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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Twerking is OUT…Torqing is IN at FlyWheel Plano

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When it comes to working out, running just doesn’t cut it. However, there’s nothing more adrenaline-pumping for me than a spin class. 


I’ve done the spin circuit checking out all that DFW has and one that I keep reeling about is Flywheel. With two locations in DFW (Highland Park and Plano), this high-energy, upscale calorie-burning indoor cycling studio is exactly what this busy gal needs; a fun way to burn fat (oh, and it does), with awesome music that keeps me coming back for more. And for the tech-junkie in me, I can even log in to my account after class to see really what kind of work I had done during my ride. I mean how fascinating is that?

But now the experience has only gotten better with the addition of FlyBarre. Plano will be the first facility in Texas to implement FlyBarre, a total body sculpting class that blends the best of light weight training, dance, and core strengthening exercises. Unlike typical barre classes, FlyBarre incorporates more cardio with pulsating movements for a better and more effective workout. 

Photo credit: Flywheel Texas

That’s right – now you can work your legs, your tush and all those other places you don’t like to look at, with systematic movements that work each muscle group until you look like that photo of Jennifer Aniston you keep pinned on your board as motivation. And of course, in true Flywheel style, there’s awesome music to accompany the workout personally selected by the instructor. 

Photo credit: Flywheel Texas

Always keeping it fresh and fun this October, Flywheel will be presenting theme rides featuring favorite movies. So Disney fans should rejoice this Thursday, Oct. 4 for a Disney-inspired class at 6:30 PM. (Stay connected on their Facebook for all their movie themed rides this month.)


So are you ready to “Be Their Guest?” Then go ahead and get ready to fly like Peter Pan – especially since your first class is free at Flywheel. 

Flywheel Dallas
4252 Oaklawn Avenue
Dallas, TX 75219

5964 W Parker Rd., Suite 100
Plano, TX 75093

Flywheel Texas website 


Mother-Daughter Day at Daired’s Spa & Salon

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Disclaimer

This week’s Try-it Tuesday isn’t anything fitness this time, but I can promise the stylist that the fingers that had to do my hair got a real workout.


When you Google “Texas Big Hair,” it’s my headshot that comes up…we’ll maybe not on the front page, but believe me I have a big ole head of crazy hair. It’s coarse, curly and long – and when I blowdry it, I resemble something off a Tina Turner video. Needless to say, after 30 something years, finding someone to cut my hair isn’t always easy. 

Then I had my beautiful baby girl. While she looks a lot like her mama (God, bless her), she has her own big crazy hair to handle, although it’s actually very little like mine. She has the brown curls, but the similarities stop there. She has soft, fine hair with a daddy-gave-me-this hairline I have yet to figure out how to style. So most the time her hair is a little bit of a crazy mess and it’s definitely needed some trimming or something or someone to give me a little guidance on what to do with it. 

So with an upcoming appearance on TV and limited time to fit just one more thing in, I called Daireds Salon and Spa Pangea in Arlington. I was actually very surprised they actually accepted kids into a salon like Daireds…especially when you look at their services lists for salon, spa, cafe and boutique. But they gladly scheduled us both.

Sweet goodness, we’ll see how it goes. 

In my past life, I was privy to get the opportunity to enjoy some of the best spas in Vegas. And while Dallas is full of day spas, very few of them even begin to equal up the experience you get in LV. However, entering Daireds you definitely get a “posh spa” feeling – without the snob appeal. It’s interiors are beautiful, colorful and keep your eye wondering while you wait for your turn to hit the chair. I love the fountains both indoors and out. 

I had been prepared to have Taylor’s cut and then mine so I could assist with a two-year’s hair cut. Much to my surprise we had separate stylists and my little girl immediately aged 10 years as she was brought to the chair, put on a smock and began her first big-girl hair cut. Her stylist was awesome and dealt with all the stress from both mom and baby girl perfectly. Taylor actually wanted to go with her instead of mam. Unfortunately, I was getting my hair done, so the pictures aren’t so great, but you can see her sitting just like a little princess. I could already tell this would be the first of many experiences with us two gals. 

