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Taking Time For You

November 3, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Feel guilty even saying the words? You shouldn’t. Taking time for you isn’t actually about just you, though. Even a moment away can actually make you better for them.

Thanks to Miniluxe for making me remember that taking#minimoment for a little pampering can make all the difference.

Being ON all the time is one of the hardest parts of being a mom.

And I mean that in more ways than one, although I technically have slept 8 hours…in three days. #sendmorecoffee

We’re the backbone of keeping the family moving, morning, noon and night. And then throw in a job (which we all know isn’t a 40 hour gig anymore, but another baby to take care of) and the other stuff like organizations, extracurricular activities, family obligations and more, there’s always something you’re supposed to be doing.

We’re a slave to the calendar and the clock.

Every day is like a marathon race all the time and there’s no breaks for water, snacks, a porta-potty stop, or a finish line.

Well even the best athletes have to stop sometime.

And experience proves that any break in the day, without an appointment time, will indelibly be filled by something else – something that someone else needs you to do for them.

So just like their practices, their tests, their work events, you should be filling that calendar for something for you.

Whatever it is…however long you have – five minutes or five hours…there should be an opportunity for taking time for you.

There I said it.

For me “my time” is getting my nails done.

I used to feel so extravagant about it, but having nice nails and toes is important to me and makes me feel good about me. And of course, it feels really damn good, too.

Once I actually went to get my nails done when I was pregnant and I tipped the lady another $25 just to rub my feet a little bit longer…then I woke up snoring in the chair. #truestory

But it only proves that it was just good for me to be off the grid, with no obligations, no responsibilities and no “mama!” moments.

Going to “get my nails done” whether its’ my hands or my toes, is a ritual experience. I love the process of walking into Miniluxe, having someone greet me with a smile and say, “What can I do for YOU?”

That alone is heaven.

I’m able to enjoy the comfort of my own little space with clean facilities free of toxins with team members that are skilled and friendly; ensure for one hour, I’m happy as I can be.

Of course, the glass of bubbles doesn’t hurt, either.

Then while I just sit there either catching up on my D Mag, chatting with a neighbor, or just closing my eyes, I’m allowed to not do anything.

It’s that moment, when you stop running, take a deep breath, and just be, that you mentally reset. Just like your iPhone when it just won’t work, screen gets stuck and you want to throw it across the room, sometimes all you need to do is hit the reset button and it’s back to normal.

Or at least you were able to take the breather, get back to your best, and get back to the race.

MiniLuxe is one of my favorite spots to take my time-out moment. With beautiful design, amazing customer service, and several options for my natural nail and waxing needs, they are THE example of clean methodologies and clean business. With all the colors you could imagine available and even three gel options and even vegan nail polish, you can feel good not just spending your #minimoments there, but what they are doing for your body too.

There are three MiniLuxe locations in DFW: Uptown Plaza, West Village and the Shops at Legacy – with more coming soon! visit miniluxe.com for more information.

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Everyone Needs Mama’s Better Day Kit {Giveaway}

September 16, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 151 Comments

Some days suck. So be armed and ready with this Better Day Kit to cope until #BetterThings.

Some days suck.

Like put-a-Dyson-to-shame suck.

They suck so hard and even when you continue to put on the smiling face, attempt to think of a better day in your life, and try to handle the situation like an adult (whatever that’s supposed mean), there are some days you just lose your [email protected]#!.

For those days, you need to be armed and ready to cope, so you can deal with the [email protected]#!storm you’ve been presented and get on to another day that has got to be better than than the one that you’ve presently gotten yourself stuck in.

I mean I love my kids. I love my husband. I love my family. I love my job, but dang, there are days that push me to the edge.

(It has to get better, right?)

That’s what she said.

Meet Sam Fox. She’s a mom, dad, referee, cop, and a woman. “She’s just trying to earn a living, navigate her daughters’ lives, have fun with a friend or two and also — just maybe — squeeze in some private time once in a while.” She’s looking for a better day, too.

Better Things is a new comedy series on FX co-created by Pamela Adlon and Louis C.K., starring Adlon as “Sam Fox,” a single, working actor with no filter trying to raise her three daughters – “Max” (Mikey Madison), “Frankie” (Hannah Alligood) and “Duke” (Olivia Edward) and her mom– in Los Angeles.

Feel like this show could take out Sam Fox and insert you in it? Yep, me, too.

