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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

How Mother’s Day is Made at The Shops at Park Lane with No Shopping at All

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Disclaimer: I was part of a tour to check out The Shops at Park Lane. So glad they did since I’d never been. That’ll change now. See why below. 

I have a confession…I don’t like to shop. 

Well, let me rephrase, I just don’t think of it as something fun, but work. Hard work, but someone has to do it. 

On Mother’s Day, shopping it’s not exactly my idea of how I want to spend my day, but instead, relaxing and enjoying myself while I do little to nothing at all. 

So the thought of going to The Shops of Parks Lane may not be the first place I’d suggest to spend Mother’s Day, but after a recent trip, I’m pleasantly surprised! 


Actually, I was flat out wrong. 

In just three hours, all the woes and drama of my day had dissipated and I was, for at least a moment, without a care in the world. At a shopping center. 

Right…? 

So what did I do that was so dang enjoyable that it changed my life that day in a little bit of time and only around $50? 

Photo from The Shops at Park Lane website

I got my hair washed, dryed and style at the Aveda Institute of Dallas for one. And in beautiful Aveda fashion, the amazing aromatherapy started at the door and led me to a comfortable chair with a lovely woman who instantly whisked me away to a place of peace with a light neck rubdown to relax me before we started the wash & dry. Then during the wash, my hands were given the same love and attention with a massage. 


“I’m in Heaven…” and I didn’t even have my beautiful hair done yet, but it was perfect, anyways. 

For a moment I heard the music you hear in the commercials and I twirled my hair around in such the way you see Eva Mendes does in her Pantene commercials. 

After my relaxing hour at Aveda for less than $20 (yes, less than $20), I was off to give a little love to my very sad nails. Normally, I just have them buffed, but this time I wanted a little something extra and the lovely ladies at L’acqua Nail Spa Lounge were able to give me an express gel manicure. 



In 30 minutes my nails were picture perfect. If I had only had a few more hours to spend for a pedicure, facial and massages. But the Mother’s Day packages now available are affordably priced for a second-trip to the lovely nail boutique known for the working women’s mecca for getting ladies in and our during their lunch hour! 

MOTHER’S DAY SPA PACKAGES
 
So what’s a girl to do when she’s had her nails and hair done and no where to go? This one went to the Sleep Number store! Considering I’d always wanted to lay down on one and and find my sleep number, without kids and a few minutes to spare I went on in and laid down. 
 
I was in heaven again. No hearing any crying, no kids screaming, no iPhone ringing, and just comfort. 
 
I found out all kinds of stuff behind the Sleep Number bed and that a new app can even measure how you slept and how to make it your sleep time count. Considering the grossness of having two children sleep, eat and jump on your bed, I can confidently say that my bed is not in tip-top shape. And my back and sciatic nerve can concur. 
 
 
While I couldn’t put a Sleep Number bed in the back of the car, a girl can definitely plan for a future purchase, right? 
 
So after three hours of nothing but pure relaxation, I went to a shopping center and didn’t shop one bit. But I’ll admit, I eyed a few places I wanted to check out. And a few more to eat at…
 
I’ll be back. Especially for that $18 blowdry. And you or your mom will too. 
Happy Mom’s Day!
 
 
 



Beautify You at BEAUTY LIVE This Weekend at Galleria Dallas

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Even if it doesn’t look like I wear it, I love makeup. 

I mean my favorite “holiday” after Christmas growing up was Clinique Bonus time. Now as an adult, I’m not just on the lookout for a new favorite lipgloss, but now I’m looking at wrinkle reducer, eye brightener, primer and all those other things that sound more like painting a house than applying makeup. So like any good student, I need to get some schooling from time to time. So a few weeks ago I went to Nordstrom’s Trend Show and this weekend I’m hitting up BEAUTY LIVE at Galleria Dallas, April 12 & 13!  

It’s all beauty, all the time with two days of nothing by sessions, freebies, demos and more. While the event is free, tickets are only $20 for each sessions for reserved seating and that includes a gift bag and a $20 gift card!
Expert Sessions throughout Beauty Live include:

SATURDAY, APRIL 13:
11am – Expert Beauty Panel featuring Courtney Kerr of Bravo’s Courtney Loves Dallas, Galleria Fashion Stylist Holly Quartaro and a panel of experts 


12pm – TONI&GUY Presents: Hair Meets Wardrobe 
1pm – Courtney’s Favorite Things
Courtney Kerr, star of Bravo TV’s Courtney Loves Dallas, talk show host of KTXD’s The Broadcast and fashion blogger, has hand-picked her all-time favorite beauty and skin care products and she is sharing the love! Join us to find out what’s in Courtney’s make up bag, and you could go home with one of the dozens of products she is giving away.

2pm – Macy’s Presents Spring 2014 ‘Must Haves’

3pm – BELK presents Spring Beauty Panel hosted by In Style Magazine.

4pm – Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare Presented by Nordstrom Spa

5pm – Sephora Presents Re(Marc)able Beauty featuring Marc Jacobs’ newest beauty trends
6pm – MAC 


SUNDAY, APRIL 13: 

3pm – LUSH Fresh Handmade Beauty

4pm – Westin Galleria Dallas and The Second Floor Bistro-Bar Present SuperFoods

In addition to the expert sessions, Beauty Live showcases all the top trends in beauty with dozens of events and activities.  Tour the many how-to Beauty Stops stationed throughout Galleria Dallas for simple secrets and top techniques for a more gorgeous you. Guests will enjoy free hands-on makeover opportunities throughout the center.

And of course while you are there, go check out the new Belk…just know this is going to be a weekend you’re gonna buy stuff. 
Have fun and I’ll see you there! 









Win $500 Gift Card! Belk Opens its Texas Flagship Store at Galleria Dallas TODAY #BelkDallas

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Last week Dallas was invited to celebrate a 126-year tradition that now makes its home in Dallas with the first Belk flagship location in Texas!  


The 180,000 sq. ft. store that once housed Saks Fifth Avenue, rolled out the red carpet with a pre-opening event gala full of giveaways, southern hospitality, tons of great fashion and even a celebrity-hosted runway show with Nashville star Hayden Panettiere. 



Benefiting Susan G. Komen, the night’s activities began with a beautiful entrance that greeted guests as they rolled up to valet, showing that Belk was definitely prepared to make a impression. 


Considering I had been to a few Belk stores around DFW, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after mentally “pinning” about four handbags I was lusting over, including the Calvin Klein color block “Celene-like” bag one below, I figured I was in for a treat (and my wallet for a possible problem.) 


I found many of my favorite brands including Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Free People Nanette Lepore, Laura Mercier and many more with tons of options for all ages and styles. 

This Wednesday, April 9, 2014  marks the official grand opening of the new Belk at Galleria Dallas with lots fun including a gift card giveaway for the first 800 customers (and cards up to $500!)  

But if you can’t make it to Belk on Wednesday, make plans to enjoy several of their grand opening events including Shoes & Champagne on April 10, April 12 & 13 at Beauty LIVE event and even a Girls’ Night Out with Cynthia Rowley on April 17! 


I have a feeling that Belk will soon become your favorite go-to store for your modern southern style. (If you sign up on their website you also get a 20% discount!) 

Check out more style with Belk at @BelkDallasGalleria on Facebook, @Belk on Twitter and @MyBelk on Instagram and Pinterest! 



Calling All Budget Superheroes: Just Between Friends Dallas Starts Thursday in Mesquite

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Disclaimer: I’m working with Just Between Friends Dallas in Mesquite to promote their upcoming sale, March 20-23. I’m a huge fan of cute yet inexpensive clothes for my kids and I know you probably are, too! #JBFDallas #Mesquite #Spon

Mama Challenge:
Dressing your babies in cute clothes that won’t break your bank! 


We all gotta have ’em…Clothes. 

 Actually we don’t HAVE to have them, but it’s kinda of an expectation. And for most moms, we like our kid’s clothes to reflect our style and show off how adorable they are. And it doesn’t hurt that they keep them warm or cool for the weather, too. 

 But keeping up with kids’ ever-changing growth spurts makes it really hard and expensive to keep those closets up-to-date. Or an older sister or a bestie whose kids are exactly one season in front of your kids and you get everything of her kids passed on each season. 

 No such luck? Me neither. 

However, the next best thing is having Just Between Friends. Hence the name, the JBF franchise is one that I’ve relied on for both my kids to keep us stocked up on everything from clothes, shoes, toys and more. Last month I visited the JBF in Fort Worth, but I still was looking for more great finds for my kids and my friends’ recent additions, so Dallas here we come. 

 I hope you’ll join me there as I scout out the Mesquite Rodeo Hall for the best finds for boys and girls, ages newborn – 5. And I’m even going to get a sneak peek so you can see what I’m finding so you too get hurry on over to load up for spring, summer and fall. 