My stylist, George, had asked what I wanted to do with my hair, so of course, I responded with what any normal girl would say, “Make me look like Eva Mendes so Ryan Gosling will fall in love with me.” While he couldn’t take off the weight around my mid-section, he did take off the weight on my hair and gave it some life. I had bounce and style. And while I don’t look like Eva Mendes, I do resemble one of her commercials with all the hair-flipping I’ve been doing lately. So I guess that counts.
While I wouldn’t never want to call Daired’s a family salon and spa, there are definitely opportunities when you can bring in your kiddo for a hair cut or a special day and expect both of you to enjoy it. I had planned to keep her under control so I had reinforcements like goldfish crackers, juice and toys to keep her happy – at least until I snagged her a fresh chocolate chip cookie from the in-house cafe!

Now don’t think I’m about to start having baby girl for massages or facials any time soon, but it was nice to think that if the occasion presented itself, I have a place to bring her. Until then, mama will continue to check out the services like massages, nails or facials, until its her time to drive herself on over and make her own appointments (which could be anytime with this girl.)

Daired’s Salon & Spa Pangea
2400 West Interstate 20
Arlington, Texas 76017
(817) 465-9797 or metro (817) 467-9991
Website

You Spin Me Right Round, Baby with Terlingo Cycle

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Try-it Tuesdays:

Disclaimer: I was invited to experience Terlingo Cycle for a free class for purposes of this review. All comments shared here are my own. 

I haven’t done a Try-it Tuesday in quite a while since I have been on my Gladiator quest, so I’m excited I was able to amp it up this week with a new workout experience in Dallas. 



One Saturday AM, about six years ago, I borrowed my old man’s spin shoes and showed up to a class to see what all the buzz was about with spinning. Since I hated biking, I figured this spinning was going to be even worse since it was biking AND we weren’t going anywhere.

Oh, I was hooked from the get go. Now after visiting four distinctive spin styles, I can honestly say that just because they all have bikes and play music, they aren’t all the same. This is certainly the case with Terlingo Cycle, the new cycle studio led by celebrity-fitness guru/cycle teacher to Dallas’ elite, John Terlingo.



Described as “delivering a spiritual cardio party, where the lights are dimmed and music is pumping,” TGO is exactly that. Certainly targeting the young, beautiful and social set of Big D, driving up to the studio, the parking looked like a lot for a luxury car lot with Mercedes, BMWs and Land Rovers. Once in the white walls of the 2,200-square-foot-space (which are still in the middle of construction), I quickly dropped my bag in the cubes, put on my shoes (TGO will provide those in the future), and jumped on a 31 state-of-the-art 2013 A.C. Performance Plus Schwinn bike (state-of-the-art, people) on the back row. Soon the lights went down and the service began.


For the next 45 minutes in only the intimate flicker of the candlelight, the packed room of 30+ spinners worked to reach the recommended RPMs by our spiritual fitness leader, John. Our musical journey traveled us from Jay-Z and JT’s “Holygrail” all the way to Diana Ross and Lionel Richie’s “Endless Love.” While my playlist sit much heavier on the hip-hop or hard-rock side of things when I workout, I did find myself belting out a little Elton John (one of my absolute favorites) aloud while we coasted through our upper body arm workout.

Like visiting a friend’s church on Sunday morning, I enjoyed my experience and definitely got something from my visit, but I still prefer my own place of spin-workout worship. However, in the words of Dolly Parton in Steel Magnolias,” …God doesn’t care where you go as long as you show up.”



Terlingo Cycle
3105 Reagan St. (Lemmon
Dallas, Texas 75219
214.520.RIDE
www.terlingocycle.com

Mama Challenge on TV: Texas Dishes Put to the Pinterest Test on Good Morning Texas 9/3/13 {Recipes}

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Try-it Tuesday:


I’m putting John Wayne and some other Texas-themed Pinterest recipes to test again on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas! if you are coming to MamaChallenge.com for the first time because you saw me on TV, then I’m so excited to have here! I hope you stay a while and enjoy some of my other fun posts including my challenges for the newest fitness fads, local restaurants and cool products. 

