Family Movie Fun with Netflix

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....

Autumn

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

Some cleaning habits may actually be making your kitchen dirtier and more harmful for your family.Take a look at these tips for a more healthy and cleaner kitchen.

Coyote Drive-in Opens in Fort Worth

When I was growing up in Graham (about 90 minutes west of Fort Worth), we always had a drive-in. In fact since 1955, most the time in Graham, there has always been the Graham Drive-in to look forward to on summer nights. You went with your family, you went with your friends and later, most of us probably had a date night under the stars, watching films like Grease, Indiana Jones and many others that I can't seem to remember now in much older years, but meant a lot to me at the time.&nbs...

Why My Y? Give Back to the YMCA

Try-it Tuesdays: This week I'm not bringing you the newest fitness technique or the coolest trend in workouts , but I'm inviting you to take a look at one of my favorite places for the whole family to get fit - my local YMCA.   More than four years ago, I joined the "Y" so my son (9 months at the time) could take swimming lessons. But once as a member, I was reeled in by so many things that it offered above just a gym with workout equipment and fitness classe...

Small Movements, Big Results with New Pure Barre in Arlington

See how my Try-it Tuesday went at the new Pure Barre studio in Arlington.

A Wish with Wings: Butterflies & Boots Event Helps to Grant Little Texans Dreams, April 24

  Make wishes come true on April 24 with "Butterflies and Boots," the annual luncheon fundraiser benefiting “ A Wish with Wings.”  Join Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, the honorary event chair, at the Renaissance Worthington Fort Worth Hotel, for a fun afternoon of delicious food, live and silent auctions and memorable tear-jerking moments. Eight “Wish Kids” and their own selected heroes will be presented on stage as their stories of hope and inspiration are...

Mommy Minute Saver: Make a Whole Meal in the Microwave (& me on TV)

Every Monday I bring you things on mamachallenge.com that really matter to mom (at least to me!) This morning "Me Monday" took on a whole new meaning because this Monday I (me) was on WFAA's Good Morning Texas making a whole meal in the microwave - and in only 4:30 minutes! Not only was it easy and healthy, but it also was quick so you can spend more time with your family and spend less time cooking in your kitchen! Check out my debut:  Are y...

Rolling in the Deep: Jiu Jitsu Done Family Style

Being pinned down on the ground is normally not the way I like to workout (at least not most the time) . However, when it involves burning up to 600-800 calories, teaching discipline AND spending time with my kids, I can definitely be convinced. And that’s exactly how I found myself at the Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in south Arlington. Surrounded by people of all ages, I was able to explore the whole new world of jiu jitsu. Opening its doors last O...

Taming the Ta-Tas: Best Sports Bras Do More Than Support

With all my recent adventures to find new and exciting ways to exercise like hot yoga , pilatesbarre and spin , I needed to look fab while I looked fit . Thus also began my search for the best sports bra, which actually began as a personal quest to replace an old sports bra I had come to rely on for more than six years. It had "carried" me through a large part of my life - my new boobs after my breast reduction, marriage, several 5Ks, weight loss/weight gain and two kids......

Call for Entries: The Goss-Michael Foundation Invites Student Artists to Depict Conflict and Resolution for $1,000

  As part of its effort to support and encourage the artistic experience of students in Dallas/Ft. Worth and the surrounding area, The Goss-Michael Foundation announces its fifth annual Student Art Contest, “Conflict and Resolution.” Since 2007, The Goss-Michael Foundation has hosted over 500 high school students in its annual art contest.   All entries must be delivered to The Goss-Michael Foundation no later than 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Winning artists will...

5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer

  When I moved into my neighborhood several years ago, it looked much like the perfect scene out of a movie – nice houses, beautiful wooded area and a great place to begin my family...   Now as a parent of two children, I’m much more alert to hearing about crime issues, especially when it’s happening close to my zip code and when it’s too close for comfort. Between changes in the area as well as social media allowing me to stay on top of all the crime ...