So instead of losing it, take a few tips inspired by Better Things to keep yourself prepared to take on the day with the Better Day Kit.

Here’s what you need for your Better Day Kit:

Sunglasses

Duh? Dark circles? Red eyes? Just don’t want to actually catch anyone’s eye so you don’t have to engage in a conversation? Sunglasses are your friend. And if you wear classy ones like Ray Bans, you at least look like you’re sophisticated, even when you’re a hot, hot, hot mess.

Chipolo Bluetooth Finder

Have you been late to work or late to drop off your kids because you were looking for yours keys? How many times have you walked all over your house retracing your steps and found your phone in your back pocket. Why are we spending so much time finding crap when all you have to do is tag it with your Chipolo and you’ll always be able to find it. And why stop at your keys and your phone…the whole family should tag their crap so you don’t have to spend time looking for it either.

Emergency Kit

If you’ve busted a seam or a button in the middle of your shirt, gotten a blister, or lost an earring back, you know the value of a safety pin, bandage and an eraser. Except this time you don’t have to go hunting and hoping for a little saving grace. This little emergency bag of goodies with bobby pins, safety pins, blister pad, earring backs, etc. will keep you in business when things happen. This way at least you don’t end up flashing the boss or start limping down the hall because of those new shoes you haven’t ever broken in.

Tranquility Essential Oil

Tranquility is like a made up word isn’t it? No one who has ever had a kiddo, they know that tranquility is like the unicorn that we never catch up with. However, when it’s necessary to take a time out and stop to breathe, snap off the top, and inhale. Just a little sniff of this and you’ll be riding the train to tranquility.

Lip Balm

When you look like you fell off the ugly tree and hit every branch, somehow when you put on lip balm, you upgrade yourself times 10. Not really, but it makes you feel better. And there’s nothing worst than crusty lips. Lip balm for the win.

Mints

Did you forget to brush your teeth after gulping down your coffee heading out the door for carpool main? Cute guy at work? Need to impress a client? Have to see that mom that makes you feel like a cockroach? Put in a mint – and let them have it. You’re armed with the power of fresh breath (especially if you’re actually covering up the cocktail you drank at lunch before going back to work.)

Baggu Leather Clutch

A girl has to have a bag to put all her tools in – and this one is all-purpose. And when you go a little classy, then it automatically detracts from the rest of your look that you have taste despite today’s attempt. I call that a win. And this bag can go from day to night to business to personal in no time flat. I’m excited when I change from yoga pants to slacks, so this one gives you the flexibility to be cool when you really aren’t.

Pillow

A pillow. I wish I could say you need this to sleep, but it’s really for you to scream in. Whether you leave it in your desk, your car, your bedroom or even carry it in your purse so it’s with you where ever you go, you need this handy right-sized pillow. And if you can squeeze in a few minutes of shuteye, then count yourself lucky that you have a pillow to make use of. (And this way you don’t slobber on anyone either.)

* If you need instructions exactly, how to use this pillow, let Sam show you exactly how. She does it a lot.

Everyone needs this kit to help them keep it together. And we’re helping one lucky woman win one by commenting on this question:

What’s your most memorable “there’s got to be Better Things” moment?”

A winner will be chosen October 15, 2016 and contacted by email so make sure to follow mamachallenge on Facebook when we announce our winner!

And make sure to watch Better Things Thursdays on FX! This way you know there’s someone just like trying to find those #BetterThings in life.

5 Ways to Make Your Face More Fabulous in a Flash

August 31, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 22 Comments

Have a special event coming up or feel like time is racing all over your face? Then do something now to make your face more fabulous in a flash. Get glam with these secrets to make you look gorgeous RIGHT. NOW.

Thank you to the amazing Dermatologist Dr. Houshmand for providing services for purposes of this post. This post is sponsored by Restylane^®. However, the thoughts and opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included.

Getting older is for the birds…the old birds, right? And I’m not a bird…

Ok it has some good parts, but they say one of the hardest parts is the race against time that is running all over your face.

I’m not talking about turning into an old maid overnight; I’m just suggesting that sometimes things on your body start to fall closer to the ground than we want…(still talking about our face here…)

I’ve shared that I felt 2016 was a transformational year for me. There was no reason to deal with all the things that bugged me about me when there are ways to change them. Having LASIK was one of the first steps in my journey and it really changed everything – including my mindset. Life is too short and believe me, this body ain’t gonna fix itself. So finally I bit the bullet. A few tweaks here and there to help me be my best me. And tide me over until I do a full mommy makeover (well, I’m still wishing on that one.)