Looking for those recipe fixes? then check them out below. While I didn’t come up with these recipes, I have added a few tips to make them even better. (Well except for the Corn Nuggets, they needed a little bit more help!)

John Wayne Casserole 
Source: Adapted from Mississippi Magazine 

Ingredients: 
2 pounds ground beef, cooked and drained 
1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning 
4 ounces sour cream 
4 ounces mayonnaise 
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided 
1 yellow onion, sliced 
2 cups biscuit mix 2 tomatoes, sliced 
1 green bell pepper, sliced 
1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeno peppers
Directions: 
1. Heat oven to 325. Brown ground beef and add taco seasoning and water, according to packet instructions; set aside. 
2. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of cheddar cheese, and half of the onions; set aside. 
3. Stir biscuit mix and water (directions on box) [MamaChallenge Tip: This is about one cup. I couldn’t find any directions on my box of biscuit mix!] to form soft dough. Pat dough on the bottom and one-half-inch up the sides of an 9 x 13 in. greased casserole dish. 
4. Saute remaining onions and bell peppers until slightly tender. 
5. On top of biscuit mix, evenly distribute ingredients in the following order: ground beef, tomato slices, green peppers, onions, jalapeno peppers, sour cream mixture and end with remaining shredded cheese. 
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until edges of dough are lightly browned.

Texas Corn Nuggets
Ingredients:
1 (11 ounce) can creamed corn
1 (11 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg white
2 tablespoons milk
salt and pepper to taste
3 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, stir together the creamed corn and drained whole kernel corn. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and coat with vegetable oil or cooking spray. [Mama Challenge Tip: Add about 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs to make the batter less runny.]
2.  Drop spoonfuls of the corn mixture onto the sheet, and freeze until firm, about 3 hours. [Mama Challenge Tip: Don’t use a cookie sheet, use a mini-muffin tin. Otherwise the batter will become a big sheet of corn instead of nuggets.]
3. Heat one inch of oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) in a large deep skillet, or fill a deep-fryer with oil as directed by the manufacturer.
4.  Mix together the cornmeal, flour, egg white, milk, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. [Mama Challenge Tip: Mix the cornmeal, flour, salt and pepper in one bowl to make a dry bath. In another bowl mix the egg white and milk together for a wet bath. Then dip the frozen nuggest in the dry bath, the wet bath and then the dry bath again.] Dip frozen corn nuggets in the batter, and quickly fry in hot oil until golden brown. Remove to paper towels to drain. 
Serve with a chipotle ranch dressing like this recipe or pick up one at the store!

Texas Caviar
Ingredients:
two cans of black beans, rinsed
one can of corn, drained
eight smaller roma tomatoes
half of one onion
half of a pepper
half cup of sour cream
fourth of a cup of mayo
two tablespoons of red wine vinegar
one teaspoon of cumin
one teaspoon of chili powder
half a teaspoon of salt
fourth teaspoon of garlic
black pepper to taste
hot sauce/jalepeño (optional)
Directions: 
1. Chop the onions, peppers and tomatoes in tiny pieces. (think: the same size as the corn and beans.)
mix all the vegetables, beans and corn and place in the fridge.
2. In another bowl mix sour cream, mayo, vinegar, seasonings, and hot sauce until smooth and blended. get the salsa out of the fridge and add the sauce.
3. Stir until it’s all blended.
4. Serve with tortilla chips or other munchies and enjoy!

Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter to get the 
solutions and tips for your mama challenges! 

Does Camp Gladiator Really Make You a Gladiator?

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I received one complimentary one-month Camp Gladiator for the purposes of this review. However, all the views and comments expressed are my own.  About a month ago I accepted the mama challenge to participate in one month of Camp Gladiator. I didn’t know what to expect and to tell you the truth I was scared I couldn’t hang with the group – especially since I’m not the most coordinated individual to begin with plus my “extra luggage” probably didn’t help the cause either. However, my true desire to be a healthier person for me and a healthier example for my kids was enough reason three days a week to set my alarm clock for 4:40 am and make it to the 5:15 class. 

