphere, P.F. Chang’s is rolling out their new menu with hand-rolled sushi  as well as inventive small plates and handcrafted cocktails. First and only in Dallas!

The original home of the lettuce wraps, I’ve always been a fan of P.F. Chang’s. However, it had been a long time since I had eaten there. I mean a LONG time. But with a new menu full of hand-rolled sushi, several shareable small plates and craft cocktails, what a great reason to see what we’ve been missing!

While choosing what we were going to enjoy for dinner we ordered two of the NEW premiere specialty craft cocktails: the Red Sangria with Absolut Mandarin Vodka and merlot mixed with fresh fruit (like strawberries, oranges, and a cherry) and a Twisted Whiskey Sour with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Cointreau, orange juice, honey with blood orange bitters. As we sipped, we pondered our dining selections. 

Their new P.F. Chang’s Sushi and Maki offerings included: 
  • Tempura Shrimp Hand Roll: A sesame-soy wrap, hand-rolled with crisp tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber and Japanese rice
  • Dynamite Scallop Roll: P.F. Chang’s signature California Roll topped with lightly seared scallops, finished with a creamy sriracha sauce
  • Spicy Tuna Roll: Rolled-to-order Sushi-grade Ahi with cucumber, daikon sprouts, sesame-seasoned rice and a dash of sriracha
  • Cucumber Rolled Kappa Maki: Fresh sushi-grade Ahi tuna, salmon and kani kama rolled with avocado and mango, wrapped in cucumber served with sweet and spicy glaze
  • California Roll: Rolled-to-order with kani kama, crisp cucumber, avocado, sesame-chive rice and sweet soy sauce

Always up for trying a little bit of everything especially an Asian take on tacos, I had to experience the Jicama Pork Tacos with lemongrass seared pork, topped with a refreshing tropical pepper slaw served in jicama “shells”. A little spicy for the kids, I cleaned house on these three hand “tacos” that gave you the same crunch of a tortilla but made with jicama.

However, the superstar on the menu was the Ahi Tartare with Avocado! Every bite of the diced sushi-grade tuna was perfect with cucumbers, scallions, citrus soy sauce and sesame seeds over sliced avocado with crispy wontons and the creamy, spicy sauce that dotted the plate. (We actually discussed ordering another plate!)

Other yummy new small plates featured on the new P.F. Chang’s menu: 

  • Edamame Hummus: P.F. Chang’s twist on hummus is a signature blend of fresh edamame, sesame seeds, ginger and a hint of chili. Served with house-made crisp plantains
  • Saigon Summer Rolls: Lemongrass chicken, julienne carrots, celery root, cilantro, peanuts, Thai basil and mint wrapped in cool rice paper with a sweet chili dipping sauce
  • Asian Carnitas Bao: Carnitas with an Asian twist. Seared chili marinated pork stuffed in soft steamed pillow bao buns, served with a fresh pineapple salsa
And while we couldn’t squeeze in anything else, I definitely know we will be back to P.F. Chang’s when they launch their new Wine & Food Pairings on Wednesdays starting next week, July 23!

 

 

BJ’s New Mobile App Makes Happy Family Dinners Out POSSIBLE

July 7, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

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. #DineInOrderAhead #pmedia http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Before kids, my husband and I enjoyed dining out often. We loved celebrating with friends and family as well as trying out new hot spots.




After kids, our dining out moments as a family are few and far between. Not because we don’t have life moments to celebrate, but more out of the whole chaos that comes with going out to eat – keeping the kids patience while we wait in line, taming the hoodlums while we get something ordered and to the table and by the time we actually get the entrees to the table, my hubs and I are so ready to pack it in that we get our food to go, while holding on to whatever we have left to keep the kids maintained until the check comes to the table and we can rush out the door.

Not really worth all the effort, right?

However, after four LONG years of law school, my hubs FINALLY received his graduation ring, the moment needed to be celebrated. But was the effort going to be worth it and would my honey wish we’d just stay home when it was all over with?

I was determined to make it a nice evening; it would just need a little preplanning.

Enter: BJ’s Restaurants New Mobile App! Available on both iPhone and Android. This new app did everything I’ve always wanted a restaurant to do and didn’t even know it! By opening the app and using the Dine in Order Ahead feature, I was able to not only order our food in advance, but as soon as we checked in and seated at BJs Restaurant, they would already start our food! 


Our reservation even let me include it was a special night, so they seated us in a big booth for fun! In less than 15 minutes, we had drinks and appetizers. The kids didn’t even have time to complain or ask for mom’s reserve snack stash (I always have to bring something when we go out to eat just in case, but with the BJ’s Restaurant Mobile app, I didn’t need it!) 

