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

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."

Get Healthy, Get Thrifty and Get Dinner - 9 Recipes Under 400 Calories & Less Than $4

Affiliate links may be included. 

Contrary to the results of many of the dinners I've produced for my family, I actually like to cook. 

Unfortunately, the other parts of life like work, keeping up the house and all that other stuff seem to suck the time and enjoyment of making perfectly delicious meals that are good for my family AND taste good, too. 

15% off your order at eMeals.com when you use code DINNER15! 

Add the fact that I'm really working to get the weight off of me, I just don't have time to plan two sets of every meal - including the grocery store wandering, budget planning and food prep.  I mean I barely have time to make sure I get 8 oz of water...(no joke!) That, my friends, is called a short order cook and unless the kids are going to start tipping, then I'm definitely not going to keep entertaining that idea. 

Emeals takes almost everything off your shoulders by providing a seven-day menu, recipes and the shopping list as well. They do everything short of pushing your grocery cart and washing dishes....and I promise if that service comes up soon, I'll be on that subscription list, too. 

The other night we enjoyed Garlic Shrimp with Blistered Tomatoes and Linguine and it didn't take me any time at all except boiling the water. Thankfully with my 33 years of experience, I have water boiling down. And with the help of eMeals, you'll have dinner making down and can actually spend time of the fun stuff...like dishes, laundry and good night kisses. 

Low Calorie Dinner Recipe: Garlic Shrimp with Blistered Tomatoes and Linguine

Ingredients

• 12 oz uncooked whole grain linguine
• 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Meanwhile, toss tomatoes with 1 tablespoon oil, ¼ teaspoon salt and red pepper on a rimmed baking sheet.
4. Broil 4 to 5 minutes or until tomatoes burst.
5. Melt butter in a large skillet with remaining 1 tablespoon oil.
6. Sprinkle shrimp with ¼ teaspoon salt; saute shrimp and garlic 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
7. Toss shrimp with tomato mixture.
8. Divide pasta evenly among 6 shallow bowls.
9. Top with shrimp and tomato mixture.
10. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

Not into seafood or working on a Paleo diet? Emeals has those options, too. Just check out this recipe for Clean Eating Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps. 

At less than $4 and under 400 calories, I think that looks like a winner. So take the work at dinner and get your eMeals delivered to you each week with everything you need to plan for great, healthy dinners. 

Check out more of these 9 low-calories recipes and more with this eMeals preview!

Then make sure you get your Emeals soon! 

Put Some Color in Your Life with the COLOR FUN FEST 5K, April 19 in McKinney

I hate to run. 

A lot. 

But it sure does help to burn calories.

However, I still need something to get me excited enough to move my hiney. Thankfully, runs are getting creative so people like me that don’t like to run still want to get involved and enjoy the fun.

In the words of Julia Roberts: Well then color me happy!

The COLOR FUN FEST 5K comes to North Dallas/McKinney on April 19, 2014. Both a day and night  5k color run featuring finish-line festivals, the goal of the Color Run is to combine fun and fitness while helping local charities!

COLOR FUN FEST 5K is an EPIC color fun run that heightens positive emotions by combining a5k fun run with the energy of electronic dance music, all while coloring the crowd with thousands of pounds of vibrant colored powder. The event is family-friendly, and features a post-run celebration with DJ entertainment.

The charities the run benefits Free Arts for Abused Children, a nonprofit organization that gives children that have suffered adversity a chance to express themselves through art. Another nonprofit that benefits from this event is a new startup charity called Flight for Cystic Fibrosis that gives children with CF a chance to feel alive by experiencing the incredible feeling of skydiving through wind tunnels and jumps. The mission of this program is to show these kids how to overcome fears and feel hope, bonding families and encouraging healthy living, which is vitally necessary for a person with Cystic Fibrosis.

And this run is one the whole family can get involved in including kids/parents, couples, groups of friends, fitness gurus, dance enthusiasts, runners, joggers, walkers, bloggers, couch potatoes, the young, the old, and basically everyone and anyone that likes to have fun!

Would you like to have some color fun?

Win a pair of registrations for the Color Run ($35 per registration/ $70 total)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Color Run Fest 5K North Dallas/McKinney

April 19, 2014

First wave of runners at 9 - 11 am, second wave at 9 - 11 pm

Myers Park and Event Center

7117 County Road 166

McKinney, TX 75071

Website

SPRING Into Action to Protect Your Home: Termite Awareness Week, March 16-22

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post by Adams Exterminating. 

Before I bought my first home, my visions of homeownership included painting the walls, planting the flowers, buying furniture, etc.

Once I bought my first home, I realized homeownership consisted of much more than that like replacing roofs, shifting foundations, and implementing pest control.

Not exactly the images of the Home & Garden Channel I once thought, but certainly a huge responsibility that happens when you own a home.

Unfortunately for me, pest control has been one of those not-so-fabulous issues I’ve had to learn a lot about. Not because we aren’t clean people or don’t keep a clean house, but when if live next to a creek, are surrounded by trees or simply have a home that is comprised of wood…surprise! You can have any number pest concerns to take care to make sure you and your home are protected.

Since March 16-22 is Termite Awareness Week, I was reminded of real honey-do I had yet to take on – a termite inspection. While an inspection was completed on our home during the buying process, that of course, was seven years ago. Well, a lot can happen to a home in seven years, especially when it comes to termites. These “silent destroyers” (as termites are often referred as) can take down the façade of a home as well as its interiors way before a homeowner will detect a structural problem.