And boys and girls, I’m not a morning person. But thankfully from good music (a fundamental must for me), interesting routines, and a great attitude from my trainer, it gave me the incentive to see it through. I was pretty skeptic that much could happen in the 12 camp sessions I attended during the 30 days, but at least it could get me into a very much needed routine of getting up early and working out (which is the only time I have available to exercise even though there are CG times available all day and all over DFW.) So every day I got up, sweat my ass off and got stronger.  The recommended CG plan includes meal recommendations as well as additional cardio days for campers to complete on their own time for achieveing maximum results. While I tried to maintain a moderately healthy diet plan, it wasn’t as stringent as it could be. Additionally, my only additional cardio was my awesome Friday Spin Cycle class at my local YMCA.  Needless, to say, I wasn’t doing myself any favors. But at least I was getting up and going.  So after one month it was time to compare my first day’s measurements with my Day 30 measurements. I’ll admit, I was nervous, but there was nothing I could change at this point except to continue to do what I was doing or do even more. No matter what. So the big reveal begins: 

Arms:        Lost .5 inch
Chest:       Lost 2 inches
Waist:       Lost 1 inch
Hips:         Lost .25 inches
Thighs:      Lost 1 inch

I was pretty excited, but can you imagine what could happen if I stepped it up a little for another month?  Luckily for you this month Camp Gladiator is celebrating its 5th year of changing lives and 500 camp. So to share in the fun, they are offering MAMA CHALLENGE READERS their normal $95 camp for only $50. That’s a pretty good deal when you compare it to any other fitness plan you can sign up for (believe me, I know because I have done many of them.) Just make sure you write down: Autumn Reo in your referral! 


I’m signed up for my second camp and I’d love for you to join me. Especially since I just decided to add another two extra days onto my schedule for five full days of Camp Gladiator. And I can’t wait to share those results with you then too! If it is your first camp, make sure you read up on 10 great tips for making the most of your first Camp Gladiator! 

Disaster Diaper Diaries: How Huggies Slip-Ons Saved Us + $25 Target Giftcard {Giveaway}

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Try-it Tuesdays:

 Disclaimer: This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Huggies, but all my opinions are my own. #HuggiesSlipOn #pmedia http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

 It was one of those days that I woke up thinking, it might be a great day. The house was clean, I had a warm shower all by myself and I actually wasn’t dreading anything in the next eight hours. I could hear a little Mary Chapin Carpenter singing, “I Feel Lucky” in my head.  


Then I went upstairs. 

 I had spoken too soon. 

 My daughter had done her business. Then she peeled the tabs off her diaper and ripped it off. 

 And then proceeded to use my carpeted staircase as her personal roll of Quilted Northern. 

 I was devasted. Maybe because I had just gotten the carpets cleaned. Maybe because I had just taken a shower and I didn’t want to get dirty. Or maybe it’s because poop all over my almost-white carpet is just gross. 

While cleaning it all up was my next step, I had to figure out what I was going to do to make sure this wasn’t going to happen again. NEVER. EVER. AGAIN.


Then like a little Diaper Fairy Godmother, Huggies Slip-On diapers came in to my life. 

What’s so different about Huggies Slip-Ons? 

This diaper has a perfectly snug fit for my busy little kiddo with stetchy sides and Stopping Guards to keep her adorable chunky thighs comfortable all while keeping all the other stuff IN her diaper. Best of all, since they are easy on and off whip these on/off easily without fighting to make her stop to change her diaper (which is helpful since she isn’t stopping and runs faster than me.)  And we’ll even be able to use them as a transition for potty training – our next messy step in toddlerhood. Lucky me. 

Then just like that — mama was able to redeem her day…for the most part. I prevented another snail trail incident from happening all over my carpet all thanks for the Huggies Slip-Ons. 

 Now I just need to work on getting the Mr. Clean Fairy to show up to help me with the carpet. 

 Are you ready to make your diaper diasters turn into diaper dreams? 

