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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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Should You Go To SXSW? 4 Tips for a Successful SXSW

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March 31, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

If you’re reading this post you probably fall into only one of two categories: you are excited to learn why you should or shouldn’t go to SXSWi OR you are wondering if SXSW is the newest version of P90X. Honestly, you might not know what either one is, but when it comes down to the conference for all things digital, music and more, it comes all down to SXSW or what’s more formerly known as South by Southwest or the conference goers as “South By.”

As the big daddy of conferences especially in the music world and now the technology environment too, SXSW, I’ve always wanted to attend. Thankfully, I was asked to be an ambassador for Pfister, so I had the opportunity to travel to Austin for three days to Austin with my blog friend from Milk and Cuddles to explore SXSW together.

My one word to describe SXSW? Overwhelming.

But overwhelming doesn’t necessarily mean something negative, it’s just a lot to take in. However, with a few points of advice, you can figure out if SXSW is for you, what to expect and how to get the most out of it.

Four Tips for a Successful SXSW Experience

1.  Book:
Hotels for SXSW open as early as fall for the following year. I’d highly suggest you book one close and realize it’s going to be costly. Since I didn’t decide to go until February, I was stuck with some expensive, yet crappy choice for hotels. While it was only three miles away, each day I had to deal with a little traffic, I did have to plan my parking strategy. Many nearby lots offer parking at $25 for just the day, so I would have to have my evening plans scheduled in advance or I might have a ticket waiting for me or a car not waiting for me. However, having a hotel downtown would have made things easier if it’s within walking distance of the Austin Convention Center. 

2. Bring:
Charge cords for all those smart devices, cameras, and computers are a must. While I picked up two freebie ones at SXSW, that was just a lucky circumstance. Remember, there are stations as well in the lounges (see below), but if you plan to tweet a session and the phone starts to go low 30 minutes in, I’m telling you that you aren’t finding a cord. (For other helpful things to bring, check out this post on “Last-Minute Must-Pack Items for SXSW.“)
3. Schedule:
With more than 70,000 at this conference and hundreds of topics, tradeshows and discussions you can attend, it’s impossible to attend everything you want. So you have to be choosy. I attended several sessions at SXSW and would have attended more if I hadn’t learned my first lesson early: know what session you really want to go to, make sure you are there in advance and just because it’s a few blocks away, doesn’t mean it will only take you 10 minutes to get there. My favorite session was with Dallas Mavs owner/technology genius/Shark Tanker Mark Cuban. I honestly wanted to hear a hometown hero at work and I think he represented Big D in a big way. He talked candidly and in true SXSW fashion, rolled out his new app.


4. Network:
There are social events out the wazoo at SXSW. Some are within the event, some are just in around the city. Ironically, only a few are official, so get those thumbs to working on social media looking up what’s available. There were luncheons, dinners, happy hours, tours…well anything and 99% of was free. The Austin American-Statesman had a list of events I found and so did Eventbrite. Just make sure to sign up for these too, as some of them will sell out.

As a brand representative, PR pro, and blogger, I experienced SXSW with several different points of views.  

Standouts from my SXSW included:

The Paypal Social Media Lounge was a phenomenal of creating a space for attendees that they wanted to come to repeatedly throughout the event and even enjoy difference experience. Set up as a recharging station for powering up devices, attendees also could order a handcrafted barista-made coffee, meet and greet with a book author, grab a quick snack and even grab some much needed swag at the Paypal store for free. The “store” was actually a way to try out its new online store app to purchase from brick and mortar retailers with a smartphone. While Paypal was actually giving attendees a choice of a charging adapter, umbrella, hangover kit, etc., a product representative a chance to guide the attendee through their first use of the app, making sure everyone who entered the door left with the downloaded app and branded merchandise.

While I wasn’t sure what the brand was when I walked in, I can tell you that everyone wanted to be in the Circus Maximus Lounge.  With breakfast, the best Tito’s Bloody Marys and really cute shirts, this coordinated effort between several technology brands had something going on at all times. I’m still not sure exactly all the company names or if they had any real importance for me, it made an impression.

I literally bumped (actually just stumbled) into the Samsung Loungeacross from the Austin Convention Center. Taking over a restaurant space, the Samsung lounge had experiences happening all over the place and it felt like several night clubs in the middle of the day. We had tacos, cocktails, customized juice blends based on our activity style – and everything had a Samsung touchpoint. For those with Samsung devices, attendees could trade in their battery for a new one on the spot.