Did you know that termites cause $5 billion in property damage every year, according to the National Pest Management Association?

And as we move into the spring season and the ground’s temperature increases, termites are in search of new mates and new homes to conquer.

Isn’t home ownership fun?

While I consider myself a jack of many things and a master of nothing, this is one area I recommend be left to the professionals. However, there are things you can do to prevent termites. The Better Business Bureau offers four ways to avoid a termite infestation:

1. Repair and replace when necessary.
Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the home. Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles. Replace weather stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.

2. Keep it clear.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground. Direct water away from your house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation. 

3. Inspect, inspect, inspect.
Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.

4. Protect your investment.
Not sure if you have termites? Consider a termite inspection from a qualified pest management company like North Texas' own Adams Exterminating, every 1-3 years. Since 1947, the Adams family has provided quality, affordable pest control service to the North Texas area for 66 years.

While I don’t know much about termite control, I am excited that employ the Sentricon System, the only pest control product ever to earn the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Thankfully with this system, you don't have to compromise between earth-friendly and being effective. 

To learn more about the Sentricon System or to find the nearest Adams Exterminating near you, visit www.adamspest.com or follows them on Facebook.

Don't let bugs get to you!

Calling All Budget Superheroes: Just Between Friends Dallas Starts Thursday in Mesquite

Disclaimer: I'm working with Just Between Friends Dallas in Mesquite to promote their upcoming sale, March 20-23. I'm a huge fan of cute yet inexpensive clothes for my kids and I know you probably are, too! #JBFDallas #Mesquite #Spon

Mama Challenge:

Dressing your babies in cute clothes that won't break your bank! 

We all gotta have 'em...Clothes. 

Actually we don't HAVE to have them, but it's kinda of an expectation. And for most moms, we like our kid's clothes to reflect our style and show off how adorable they are. And it doesn't hurt that they keep them warm or cool for the weather, too. 

But keeping up with kids' ever-changing growth spurts makes it really hard and expensive to keep those closets up-to-date. Or an older sister or a bestie whose kids are exactly one season in front of your kids and you get everything of her kids passed on each season. 

No such luck? Me neither. 

However, the next best thing is having Just Between Friends. Hence the name, the JBF franchise is one that I've relied on for both my kids to keep us stocked up on everything from clothes, shoes, toys and more. Last month I visited the JBF in Fort Worth, but I still was looking for more great finds for my kids and my friends' recent additions, so Dallas here we come. 

I hope you'll join me there as I scout out the Mesquite Rodeo Hall for the best finds for boys and girls, ages newborn - 5. And I'm even going to get a sneak peek so you can see what I'm finding so you too get hurry on over to load up for spring, summer and fall. 

One of my tips is that you should always look for 1-2 seasons at least to make sure you are getting the most out of your JBF experience. I have some dresses I bought for my daughter and while they don't fit today, at the prices I'm getting clothes at from JBF, it's worth it to hang in the closet for a few months! 

Hours:
Wednesday, March 19:
noon: 15 hour presale
1:00 pm: 10 hour presale
2:00 pm: 5 hour presale
3:00 pm: consignor presale (+1 guest)
5:00 pm: Prime Time Shopping Sale ($10 admission per person)
7:00 pm: First time parent & teacher presale
10:00 pm: CLOSE


Thursday, March 20:
10 am-6 pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
$3 admission fee (Thursday only)

6:30 pm- 7:30 pm: Second Drop Off
(no clothing, shoes or car seats accepted at second drop off)

Friday, March 21:
10 am-6 pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC


Saturday, March 22:
10 am-6 pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
6:30- 8:00 pm: 1/2 Price Presale (15 & 10 hour volunteers only)


Sunday, March 23:
noon-6pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC- HALF PRICE SALE

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook tomorrow to see what I find! 

Just Between Friends Dallas 
March 20-23, 2014
Mesquite Rodeo Exhibit Hall
1700 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149
www.twitter.com/JBFDallas
www.facebook.com/JBFDallas
Website

Last-Minute, Kid Friendly St. Patrick's Day Treats {As seen on TV}

Today's MamaChallenge: 

Quick, Easy + Kid-friendly St. Patrick's Day Treats 

Don't we all wish we had enough time to make the perfect themed desserts for every holiday? I know I wish my "Martha Stewart" switch would turn on one day. But in the meantime, I'm happy to create some desserts that the whole family can be a part of that are quick, easy and in some cases you don't even have to cook anything!

These recipes are all part of WFAA ABC 8 Good Morning Texas on the Monday, March 17 St. Patrick's Day show. But just in case you aren't able to tune in or need to get the recipes, here you go! 

Rainbow Pots of Gold 
(Inspired by Women's Day)

What are all leprechauns after? Gold at the end of the rainbow! So we've combined both the pots of gold and rainbow for a fun treat that is as much fun to make as they are to eat. 

Ingredients
1 box of white cake mix
Food coloring (basic variety pack works great or whatever color you want to make)
1 tub of chocolate frosting
Several Tootsie Roll minis at room temperature
1 package of Sour Patch straws in red or Twizzler Rope licorice
Yellow/gold candy (I used Sixlets or you can use M&Ms or jelly beans)

Instructions
Make the cake batter as instructed for cupcakes. Divide the batter evenly between four small bowls. Then using the food coloring, change each of the batters to your desired color. Next in a greased and floured muffin pan, take one spoonful of batter and begin alternating even amounts of each color until it's about 3/4 full. