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mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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Picnicking with Pinots: Napa Valley Moms Trip

May 9, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 112 Comments

Want to really make a mark this Mother’s Day? Take it from this mama, it’s about the memories. Here’s a look at my adventures with mine: Napa Valley Moms Trip.

Thank you to JCPenney for sponsoring this post and the reminder to tell all the mamas, “you’re #SOWORTHIT!” 

Being a mom is a lot like fine wine….the older you get the better you get.

…But take it from me, don’t wait to savor her, appreciate her as much as you can, when you can.


They always say that one day you’ll really appreciate your mom. Like REALLY appreciate her.

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

In a way that you really can truly understand when you become one yourself.

At that time you get it. And man does it hit you like a big bag of bricks.

Thankfully, while my mother doesn’t live near, she lives close enough if I need something she’s there.

Especially since I’ve had children, she’s there in no time flat.

Without her, there are so many times I wouldn’t have been able to get to a meeting, get my hair done, give birth, go on my dream vacation, cry in the bathroom in peace and quiet. She’s made it happen – whatever, whenever I needed.

And when she goes to leave, to return home to my dad who’s fended for himself while she “Gigis,” the kids and I both walk her out to the car, give her hugs, share kisses, and then the tears begin. All of us.

A few years ago I had a chance to do something with my mama and escape together.

Napa Valley with my Mom

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Off to Napa we went for a week of fun and fancy free to inhale as much as Napa Valley we could – and over my birthday at that.

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

During our drive from San Francisco to Napa and then on to Calistoga (a drive that everyone should take – it’s SO WORTH IT), we talked, we laughed, and plotted out our week. I had arranged for a few hot spots, but we left our schedule open to make sure we didn’t squeeze the joy out of our relaxing week trying to get all my hot spots on the itinerary (I do that.)

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Funny enough – we hit almost everything including some that I didn’t think that were possible including Bouchon. One of the items on my list I was able to secure was a tour and tasting at Cliff Lede. A vineyard and winery devoted to classic rock music, the mood of the place rocked (and so did the wine.)

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Really whole trip was like that. One experience after another, we found a beautiful space, drank beautiful wine, enjoyed some beautiful meat, cheese and other accoutrements, and just enjoyed the space, the moment and our company.

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

However, it really was just lots of picnics we were having all of Northern California!

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Since our getaway, we haven’t had a chance to escape like that again, but we do reminisce about it all the time. And the last time the kids went to visit her, she mentioned she’d love to have a picnic with the kids but she didn’t have a “proper picnic basket.”

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

I wasn’t sure exactly what a proper basket was but I was sure I would know it when I saw it.

Sitting in my head, that statement took me back to our “picnics” in Napa, so when Mother’s Day rolled around this year, it was obvious that I was on the search for the right picnic basket for her.

So off to JCPenney I went and discovered a vast selection of picnic baskets. From old school baskets to insulated ones, with straps with or without plates, there was a basket for everyone.

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

And then I found it – a proper picnic basket. Beautiful and picturesque, just looking at it reminding me of all the moments we had in Napa picnicking with our pinots.

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

But there was one thing missing…a bottle of Cliff Lede that I had picked up from the winery on our trip.

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

The perfect pairing. Just like us.

And just the way to say “YOU’RE SO WORTH IT, MOM” this Mother’s Day.

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Napa-Valley-Moms-JCPenney

Looking for something for your mama this Mother’s Day or looking for a proper picnic basket of your own, head to JCPenney. Take a look at these baskets AND enter to win $25 JCPenney Gift Card Giveaway.

         

       ENTER TO WIN $25 JCPENNEY GIFT CARD 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Napa-Valley-Moms-Trip

JCPenney Says MOM is #SoWorthIt For Mother’s Day

May 4, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Ever used Pinterest for an idea and then when you clicked on the how-to link, wished there was someone to help? MamaChallenge recently partnered with JCPenney to bring their Pinterest boards to life with live demonstrations just in time for Mother’s Day as part of their #SoWorthIt campaign! 

I’ve always wanted to be Oprah. 

Who doesn’t, right? 


#SoWorthit

Last weekend I had the chance to “play Oprah” as the emcee of JCPenny’s #SoWorthit Mother’s Day live demonstration event at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco. As part of a nationwide, 10 location campaign, bloggers like me, Dallas Single Mom and several others, played the part of hostess with the mostest, April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 for some very Pinteresting fun!