*****************************************************************
COUPON ALERT: 
You and your little one can try Huggies Slip On Diapers too 
with this special coupon from Target for $2 off! 
*****************************************************************

Now consider this your special Fairy Godmother with a giveaway for $25 Giftcard from Target so you can try your own Huggies Slip-Ons (and maybe a little something for mama, too!) 

Get Your Body into Warrior Shape with Camp Gladiator – FOR FREE

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Try-it Tuesdays:

It’s been way too long since I got out there and did a Try-it Fitness Tuesday. I could make all kinds of excuses like I’ve been sick, I’ve been busy, etc. but to get to the point: I’ve been a lazy mama and it’s time to get things going again – especially before it’s fall and those sweat pants and sweaters make it so much easy to cover up all that blubber.

Mama needed to get her rear in gear and that meant I needed something to go full-speed ahead and wouldn’t leave any prisoners (or tolerate any fat-girl whining.)

 Mama needed to a mamachallenge. And I think I’ve found it: Camp Gladiator!

Just the name says you-are-gonna-be-a-warrior-at-losing-weight-and-getting-healthy!

 Camp Gladiator is more than a fitness boot camp, it’s an experience they say. One of the fastest growing and most dynamic fitness program in the nation, Camp Gladiator is a four week, adult fitness boot camp that promises a motivating and challenging environment, where men and women of all ages and fitness levels can push themselves and hopefully be pushed too!

 Campers as we are called should expect a total body workout. A typical session could include interval training, sprint and agility drills, stations, plyometrics, body weight strength drills, cardio mix, and much more!

 In the words of RuPaul, “You Better Work!” 

 Designed to increase your functional strength, speed, stamina and, most importantly, to deliver results, Camp Gladiator works to not just be about exercise, but positive energy and connect people to who they want to be.

And since I want to be a healthier and leaner mama, I’ve enrolled for the upcoming August camp. Yep, for four weeks I’ll be going at it like a mad woman and you are going to be here to help me make it to the finish line! And you can actually get in on the fun too with a special FREE offer! (Keep reading for more details.)

So to prepare me for the challenge, here are 10 Rules to Get Me (and You) 
Ready for Camp Gladiator: 
  1. Rain-outs? Never! Every location has a covered area where camp can be held if needed due to weather. Camp Gladiator is rain or shine!
  2. Go at your own pace. Camp Gladiator is for all fitness levels. Do the best you can at camp! No one is ever holding anyone up and no one is being held up by others. Do what you can and always try your hardest. Kick your own butt!
  3. Modifications are available if needed. Ask a trainer or just keep moving on your own. The goal is to keep your heart rate up for the entire hour, so ask your trainer for an alternate exercise as needed.
  4. Stay positive! This is not an easy workout. Don’t get discouraged if you are not able to do something well. Keep working at it and keep coming to camp. Your body will adjust and you will see great improvements.
  5. Warm-up properly. Don’t go 100% unless you are fully warm. Stretch on your own before and after camp.
  6. You may attend ANY and ALL locations as much as you want!
  7. Each day is different and you might like some workouts more than others. We encourage you to continue coming to camp to experience the entire program.
  8. You always need to: be on time, sign-in, wear a nametag, and bring dumbbells, water and a mat.
  9. Always drink plenty of water! Partner good nutrition with exercise for the best results.
  10. Have FUN! Get to know other campers, be loud, encouraging and energetic! 
And now that I’m sufficiently scared and excited, I couldn’t be happier to get things moving in the right direction. 
So are you ready to get your body in gear with Camp Gladiator? They’ve got a special offer just for you! 


Try Camp Gladiator for FREE throughout the month of July! 


Camp is held at the following locations in Arlington:  
Woodland West Church of Christ – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 5:15am
Woodland West Park (Dottie Lynn) – Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm

 All you have to do is contact Amber Dean at [email protected] to get signed up for camp for the next 2 weeks!


 And make sure to follow my progress on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for my results!

What’s Got You? Find Out with My Allergy Test

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Try-it Tuesdays:

I received a free product for the purposes of the review. No compensation was provided. All the comments are my own. 

You know when the meteorologist gives you the weather report along with the pollen count that you live in a place that has allergy issues.

