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Grapevine Mills Mall Just Got Real with New Updates

January 15, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I distinctly remember walking into Grapevine Mills, the mega mall in Grapevine, for the first time when I was in college.

From that moment forward, at least for the next two years, I was like a frequent flier and even got points for it by how often I went to the movies and then got points for free food at the Dick Clark’s restaurant inside (next to where the SEA LIFE Aquarium is now and Gameworks which has also long left the place.)

Like me and college, I outgrew it. What stores I once frequented I no longer did because my style had changed. The way I spent my evenings changed. The feel of the really cool “space age” mall had changed.

Unfortunately, the mall really hadn’t changed so I moved on.

However, recently I found myself back at Grapevine Mills. I was surprised that I no longer could visit the stores I wanted in around a 30 minute visit. And hitting up the mall wasn’t just something to do with the kids with a stop at the Lego Land Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Rainforest Cafe, the Disney Store Outlet and my favorite The Children’s Place (it’s huge!)…AND a run by Great American Cookies (there are no shortage of cookie stops at this mall!)

This is the most popular print at Vera Bradley in Grapevine. I bet you have at least one piece of VB, right?

I LOVE capes and one at Coach Outlet had my name all over it. SO CUTE!

This time I actually found myself wanting to check out a new list of my favorite stores like Banana Republic Outlet, J Crew, Coach Factory, Vera Bradley and a run through Steve Madden. And no doubt I had to hit up the Janie and Jack Outlet. That was for this time. Next time includes a trip to Lunar Golf, Bed Bath and Beyond…I mean just look at the map. Why wouldn’t you go?

I want a pair of these Steve Madden pumps in every color. I do not have anywhere to wear them, but I will make one up.

And that’s just a few of the new ones. There’s a lot more happening at “The Mills” than changing stores. Just take a look at the blueprint for the interior of the mall.

Until Fall 2015 when you will see these changes, you should definitely take a RElook at The Mills today.

About Grapevine Mills
Grapevine Mills is a wonderful climate controlled indoor mall featuring 180 stores of shopping, entertainment, and restaurants. Among the 180 stores at Grapevine Mills features Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, H&M, Forever 21, NIKEFactoryStore, Coach Factory, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Under Armour, Disney Outlet, J Crew and much more! Also at Grapevine Mills, we have fun for the entire family at the AMC Grapevine Mills 30 with Dine-In Theatres, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Rainforest Cafe! Grapevine Mills is conveniently located off HWY 121 and Grapevine Mills Parkway, just two miles north of DFW International Airport.

What’s your favorite Grapevine Mills location? If you’ve never been, what store really peaks your attention?

Best Jeans for Moms to Look Great and Feel Great

December 1, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 29 Comments

Looking for the best jeans for moms? Of course, you are! Here’s the one pair you need to make you feel like a million bucks – without spending that much! Thanks to Lee Jeans for this sponsored post.

I have plenty of friends that the moment they spit out a baby were back into their pre-mommy body. And in some cases, they even look better than before.

All photos courtesy of Lee Jeans.

That wasn’t me. I didn’t have a perfect body to start, but when the babies came, so did the mess of my midsection. And lucky for me (hear my sarcasm) I didn’t have a rear to fill it in to start with, so pants we’re never easy to fit in the front OR the back.

After it was no longer ok to sport a pair of maternity jeans (3 months post baby is not ok for your information), I needed new jeans, but never found any that weren’t lowrise, added a muffin or were in my budget. So unfortunately I’ve just been dealing with jeans that didn’t do much for my figure or how I felt wearing them. So I’ve done my best to avoid jeans all together or always pair them with a big shirt so it didn’t matter how they fit.

So when Lee Jeans invited me to try to find the perfect jean for me, I said bring it. This was one “mama challenge” I had just decided that wasn’t going to have the best outcome, but hey, at least I was being realistic.