Of course, the best part of SXSW is that it’s in Austin. No one doesn’t like going to Austin; it’s beautiful (except when it rains in the winter), laid back and full of fun places to eat and experience. From food trucks along Caesar Chavez to rolling down South Congress (SoCo), there are tons of places you can eat.

Places to eat in Austin: I enjoyed the food trucks including this crazy hot mess of tater tots with Longanisa and Sriracha one night for Be More Pacific. Then after a day of nothing but cold rain (which also makes for a different experience in Austin all together), a creamy, rich bowl homemade Papardelle from Enoteca-Vespaio and a risotto balls to die for. I’m still getting cravings for that dish as we speak. However, no Austin experience would be complete without brunch, so the only restaurant we had reservations for was La Condesa and it was worth it. A guacamole tasting, duck fries and some amazing chorizo eggs benedict on a quinoa cake – it was pretty delicious and a wise move since there was a huge waiting line after we left.

Still trying to decide? I’d suggest if you are with a brand launching a service that represents the tech demo or wants to own your place amongst your competition, it’s a must. If you are a blogger, SWSW has some great opportunities, but the sessions I attended seemed less workshop style and more discussion of social responsibility and how technology will play out in the future. However, the energy was intense and was an amazing way to immerse myself in all things in the digital world. And remember, you can always go to Austin during SXSW and be a part of the scene and not even buy a ticket. (I think my friend actually had an even better experience than me and she paid just her spending money while she was there.)

My last bit of advice for SXSW: Make sure you have a solid goal and stick to it. If you are going to hang and to check out the scene, then understand that’s what you are doing. If you are going in efforts to meet tons of people, then pound some coffee and get after it. Just make sure your agenda is clear from the beginning, so you accomplish what you set out to accomplish! Basically, it might not be a life-changing experience, but “it’d a whole lot cooler if you did.”


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Autumn Rose Reo

About Autumn Rose Reo

Texas blogger, TV contributor, PR pro, and mother of two (including a son with a Congenital Heart Defect) , Autumn Rose Reo is always on the search for REAL SOLUTIONS for REAL PARENTS that REALLY WORK. From parenthood, things to do, reviews, style, recipes and more, she’s always cookin’ up something fun, resourceful and good to know! She’s frequently featured on TV sharing her solutions and in her spare time, she’s helping others promote their business with her own PR shop, The Reo Agency See what she’s burning, party she is planning, or what challenge she is taking on today.

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Meet this Mama: Autumn Rose Reo

Autumn Rose ReoGet REAL Solutions for REAL Parents that Work! From recipes, things to do, parenting tips (and fails) and how to cope with everything in between, she'll share all the best ways to take on your (mama) challenges... https://www.mamachallenge.com/about/

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Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Fancy Schmancy. This month’s @torchystacos Taco Fancy Schmancy.

This month’s @torchystacos Taco of the Month is this beut: she’s full of eggs, smoked salmon, pickled onions, capers, chopped dill, and the herb cream cheese. And yes she’s fancy but oh so good and worth the splurge.

Paired with a side of queso and change out the chips for chicharrones with that white queso (and maybe a Paloma), and you’re golden. 

#torchytacos #salmon #tacos #paloma #fancy #torchys #dryjanuary #dill #salmon #dfweats #dallaseats
Who doesn’t like chocolate? But what if it’s Who doesn’t like chocolate?

But what if it’s truffles made with avocados past their prime? 🤢? Don’t knock it until you try it #recipeontheblog

Today on @wfaagmt I shared how to make the most of those leftovers and old vegetables and fruits! The kitchen smells so good with an apple tarte tartin, truffles, potato chips, broth, banana bread, and this cilantro green sauce! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Taken from @beardfoundation:

INGREDIENTS

1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro stems (from 1 bunch of cilantro)
1⁄2 cup olive oil or neutral oil, such as organic canola or grapeseed
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

In a blender or the mixing cup of a small food processor or immersion blender, combine the vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Swirl a few times to dissolve the salt. Add the stems, olive oil, and cumin — puree. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

#wfaa #tv #recipe #goodmorningtexas #chocolatetruffles #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #eatwell #dfw #momblogger #healthylifestyle #wholefoodmethod
Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’ Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’t think that’s the way it work...🌯

Today was a busy one: getting ready for the week and getting prepped for a tv segment (tomorrow on @wfaagmt, so I had to call in for reinforcements. While I may be on the no-carb wagon, the rest of the fam wanted something different -  fresh, full of flavor and delivered fast...enter @savageburritos!

Made from the @unclejuliosmexican family, this ghost kitchen delivery service offers specialty burritos, bowls, salads, the holy trinity (queso, chips and salsa) and even dessert - all to your door! 

Find ‘em online and find out why you’ll go savage for more! And thanks @savageburritos for such great service! 

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Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid surprises you with an over-the-top hot cocoa in bed.

...But at least she put it in my @shopcarrieelle mugs.

I’m wondering if this was my first teat of 2021.
Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨ Happy New Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨

Happy New Year’s Y’all!

#ArlingtonTexas #ArlingtonTx #dfw #nye #lonestarnye
Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel. Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel.

We’ve been working to squeeze in all the celebrations this week before it’s time to work out all the tears, wine and carbs 2020 brought. 🍷 🥖 😭 

What’s your NYE plan? And most of all what’s your last cheat meal? 

#dfw #nye #newyears #covidchristmas2020 #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
The 80s are coming back in full force...but does m The 80s are coming back in full force...but does my visor match my mask? 😱

Actually my #OOTD is part of our equipment to take down aliens in London circa 1984 at @electricgamebox, the new immersive gaming experience @grandscapetx. Opening December 24, it’s the perfect way to spend some family time TOGETHER, hear a bada$@ soundtrack (hello, 80s!?!) and burn calories (don’t worry about those extra cookies!)

Before you go: 

🕹Have a team name ready

🕹Wear tennis shoes, no hats or hair bands, and comfortable clothes. 

🕹There’s a locker to put your bag in if you need to drop it off!

🕹Safety is #1: Masks are a must, no contact and you’re the only ones in your game room! 

🕹The experience is an hour so be ready to move bc you will! 

Swipe to see our score and family photo (emailed to you after your experience!)

Thanks for some pre-Christmas fun Electric Gamebox! (Partner)

#dallas #dfw #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #dallasmoms #dallastexas #electricgamebox #covidchristmas #2020 #openingsoon
❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas... We ❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas...

We normally head to the mountains at Christmas time, but this year we’re just happy to celebrate Christmas healthy and together with lots of wonderful trips around home including to the @gaylordtexan. So we broke from our matching plaid instead with this mom/daughter snowflake set from @shinestythreads. Most their stuff is exactly what you need to dominate the Christmas sweater game, our little bit of cheesy (cue “Let it Go...”) but came out too sweet not to share. (When they’re this age, you take it when you get it!)

Shinesty is the resource for all the holidays apparel and even does free returns! Save their page for when you need to be the talk of the party (online and in person.) 

🎄And for details about the @gaylordtexan Lonestar Christmas like this week’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch, head to the blog (and remember the code REO gets you a discount on some of your activities!)

#shinesty #snow #dfw AD #gaylordchristmas #gaylordtexan #visitgrapevine #dallastexas #dfwinfluencer #dallasbloggers #matchingoutfits #snowdfw #somuchchristmas
One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-th One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-thru margaritas...I had time to enjoy wrapping my gifts! 

While we had a minor Santa disaster yesterday, I devised a mom save and moved on to the wrapping paper! I even made my Christmas tags with my @Cricut to match my white & silver snow theme! 

Do you theme your wrapping? What was this year?

You finally can get yours or stock up on accessories now at 50% off now with this link or download the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to shop this pic via screenshot. http://liketk.it/34fvi #liketkit @liketoknow.it 
 #StayHomeWithLTK #LTKhome @liketoknow.it.family @liketoknow.it.home
...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄 I love celebrati ...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄

I love celebrating our holiday traditions, but this year we made a new one! I’ve always wanted to see Christmas lights by carriage ride and this year we made it happen by surprising the girls! 

We spent the night looking at beautiful houses, drinking hot chocolate under the blankets and hearing some of the best commentary from the girls!

🐴 There are several different carriage ride companies (we used Whitehaven Carriages) that drive through Deerfield and Highland Park with multiple types of carriages (there’s even a Cinderella) for varying prices starting around $175+. 

🐴While rides reserve quickly, you might be able to find some after the holidays! If not, put this in the calendar for next year because it’s a must do!