Ready to dive in? Before you do anything crazy, make sure you’re not under the influence, feeling really depressed, or just bored. And to get at least 8 hours of sleep and consume at least 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water (actually doctors say 1 ounce for every pound is the right amount for your daily intake.)Those two things can create beautiful results within themselves! That, with one of these tips, and you’ll be your best you in no time!

1. Get Bronzed, Baby with Bronzer // $5-$35 / Takes less than 5 minutes – 1 day

Whether you opt for a fake bake with a spray tan, lather it on, or a brush it all-over with a shimmer or shine, brown fat is better than white fat and that includes your face. There’s nothing like a little bronze to minimize the dark spots, even your complexion and make your face light up like a woman who just got her first Louis Vuitton.

To get your spray tan, make sure your skin is exfoliated, but you don’t have any lotion for the most even look. After 15 minutes of spray, go to bed and you’ll be ready for the red carpet.
Opt for the lotion, foam or spray self- tanner, than read the instructions and make sure not to sleep on white sheets. Wake up the next morning for the golden touch.
Going with bronzer, then consider this one from Laura Mercier that’s an easy way for an immediate glow.

2. Clean up Your Pearly Whites with Professional Teeth Whitening // 15 minutes – 30 minutes / $125 session

The prettiest thing you can wear is a smile, but not one that shows the gallons of coffee and bottles of wines you needed to get through 2015. So make those pearly whites sparkle with teeth whitening. There are tons of products you can use (and hours you can spend) doing it yourself, but for an instantly beautiful smile, leave it to the professionals! For me that is DFW Smile Labs. In just around 1/2 an hour, my teeth look like they belong in a toothpaste commercial. Immediately, I walked out feeling like I gained five years to my life and the rest of my face just perked up too. No crazy hours of bleaching trays, sensitive teeth and planning for just the right night to do it yourself, you can be ready for the camera in no time at all!

3. Eye Those Eyebrows with Great Eyebrows // 5 minutes – 20 minutes / $ 5-35

I remember in third grade, I brought up my school pictures and realized I could’ve been Frida Kahlo’s descendant, so that marked my first tweeze job. Now I get those babies waxed almost as much as I run through the Starbucks’ line. There’s just something about clean, trimmed and perfect eyebrows to make your whole face brighten up and just look like “she’s got it together.”

However, channeling my Grandma (and my inner Kardashian), whipping out that eyebrow pencil to color in the brows are exactly what you need to finish the look. Not sure what to do? Hit up the Sephora for a free 15-minute makeover to show you want to do.

4. Create Contour with Fillers // 30 minutes / The cost is determined by healthcare professionals and will vary based on the amount of product used and the frequency of injections.

Ok, some celebrity gals have the whole fish-face-for-real look down pat. I love the look (and the rise in contour sticks show the rest of us do too), but doing it yourself is a little overwhelming without feeling like your face is a Paint-by-Numbers Kit. Try to figure it out on your own and you may look more like you’re getting ready for combat than out for a date. However, there are easier ways to create those perfect cheekbones and reduce the age around your mouth.

Restylane® Lyft is an injectable hyaluronic acid gel used to correct volume loss in the cheeks and midface and treat wrinkles in the face for a natural-looking, more youthful appearance. After attending an event with Dr. Houshmand, an internationally recognized Double Board Certified Dermatologist, to learn more about Restylane®, I discovered all the different things that can be done to look just like you with that extra lift you need in just the right place (for me that was my cheeks!). And most of all, it didn’t hurt much at all. Common side effects include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, headache, tenderness, and itching. While you do need 24 hours to a few days for the filler to settle in, you can walk out of the office ready to go. (Be nice about these pictures, they are completely makeup free!)

5. Say Goodbye to those Wrinkle Lines // 30 minutes / The cost is determined by healthcare professionals and will vary based on the amount of product used and the frequency of injections.

Wrinkles. Wrinkles. Wrinkles.

They suck.

There are tons of creams you can put on your face to attempt to diminish, dissolve or fade wrinkles away, but it takes time to see the effect and the money it can cost to keep them at bay. But with a little help from Restylane^® Silk, the effect can be immediate and last for up to several months. The first FDA approved product exclusively designed for subtle lip enhancement and the treatment of lines and wrinkles (also known as “barcode” or “smoker” lines) around the mouth, Restylane® Silk is a smooth, transparent hyaluronic acid (HA) gel that can be injected into the lips or the area around the mouth to restore natural, more youthful definition, symmetry and help smooth wrinkles.