As I slid into the dressing room I began to feel the angst come over me just thinking about trying on jeans. I grabbed from the stack, said a little prayer…

As I thought about the sweet message, I slipped on the jeans, buttoned them up and braced myself to look in the mirror,

Not only did they fit (without laying on a bed to button them), but I looked good, I felt good and thankfully, the waistband was exactly where I wanted it to be. I didn’t need to keep moving them around to feel comfortable. And when I squatted down I was able to breathe. The length was just long enough to wear with heels but just the right length I could throw on a pair of flats and run out the door. And best of all, I may have even looked a little slimmer.

The fit may have had said Easy Fit, but I was definitely thinking it should be called Confident Fit. After all, I was actually standing a little straighter with my Lee Jeans. (And while I didn’t take a photo of my before and after experience, here’s a great one from lee that shows exactly what happens when you put them on!)

Wondering what makes this pair of affordable jeans fit so perfectly on my not-so-perfect body?

Lee Slender Secret Collection: The Lee Slender Secret collection retains its shape all day while still being super comfortable. Long gone are the days of jeans that bag and sag – the Slender Secret collection holds true to its denim shape and provides a flattering fit all day long.

Fashionable details like an ultra-dark wash and subtle and stylish back pocket details make for a perfect pair of jeans with a super flattering fit.
This jean was created to make you look and feel your very best. A hidden tummy panel on the waistband of the jeans instantly slims you for a sleek silhouette.

Lee Easy Fit Collection: Lee Easy Fit is the jean to match your active lifestyle. It’s smoothes and shapes just like your other tried-and-true blue jeans, but this jean revolutionizes comfort and makes your on-the-move lifestyle a priority.

The Slimming Stretch fabric stretches and slims to conform to your own body shape, so it feels like they were made just for you. The ultra-stretch fabric makes this jean incredibly easy to move in, too.
The Easy Fit Jeans feature a flexible, but incredibly supportive waistband that won’t bind, dig or create any unwanted discomfort. With a nonrestrictive waistband, this jean stays true to your figure for flawless wear and ultimate comfort.
Cut and sewn with trendy designs and features, this style is modern, fashion-forward and sophisticated, but also pairs well with a simple t-shirt. This line is also offered in a variety of rich denim washes, so there’s certain to be a style for everyone.

And you can get your hands on my favorite new Lee jeans The Lee Easy Fit Jean can be purchased online at Lee.com or can be found at your local Kohl’s, JCPenney, or Sears stores.

Or you can win a pair and a whole lot more from this holiday contest from Lee Jeans.

Post by Lee Jeans.

This is exactly what you want under your tree this Christmas or now to look great for those holiday parties!

Four Ways to Dress Up Your Little Black Dress (LBD) for the Holidays

October 29, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Last week, legendary fashion designer Nicole Miller, hosted an in-store holiday event at JCPenney Stonebriar Centre. North Dallasites (and several fashionistas from downtown) made their way to the superb suburb to feast their eyes on the new nicole by Nicole Miller holiday collection and hear first hand from Nicole Miller’s top tips for holiday styling and entertaining.

While the full crowd enjoyed a first-look on her Holiday Collection available at JCPenney, it was the tips to make the most out of those few key pieces, rather than creating a new wardrobe that really caught my ear. And there’s nothing more staple for that special occasion than the LBD (little black dress.) But even according to this designer, there’s no need to go crazy to create a new look with the one piece.

How to Style the LBD:

Jewelry is the perfect way to accessorize a LBD
Bling, crystals with gold, mixed metals, black chain detailing, pearl accents
Faux fur vest would be a great addition to a LBD
Studded or snakeskin bags add an edgier touch

However, I think even the LBD can be modified. For instance, the jumpsuit like this one featured at the fashion presentation, is versatile for flexible any occasion with the right accessories and a great pair of shoes. I can’t wait to get my hands on this one and pair it with the fur vest above and a beautiful reptile skin handbag.