In less 25 minutes, dinner was served just as ordered! I couldn’t believe it! Normally at a restaurant we would be hitting that moment where the kids are starting to get fidgety, but everyone was happy and just enjoying the moment. AHA moment, really. I took a breath at this moment to appreciate a happy dinner out! 

And no experience at BJ’s Restaurant would be complete without a Pizookie, right? The perfect gooeyness, warmth, sweetness and chocolate, we all scooped up our bites and somehow mustered up the strength (or lack of willpower) to finish almost every bite. 

After around 40 minutes and close to bedtime, we didn’t want to let a good thing go bad, so as we finished up what we could (with the generous portions that BJ’s Restaurant gives, we had leftovers), we were ready to go. However, we didn’t have to wait for our ticket or our waiter/waitress to come over, take the card and return with the final receipt. I just went to my now favorite Bj’s Mobile App, opened up Mobile Pay and, viola! our ticket was already waiting for me to type in my payment! And even better – they already calculated several levels of gratuity so I could tip our waiter! One, two, click and done! 

Don’t think there won’t be more nights with the BJ’s Restaurant Mobile App to create a great family dinner out with no regrets! 

Now why didn’t I think of that?


Get yours now for Free! BJ’s Restaurants New Mobile App! 
Available on both iPhone and Android




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I put it off all day because I didn’t want to ha I put it off all day because I didn’t want to have to start the inevitable, but here we are the first #SeniorSunday for Jackson Benham Reo. (I’m so not ready.)
Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq for being named #7 in @texasmonthly 2025 Top 50 BBQ! 

We’ve done our own BBQ stop shopping this last year from our own @hurtadobbq, @smokenashbbq and @225bbq in Arlington, @goldeesbbq and @panthercitybbq in Fort Worth, @zavalasbarbecue in Grand Prairie and @franklinbbq in Austin, no one can say that BBQ is BBQ. It’s as vastly different as the landscape as Texas. Now I’m off to @burntbeanco - #sequin here we come with the rest of the state!

#bbq #texasbbq
I can’t believe these are my people…my people I can’t believe these are my people…my people are supposed to be toddlers with Thomas the Train and Disney Princess backpacks! 

Goodbye 11th and 7th grade!
🚨 ACT NOW: Keep Public $$$ in Public Schools! 🚨

Click Here (takes less than one minute): 
https://www.txpta.org/take-action

Tomorrow, March 11, the Texas House Committee on Public Education will hear HB 3. Let’s make it clear: Public money demands public accountability!

Texans have rejected vouchers since 1957—yet lawmakers are once again pushing them through with SB 2 and HB 3.

💰 Vouchers drain public school resources.
📉 They don’t improve student achievement.
❌ They aren’t about "parent choice"—private schools choose their students.
🏫 Texas parents already have school choice.

Governor Abbott is making vouchers a priority, but Texans are pushing back. Lawmakers are feeling the heat from voters who refuse to let public schools be undermined.

📲 Take 1 minute to make your voice heard NOW!

📷Jackson and Taylor are 2 of the 5.5 million reasons why Texas must keep public dollars in public schools. I was a product of public schools and had an amazing experience in a rural community with some of the best teachers. Change needs to happen, but taking away resources like these from schools is not especially when they ste already underfunded and our teachers’ morale is at an all time low. Communities work better together not when you separate them further apart. 

#studentsrworthit
#txptarally25
❣️…Pressing pause (for while)… Forgot wha ❣️…Pressing pause (for while)…

Forgot what it feels like to RELAX? The Sanford House Inn & Spa is ready to help you “Leave Your Worries Behind” with packages to treat yourself (or someone else) this Valentine’s Day! 

You “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with multiple options including a Hot-Stone Massage, Facials, Spa Manicure + Pedicure, Blowouts, Foot Reflexology and even lunch (with wine!

Just take a look at my face - I was able to “turn it off” (for a little while) and when I left my dry winter skin was just glowing - plus I learned how to make it stay that way from my very  knowledgeable esthetician! 

If you haven’t tried this gem in the middle of Arlington, you’re missing out! The Spa is just part of experience with its 12-room Inn and acclaimed 506 Restaurant (don’t sleep on the brunch), @thesanfordhouse is your little piece of heaven in the middle of downtown!

Think it’s only a little dream? It will be if you don’t make an appointment or nudge your loved one this is what you NEED for Valentine’s Day! (But don’t worry you can still get a great experience anytime!)

Link is in my stories for full list of Valentine’s Day packages! 

📍506 N. Center Street, Arlington, Texas
(Less than 1 mile from @attstadium)

#valentines #dfw #ArlingtonTx #sanfordhouse
Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights Thi Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights

This is the last weekend of the “Christmas lights you can see from space” from the twinkliest town in Texas, @visitjctx!

