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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Score this SuperBowl with Kid-Friendly Recipes with Cabot Cheese {Recipes}

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To-Do Thursdays:

This Sunday is like the big daddy of Sundays with the SuperBowl in New Orleans! So for the next few days I’ve got food and football on the brain. 

A great recipe that the kids can do themselves!

Can you say, “CHEAT DAY?” 

Actually, you don’t have to with Cabot. 

Recently, I got a special opportunity to chow down on some tasty lowfat cheese (we’re talking like 50% – 75% reduced fat) from CABOT while learning some great lowfat, kid-friendly recipes including the ones included here, Cheddar Mice and Lowfat Mac n Cheese! 


Who doesn’t like mac n cheese? Here’s a delicious lowfat recipe!

While at the event I learned some great tidbits from a chef at Central Market (so you know she’s got great tips), so I thought I’d share. 

Looking for a crusty brown topping like on mac n cheese? Spray a little cooking spray on the top before you put in the oven and you’ll good nice and crispy!

Putting things in muffin tins is all the rage…make your clean up and portions easier to control with an ice cream scoop! 

While these recipes are simple, they are great ways to make your diet tastier without the fat (or the work) with Cabot Cheese. Looking for more Super Cheesy SuperBowl Recipes, check out these recipes from Cabot! 


Score this SuperBowl with CABOTs Pin It to Win It Contest! 
10 winners randomly selected. Each will win $75 Cabot Gift Box and 1 of the winners will also win an additional $75 Gift Box to gift to a friend. 50 pinners will receive a Cabot coupon for FREE cheese.


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.”)


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.

To-Do: Do Dallas with your Sweetie with Dallas By Chocolate {Special Deal}

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To-Do Thursdays:

This weekend is MY mama’s birthday, so I’d like to share a “sweet” event in Dallas on how to spend some sweet time with your loved one (especially with a chill in the air!)

Sweeten Up Your Sweetie with Dallas Chocolate Tours This Weekend

Everyone loves chocolate (well almost everyone.) So what could be more fun than spending an afternoon Willy-Wonka style at some of the best places to eat chocolate in Dallas like Dude, Sweet Chocolate and wonderful treats at Paciugo Gelato.  Price includes private bus transportation, beverages (wine or water), samples and much more.



THIS WEEKEND ONLY:  Get $2 off per ticket if you book tickets for this Sunday, January 20! Just go to the “Book Other Tours” page here and do the “Special Tour Discount”!

Dallas By Chocolate Tours
Topics and Locations Vary
$30-$55
Price includes private bus transportation, beverages, and samples.
Looking for other events this weekend or to get on the books?

Get Hooked on Fishing and Trains, Jan. 19 in Keller and Hurst

Get Your Bump On! Expectant Family Workshop at Medical City Dallas

Go Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free with Best-Selling Author, Jan. 26-Jan. 30

Get Your (Pan)cakes and Eat Them, Too at IHOP National Pancake Day, Feb. 5


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Juvederm, Coolsculpting, Tickle Lipo, Cellulaze and Poledancing?

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To-Do Thursdays:

With all the rain that’s come down lately, it sounds like a weekend indoors with board games, Apple TV (my newest love) and lots of blankets. 

However, I am planning to put together my next adventures for January 2013. While some of them should be fun like some of the workouts I’m planning to try, I have to admit there’s an impressive list of treatments and procedures I hope to embark on in the name of facing the MamaChallenge (and hopefully some beautiful benefits.)

Do you have a suggestion of a fitness regimen or a beauty regimen I should learn more about? I’d love to hear it, so email me or comment here!



Creating the Not New, but IMPROVED YOU in 2013

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To-Do Thursdays:

It’s quite fitting that this “To-Do Thursday,” I’m putting together a plan for a new better me. (That’s like the biggest to-do, right?)


For many people, New Year’s becomes the impetus for creating resolutions to be a “New You” and unfortunately, after about 90 days, are miserably forgotten, thrown aside, etc.  

However, this year I’ve decided that I won’t set myself up failure to be a “new me,” but instead to be a better me. And maybe my little adventure will entertain, educate or maybe even help you, too. 