In Texas that’s definitely the case.  I, like many others, are totally at the mercy of allergies. Although I didn’t have them growing up, I totally have something that causes my eyes to swell, my nose to run and my head to throb. And from what I read online, there are any number of allergies that I also could have that could explain so much my complexion, vision, lack of whatever, so I thought it was time I find out what exactly I was allergic to.

Just like it sounds, I was able to prick my finger, fill up a little vial, drop it in the mail and a few days later have my results available online. All without a long test from my doctor. All the contents came in a box including the band-aid.


Each MyAllergyTest Kit includes:
  • Easy-to-read instructions and illustrations for blood sample collection
  • Virtually painless fingerstick lancets (2)
  • Plastic collection tube and straw
  • Alcohol swab and adhesive bandage
  • Information and registration cards

Easy to understand, useable test results While it did take me about 20 minutes to make sure that I was doing it right, everything was simple to understand.

I was so excited to see what my results revealed.

I was surprised to find out of the allergies the tested, I was negative for all of them. For this reason, I wasn’t  able to access the included Allergy Plan, another part of the program that comes with the box to assist you with new found allergies (in the case you have some.)


The allergies tested include:
  • Pollens
  • Timothy Grass
  • Bermuda Grass
  • Mountain Cedar (Juniper)
  • Ragweed
  • Alternaria (mold)
  • Cat Hair
  • Foods
  • Milk
  • Egg White
  • Wheat
  • Dust Mite (the most abundant allergen in house dust)
So what’s the price of this convenience you can find at your neighborhood Walmart, Walgreens or Meijer? Around $50 and about 20 minutes of your time.

I say it’s worth it to at least see if mowing the grass or cleaning the house is actually making you ill.

Hey, at least it’s enough reason to get a gardener and a housekeeper, right?

Time to UNclean: Are Your Cleaning Habits Making Your Kitchen Even Dirtier?

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Try-It Tuesdays: 

 This is a sponsored post written by me on the behalf of Bounty DuraTowel. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

When you clean up your kitchen do you use a:
A) Sponge
B) Dish Rag
C) Paper Towel

 If you said A or B, you might be in for a big surprise. Some cleaning habits may actually be making your kitchen dirtier and more harmful for your family.

 Bounty DuraTowel is challenging you to to re-examine the way you tackle your cleaning. While many moms work hard at scrubbing, organizing and wiping their way to a seemingly “cleaner” home for their family, there may still be a few messes lurking behind.

 So, how clean is the average consumer’s kitchen? The CDC estimates each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (48 million people) get sick from a foodborne illness. To help stop the spread of germs, stick with the six tips below and kitchen surfaces will soon have a few less germs hanging around.

 1. The dishcloth has a dirty little secret: One of the germiest places in the kitchen rests in the palm of your hand. A dishcloth can harbor millions of germs after just one day’s use. Don’t spread bacteria around your kitchen!

 2. The gift that keeps on giving: The E. coli bacteria can survive for days, even months on kitchen surfaces like countertops and cutting boards. Be sure to use separate cutting boards for meat, vegetables and fish and disinfect them regularly.

 3. Cut the crap: The average cutting board has 200% more fecal bacteria than the average toilet seat. That’s more than enough reason to disinfect regularly.

 4. Just nuke it? Studies show in order to keep your sponge germ-free, you have to nuke it in the microwave for at least 2 minutes after each use, which is just more work. By using a disposable paper towel like DuraTowel, the surface is left three times cleaner than a dishcloth.


The kitchen is a source of hidden germs: Did you miss a spot? According to a recent NSF International study, the Top 5 Germiest Areas in the kitchen include:

  1. Refrigerator vegetable compartment: Salmonella, Listeria, yeast & mold. 
  2. Refrigerator meat compartment: Salmonella, E. coli, yeast and mold. 
  3. Blender gasket: Salmonella, E. coli, yeast and mold. 
  4. Can opener: Salmonella, E. coli, yeast and mold. 
  5. Rubber spatula: E. coli, yeast and mold.