One of my tips is that you should always look for 1-2 seasons at least to make sure you are getting the most out of your JBF experience. I have some dresses I bought for my daughter and while they don’t fit today, at the prices I’m getting clothes at from JBF, it’s worth it to hang in the closet for a few months! 

Hours:
Wednesday, March 19:
noon: 15 hour presale
1:00 pm: 10 hour presale
2:00 pm: 5 hour presale
3:00 pm: consignor presale (+1 guest)
5:00 pm: Prime Time Shopping Sale ($10 admission per person)
7:00 pm: First time parent & teacher presale
10:00 pm: CLOSE


Thursday, March 20:
10 am-6 pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
$3 admission fee (Thursday only)

6:30 pm- 7:30 pm: Second Drop Off
(no clothing, shoes or car seats accepted at second drop off)

Friday, March 21:
10 am-6 pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC


Saturday, March 22:
10 am-6 pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
6:30- 8:00 pm: 1/2 Price Presale (15 & 10 hour volunteers only)


Sunday, March 23:
noon-6pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC- HALF PRICE SALE

 Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook tomorrow to see what I find! 

 Just Between Friends Dallas 
March 20-23, 2014
Mesquite Rodeo Exhibit Hall
1700 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149
www.twitter.com/JBFDallas
www.facebook.com/JBFDallas
Website







Ripe for the Picking: 8 Great Natural Products for Winter Beauty

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I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #WalgreensBeauty #CollectiveBias #Shop


In Texas you never know what Mother Nature is going to deal you especially in the winter time. But one thing is for certain:  your skin and hair is going to suffer some serious stress from the weather. However, with a little help from your neighborhood Walgreens, I’ve discovered some great natural beauty products that will make your skin feel as fresh as a peach, your hair just like it’s “mint” to be and at a price that will make your wallet happy, too!  Shouldn’t you give your body the same goodness on the outside as you do the inside? 


1. Yes to Tomatoes Skin Clearing Facial Mask

The winter season puts stress on everything, but especially on your skin. Like the skin of a tomato, our skin is tender and needs gentle care to keep it shiny and clean. Yes to Tomatoes combines Lycopene (the antioxidant found in tomatoes) and  Dead Sea mud (legendary for its amazing benefits to the skin) for the ideal facial cocktail that in just five minutes, 1-2 times a week, CAN balance blotchiness and balance your skin tone. 




2. St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub

In the winter not only does your regular beauty routine need a boost, but you also have to spend a little more time on the details like exfoliating and moisturizing. To get your skin looking its best, you have to scrub away the dry skin as well as trying to maintain the moisture. A classic for many shower routines for decades, St. Ives Blemis Control Apricot Scrub not only gently takes care of getting rid of the old skin, but those embarrassing blemishes with 100% natural exfoliants.  



3.  Renpure Solutions Rosemary Mint Cleansing Conditioner 

A few years ago my hairdresser told me I should quit washing my hair. 

The suggestion caught me off guard especially since I am the owner of some thick, unruly and after-one-day-pretty-poly head of hair. However, he explained that using shampoo actually strips the hair of natural oils needed to protect it during the several weather conditions we experience in the winter. Instead using a cleansing conditioner like Renpure’s Rosemary Mint cleanse the hair while keeping in the moisture. And with other natural ingredients like Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, will leave hair soft and healthy with shine and luster. 



4. Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Radiant Vitalizing Body Gel Oil 

While slathering lotion should be part of your routine, applying moisture even before you get out of the shower is an ideal opportunity to get your skin in prime condition. With Vaseline’s Body Gel Oil gives you the benefits of an oil without the slippery mess. Your skin is left healthy and glowing and that’s before you even get your day going! 


5. Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum
Blueberries may make a delicious muffin, but they also are full of anti-oxidants like Vitamin and Anthocyanins to fight the formation of free radicals that can damage the skin’s microstructure. Additionally, with organic cotton thistle, black currant and apple, the Yes to Blueberries Intensive Skin Repair Serum will give your skin the ammo it needs to find the sings of aging leaving your skin firm, protect your skin, diminish fine lines and wrinkles. 



6. Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream

Like blueberries, grapefruits have amazing natural properties to make your skin look newer by brightening  dark age spots and repair hyperpigmentation. Best of all you can find these benefits in a CC cream! If you’ve never used a CC cream, it’s like a 3-in-1 with color correcting properties, moisturizer, and SPF 18. And as an added bonus, the light tint (available in two shades), provides just the right amount of color so you can complete your facial routine in just one step! 