You have until Sunday…and while you’re there you should hit up @halterranchtx, my other new favorite.

#gofredtx #fredericksburgtx @visitfredtx @visitfredericksburgtx
FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the st FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the station doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate a Classic Christmas (and we have the keys!)

@ClassicChristmas has been extended until Sunday, Jan. 5, so if you haven’t been enjoy this VIP experience with ice skating and snow tubing! 

Giveaway includes 4 Tickets to Classic Christmas + 4 Premium pass upgrades plus: 
🎟️ Exclusive Express Lane entry to popular activities 
🎟️ $10 merch credit at the Classic Christmas Gift Shop  
🎟️ Coca-Cola Beverage

To enter:   
⭐️ Like this post  
⭐️ Comment what’s your favorite Christmas song 
⭐️ Tag a friend who would love the chance to come
⭐️ Share this story as an extra chance to win!

The giveaway is open now through December 30 at 11:59 pm and you’ll have December 31 - January 5, 2025 to enjoy the fun! Winner will be contacted by DM so profile must be public.  (Giveaway is not associate with Instagram/META.) 

#classicchristmas #cocacola #Arlingtontx #ArlingtonTexas #cocacola @enchantdallas #dfw #dfwevents #mamachallenge #dfwinfluencer #dallasinfluencer
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of Trees

 🎄 Tour of Trees at Trinity Falls in McKinney
 🗓️ Now through Dec. 15 (so hurry up!) 

Know what’s better than touring homes? Touring homes with beautifully decorated Christmas trees! 

@trinityfallstx has brought both worlds together by inviting the public to explore their model homes with professionally- styled trees by @absholidaydecor at the 5th Annual Tour of Trees. While you marvel at the homes and the trees, take your photos in front of the trees for a chance to win $500 Amazon gift card.  

TIP: Don’t miss the tree collaboration with #RHOD @dandrasimmons - it’s “beeutiful!” 🐝 

This event is FREE, but registration is required. (Link is in stories or DM “Tree” for the link.)

 #touroftrees #trinityfalls #trinityfallstx #mckinney #mckinneytx #mckinneytexas
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo Lights

🌲 Dallas Zoo
🗓️ Now - January 4 

Wonder what the @dallaszoo is like after dark? Once Upon a Wild Light comes alive with more than two million lights, 5:30 pm - 9 pm each night through January (so you can do this one with your family during the holiday break!) 

While many of the animals sleep, DinoLumia and DinoVision: a Jurassic adventure comes out to play, along with tons of holiday light photo opps and winter fun experiences. Enjoy catching up through self-guided, self-paced walk-through and spend time together while taking photos, which is ideal if you don’t like the holiday overload! And don’t sleep on Santa here, as he has a certain twinkle in his eye the kids always seem to like to catch up with (mom was even able to get a shot.) 

And for the even bigger kids over 21, Dallas Zoo: After Dark, goes wild on Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-9 PM with eats, treats and holiday drinks,live music, and games and other ways to get you in the holiday spirit! 

 @DallasZoo @ReliantEnergy #dallas #dallasholiday #dfwevents #dallaszoolights #holidays #zoo #dallastexas #mamachallenge
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Ch WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Christmas 

🌲 Coca Cola Classic Christmas - Choctaw Stadium in Arlington  
🗓️ Now through Dec. 29

Growing up @cocacola made the holidays magic, so when Coca Cola Classic rolled down the road, we had to go peek! Partnering with @enchantchristmas, the experience is part lights, part photo opps and for my kids mostly FOOD and overall a lot of fun - all washed down with (of course, a Coca Cola!) 

What was also great was a little walk through memory lane with Coke Christmas moments throughout the years - cue the polar bears and 18 wheeler!

Experience: 
🎅Market Square (definitely hit up the t-shirts - reading each one is half the fun)
🎅 Snow Tubing (always our favorite)Ice Skating (truth: we don’t skate, but it’s perfect people watching) 
🎅 Interactive Light up Dance Floor
🎅 @cinemark Theatre with holiday movies 
🎅 Coca-Cola Lounge - 21+ Cocktail experience (looked great to go with the girls)
🎅 Santa Landing

And of course, the Eatery! Eyes (and mouths) got big here with featured food from State Fair of Tex winners like The Drowning Tacos (SO GOOD we then ordered the Birria Tacos, too all cooked onsite and with all the sauce!) 

It’s the real thing!

#ClassicChristmas #ChoctawStadium #ArlingtonTx #CocaCola #Dallas #DFWEvents #DFWHoliday #DFWInfluencers
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Li WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Lights

🎄 Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie 
🗓️ Now through Dec. 31 (NYE) at 6 pm 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without @prairielights- with a packed car with blankets, Santa hats, hot cocoa and coffee, and blasting holiday music while we sing them even louder.  