Health and hygiene experts agree that paper towels are the best bet for preventing the cross contamination of kitchen surfaces, particularly when it comes to reducing the bacteria left behind from food-prep and more.

“To use a paper towel to clean up messes and then to throw it away, especially on surfaces in your kitchen where you’ve been preparing food is the ideal thing to do,” said Dr. Elizabeth Scott, founder and co-director of the Simmons Center for Hygiene and Community Settings at Simmons College in Boston. “Dishcloths should be not be used for wiping up surfaces to cut down on the potential for cross contamination.”

Bounty’s newest paper towel product, DuraTowel, a cloth-like paper towel designed to replace germy dishcloths. Thick and strong, even when wet, a single sheet of Bounty DuraTowel is durable enough to tackle tough jobs like cleaning countertops, sinks and even small appliances, making it the go-to tool for spring cleaning. Thanks to its fiber-rich design, Bounty DuraTowel offers consumers a cloth-like experience without compromising on clean. Bounty DuraTowel helps leaves your kitchen surfaces cleaner than a germy dishcloth.

“Many people think that their family’s kitchen is clean after wiping up with a dishcloth, but surfaces may be hiding a dirty little secret, said Gregg Weaver, Procter & Gamble research and development engineer for Bounty. “In P&G lab demonstrations, black lights reveal that even after rinsing, used dishcloths can still harbor germs and drag them around. Grabbing a sheet of Bounty DuraTowel gives a cleaner alternative to a used dishcloth.” 

Bounty DuraTowel retails for $3.19 and is available at food and grocery as well as mass retailers nationwide. More information on DuraTowel as well as the entire Bounty product family can be found at www.bountytowels.com.

 This post also appears on the Star-Telegram’s Mom2Momdfw.com.



Pizza Can Make You Skinny? {Recipe + Offer}

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Try-it Tuesdays:

Sometimes this girl discovers the newest fitness routine, sometimes she eats the newest dish, either way she’s still trying it out for the sake of her readers, right? At least that’s what I keep telling myself. 

This time I was able to try out one of the coolest things to hit the fast-food scene in a while – Sbarro’s Skinny Slice™. 


I love that restaurants are now offering healthier options that aren’t just salads, but the things you actually want to indulge in (and pizza is ALWAYS at the top of my list.) And the”skinny” slice didn’t taste like anything was missing at all, especially with roasted red and green bell peppers, portobello mushrooms and sweet, caramelized onions topped with a sprinkling of mozzarella and pecorino romano cheeses. Did I mention that it was only 270 calories? That’s AMORE! 



Back in March I got to get my hands on a piece for a special sampling at Blissdom. I mean LITERALLY I got to put my hands on the crust and throw it in the air like real Italian style (well maybe it was a reproduction of pizza crust, but I tried.) Don’t believe me? I have the photos to prove it. 

But don’t just take my word for it, go ahead and try it yourself with this special offer from Sbarro for a free slice of the Sbarro Skinny Slice™. 
Download the coupon!

Too hungry to wait until the next time you go to Sbarro? Don’t worry, they even shared a recipe for an at-home version of the Sbarro Skinny Slice™. 

Sbarro Skinny Slice Pizza at Home
Prep Time:  20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

1          yellow onion, thinly sliced
1          tablespoon olive oil
1          package prepared pizza dough or crust
1/2       jar tomato pizza sauce (approximately 10-12 ounces)
2 1/2    cups fresh portobello mushrooms, sliced
1/4       cup roasted green bell peppers (packed in water), drain and julienne
1/4       cup red bell peppers (packed in water), drain and julienne
1          cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1          tablespoon grated Pecorino Romano cheese
To caramelize onions, sauté in a pan with olive oil over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly browned.  Do not burn.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Roll out pizza dough on a 17-inch round pizza stone.
Spread tomato sauce evenly across the dough. Sprinkle mushroom pieces over the dough, and then evenly spread onions, green and red peppers. Top with cheeses.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and crispy and cheese is melted. Cool for 1 minute. Cut into 8 slices and serve.
To skip the work and find a Sbarro eatery near you, visit www.sbarro.com. 


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