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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Relieve Sinus Pain with Sudafed’s OPEN UP app and Win $5,000

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sudafed.

After returning from a wonderful mom-and-son blog getaway to Mexico last week, I was “lucky” to have my sinus take over and make me miserable – starting on my way home on the plane. 

Everything hurt; my head was pounding from the pressure on my sinus and my eyes just kept watering. Not to mention the total discomfort of having my ears pop on the plane. In reality I just really couldn’t handle anything, much less traveling with my kiddo or not being able to get to my pharmacy to pick up some relief. 


It wasn’t the way I wanted to end that trip at all, especially when it started so wonderfully for my birthday! But that is what sinus pain and colds do – especially here in Texas… they come over you when you least expect it and then like that you are down and out. And the feeling? That’s the worst part. I couldn’t put my fingers on enough pulse points to attempt to make my brain quit pounding. 


And let’s not talk about the runny nose once that started. Indescribable.

 While hindsight is 20/20, had I been able to take stock in tissues before I got sick, I would be a rich woman now. 

 Bottom line: I just wanted to zip off this body to relieve the pressure. 

Thankfully,  is helping to relieve a little of the pressure that comes from sinus pain with the Sudafed OPEN UP™ Facebook app. This nifty app helps sufferers visualize their pain with a photo contest, share it with other suffers, get a coupon and best of all, be entered in for a chance to win $5,000. 

 That alone is enough reason to feel better. 

 Well, after you have taken a Sudafed. 

Sudafed_OpenUp_Infographic_MECH


Sudafed knows that suffering from sinus pressure and pain can leave individuals feeling crushed, beat down, congested and even squeezed, desperately looking for a way to open up. Serious sinus sufferers are invited to creatively share how their sinus pain and pressure looks and feels to them by using Sudafed’s OPEN UP™ application on Facebook.

Then, beginning on December 2, the Sudafed Facebook community will vote for one of five finalist sketches that best illustrates the pains of sinus pressure. The winner will receive $5,000 and a chance to have their work included in a Sudafed advertising campaign. For more information, visit the Sudafed Facebook page. 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sudafed.









Tracking Pixel

Make Life Easier with the Samsung Chromebook

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Tech Tuesday:


 Disclaimer: 
I was so incredibly happy to receive a Chromebook from Staples for purposes of this review. It came at the worst of times and the best of times, so I was able to really try it out and learn what makes a Chromebook unique. Read on to hear my fairy tale of making life easier with Samsung Chromebook. 

Let me tell you a sad story. 

 Don’t worry, it gets good in the end…so keep reading. 

 One day a girl had a wonderful tablet computer that she loved to do research on because it was easy to navigate and was extremely portable from a company called “Pear.” (Names have been changed to protect others.) 

Unfortunately, one fine day while she was carrying her tablet, a mean, horrible monster came and took it from her basket. She was so sad, she cried. And when she went home, her family cried. It was a sad day. Whatever would they do without it? 

 Then out of the blue, came a little fairy named Staples to bring her another computer called a Samsung Chromebook. While it wasn’t a tablet, it had other special powers, that she wasn’t even aware of yet. The fairy said, try this and see what you think. “You might be surprised what you find out.” 

 And so began a journey of discovery and exploration with the Samsung Chromebook. 

 Considering I was already a total Google fan, getting going on the device didn’t take long. Within a few seconds of logging into my Google account, I was working with all my pre-populated Google-everything platform. It was like I was working from my laptop, but instead much lighter at less than 2.5 pounds, quicker with its 10-second Fastboot technology and even more seamlessly with the integrated Google operating system. 

The Samsung Chromebook is thin and light with a lot of accessibility.

I was impressed. But what else could be so special about it? 

 Plenty.

  • The use of a keyboard is pretty obvious and unlike small tablets that can only connect to a keyboard via bluetooth, it’s ready to go once you open it and as easy to type on as a laptop. 
  • Built-in virus protection with the Google Chrome Operating System makes it a no-brainer for searching the Internet.
  • With 6.5 hours of battery life, the Chromebook creates a world of opportunity, especially when you run into Starbucks to get online and there’s not one outlet available. 
  • Ports!  You can actually connect to files on flash drive via the USB and HDMI port – meaning I can charge up my lovely smartphone while I’m working. And it also comes standard with WiFi and Bluetooth, giving you even more options to connect. 
  • Ready to conduct a quick Google hangout? Then start one in seconds with the quick button to the built-in camera! 
  • And the price? Starting at only $249, you could have two Chromebooks for the price of the leading tablet. 