Treated with 2 mL of Restylane Silk in the lips and perioral (lip) lines around the mouth. 5 weeks after treatment. Individual results may vary.

While the lip lines have not gotten to me yet, thankfully I know there’s a great way to keep more youthful-looking lips.

I would highly recommend Dr. Elizabeth B. Houshmand and her skill and artistry to achieve a natural look with Restylane® Lyft and Restylane® Silk.

To learn more about Restylane® Lyft or Silk and find a specialist in your area, visit www.RestylaneLyft.com or www.RestylaneSilk.com

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Important Safety Information

Indications: The Restylane family of products includes Restylane®, Restylane-L®, Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine and Restylane® Silk. Restylane, Restylane-L, and Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine are indicated for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

Restylane and Restylane–L are indicated for mid-to-deep dermal implantation. Restylane and Restylane-L are also indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation in patients over the age of 21.

Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine is indicated for implantation into the deep dermis to superficial subcutis. Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine is also indicated for cheek augmentation and for the correction of age-related midface contour deficiencies in patients over the age of 21.

Restylane Silk is indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation and dermal implantation for correction of perioral rhytids in patients over the age of 21.

Products in the Restylane family contain traces of gram-positive bacterial protein and are contraindicated for patients with allergies to such material or in patients with severe allergies that have required in-hospital treatment. These products should not be used by patients with bleeding disorders or by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Restylane-L, Restylane Silk and Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to lidocaine. Products should not be injected anywhere except areas indicated in their Instructions for Use.

Use of products in the Restylane family at the site of skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. The most commonly observed side effects are swelling, redness, pain, bruising, headache, tenderness, and itching at the injection site. These are typically mild in severity and typically resolve in less than 7 days in nasolabial folds and less than 14 days in lips. Serious but rare side effects include delayed onset infections, recurrence of herpetic eruptions, and superficial necrosis at the injection site. Do not implant into blood vessels. Use with caution in patients recently treated with anticoagulant or platelet inhibitors to avoid bleeding and bruising.

The Restylane family of products is available only through a licensed practitioner. Complete Instructions for Use are available at www.RestylaneUSA.com.

Simple Summer Skincare Routine

June 22, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

Summer time is in full-effect, but your skincare routine doesn’t have to be. Here are your essentials needed for a quick and simple summer skincare routine that you can really use. Thanks to Revision Skincare and Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics for their collaboration in creating this power-packed post with an opportunity to try out these products and services. * Revision Skincare is a professional line of skincare products that should only be purchased directly from your dermatology or professional skincare provider.

When I was younger, I loved summers because I was free….

Free to not do much to my hair except spray in the Sun-In.

Free to not wear makeup or put anything on my skin except a little baby oil.

Free to just throw on a short sun dress and fly fancy free.

…Oh those days are so gone now.

Now my hair is often thrown into a ball cap as I run out the door, that whole no-makeup-thing is not happening, and there’s no time in our schedule to fly anything, especially fancy or free. It’s actually because of those worry-free days, I’ve now learned the importance of conditioner, sunscreen, and a calendar.

However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t an easy routine that’s practical and doable, even on my busiest of summer days, and still allows me to feel I look my best…not to mention protecting myself from skin cancer.

1. Check your skin.

Just like going to get your annual checkup, you should be making a visit to the dermatologist. While you should be keeping an eye on your skin for new spots and changing freckles or moles, a dermatologist will conduct a full-body check to make sure the places you can’t see aren’t cancerous. During this time, your derm can also give you a heads up on what you are doing good to your skin (and not). Also, like your gyno, you need to have a great relationship with your derm so you can ask questions and feel comfortable “unveiling” your concerns.

Dr. Polder at the Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics co-author of “Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin.”

2. Exfoliate your skin.

Want that sun-kissed look?

Then you start with a fresh face free of dead skin, residue and stuff that you didn’t wash off from the night before by exfoliating! Like buffing, getting the old skin off allows for the new skin to shine through. There are different tools you can use to exfoliate the skin or you can or consider a cleanser that can do both. Revision Skincare offers a summer-perfect cleanser with Salicylic Acid and Papaya Fruit Extract that contains an enzyme that polishes away dead surface cells, leaving your skin smooth by lifting away impurities without stripping the sin of its natural moisture content. Ideally exfoliating doesn’t have to be done daily, but more like 3 times a week.