JCPAdAge

(Photo of display in Ad Age.)

After two days on stage, I has the opportunity to gift all the merchandise (check out the Pinboard display below) to those who stopped by the stage to enjoy our presentation, which included a deserving mom that we pulled from the audience to get a makeover. Team members from the Sephora Inside JCPenney, applied a smoky eye and beautiful red lip look while giving tips to the audience how they could do it at home or come get a 15 mini-makeover from the store anytime for free. 

I literally said the words, “You get a car…and you get a car…and you get a car,” while I was on stage.

Of course, this was just in the “heat of the moment” and reminded the audience while it wasn’t a car, we were giving away great items perfect for Mother’s Day including shoes, necklaces, and a Chi flatiron. That flatiron actually prompted many audience members to “show what they were working with” with an impromptu dance off. 

I only wish I had gotten that picture! 

However, I did snap a few of the dresses I found at JCPenney and wore on stage. The first one here is from R&K Sleeveless Chiffon Maxi Dress. I normally wouldn’t wear something bright and floral, but I’m so glad I decided to go for it. I felt great all day long and it was definitely a show stopper. Don’t you think? (and under $50.)

 

Today’s the day! Come join me at @stonebriarcentre for a Pinteresting event designed to give you great ideas, great how-to’s and great giveaways from @jcpenney! See you today until 6 pm! #soworthit #jcpenney #ad #pinterest #mothersday #friscotx #dallas #dallasblogger #dfwstyle #dallasstyle #mamachallenge

A photo posted by Autumn Reo | Mamachallenge.com (@autumnreo) on Apr 30, 2016 at 9:53am PDT

The next day was one of those dresses that is perfect for any occasion with this Tiana B. Sleeveless Colorblock Fit and Flare. With just a hint of pink, it was a homerun that I’m sure I’ll be wearing often – especially since it was $39.99 without coupons or special sale!

SephoraInsideJCPenney#SoWorthIt

While I was on stage sharing tips with the audience, I was learning along with them! For instance, I had never tried a lip stain (this one is Sephora’s own cream lip stain), but after 8 hours, two iced coffees, and some pretzel bites, it really stayed on. My lips were moist too, so this is a must-have if you have problems keeping your lip color on for more than an hour! 

JCPenney #SoWorthit

During the weekend we also gave away free samples, $10 off when you sign up for JCPenney Rewards, and even more coupons. It was lots of fun to play girlfriend all weekend giving out advice and learning from each other! However, JCPenney is making it easy to continue the inspiration and ideas on their Pinterest at pinterest.com/JCPenney anytime! 

Thank you to JCPenney for such a fun experience and for my Mother’s Day gift to reward other moms for all the work they do all the time – because we’re all #SoWorthIt. 

 