Check out how thin the Samsung Chrome is next to my smartphone. (No judgement on the chipped equipment!)

However, it’s the machine that keeps on giving, too! 

 As part of Google’s interface, it also means that in addition to all the standard apps automatically in your Google account, you can add more apps to create your custom Google portal. And if you work off more than one machine like I do, it’s wonderful to be able to access all your files and everything without investing in an FTP or duplicating files in another system. Your files are updated in real-time, and if you are sharing documents with others, you don’t have to have all the other programs to update thanks to Google Drive. And Google Print, is nothing short of genius! 

Photo courtesy of Staples.com

One of the other great things about this low-cost laptop are the added goodies like more Google Drive space, a free trial of Google Play and even 12 free Gogo in-air internet passes to use when you are traveling!

 So with all the benefits of the Samsung Chromebook, it’s like a dream-come-true for those of us that are looking for a portable computer option that’s easy to use, can run tons of apps and access programs, and of course, fits into our price range. 

 And as the story goes, the girl lived happily ever after. 

Graphic courtesy of Staples.com

Create your own computer fairy tale by getting your Samsung Chromebook at Staples, where they make things easy. By purchasing at Staples, you can get free shipping as well as 5% back when you are a Staples Rewards Member.

Wouldn’t a Chromebook make your life a little bit easier? 



The Best Places to Find + Post Garage Sales

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To-Do Thursdays:

 Last weekend the rain convinced me to face up to a task that had been looming for a long, long time. 


I finally had to clean out my kids’ rooms. 

My youngest was getting ready for potting training so she was ready to move up to a big-girl bed and the oldest recently announced to me that it was time to move out the Thomas the Tank Engine and bring out the Legos. (There were tears when he told me.) 

 But to be honest, there was a lot more to do than that. I needed to pull out those old toys, clothes, shoes and whatever else that we had finally outgrown and send them to storage. You see I hadn’t gotten rid of anything from either of kids since they were born. (Shame, right?) 

 So before people started to make a call to the show Hoarders, I moved out the old stuff and put them in storage with all the other stuff we were holding on to. Except this time, I couldn’t close the door. And there wasn’t enough Rubbermaid to organize all this craziness. I needed to make like a cheerleader and purge (just kidding.) 

 And since all the junk was a big eye sore each time I walked by, I needed to rid my house of the crap quickly (especially before I began to think about keeping that “one” outfit that would without a doubt turn into 20.) 

 Considering there was that much stuff, everything pointed to the idea that I needed to host a garage sale. But since I don’t go to garage sales and the only one I ever had made like $20, I went on a mad search for how the age of technology had changed garage sales. 

Seven online sites you can find (and post) a garage sale in your area:

  1. Craigslist.org
  2. Yardsalesearch.com
  3. Gsalr.com (this one even has a cool app that maps your garage sales!)
  4. Yardsales.net
  5. Atgaragesale.com
  6. Online Private Facebook groups (you may have to research these, but they are controlled groups on Facebook that keep the “Craiglist experience” more local.)
  7. And don’t forget to look at your local newspaper. (Many of them offer really cheap online ads for garage sale listings that can be both print and online!) 

Good to Know: 
I also needed to add that BEFORE having a garage sale, make sure you check your city’s rules on hosting a garage sale. Some request a permit, some don’t and there may be other rules for signage, ordinances, etc. For instance in Arlington, Texas, we have all kinds of rules on garage sales like where we can post a sign and that you can only host a sale no more than twice a year. 

AND of course, if you are looking for GIRLS & BOYS BABY/KIDS CLOTHES,FURNITURE AND TOYS for ages 0-4, then come on out to see me on Saturday! 

Family Movie Night Happens With Netflix

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Try-it Tuesdays:

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NETFLIX. However, all the comments here are my own.

When I was a kid I waited all week long until Saturday mornings so I could get my cartoon fix.

Now fast forward to today: my kids never have to wait for cartoons to come on one day away because NETFLIX gives them the accessibility to watch what they want, when they want. All mama has to do is turn them on whatever device makes sense like my iPad, computer and of course, the TV. Gotta love streaming video, right? All I have to do is hit up the dedicated kids section (designed by Common Sense Media for kids ages 2- 12) on NETFLIX and press play.



Happy kids means a happy mama.