Skin has a reduced ability to naturally shed dead skin cells as we age. Exfoliants remove dead, dehydrated cells from the surface of the skin to help the skin appear brighter and more vibrant.

3. Moisturize your skin.

Now that you have a perfect canvas of fresh skin, make sure to keep it moisturized. This is where I made tons of mistakes in my younger years because my skin was soft and subtle at the time. Unfortunately the older you get, the more that skin ages and the collagen (the protein that makes your skin strong and gives it elasticity), is diminished. So you have to do more to your skin to keep it moisturized and prevent additional damage that causes wrinkles and improve the health of the skin.

To keep it simple for summer, using a tinted moisturizer like Intellishade from Revision Skincare. This award-winning tinted moisturizer is formulated with a blend of three peptides and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, it gives skin a touch of sheer, healthy color. And with the added bonus of fighting photodamage which leads to premature aging, this is a multi-tasking product that’s perfect for busy moms.

4. Protect your skin.

If the one thing I’ve learned is that sunscreen is your best friend. However, do the numbers like SPF 50 or 20 confuse you? Well actually, the numbers themselves refer to how long you can sit in the sun without burning, not about the effectiveness of the sunscreen. The problem is most people don’t know exactly how long it takes for their skin to start turning red before it’s too late. This is why using a higher number of SPF allows you to sit outside longer, however, you still should be reapplying – especially if you go swimming or exercise. So in additional to moisturizing your skin, you should be putting sunscreen.

If your tinted moisturizer or foundation has sun protection that’s great, but doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reapply. And of course, you always need to apply to the other places on your body including your ears, neckline and even your scalp if it’s exposed.

You should apply sunscreen daily – even if you’re not in the skin. Research shows those who drive in the car and don’t have sunscreen on have visible signs of sun damage on their left side of their face which faces the sun.

5. Celebrate your skin.

Your skin works hard for you – and it deserves to be rewarded with seasonal maintenance from a professional. While everyone’s wants and needs are different in regards to procedures like Botox or Restylane, you should at least consider routine treatments like a Hydrafacial ®. A HydraFacial is an invigorating, versatile facial treatment that restores the skin’s vibrant tone and texture instantly by exfoliating the skin and nourishes it with essential nutrients in a single treatment. However, working with your dermatologist is key in creating the perfect plan for total skin health.

Remember, skin is in for the summer, just make sure to take care of it as well as it takes care of you!

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment!

JCPenney Launches The Boutique+ for Real Sizes

June 18, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

JCPenney continues to revolutionize the shopping experience with The Boutique, a new way for women with curves to find fashion-forward clothing. Once again, mamachallenge is thrilled to collaborate with JCPenney to share how The Boutique+ will change shopping for everyone.

Fact: The average American woman weighs 140 pounds and wears a size 12-14.

So why is it that so many of us average ladies have to look so hard to not just find clothing, but find clothing that doesn’t resemble either a mumu, tablecloth or a tent?

What if trying on clothes didn’t have to be a total beat down that made you feel like a big pile of crap on the inside and the out?

Yes, what if?

Teaming up with Project Runway’s Ashley Nell Tipton, the first plus-size designer to win the reality TV competition, launched its first-ever private brand designed exclusively for the plus-size woman called Boutique+™.

The Boutique+ is a plus-size lifestyle collection created for the fashion conscious millennial shopper. The brand was conceived by a dedicated team of design, trend and product experts whose focus is to ensure the looks of Boutique+ complement girls with curves, sizes 0x-4x and 16W-30W in stores and online. (Up to 5x is available online.)

Earlier today at theCURVYcon, the event that brings plus-size Brands and influencers together in NY to talk “the would of curv,” JCPenney unveiled a powerful video centering around positive body image in every size and to show that shape doesn’t define the woman.

Makes you think, right? And what about a clothing brand that isn’t about just trying to sell whatever shirt, skirt or pants that you can button, but instead a lifestyle that makes you want to show off what you have in a way that makes you feel like you?