7.  Nivea Lip Butter Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss

Winter does just as much damage on your lips as it does your skin! So don’t forget to apply more moisture to your lips! Nivea is an established brand for exceptional skin products and this one is no different! PLUS the smell and slight flavor of the Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss makes it a treat each time you apply! Just remember you’re supposed to wear it and not eat it. 



8. Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes

I’ve been a long time fan of the Yes to Cucumber Facial Towelettes. When I was pregnant in the middle of the Texas summer these were the only way I could cool off quickly and freshen up without taking three showers a day. Now, these babies continue to be lifesavers when I’m so exhausted I can’t do the three step skin care routine, but still need to take my makeup off. And if you do a workout and then have to do errand before you get to shower, they make you feel fresh!  Oh, and traveling is cinch because you don’t have to pack your cleanser and eye remover in your carryon!

Have a few other areas that need a little attention? Or looking for the idea travel-sized kit for all your winter skin needs? Don’t forget to check out the Burt’s Bees corner at Walgreens! They have so many natural options for your skin needs – including a nail and toe sampler that is a must-have any time of the year for the best at-home mani and pedi! 



Walgreens is the perfect place to find exactly what you need this winter season for healthy skin, hair, nails and more! 

What’s your best winter beauty tip do you have to share?  





Healthy Winter Skin is In: Free Skin Check at DermOne DFW Now

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Normally in Texas we break out the big winter coat 1-2 times a winter season. Sometimes I even look in my coat closet and wonder why we spend as much money on big coats so they can gather dust and take up room. 


This year has not be the case. And with all this covering up and dressing in layers, you tend not to worry about your skin except to get slather up on lotion as we feel our hands crack and peel until around March or April when the warm temps finally do show their face and you begin to show your skin. 

However, now is actually the right time to think about your skin and getting your hide checked for skin cancer. 



To celebrate the opening of five DermOne Dermatology Centers locations in Dallas/Fort Worth, DermOne is providing 500 free skin care checks ($80,000 value) to the community. 

To book a free exam, you can simply call one of the DermOne offices by Feb. 28 and mention “Healthy Skin DFW” to receive a free skin check. 


Skin cancer is a serious issue in North Texas. In fact:

  • It’s the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with more than 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed in more than two million people annually.
  • There are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer – combined.
  • When left unchecked, skin cancer can be deadly faster than any of us would like to think.

In around 20 minutes, you can take a big step at taking care of your body’s biggest organ!

Other services at DermOne include: 

  • General dermatology, including treatment of acne, eczema, warts, rashes, moles and much more;
  • Skin cancer screenings and surgery;
  • Laser technology, such as the Palomar Laser, an innovative fractional laser from the company that invented and patented micro-fractional laser technology, used to treat wrinkles, stretch marks, acne, surgical scars and other skin conditions;
  • Cosmetic procedures, including BOTOX®, Juvéderm™ and Restylane® at many locations; and
  • In-house pathology lab to ensure quick turn-around of biopsy removal of a sample of living tissue or cells for close examination by a pathologist for signs of disease and other test results.

ARLINGTON
715 North Fielder Road
Arlington, TX 76012
(888) 881-1626

GRAND PRAIRIE
4927 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Suite 170
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
(888) 881-1626

IRVING
2021 N. MacArthur Blvd. Suite 300
Irving, TX 75061

MESQUITE
2856 N. Galloway Ave.
Mesquite, TX 75150
972-289-2233

WAXAHACHIE
1505 West Jefferson St., Suite 170
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(888) 881-1626
972-254-3118


Secrets to Saving Money on Kids’ Clothes

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Kids cost money. A lot of money. But we have BIG secrets to saving  money on kids’ clothes. 
 
I love to dress up my kids. Before my daughter was born, I bought her a Burberry onesie from Neimans…and I don’t even have any Burberry! While it was wonderful to get her something nice to celebrate her coming into this world – I knew there was no one that I was going to be able to keep up dressing either of my children in brand name clothing without winning the lottery OR finding a better solution that didn’t involve refinancing my house. 

Thankfully my mama taught me the value of consignment and my friends have taught me where to find the best deals! Just Between Friends is the largest children’s and maternity consignment sales event in Texas with 75,000 square feet of gently used children’s and maternity items for purchase at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

See all those clothes in the photos above? 
Those were all treasures from my consignment finds!
 