In the mornings to get the kids ready for school they request always ask for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Road Rally. When they get home and we have snack time, it’s always a little Jake and the Never Land Pirates for both of little sweeties. The four-year-old boy dominates the watching choices for both of them – at least until the 20-month girl can talk. And then it’s all over! Until then she seems to enjoy Cars Toons: Mater’s Tall Takes although her brother “lets her watch” Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue – even though I know he secretly likes it, too!

But the favorite show of both of them is without a doubt Thomas & Friends: Go Go Thomas. We are definitely a “Thomas” family since everything from my son’s room, all his toys, even his lunch box are all Thomas. So no doubt we treat Thomas like a special occasion everytime we watch it. His presence on the screen is like Friday night at the movies. And until my kids get a little older, Netflix makes it possible to have Family Movie Night without paying an arm and a leg. And of course, begin the movie at 6 pm so we can still make bedtime AND bathroom breaks WITHOUT missing the movie! 

 What are you watching on TV with your family? Netflix has family favorites from Disney, Disney Jr., Hasbro, Cartoon Network and Dreamworks that are available to stream anytime, anywhere.


 And streaming is easier than you think! Download the free app on your iPad, click on the Netflix app on any gaming device, go to the website on your computer – and you’re in business. Check it out here!

 This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NETFLIX.

This article also posted on Star-Telegram.com/Moms.

Tasty Treats from my iPhone {Food Porn}

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Food Fridays:

One of the great parts of my job is working with food – a lot. 

And once a year I’m privileged to promote one of the best Dallas food events – Taste Addison. So as I gear up for a 3-day weekend of more than 70 restaurants making more than 300 entrees for more than 75,000 people in Addison Circle Park, I thought I’d share what the last couple of days worth of Iphone photos revealed as I revved up for Taste Addison. 

I’m a lucky girl, right? If spending some up-close-and-personal food space with the likes of Kent Rathbun, Tre Wilcox, Lan Nickens, Bob Stephenson and some of the most educated folks on BBQ across the country from Dickeys, then consider me your golden girl! 

A little disclaimer: a few of these photos are also from the other-food minded things I’ve been up to this week including Keller’s FnG Eats new menu items, a get -together with my blogging buddies, a case of tea delivered for a review AND a coping mechanism for one of my more stressful days.

Yes, I like food. And apparently drinks too. And if you do, you should come out to Taste Addison. (A PR girl’s work is never done.) 


Do you like food ? Then make sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest. I take lots of foodporn. I mean a lot. 

And come see me this weekend. Come hungry.

Taste Addison 
May 17-19, 2013
Addison Circle Park


To-Do: Iphone Dieting, Gluten-Free Baking and Soup Fairies for the NTFB

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To-Do Thursday: 

This weekend I was hoping to enjoy the weather…however, since today is supposed to be sensational and then starting tonight it all goes to crap again, I’ve decided to enjoy the weather today!

 And…I’ve decided to surprise my kids and take them somewhere they will love. Interested in our journey? Then follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see where we end up!

 However, if you can’t enjoy the weather either or are looking for something else to do in DFW, let me make some suggestions (for this weekend or to get your tickets NOW!) 

 This Weekend:


Does your child have Celiac Disease or do you have a family history of diabetes or looking to lose weight? Baking instructor and best-selling author Peter Reinhart offers a new take on gluten-free baking for four nights at local Central Market locations. 

Schedule for the Future: 
Every little boy and girl (and their mother) dreams about to be a princess or a warrior and now it is possible with Enchanted Fairies studios and the 2014 Enchanted Fairies Calendar and a donation to the North Texas Food Bank.
Buy Your Tickets:
One of my favorite annual charity events in Dallas and Fort Worth is Empty Bowls! The unique event is a fantastic fundraiser for each area’s food banks, North Texas Food Bank in Dallas and Tarrant Area Food Bank in Fort Worth. With admission, patrons are invited enjoy any of the soups, breads and desserts provided by several of your favorite local restaurants and go home with a hand crafted bowl created by an area artisan. 

A part of my “Empty Bowls” collection from over the years! Don’t miss this one!
In Your Downtime: 
Are you on a diet like everyone else is this month? Since I’m all about SHREDDING the weight, I’m craving everything I’m NOT supposed to be eating like pizza, cake balls and Chinese food. So in efforts to satisfy my urges without caving, here’s this fabulous list of fun food apps made for kids, but will keep you (and your waistline) happy.

It Hurt Me (Good) to the Core {Free Fab Ab Video}

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Try-It Tuesday:

Every mom, except maybe Heidi Klum, has to work to get her abs back after giving birth.

Too bad in my case, I’m still looking to get some in the first place.