So over the next month, I’m planning to explore all things in the name of being a better me…


  • the newest diet plan? I’m trying it (or at least reading it)
  • the healthy recipe plan? I’m making it (I hope I can taste it if it’s edible)
  • the latest skin care product or procedure? I’m putting it on (if I can afford it) 
  • the trendiest fitness craze? I’m there! (Spandex here we go!)
Whether you are looking for real ideas or something just to make you laugh, stay tuned for “Better Me 2013!” 

What plans do you have for 2013? 

To-Do: Round Up Your Herd for NYE 2013

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To-Do Thursdays: 

I’ll be honest and tell you the only thing I feel like doing this Thursday is sitting in my warm bed with a cup of cocoa…however, the to-do list is too long to just waste a perfectly good opportunity to enjoy my kids and the holiday season. 

So here’s my picks for a few things you and your kids can do this weekend and of course, the kick-off to the new 2013 year!

Living this close to “The Rodeo Capital of Texas,” take the family out to the Mesquite Pro Rodeo Winter Classic, Dec. 28-29 for bull riding, buck riding and best of all mutton competition and calf scramble!

And while there are several different options for NYE in Big D, the biggest one of course is the Big D NYE. It’s slated to be a [free] good time for the whole family including the biggest, loudest and best fireworks, entertainment, prizes and more. 

However, while we are still trying to figure out our New Year’s plans, consider all your options available with Your Holiday Helper: Celebrate New Year’s with Adventure Kids Playcare!

For those of you planning to be homebound on this special day, I’ll be sharing some great recipes for your own NYE party. 


This Week: Holiday Tea, Trees and Toasting

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To-Do Thursdays: 

 By now the holidays are in full gear with 12 days left until the big day. If you’re like most parents I’ve talked to, there’s still lots of Christmas shopping left to do, so your weekend is already full of required holiday parties and holiday shopping. 


However, if you do have any free time to share with your family this holiday (what a thought), consider hot chocolate and some family board game fun! Don’t have a board game collection to choose from or looking for something different to play, consider these 6 must-have board games for your collection. 

But if you’re looking for something out and about, you still have a little time left to get out there and enjoy what the holidays have to offer with some festive family fun like: 

It’s Tea Time: Teddy Bear Tea at the Anatole
Light up the Holidays with: Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie
Light Up Your Holidays: Interlochen Lights in Arlington
Addison’s Vitruvian Lights
See the Largest Indoor Christmas Tree in the U.S. at Galleria Dallas
7 Tips for the Perfect Experience at ICE! at the Gaylord Texan

Still love this photo from my son’s first Christmas!

And if you’re still working on those special gifts for your colleagues at the office or girlfriends, here’s a great giftable recipe that makes you look like a pro in just a few minutes or practice Christmas brunch with this recipe from Chef Bob Stephenson for Carrot Cake French Toast.

Or you could just “Go ElfYourself!” 

Have a great one whatever you choose to do celebrate the holidays!


This Week: Tunnels, Trains and Other Holiday Things

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To-Do Thursdays:

The countdown is on as we approach less than 20 days until Christmas, so our schedule is full with Santa visits, Christmas cards and tree lightings.

If you’re looking for twinkling lights and holiday fun, check out these fun things to do:

     Garland Christmas on the Square, Dec. 6.
     
     Light up the Holidays with: Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie

     7 Tips for the Perfect Experience at ICE! at the Gaylord Texan

And there’s still other fun to be had this holiday with these events:

     Make Holiday a Home Run with Arlington’s Christkindl Market, Nov. 29 – Dec. 15

     Free Holiday Fun Has Already Begun at Galleria Dallas, now until Dec. 22

     All Aboard for Holiday Train Fun in Tarrant County


7 Tips for the Perfect Experience at ICE! at the Gaylord Texan

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Disclaimer
 
Recently, my official family event reviewer (my son) and I took a much needed mother-son adventure to travel to the Christmas Capital of the World, Grapevine, Texas for the opening of ICE! at the Gaylord Texan. (Oh, the things we do for prosperity!) Since it was our first experience, we thought we’d give you some tips on how you can have your best first experience at ICE! based on our lessons learned. 
 
 
TIP #1:
Bring Your Hats and Mittens with You to ICE! 
 