If you’ve been, I’m sure you know the benefit of attending the spring and fall sales to stock up on your kids’ wardrobes. If you haven’t had a chance, then I’m giving you the best reason to go with a chance to win a $15 gift card certificate! However, if it is your first time, I want to share some of the best tips for the best experience at JBF from some of my favorite bloggers who know all the ins and ours of consignment! 

5 Ways to Get the Best Deals at JBF from Terrell Family Fun
10 Tips for Shopping at Consignment Sales from Real Life Notes

So now that you are ready to save money, now here’s your mama challenge: how much merchandise can you purchase with a $15 gift card? Enter my giveaway now and get your chance to see how far $15 can go!


Belk Brings New Spring Style and New Dallas Store This Spring

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Many women will work in 2014 to make a better and more fashionable statement, but like me, will need a little more knowledge and skill to make it happen. 

Thankfully, a new friend has come to town. Arlene Goldstein, vice president of trend merchandising and fashion direction for Belk, hosted an exclusive media-only spring fashion forecast event last week.  The veteran-style expert and fashion and style contributor to Huffington Post and a notable fashion resource for stylists and fashion publications, shared fashion trends and forecasts for the spring season. Attendees got a glimpse of the designer brands that will be available at Belk’s new flagship store opening at Galleria Dallas in April.

Arlene’s 2014 Style Statements
From bold colors to timeless essentials, Arlene’s 2014 style statements showcased top trends from Belk brands such as Michael Kors (one of my favorities), Free People, Eileen Fisher, Adrianna Papell and Vince Camuto to name a few.


Feminine Charms:
Amp up your inner goddess with this ultra-romantic look featuring an eccentric twist for the modern woman. You’ll see plenty of frills, ruffles and 3D appliqués this spring for an elegant and textured style.

Clean Slate:
This look is all about making a bold statement while maintaining a minimal and chic palette. Embrace the architectural details with the modern textures for a bold style that is sure to impress.

Jet Setter:
Be the ultimate world traveler with tribal patterns and multicultural influences. You’ll see large embellishments and colorful patterns that embrace varying cultures.


Opening this April, Belk at Galleria Dallas will be the company’s first flagship location in Texas.  Get ready girls!

Dallas’ Best Dressed Secret: Upscale Resale at Clothes Circuit

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Disclaimer: I was invited to celebrate the 30th anniversary at Clothes Circuit and received a gift card. However, I have already spent way more money than my gift card balance and plan to go back multiple times. 
As I approach the holidays, my buying habits change to only giving and no more getting for me.  Unfortunately, it’s also the same time of the year that your social calendar requires you to look your festive best. 


Ain’t it ironic that Timing and Budget do not place nicely with each other? 



However, I did find out they can compromise.

Let me introduce you to my new guiltless pleasure, Clothes Circuit. 


A 30-year-old tradition in the Park Cities, Clothes Circuit offers women one-of-kind upscale consignment fashion with clothing essentials, shoes, accessories, coats, bags, handbags and jewelry.  Owned by Irene Mylan, the Clothes Circuit gives you the labels you want to buy at prices you can actually afford (and still buy Christmas.) 


With more than 500 items are introduced to the floor daily bearing labels from the world’s top designers and upscale retailers such as Trina Turk, St. John, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Marni, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Burberry and more.  Clothes Circuit also carries everyday office-appropriate options from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s, The Gap, and Cole Haan.

A woman with little time to spend on shopping for herself, I immediately spotted a huge number of Louis Vuitton handbags and suitcases. Followed by several pairs of Jimmy Choos I couldn’t wait to put on my feet. I was already reeled in now, so off to the racks to see if there was anything that I had to have. 

Of course, I found some. A lot of some. Somewhere between the devoted Tory Burch rack, a Michael Kors Black trench and lovely gold frock (holiday attire is only available from now until the end of the year), I couldn’t help from seeing all the fantastic labels that I just couldn’t believe was available AND I could consider buying it. 


While I’ve enjoyed my time there, I have to admit, I hope this new-found-fun doesn’t turn like my Starbucks. From just special occasions to now multiple times a day, I’m now a gold card carrier of the coffee giant. Thankfully, Clothes Circuit doesn’t have a frequent shopper card or the Christmas tree at my house might look bare. 

At least I’ll look good. 
Clothes Circuit
6105 Sherry Lane
Dallas, TX 75225
Get your inside look on inventory at Clothes Circuit on Instagram!




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