#HEREIAM

As a gal that has always battled with her weight, self image and self worth, having place to not just shop, but to find looks you’ll want to wear and that make you feel good, inside and out is life changing. Of course, since most women share those curvier sizes, that means more women have been searching for a shopping destination just like this. Now JCPenney has created it, along with a new movement that being you is beautiful, which the brand is branding as #HereIAm on social media. You are invited to join in the conversation by following the hashtag along with JCPenney on social: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Face it, plus-size women have a “trifecta of primary apparel needs” – style, fit and price. With the new Boutique+, JCPenney is offering a brand that meets all three needs giving her a brand that’s worth her time and effort. And that makes her feel good, look good, and have a good day.

What do you think about The Boutique #HereIAm Campaign?

JCPenney Says MOM is #SoWorthIt For Mother’s Day

May 4, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Ever used Pinterest for an idea and then when you clicked on the how-to link, wished there was someone to help? MamaChallenge recently partnered with JCPenney to bring their Pinterest boards to life with live demonstrations just in time for Mother’s Day as part of their #SoWorthIt campaign!

I’ve always wanted to be Oprah.

Who doesn’t, right?

Last weekend I had the chance to “play Oprah” as the emcee of JCPenny’s #SoWorthit Mother’s Day live demonstration event at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco. As part of a nationwide, 10 location campaign, bloggers like me, Dallas Single Mom and several others, played the part of hostess with the mostest, April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 for some very Pinteresting fun!

(Photo of display in Ad Age.)

After two days on stage, I has the opportunity to gift all the merchandise (check out the Pinboard display below) to those who stopped by the stage to enjoy our presentation, which included a deserving mom that we pulled from the audience to get a makeover. Team members from the Sephora Inside JCPenney, applied a smoky eye and beautiful red lip look while giving tips to the audience how they could do it at home or come get a 15 mini-makeover from the store anytime for free.

I literally said the words, “You get a car…and you get a car…and you get a car,” while I was on stage.

Of course, this was just in the “heat of the moment” and reminded the audience while it wasn’t a car, we were giving away great items perfect for Mother’s Day including shoes, necklaces, and a Chi flatiron. That flatiron actually prompted many audience members to “show what they were working with” with an impromptu dance off.

I only wish I had gotten that picture!

However, I did snap a few of the dresses I found at JCPenney and wore on stage. The first one here is from R&K Sleeveless Chiffon Maxi Dress. I normally wouldn’t wear something bright and floral, but I’m so glad I decided to go for it. I felt great all day long and it was definitely a show stopper. Don’t you think? (and under $50.)

Today’s the day! Come join me at @stonebriarcentre for a Pinteresting event designed to give you great ideas, great how-to’s and great giveaways from @jcpenney! See you today until 6 pm! #soworthit #jcpenney #ad #pinterest #mothersday #friscotx #dallas #dallasblogger #dfwstyle #dallasstyle #mamachallenge

A photo posted by Autumn Reo | Mamachallenge.com (@autumnreo) on Apr 30, 2016 at 9:53am PDT

The next day was one of those dresses that is perfect for any occasion with this Tiana B. Sleeveless Colorblock Fit and Flare. With just a hint of pink, it was a homerun that I’m sure I’ll be wearing often – especially since it was $39.99 without coupons or special sale!

While I was on stage sharing tips with the audience, I was learning along with them! For instance, I had never tried a lip stain (this one is Sephora’s own cream lip stain), but after 8 hours, two iced coffees, and some pretzel bites, it really stayed on. My lips were moist too, so this is a must-have if you have problems keeping your lip color on for more than an hour!

During the weekend we also gave away free samples, $10 off when you sign up for JCPenney Rewards, and even more coupons. It was lots of fun to play girlfriend all weekend giving out advice and learning from each other! However, JCPenney is making it easy to continue the inspiration and ideas on their Pinterest at pinterest.com/JCPenney anytime!

Thank you to JCPenney for such a fun experience and for my Mother’s Day gift to reward other moms for all the work they do all the time – because we’re all #SoWorthIt.

10 Reasons Why Children’s Place Needs to Add My Size

November 30, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 25 Comments

Shopping for your kids is way more fun than myself – especially my little girl. Many times she gets compliments for her outfits and then I get the look at me that says “but what happened to her mom?” Let’s be honest, when it’s made for a 4 year-old it’s gonna be cute…but The Children’s Place newest line has been asking, “hey do you have that in my size?”

1. Girl’s Fur Cuff Addie Boots:

Because everyone needs some boots with the fur…unless you live in FloRida (see what I did there?)