Bellybands, girdles and Spanx are very useful in creating optical illusions, but when it comes down to it, nothing beats working out that core section to create those coveted Jennifer Aniston abs.

Unfortunately, while practice does make perfect, it is hard to pony up to a pilates class because when you hear “100,” you think it means it’s a sponsored Nabisco snack time. (That’s another story.)

Thankfully, Jill Miller has created a solution that helps you build-up those abs layer-by-layer to help you overcome core and abdominal weakeness caused by underuse, injury and scar tissue (i.e. babies.) Through  her seven sequences that can be completed at home in no matter what shape you’re in, she works to create a strong, flexible and balanced core with her newest video in her Yoga Tune-Up series, Coregeous (yep, say “goregeous” with a “c.”)



While I won’t be sharing my first experience working through the video, I can definitely admit – my abs have been worked in ways I never thought possible. After being in bed due to illness, I need a lot of help. And if I can get up off the floor tomorrow, I’ll be doing this again and again…(How else am I going to make Ryan Gosling mistakenly call me Eva?)

FREE ALERT: Wondering if this is for you? Jill’s really nice and has some free videos for you to check out online.


Coregeous with Jill Miller
$14-$19 

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Five Free Christmas Apps to Entertain Them (and Save You)

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Sharing Saturdays:

For all of you that will be traveling like our family this holiday, cartime togetherness may be wonderful one minute and whoa-is-me another. While talking and sharing time together may be a more positive option, sometimes it’s ok just to turn around and hand them your Iphone. So prepare yourself just in case with these 5 free apps to entertain your kids and save your sanity this holiday season!

Hungry Santa
Fatten up Santa before Christmas. Tilt the device to move Santa’s mouth under falling treats, but watch out for the healthy broccoli. Santa gets fatter and fatter as he chomps on all the goodies. Give him some fatty bonuses by bouncing the treats off his belly before he eats them, or eating long strings of treats all in a row. Go for the elusive “Crazy Chomp” bonus. You can’t play this one without laughing out loud.



Gingerbread Crazy Chef Cookie Maker
The tradition of leaving cookies for Santa has never been as fun and no-fuss as this. Gingerbread Crazy Chef is an innovative app that kids and parents can use together to create the most colorful, playful and crazy holiday cookies to leave for the Jolly Old Elf on Christmas Eve. Choose the shape, mix the ingredients and make “digital cookies” for Santa. Best of all? No mess and no clean-up! Great for kids, families and parents with children.



Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift
From the creators of Cut the Rope, comes the Special Holiday Gift game, which combines all the outstanding physics, devilishly tricky levels, and bright colorful visuals of the original — with a festive winter feel. SHAKE your iPhone for a special surprise! Swipe your finger to cut the ropes and feed Om Nom candy. Don’t forget to collect stars as you play. Think before you cut, and be sure to avoid spiders, spikes and other obstacles … getting that candy to Om Nom won’t be easy!




Santa’s Village
The perfect game for the whole family. Help Santa by building a bigger and better village, and save Christmas from being ruined by the Grumpkins. Start by building homes for Santa’s elves, create a toy factory and make lots of toys, teach reindeer how to fly, and meet magical neighbors like Yobo the Yeti. Unlock special buildings and colorful decorations to make your village even merrier.



Snowman Maker Plus
The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful … and since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Yes, you can sit by the fire AND build an adorable, realistic looking snowman when you play Snowman Maker.




Last-minute Gifts for Your Tech Tot, Teen or In-Between

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Tech Tuesdays:


It’s hard to imagine this time next week, all the work you’ve taken to carefully select the right item for the right person and then wrap it up beautifully under the Christmas tree will be sitting in a pile of trash after Christmas morning. However, like many people I know the tree is still bare and last-minute shopping is in high gear as those not done (or started) with their list clamor for the shopping centers or online in hopes to have something in hand when they show up for Christmas. 

To make things a little easier for finding the right thing for that special person on your list, I’ve put together a few last-minute items that can still be found online or on shelves for the kiddo with the avid imagination, the bigger kid thill-seeker or the next Van Gogh. While developed with kids in mind, some of these are cool enough your “big kids” (or even mom and dad) will want to get their hands on them. And like many gifts now available, each one has a tech capability, so everyone can share their fun and imagination when you attach it to your computer. 