Why I Give My Heart to CHDs (Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, Feb. 7-14)

I'm often asked why I started blogging.  Like many moms, it was a way to document my feelings as a mom and all the "things" that come with it. For me, it was actually a therapeutic band-aid/call-to-action and I felt like I was obligated to share my story and experience as a new mother of a beautiful son that also was born with a congenital heart defect.   Photo of celebratory cupcakes made for CHD Awareness Week. (Photo credit.) Thankfu...

Can Cookies Make You Lose Weight? The Magic Cookie Can

As a mom that is always on the go, I’ve been known to make some pretty bad choices about food. "Have you found yourself at McDonald’s with the idea of ordering a yogurt parfait and getting a cheeseburger instead?" "Ordering Chick-Fil-A for the kids and then eating 3-4 of your own, along with a couple of French fries and a half the cookie before you hand it to them?" Between running through the drive-in or ordering dinner to go, the crazy sch...

Yoga Pose: Passing Wind

This week’s challenge to make a BETTER ME was to try a hot yoga at a place I’ve been meaning to attend for way too long. I was so excited to get to finally go…And as I’ll share here, it was oneof the best (and embarrassing) experiences ever. Read on to find out why. I’ve done yoga in a lot of places for a many years…Don’t be fooled though. I’m not any good at it; I just can’t call myself a beginner anymore (but mayb...

Move over Pilates, Pole Dancing Builds a HARD CORE

I'm all about trying to get off the weight , but I'm sure you'll agree the idea of being on a treadmill day after day makes it hard to get motivated enough to get your hiney moving beyond all the other things you have to do every day. So in my pursuit of creating a BETTER ME in 2013, I decided to jump off the normal exercise routine and look at some unique options for working off the inches while keeping my interest peaked.  Oh, mama, did I.  This week's Try-It Tue...

Can You Say Quinoa? Recipes for Everyone to Enjoy

Food Fridays: As part of my vow to be a little healthier this year , I've decided to broaden my family's minds (and taste buds) to include more diverse foods like QUINOA. I'll be honest, a few year's ago I didn't even know what or how to pronounce it , but  now it seems like I keep hearing about it. Then coincidently on TV this week, Bobby Flay made  delicious meal on The Chew using quinoa, so on my last trip to the grocery story - I threw it in the bas...

Hit Me With Your Best (B12) Shot!

There's nothing longer than a Woman's Want List. From having the perfect bedroom, to the the coolest outfit or the most popular purse and now as I've rounded over the 30 hill - the latest treatments to make me look and feel more youthful. Most opportunities to talk to other moms on something besides kids are filled with the current diet plan, procedure or plan in hopes to roll back the hands of time.   One of my most recent methods to feel like I was <30 is through B-12 inject...

Make Family Time Fun with These 6 Must-Have Board Games

I have a friend who buys a board game every year for Christmas for each member of her family to encourage family time while building a collection that they can share with their family and friends. So this year I totally stole the idea and have decided to take it on for my family. Oh, I didn’t know what I was embarking on in my search for the right game for the right person. There is a huge selection out there, but where do you start?  So here I share my recommendations: ...

Gifts that Give Back BIG

Christmas is all about giving. So this Christmas consider not just giving a gift, but making a bigger impact with the gifts that you give. Here’s a great list of how you can make a difference by just buying a gift, creating your holiday cards or just searching for gifts online.   GIFTS World Vision Gift Catalog | http://www.worldvisiongifts.org The   WorldVision Gift Catalog allows you to celebrate the true spirit of...

The Gift Dad Will Be Flying For

Buying a gift for my hubby (next to my mother) is one of the hardest things to check off my list each year. While I always plan to get him his obligatory sweaters, PJs, etc. I still try to give him something he really wants and can be surprised about. However, that's a lot easier said than done; but this year's Christmas came a little early...when he got the chance to learn to fly.  Yep, I let him take his life into his own hands and go fly a plane.  And he loved every min...