2. Sleeveless Belted Brocade Flare Dress

For those days when I want to look bit more put together, but really I’m screaming on the inside and want to go to sleep….but’s only 8 a.m. 3. Sequin Kayla Flats

Flats make make it easier to be Superwoman. Sequin flats make me feel fabulous while I do it.

4. Quilted Heart Purse:

Because it’s never too old or young for Chanel(esque.)

5. Short Sleeve Metallic Dot Jacquard Dress:

Jackie O would approve and then ask for a matching gloves.

6. Chunky Glitter Square Purse:

Some purchases aren’t practical. They’re just fun.

7. Long Sleeve Flannel Button Down:

Yes, this is a little boys shirt, but anything in the “boyfriend” style (jeans, blazers, watch, etc.) makes me happy and hides my bloat.

8. Button Front CPO Jacket:

Not exactly a “boyfriend” style I would wear, but I’m pretty sure my husband could rock this.

9. Sparkle Bow Ballet Flat:

What’s wrong with buying two pairs of sparkly shoes? Don’t judge me.

10. Faux Fur Vest:

Fur and pink? Of course, we all need this in our closet.

But until Children’s Place decides to change their name to “Mama and Me’s Place,” we’re stuck playing dress up with the kiddos or I need to think about buying two or three of them and glue ’em together.

Talking Straight about Curly Hair

November 23, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 30 Comments

When Dove Hair asked curly-haired gals like myself to try out their new (and first ever) Dove #LoveYourCurls Emoji Keyboard, it wasn’t just about a cute new set of emoticons to add to our smartphone. In Dove Hair fashion, they were really looking deeper for women to get talking (in person and online) about their curly hair. You see for many of us, those beautiful tresses we normally throw around aren’t really naturally soft, smooth and straight. I don’t remember a time I didn’t straighten my naturally curly hair, sometimes working 2 hours or more to try to first blow dry it straight, then take a flat iron to make it smooth and then take a curling iron to put the curl back in my hair. However, it’s just what I’ve always done.

We’ll until now.

One trip to the salon, the lady asked if she could just style my hair. She had noticed a little corkscrew action coming up in my curly hair and she wanted to see how curly it was. Since I didn’t have anywhere to go, I let her do it her way – until she wheeled my chair around and I saw that the curly mane I smoothed down daily from fear someone would think I was Tina Turner…looked beautiful. I was still kinda shocked so I went home to show my then-boyfriend-now-husband what he thought…

To my surprise he loved it. Like loved it so much he asked me to wear it like that more often. So I continued to style it the “real way” from time to time…even our engagement pictures, I used my diffuser and a little gel to style my hair. To this day, those are some of my favorite photos.

Funny it took less time to style the curly way than the way I typically did my hair, but for some reason, I suppose out of routine (and thinking the grass is always greener), I still yearned for straight hair.

Fast forward about 10 years, I was back to an arduous routine of wash, blowdry, straighten and curl to style my hair.

Then my 4 year-old daughter, who also inherited the dark, curly mane came into my bathroom and picked up some of my defrizzing product.

“Mama, can you please make my hair look like that,” pointing to the lady on the front of the bottle that had long STRAIGHT as a nail hair.

“Baby,” I said. “You don’t want your hair to look like THAT! Your hair is beautiful just the way it is with your perfect curls.”

“Then why do you use it on your curls, mama?”

Yep – that’ll get you every time. Hearing your own words work against you in a “do as I say, not as I do” kinda moment.

That’s when I realized I wasn’t being real. I wasn’t being real to her or to me and I wasn’t setting a good example of how I wanted her to view her own beauty. The way I wanted her to see herself everyday in a way that made her proud of the way she looks and feels on the inside and the out.

And while getting all of us to change our perception of beauty must be on a personal level, Twitter is helping to make a change on a social one. Every time you share a #LoveYourCurls moment on Twitter, a custom Dove Curly Hair Emoji will appear in the tweet.

So for all of us curly-headed women who feel the need to kill all those healthy hair cells with tons of heating tools to look like that “other” girl, consider just looking like you for a change. That means curly hair and all. And while you practice a little authenticity, consider it online as well as offline. There’s no need to just find anything to represent you on the standard Emoji keyboard. There’s one of your very own curly-headed emoticon just a free click away.

Download the Dove Love Your Curls Emojis in the App Store and Google Play Store to show you #LoveYourCurls!