A stunning two-mile drive through light park complete with a midway stop - The Holiday Village with carnival rides, amazing bites (corndogs, funnel cakes and more, oh my!) And this year we were surprised with a new light tunnel, reimagined walk-through forest and new displays, great photo opps, gifts, visit with Santa, a lighted strollable forest.  It’s perfectly timed for food, fun and a little time on foot! 

PRO TIP: Go early, get tickets in advance and spring for the fast pass on the weekends and prime holiday times. And enjoy it and don’t try to rush it - enjoy it! That includes entry and the experience (so bathroom before you go, but thankfully there’s one at The Holiday Village and you get the corn dog.) 

#GoGrandGP @grandfungp #GrandFunGP #dfwinfluencer #Dallas #grandprairie #prairielights #dfw
Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there are still some ways to give a little love to Thanksgiving with a little DIY (hello old pumpkins!) from Mama Challenge! 

So excited to see my friends over at Good Day Fox 4 today for this fun segment!
Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 # Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 
#nationalcoffeeday 

#cinncinati #kentucky #newport #coffee #fall
Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebr Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebrating all month long with its #SaveTheTacos campaign, now - September 30.

Try and vote for “Best Taco in Arlington” from 12 participants:

🌮 Fiesta Fusion Shrimp Taco at Boiling Tails Co.

🌮 The Hunter Taco at Cut & Bourbon

🌮 El Jefe at Grounds and Gold
 
🌮 Jamaican Me Crazy at M’Jays House of Smoke

🌮 Champiqueso at Papaya Mexican Grill

🌮 What the Falafel at Prince Lebanese Grill

🌮 He’s Just a Po Boy at R Bar and Grill 

🌮 Celestial Pork Belly Taco at Rocketbelly
 
🌮 House Special Barbacoa at Tic-Taco
 
🌮 The Chicken of Wall “Street” at TJ’s Catfish & Wings & BBQ

🌮 Baja Shrimp Taco with Mango Salsa at Tom’s Burgers & Grill
 
🌮 Wanna Taco ‘Bout It at Zack’s Bistro

We can tell you which one is our favorite, but take away all the fun to find your favorite! 

(Link to Vote in Stories!)

#ArlingtonTX #TacoTuesday #SavetheTacos
Always great to see a few guys who work together l Always great to see a few guys who work together like each other, too.

It’s even better when they’re Texas Rangers and  we’re celebrating Hall of Famer Adrían Beltré!
And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and then they drove off!)
Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind e Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind experience in DFW. 🚨 

Named after Bangkok’s legendary road of entertainment of all kinds (Sukhumvit Soi 11), it seems fitting this newly imagined destination would find its home in Arlington’s Entertainment District. Anchoring the NEW @loewsarlington, @soycowboytx (also from @bbbutchers / @berghospitality) recently swung open the curtain this summer with an opening that made heads turn at every corner of this 12,000 sq. ft. of sexy space - with 3 unique bars, patio, viewable kitchen and dining room. 

To call it a “Pan Asian restaurant” doesn’t do it justice with its rich menu of fresh sushi, dim sum, caviar, truffle, lobster, waygu (all things you don’t find in the home of the margarita machine and ballpark nachos.) And if you’re looking for entertainment, just take a peek into the expansive kitchen and watch your rolls or omakase be made. The cocktail menu is just as extravagant with everything from mezcal to Japanese whisky, you’re eyes will be just as happy as your lips upon your first sip. 

While we experienced live music, fashion show and more as part of the opening, the cool smoke installation and the people-watching is definitely just part of the menu at Soy Cowboy you’ll have to explore. 

Food Nerd Note: SoyCowboy is on the upcoming @dfwrestaurantweek menu for just $39, so it’s a steal to take your own trip on a budget. (Make your reservation.)

Chon mean (or what we hope is Cheers in in Thai!)
NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 ( NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 
(Well today at least.)

Normally we’re always behind the smartphone camera, today we stepped out in front of the TV screen! The lovely folks at the new morning show Morning on Merit Street @morningonmeritstreet invited DFN for a little “roundtable” discussion about dining trends with our own Food Nerd @autumnreo / @mamachallenge and Bill Trevino of @craftandvinerestaurant CraftandVine along with hosts @dominiquesachse and @fanchonstinger for a little dishin’ on dining!

(If you’re able to take a look online, keep watching to see our new friend Pearl 🐶 and friends from @sweetpearlsicecream share their incredibly sweet story with @hungreehannah!) 

✔️ And just like we shared on the show, we want to know what you think! What do you think about Table Limits on reservations? Yes restaurants should have them or no way?
Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grad Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce! It’s hard to separate them, but we’re excited he’s so happy to be ready for this adventure!
July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the n July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the neighborhood shines!
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