Here’s another jumpsuit option that will be flying off the rack for the holidays, especially New Year’s as soon as it is released November 21 on JCPenney.com!

What’s your go-to piece for your holiday style?

Top Makeup Tips To Teach Your Teen {Giveaway}

October 15, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 4 Comments

Looking at several little girls apply their lip gloss and nail polish at our Princess Spa Party got me reminiscent about the early years of learning about makeup. Like many other girls I learned from my friends and the pages of Seventeen, Cosmo and more. Sad to say that I’m still learning as an adult how to properly apply makeup and match the right products to my skin.

If I had just had some training for that then, I might actually have a clue now…

Actually there is.

Blushington Makeup & Beauty Lounge, your destination for beauty services and makeup application, offers three tips for tweens/teens (and a great reminder for moms) to ensure their make up look is spot on for the right look for their age.

Always stay age appropriate! A heavy smokey eye at age 15 is not okay for school, no matter what is seen on the red carpet.
Skip the foundation and go for a tinted moisturizer instead. If your skin is prone to acne, opt for a heavier concealer as an alternative.
To keep skin feeling fresh, always remove makeup at the end of the day! Sleeping in makeup can cause clogged pores and irritation.

Blushington also offers teen and tween makeup classes for $50 per person. The classes are aimed to help teens with age-appropriate makeup choices and give them techniques that will boost confidence and cover blemishes — without looking overdone. Blushington recently started carrying the BeautyBlender sponge applicator, which is a great tool to use on teens.

BeautyBlender Sponge Affiliate Link

Blushington is also offering one lucky reader a ticket to a Teen/Tween Makeup Class at the Dallas Blushington location!

What a great gift for that special teen or tween in your life!

To enter, just complete the form below and answer the question:

“What’s your favorite makeup tip?”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Aviators Every Girl Must Have: Oakley Feedback

September 29, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

I was provided a complimentary pair of Oakley sunglasses to find out personally why they were up for the mamachallenge. However, all the comments here are my own.

Some women do shoes. I do sunglasses.

At last count, I found five pairs in my car plus a pair each for the kids for a total of seven pairs. While I like them to look stylish, I use glasses to shield my eyes (I’m like a Gizmo and am not a fan of bright sun) and many days to act as a hairband for my mess of a mane.

I always have keep two different styles on hand: my favorites are my aviators, but since they get stuck in my hair I have a backup, the big black “Jackie-O” type of glasses when I need to keep my hair perfect and in place.

That was at least the rule until now when my brownies met the Oakley Feedback.

A beautiful pair of fitted sunnies with rose gold frames and tortoiseshell accents, the Feedback is a pretty hot pair of shades with UV protection of Plutonite® lens that filters out 100% of UVA / UVB / UVC rays, glare reduction and HD polarized technology. Pretty impressive as far as glasses go, but there is one feature that takes it way past awesome. Unlike other aviators, Oakley has made one more thing in my life easier with snag-free adjustable nosepads.

That means they don’t get caught in your hair. (Pause for the applause.)

And remember, these are Oakleys! I thought Oakleys were those sporty wraparound glasses for football players and fishermen. However, looking through the Oakley sunglass store at Northpark Center in Dallas, I found out how wrong was! There were tons of styles for men, women and even kids to choose from or even build a set at the store’s custom eyewear bar to create the perfect pair of sunglasses based on your needs and preferences.

While I could have found Christmas presents for everyone at Oakley that day including my own gift to self with those beautiful rose gold Oakley Feedback shades, there a few things to take into considering to find the perfect glasses for someone.

Five Things to Look for When Choosing Sunglasses

UV protection
Right Fit
Polarization
Impact Protection
The Right Lenses

And of course, there’s the ideal style for anyone who is into sports or in my case, has an active lifestyle – with running around with kids!