For the Adventurer (in the making with an avid imagination):

NERF Nightvision Camcorder, Ages 5-9
I was so excited with this camcorder, I almost had to wrap it up and put my name on it. NERF has combined the world of toys and technology to create the perfect gift with a night-vision camcorder that not only allows you to see up to 50 feet in the dark, but records video with 4x magnification. Best of all, you can store those magic adventures with the SD memory card slot or with the USB port to plug into your family computer. Known of its durability, the Nerf Nightvision Camcorder includes a carry strap, removable lens cover and several button options to capture his/her latest adventure.

At just about one 1 lb., your little one can pick it up, but your big kids will be grabbing for NERF Nightvision Camcorder, especially on Christmas Eve to spot Santa in the act. (Perhaps this is what Santa should be bringing instead.)

SRP: $89.99 – Toys “R” Us, on sale for around $75 at Amazon.com
For the Thrill Seeker – skateboarder, snow ski enthusiast, biker:

Action Shot Camera, Ages 8 and above
Next to a helmet, this is the second thing your thrill-seeker should have – the Action Shot Camera. With the ‘Click & Grip’ mounting system, mount this small camera onto helmets, bike handlebars, skateboards and more and to record those “wow moments” they’ll want to share less with you and more with their friends. Includes a helmet mount, adhesive mount, protective or mounting case, USB connection and editing software is included with the camera as well as 128MB of on-board memory, MicroSD card slot to add more memory. With the digital capabilities of video – VGA resolution (640×480) at 30 frames per second, QVGA resolution (320×240) at 60 frames per second, photos- 640×380 resolution.  In a nutshell, they can get some great shots, but they won’t necessarily be able to display them on ESPN.

Thankfully, now with the Action Shot Camera they won’t try to use their smart phone and use both hands on the adrenaline-rush of the day.

For the Illustrator, Artist or Photography Nut:



EasyPen i405XE, KYA, Ages 12 and above
Another item that this mom was reluctant to wrap up and put under the tree for someone else is the EasyPen i405XE from Genius Tablet.  Ideal for anyone already with an artistic inclination and a computer, this plug-and-play digital art studio allows artists and photography nuts to create their own drawings and add their own creative touches to existing pictures with the ease of a cordless pen. The tablet attachment includes a wide selection of brushes, paints, pens and paper textures to allow the user to add unique touches to photos, scrapbooks, paintings, etc. and includes Corel Painter Essentials 4, one of the leading graphic software on the market today. 

The only limitations of the Genius Tablet is what can be created by the person holding the cordless pen.


If you’re still looking for the RIGHT present for the right person, make sure to take a look at my HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!


DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Hey, Go Elf Yourself (and how my family does it rap-style!)

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Tech Tuesdays:

You know you’ve done it or at least thought about it.
Yes, everybody does. Elfing yourself! (tee-hee!)
But this year, this holiday pastime has gotten bigger. Much bigger. And the kids are invited to play along with their own version – all year long.
Yes, ElfYourself.com, the most popular FREE holiday eGreeting from OfficeMax.com, with more than 470 million customized elf eGreetings during the past six holiday seasons, is back to turn everyone into dancing Santa’s helpers.  New this year, everyone who “elfs” themselves at ElfYourself receives a FREE year-at-a-view calendar featuring their “elfed” photos. Simply upload your photos, click “Let’s Dance” and select the “Get Calendar” link. The site will generate an exclusive promo code that can be redeemed for a custom ElfYourself Calendar at your nearest OfficeMax store. (Calendars retail for $6.99 and are limited to one per customer.)

But that’s not all folks… the guys at OfficeMax.com keep spreading holiday cheer by allowing you to share your custom eGreetings via email, Facebook, Twitter or by embedding it on websites. Or even better, you can get your 60-seconds of “Elf” Fame by participating in a new real-time holiday experience at ElfYourself Live, a dedicated channel featured on YouNow.com where your one-minute video is broadcasted online in front of a live global audience.

The brains behind those JibJab personalized greeting cards, such as Elf Yourself, are now letting your kids star in their own animated bedtime story books.  It’s a free iPad app that enables parents to create personalized, animated eBooks that include your child’s name and face in the stories Called “Starring You StoryBooks”.   

You can choose from one of many different kids’ books (with one free to start). The next step is to import your child’s face so it’s superimposed on the main character. You can take a photo using your device or select one from your photo gallery. Now you’re ready to flip through the storybook. The main character – which now has your child’s face – will walk, run, swim, cartwheel and dance around the pages. You can check out the StoryBots here —>http://www.storybots.com.  

I’m pretty sure my kid asks everyday to read HIS StoryBotsbook. He loves it and you will too!

Have fun and of course, “Go Elf Yourself!”

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