During Christmastime, there’s nothing like driving through Main Street in Grapevine to put you in the Christmas mood with all the decorated store fronts up and down the street. (And the North Pole Express is an absolute must, but that’s another day trip!) 
 
TIP #2:
Make Time to Enjoy Yourself. 
We gave ourselves the afternoon to enjoy the whole experience to the Gaylord, so we took our time driving, talking about the holidays, the exhibit and everything else holiday at the Gaylord Texan. We spent around 3-4 hours for our excursion. 
 
Pulling up to the entrance to the Gaylord Texan you can see that they are all about the Christmas details…even before you past the gates. My son was already so excited at this point I wasn’t sure he was going to be able to contain himself. 
 
TIP #3:
Parking may be an issue if you are bringing lots of little ones or the stroller. 
If you follow the signs to “ICE Parking” you will be sent to the other side of the hotel to park. There is some Convention Center parking, but it’s hard to score. My suggestion, which is what I didn’t do, VALET if you can. It will cut your walking time in half. However, remember, your parking cost (a $17 value) is included with your ticket to ICE! 
 
Here we are with the “big blue jackets” and ready to enter the freezing temperatures of ICE! (FYI, the tent that houses the 2 million pounds of ice is kept at around 12-25 degrees, so get ready for the chill.)
TIP #4:
You can take photos at ICE!
However, your camera may react different to the temperatures so take that into consideration. But take into consideration, there are several people going through the exhibit as well and sometime trying to get that perfect picture can back up traffic. Note: if you don’t want to deal with photos, you can have your photos taken and purchased at the end of the exhibit. 
 
The first room you get to includes this great welcome from the sponsors. 
Each year the theme changes at ICE, so check the website for this year’s theme!
Can you believe these colors are made just using highly concentrated
FOOD COLORING!?!
In the center of ICE!, you’ll find an amazing ice slide just for the little ones. This was perfectly timed and so much fun for a photo moment! 
 
While the exhibit has some fun and colorful scenes for the kids, I simply loved this Nativity scene. It was absolutely beautiful and certainly made you remember the reason for the season. 
 
 

Once you’ve ended the ICE! part of the fun, you can take off your jacket and enjoy a perfect moment for hot chocolate and a sweet snack. We opted for two gingerbread cake balls and cocoa, but these Madagascar-themed chocolate rice crispy treats were a hot item. Just think of it like that mandatory food stop you make at Six Flags. Don’t think about the cost; just pay for it and take a little moment to appreciate your family and the holidays.
While the exhibit was fun, the SNOW Tubing was the ultimate experience for us. And best of all, we could do it together with family tubes (how else do you think I got this shot!) While this is a separate ticket than ICE! you cannot NOT do this. It’s just too mean to do that and too much fun. And best of all, you get to do it like 10 times with your ticket so it’s worth it.

TIP #6:
You’ll need some muscle.


While there is help to put you on the slide, you are in charge of carrying your tube to the top of the slide. The double tube was rather heavy and cumbersome to carry, so it’s not for the faint of heart. When we switch to just having my son ride with a small tube, he could hold it, but it was a chore. Basically, there’s not much to say here except be prepared and you might have to do some hauling. 

A trip to the Gaylord’s Gingerbread House/Candy Store was a great way to end our adventure. We grabbed some fun holiday candy for the rest of our family and then ventured on our way home. ICE! was a great way to kick off the holidays!

TIP #7:
Enjoy Yourself. It’s Christmas! 

Of course there’s a whole lot more to do at the Gaylord Texan during the holidays, so make sure you look at all the other fun activities like Gingerbread House Making and more!

ICE! at the Gaylord Texan
Gaylord Texan Hotel 
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051
817-778-2000
Website

Thanksgiving: Did You Know?

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To NOT Do Thursdays:

It’s Thanksgiving, so that’s the to do this Thursday (and of course, online shop!) 
So today I’m thankful to Caloriecount.com for this great set of stats about Turkey Day, so I can enjoy mine. (Now do yourself a favor and wait to read these AFTER you eat.)

Thank you so much for following mamachallenge.com!

Now go spend some time just not doing anything…(now that’s a challenge!)


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