Oakley has seven stores in DFW and 168 in the U.S. Next time you are at Northpark Center, Stonebriar Center, Southlake Town Square, Parks at Arlington as well as outlets at Grapevine Mills, Allen Premium Outlets and Grand Prairie Outlets, go get your favorite new must-have aviators.

You’ll thank me later!

http://www.oakley.com

5 Things to Do Before Going to Just Between Friends (JBF)

September 25, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

I’m a HUGE FAN of Just Between Friends. If you are a JBFer, you know why moms volunteer hours of their time just to be the first ones to get their hands on this incredible merchandise at amazing prices. And if you’re a new mom or just haven’t had a chance to go to a JBF, then you are going to wonder “why didn’t I think of this super cool concept?”

Short of the long: Just Between Friends is North America’s Leading Children’s and Maternity Consignment Sales Event! Moms sell kid stuff to other moms at big convention center area in the spring and the fall. Moms who sale stuff make money, moms who buy stuff save money and JBF does the hosting of this big, money-saving event for your kids.

In DFW, we get the pleasure of having several of the best JBF consignment sales out there. Every spring and the fall, moms and dads gear up for shopping deals you can’t find anywhere else and can make your dollars really stretch. However, I don’t refer to it as budget shopping, but more smart shopping. AND take it from me, a gal who tries never to miss a JBF shopping experience, I have a few tips that will make a real difference between a great shopping experience and understanding how some women have to have their husbands come with a truck to haul it all home. (I’ve seen it many times.)

5 Things to Do Before Going to Just Between Friends Dallas (JBF)

1. Think ahead.

While each sale is just for the current season, so of the deals are so good that you could score the best deal for a coat that you might have for your son’s 6th birthday even though he’s 4 now. And because this JBF sale is in the fall, they also include Halloween costumers and plenty of toys that would look great around your Christmas tree.

2. Make with a list.

A list will save you time and money. Sure I’ve gone plenty of times with nothing but my credit card, but having a list of sizes, whom to buy for (if you have other family members or expecting friends), and a list of what you need (like the skiing coat for an upcoming vacation), you’ll really see how JBF can save you money and make it much easier to get exactly what you need!

3. Dress to shop till you drop.

You might be coming to get the cutest clothes for your kids, but going to the sale isn’t a time to sport your new Jimmy Choos. Take it from me, there will be no judgement from anyone if you throw on those yoga pants that you don’t really do yoga in, a pair of crocs and a pony tail and come out to shop. We all know that we are on a mission for great clothes and great toys for great prices and nobody got time for makeup, Pinterest style and taking selfies.

4. Bring your own bags or rolly carts.

The first time you ever pull into the parking lot of a JBF sale, you will know why I say this. The women that know roll in the rolly carts, wheel in the hanging racks and have a few huge reusable bags to load up all their finds until they hit up the cash register. With plenty of clothes, books, furniture, shoes, toys and more to go through, you need something to hold your stuff and your arms need to be free to keep digging. Plus when you pay out, you can load all the loot back up and take it to the car. I’ve forgotten this a few times and regretted it later because my body hurt from holding it. While there is a “Hold” area for you to drop off things as you buy things, you don’t want to leave your spot in the racks and come back to find someone else picked up where you left off.

5. There’s no shame in a fanny pack.

Yes, there is actually, but I think you get the drift. Again, this is not time to bring out the big mama purse. You need to carry in only the bare essentials – mobile phone, money, chap stick and a water. The water is a big thing if your JBF sale doesn’t have a place to purchase refreshments because shopping can be an endurance sport. Hydration is key when you’ve been going at it for an hour plus and you will be thirsty, especially if you’re pregnant and you are buying everything under the moon so you don’t have to pay full price later. (Make sure you also get your free pass if you’re expecting and you get a special advance time to buy with free admission!)