Dove Hair Website // Dove Hair Facebook // Dove Hair Twitter // Dove Hair Instagram // Dove Hair Pinterest

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Hair, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #LoveYourCurls #pmgdove http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Fall Trend Alert: Get WORN, Give Help

October 1, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

As much as I love a good pair of yoga pants, I realize that the real world sometimes require real clothes. Thankfully the cooler seasons means my favorite part of fall fashion – LAYERS – sweaters, cardigans and wraps to keep you warm and fabulously chic.

Retail stores started teasing us with autumn hues back in summer, but what if I told you there’s a place where you can buy trendy clothes and help needy families get a little bit more cash?

WORN is a fashion-driven social enterprise of Catholic Charities of Fort Worth that provides refugee women living in the U.S. an opportunity to utilize the traditional skill of knitting to increase their families’ household income, thus empowering them to rise above poverty.

And these talented women have been busy creating the new fall line at WORN that is full of gorgeous accessories, like this Fox Trot Circle Scarf that will instantly make you look like a million bucks, even if you’ve only had three hours of sleep.

This scarf is versatile and will make you look effortlessly chic. You can add it to a pair of skinnies, long-sleeve tee and riding boots for a GNO outfit or accessorize a jewel-tone skirt for a touch of glam during a date night or a Holiday party later this year.

Each product, like the scarf, is hand-knit by refugee women out of their home, overcoming significant barriers such as language, transportation and child care. brand provides supplemental income to refugees who hand-knit the products – 100% of the net profits are used for women’s wages and CCFW programs designed to end poverty in the community.

Women like M.D.H. who born in a jungle between Burma and Thailand, but fled to a Thai refugee camp after her parent’s village was burned by the army. She lived in the camp for 20 years before they were given the opportunity to come to the United States in 2008. Today, M.D.H. can read English, drive a car and is able to provide for her family doing something she loves, crocheting.

: M.G.

: M.D.H.

And there’s M.G. who lived in a refugee camp for 21 years. She resettled in Fort Worth with her husband and his parents in February 2014. They are expecting their first child and WORN will provide extra income for baby items and allow me to stay home with the baby.

These women have fled from war-torn countries where they faced persecution and possibly death to find hope, freedom and a future in the United States. Each time I wear the Fox Trot Scarf, I may look sizzlin’, but my heart will be even more warm knowing that this small accessory has brought happiness and prosperity to these families.

SEE the WORN Collection

Bounce Better with Sports Bras from Title Nine

September 30, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 20 Comments

One of my first blog posts was about my #mamachallenge to find the right way to “Tame the Ta-Tas.”

Hitting the gym takes on a whole new meaning if you are a gal with some sizable girls (and I’m not talking about your children here!)

Who’s worn two bras to stop the bounce? Who couldn’t wait to rip their sports bra off after a workout? Who’s bra straps are digging into their shoulders right now? We want to know, and we want to help! Read more in our latest blog post (link in bio). #bravangelists

A photo posted by Title Nine (@titlenine) on Aug 12, 2015 at 11:31am PDT

The lack of good sports bras is often the biggest deterrent to regular exercise. The average American woman wears a 36C bra, however the vast majority of sports bras are built for A and B-cup women. However, Title Nine claims to have a solution to our bra dilemma. They tested thousands of bras and found just the right ones to not only support out workouts and our curves, whether you’re a 32AA or 40EEE.

In addition to the fear of being potentially judged for using bad form or potentially passing out during my workout, the concern that the girls are plopping around as I leap into a burpee or do a set of jumping jacks. But the Title Nine expert bra fit specialist, i.e. their bravangelists, will personally fit you to ensure that you leave with the right support.

Hallelujah for hooters!

And this isn’t just a treat for me, anyone in North Texas can find the support you’ve been searching for at the Title Nine Dallas Fit Fest on Wednesday, October 7 and Thursday, October 8. They have a variety of styles, colors and sizes to meet every woman’s needs, even the nursing mom.

To RSVP for the Title Nine Dallas Fit Fest, 7 and 8, click here.

And if you’re not in the Dallas area, no fret, you can get the royal treatment, too:

Visit your local store. Click here to find a location near your home.

Use the online Bra Genie.

Chat with a bravangelist by phone at 800.342.4448.

I don’t know about you, but the idea of having full support while completing my workout brings a smile to my face. And since everyone should feel a little bounce in their step and not in their boobs, I’m giving away one personalized fitting at your local Title Nine store AND for a bra of your choice.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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