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

Instagram post 2194543501073787318_9652031 Here’s to Christmas Wishes and Gingerbread Kisses! 🎄🎅🏼🤶🍭
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Just when you think maybe they’re too old for a tradition - the @hiltonanatole made it even more magical at the #ChristmasattheAnatole.
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Breakfast with Santa, an amazing trip to Peppermint Park (for tons of fun activities in the Christmas village), sweet treats galore like s’mores around the fire singing carols, and much more...this one is DEFINITELY worth a trip for the whole family during the holidays.
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A holiday bucket list item was to go to holiday tea - and best of all, they loved it - scones, sandwiches, tea and all!
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At the @theashtonhotel they even have a “kids” version although mine wanted to try ours, too! Some of our favorite holiday traditions are changing since the kids are getting older, but in #DFW there are so many things to do, we still haven’t done them all. 
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If you need a good list of holiday of events to do in #DFW, we have them posted #ontheblog now - including some giveaways you don’t want to miss (coming soon!) #dfwevents #visitfortworth
Instagram post 2190890470218356850_9652031 There’s more than one reason they call it a Happy Meal. #givingtuesday
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While those 🍟 make us all smile, did you know that each pound of @mcdonalds fries and every Happy Meal you get, gives $ to the @rmhdallas?
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As a parent I want them to understand the idea of sharing and giving, especially to those less fortunate than you. And this is an easy way for everyone to win this holiday.
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Learn how you can #McGiveBack this holiday and win a @mcdonalds gift card #ontheblognow.
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#DFW #holidays #mamachallenge 
#McDNorthTexas  #McGiveBack 
#McLovinOurCommunity 
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The kids will jump for JOY with a custom Springfree Trampoline! (That's right - you can personalize for the best present!) 🎁BLACK FRIDAY SALE (11/22-12/1): Save $200 off delivery, free ladder + free installation with code: USBF19 (value $649!) #springfreetrampoline
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Rolling down TX 290, we found @hyetxrum. Founded, Operated and Led by three wine/spirits masterminds, Hye Rum is a little oasis in hill country of some of the best damn cocktails carefully crafted using the highest quality non-GMO molasses and French Oak. Get the butter rum. Get the painkiller. And don’t miss the bad ass Cuban sandwich.
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Hill Country may be known for some wonderful wines but this rum shouldn’t be missed. (And go often.)
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Wine is always a winner - especially when it’s personalized, wrapped with a bow, delivered and best of all >>>> cleancrafted (better for you!)
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Order your holiday kits and wine clubs for friends and clients - and leave all the work for us to get it to the door and under the tree before Christmas!
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DM or link in my profile to order yours or to schedule a tasting party! 🍷
Instagram post 2181664939102700941_9652031 Livin’ the Hye Lyfe!
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Quite possibly my favorite place on this Earth, I was able to steal 48 hours away from real life to explore this little piece of heaven called #HyeTexas.
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From the amazing people, the wine, the whiskey, the vodka, the cider, and the food, there’s not much more to good. livin’ than what this town of 214 people in the Texas Hill Country makes happen.
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Can’t wait to share more of my trip and why you should have this one on top of your TEXAS Bucket List. (Well maybe not...)
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#traveltex #texashillcountry #winecountry @gofredtexas
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Thankfully I have my two front teeth, but I would love a crown that doesn’t take 3 weeks or half a paycheck to pay for it! Recently I went shopping for a new dentist for me, but I wanted to find a place that worked with our busy schedule (7 am - 7 pm and weekends), our budget (like discounted dentistry), and didn’t make me nauseous when the drill turned on.
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At Glade Modern Dentistry not only did they get me after work, have multiple services (oral surgery, periodontist, endodontist, ortho) all under one roof - including getting a crown all in one day. 🤩Plus they don’t call it SMILE for nothing!
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📸Get yours and the family’s ready for holiday photos with a four pack of Sonicare toothbrushes sponsored by Smile Generation. (Check out the Instastories to enter!)
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Memorial Day is to remember those who gave their life for our country while Veterans Day honors those who have served our country, living or fallen.⁣
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It’s our turn to say “thank you” for everything they’ve done for us. ⁣
Also remember: Next Monday, 11/11, McDonald's will honor all active/retired Vets (with ID) by offering a free extra value meal (5:30 am -8:30 pm.)⁣
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It’s their way of saying thank you or what we like to say “McGiveback.”⁣
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#McGiveback #McDNorthTexas #dfw #dallasblogger #coffee #veterans #mcd #dallas #dfw #mamachallenge #McLovinCommunity @mcdonalds
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today is Christmas (at least if you hit the stores or checked your email.)💀
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I wish there was more time to actually enjoy the holidays rather than rush through them especially this one.
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This was actually from last weekend at the first #BigD Dia de los Muertos parade and we came out in a big way. 
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We squeezed in a day to say howdy to #BigTex, score @fletcherscornydogs, chow down on the Deep Fried Chicken Fettuccine Balls, play some @nintendoswitches, and love on the 🐷 and 🦙. Everything after that is (cream) gravy!
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🎃A haunted experience within Knapp Heritage Park, this real historical park from the 1800s becomes the site of the tale of Mary, a little 8 yr old who’s looking for her dead parents. Look for her and see what you’ll find when you get lost in the village.
☠️Warning: Hit the john before you go so you don’t pee your pants. And don’t bring anyone who scares easily. Really.
📆Starts Oct 11 and monies go towards revitalizing @arlingtonhistory. #ArlingtonTx #Halloween #thisisarlington
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(We got a sneak peek so consider this one yours!)
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Pumpkin Nights opened last night in #arlingtontx at @howellfamilyfarm. For those of you who love #pumpkineverything, there’s more than 3000 pumpkins throughout the immersive experience with different scenes to photograph, enjoy and explore for the whole family!
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Check out my Instastories for more @pumpkinnightsfest fun and a link to the site for more info! #pumpkinnights #arlingtontx #hosted
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#dfw #dallasblogger #Halloween #nightmarebeforechristmas #familyfun #autumn
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