Now that you’re ready, then get in the car and head over to Just Between Friends Dallas sale happening at Mesquite Rodeo Hall! If you can’t make it today starting at 10 AM then you have until SUNDAY to score your deals. I know that we’re stocked up, but that’s only until the next JBF Dallas sale happening in March 2015, so mark your calendar!

Spa Light, Spa Bright: Spa on the Square is Answer To Your Beauty Wishes

August 22, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I was provided a unique opportunity to experience Spa on the Square and its amazing services and staff for a fun girls’ night out.

Most the time massages happen for me is either when one kid has knocked out a sciatic nerve and I can’t move it or some lovely sponsor has thanked me with a gift card. While I appreciate the later, they don’t happen near as much as I’d like to OR should have them. Actually when I met up with a few of my other writer friends at a fun “Girls Night Out” event at Spa on the Square in Southlake, I was kinda sad to hear how little most of them get massages or had even had a facial. Haircuts and highlights come pretty far in between too as exemplified by yours truly with her self-made “ombre” look that was nothing more than a faded highlight from over a year ago.

So needless to say, it was time. Way past time.

We spent the evening learning that there was a way to fit all the types of services – from facials, haircuts, massages, manicures and more with their EXPRESS SERVICES. We no longer could use the excuse we didn’t have the time to spend a half day treating ourselves, these services could be done over lunch in most cases (and with an Adventure Kids Daycare just down the street to drop-off a kiddo for a short time), there really were no excuses and there shouldn’t be guilt either.

My lovely gal pal blogger Arena of A Nerd’s Wife and Always Arena enjoys her microdermabrasion treatment.

It is important that mom feel good on the outside as she does the inside.

Remember a happy mom makes for a happy family, too!

And after a LONG conversation with this facial technician, I realized that there was so much that I do to get rid of my problem areas on my face (dark circles, freckles and leftover pregnancy face) that make me feel the need to slather on foundation (or spackle) as my husband likes to call it.) After just a few treatments, I could be actually shaving off time from my morning makeup routine and also regenerating my skin to help prevent wrinkles (those lovely things that have crept up on me after two kids.)

And massages, well those just aren’t for a little rubdown either! I actually found out they had a medical massage therapist on site who could help me get all those kinks, knots and leftover kid nerve issues back into shape. I have a feeling she’s going to be seeing a lot of me!

Jenn of Jenn’s RAQ takes a few minute to give her skin some attention.

However, that’s just the start of what a little time at Spa on the Square can do for you. (I mean you haven’t really seen Southlake women look bad, have you?)

Just take a look at their service list:

MedSpa

Spa

Salon

Spa on the Square
(817) 488.8848
1422 Main Street, Suite 263
Southlake, Texas 76092
http://www.spaonthesquaresouthlake.com

Top 10 Fall 2014 Must Haves for Women

July 22, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I’d like to think I’m a fashionable girl…

Actually, I guess I’m not as fashionable as I just hope that Cosmo doesn’t profile me on the back page on “How not to Wear” with a big black Sharpie over my eyes.

While I may not look like a fashionista, I at least like to know if the skinny pant or the trouser look is in for the season. Being at least in the know is a preresquite of a Dallas dame to get her Big Hair license.

That’s why I was thankful that THE Mrs. Arlene Goldstein, VP of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction for Belk made a stop this week at Galleria Dallas to share a little fashion styling for Fall 2014 with the lowdown of the Women’s Most Wanted List for Fall. While she shared the list for the boys too, let’s be honest: it’s the list for the girls we really want to know, right?

What’s your favorite trend for fall 2014?

Five Must-Haves to Fight ALLERGY FACE®

May 27, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of ZYRTEC®

I’ve spent the last five days looking a lot like Samantha from Bewitched. You, know the old show with the witch that twitches her nose?

Unfortunately, I can’t cast spells and believe me I’ve about had it with all the twitching, itching and everything that comes with allergies. Especially in Texas when you never know how the weather is going to affect you, it’s a gamble on how I’m going to feel and look every day. And considering I still have to be on TV with an upcoming segment on WFAA Good Morning Texas on summer-perfect recipes, I have to do whatever I can to make sure I feel great and look even better.