(I’ve shared some of it on Instastories!)

#dfw #highlandpark #dallasbloggers  #christmasdecor #horses #chriatmaslights #dallas #dfwevents #dallasinfluencer #dfwinfluencer #christmastradition
Just ONE more day! The countdown to Christmas may Just ONE more day!

The countdown to Christmas may be a week away, but @thecroods New Age is available by demand tomorrow! 

The kids have been so excited about this debut and have decorated for the occasion with their goodies from @dreamworks! 🎁 (Partner)

#CROODSNEWAGE #dreamworks #thecroods #giftideas #dfwinfluencers #dallassocialinfluencers #movie #fandango #momlife #sloth
🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 . 🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 

...to drink that is, The Dude style. Picking up last minute gifts, I took a brief break at @lockwooddistillingco. They have a great holiday cocktail list and if you’re lucky, you’ll find some awesome gift baskets under their Biggie & Snoop Christmas tree will make everyone happy for Christmas (twofer!)

Whatever you do, don’t leave without a bottle of the Bourbon Creme or Cinnamon Rum to make it through the holidays (who needs eggnog when you can drink this?)

#lockwooddistillingco #biglebowski #dfw #richardsontx #dallastx #holidaydrinks #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger #whitechristmas #giftidea #biggie #snoop
#MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourse #MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourself to put under the tree and saying it’s from the kids? 🌲 

For me it was this crossbody from @bestofsevenshop. I love a beautiful big handbag (hello @louisvuitton!), but lately I’ve kept it to the essentials as we enjoyed all the holiday events safely, but I still wanted it to be cute! 

Best of Seven style is classic: full of pockets and zippers as well different styles that let you interchange colors to make it your own! “Keeping it your own” is their mission by celebrating diversity:
🌈 races
🌈religion
🌈genders
🌈sexual orientation
🌈Abilities and disabilities
🌈Ages

And you know I love a monogram! 

Today’s the last day to get 30% off and still get it personalized! Get the link in my profile!

#bestofseven #diversity #giftideas #dallasblogger #style #holidays #grinch #rainbow #dfwinfluencers #dallasmoms #covidchristmas
SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼 It’s incred SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼

It’s incredible how much you can do in 24 hours and how many photos you can take - 422 to be exact.

Have you been so busy you haven’t had time to do the Christmas stuff? Get in all the holiday fun with our guide to SO MUCH Christmas at the Gaylord Texan @gaylordtexan.

We even share how to save some money (use the code REO!)

Link to the guide is in the profile and #ontheblog.

#gaylordtexan #ChristmasatGaylordTexan #ilovechristmasmoviesWB #SoMuchChristmas #gaylordchristmas #dfw #visitgrapevine #christmas #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencer #travelblogger #traveltex #grapevinetx
Are you making a different kind of O Face because Are you making a different kind of O Face because your not sure if that box is gonna make it? O-NO! 😱

Deadlines start today fast and being in those long lines might be the worst part of Christmas. However, I shared some tips  on @wfaagmt on how you can avoid feeling like a Grinch when it comes to shipping. 🙌🏻

Here are some tips you might not know before you get in line: 

🎁 The big three all have pick up at your house, by going online and scheduling for pick up @ups, @usps.official and @fedex.

Did you know that several stores actually have shipping inside? 
🎁Some Ace Hardware stores @acehardware and local Eliott’s Hardware
🎁 @Staples - they have all the supplies for you to box it up (and I have a coupon in my Instastories!)
🎁 CVS ships UPS
🎁 Heading to those third party parcel stores can definitely save you some time.

Ship to Store is a huge way to get the item delivered quicker to you or to have sent. 
🎁 Get your @amazon sent to an Amazon Locker  or @wholefoods for shipping and pick up! 
🎁 @target - drive through pick up with the App 
🎁 @Walmart - just launched a new service called Walmart+ which is like Amazon Prime where you can get it. (Try it free now!) 

Last-minute shipping?
🎁 While you might not want to pay for those last-minute shipping services, if you use @rakuten you can save money on your purchase so then it still can be affordable for your budget. (I have already racked up a $600 cash back check just for using Rakuten - head to my profile to get a link to get $20 back when you use it! (It’s FREE!) 

@wfaagmt @wfaa #dfw #shipping #holiday #savemoney #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencers #dallas #giftideas #mamachallenge #giftguide #covidchristmas
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