Without a doubt, I rely first thing in the morning with to give me 24-hour relief of allergy symptoms. That means I can get on with my day without wondering if my allergies are going to take over. But I have to do a little more to get rid of the ALLERGY FACE® with watery eyes, red nose and a puffy face! But it doesn’t mean I have to look like what I feel on the days that my allergies are at their worst!

ZYRTEC® has partnered with celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg to help allergy sufferers combat ALLERGY FACE® with six makeup “looks” perfect for allergy sufferers trying to look their best!

She’s put her brushes on almost everyone in Hollywood, so I’m excited to put all her tips of the trade to work. From a barely there makeup look to all the glitz and glamour of being ready to walk the red carpet, Jamie has tips for everyone on the ZYRTEC® Facebook page.

With the help of just one ZYRTEC® daily and five beauty products you probably already have in your make up bag, you can feel and look fresh-faced and fabulous (with a little help from Jamie!)

Make Up Must-Haves for Fighting ALLERGY FACE®:

Shimmery white color shadow
black eyeliner
black mascara
concealer
cheek/lip stain

And of course, don’t forget your ZYRTEC®!

Want more tips on how you can feel and look your best? Join us for the ZYRTEC® #ALLERGYFACE Twitter Party!

Twitter party participants will be entered to win up to $500 in gift cards from Sephora! Please join us at the ZYRTEC® Twitter party on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 from 9 pm to 10 pm EST / 6 pm to 7 pm PST. You can follow the hashtag #ALLERGYFACE during the party.

And make sure you stock up on your daily fighter for ALLERGY FACE® with ZYRTEC®!

Download a $4 off coupon for Zyrtec from Coupons.com!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of ZYRTEC®

Get the Gift That Shows Off Your Grad & Their Personality

May 21, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I received a sample shirt to see how unique PrepSportswear and its ordering options are compared to other companies.

When you live less than five miles from the home of the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys you see a lot of spirit apparel (I can’t even begin to enumerate what I’ve seen you can put a logo on). And when you live in “North Texas” (the whole region of Texas from about Waco to the Oklahoma border), you see even more college spirit shirts. Basically, when it comes down to it, we North Texans are a spirited group of folks and we find it absolutely necessary to show our allegiance to our team (or at least where our money goes to for college) on a shirt we wear with pride throughout the year.

With graduation just around the corner, it was time for me to purchase gifts for a few special folks to appropriately ship them off to their new home away from home with their new namesake. While I could have walked into any college bookstore or go to a few of the well-known online retailers to get a shirt, I wanted something different. Something that I knew that they wouldn’t get from anyone else and would be able to strut onto campus with a little unique flair that showed who they are.

Prep Sportswear is one of the new online shops for custom apparel and gear featuring your school, college, Greek, military, destination, golf course, international teams and new Vintage line. Their portfolio of brands covers all the bases and offers officially licensed merchandise in styles that speak to your individual taste.

The custom process starts with picking your school, college or other organization. Then choose from a wide array of t-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, etc… and select the logo along with custom options. Prep Sportswear uses quality materials that include 100% cotton, organic and performance from brands such as Russell, Alternative Apparel, Champion, etc. , so you are guaranteed to get a comfortable fit no matter what you order. For those that are looking to customize other aspects of life, they have you covered. Personalize everything from backpacks to iPad and cell phone skins, to blankets, scarves and towels.

While the site is still working on getting a lot of the major sports teams and universities, you can search their inventory and find out quickly if they have a shirt or item that you are looking for.

And for those of us not quite looking at college yet, check out all the school shirts available in just Arlington. There’s almost a 100 to choose from in Arlington alone.

See if your school makes the list at: http://www.prepsportswear.com.

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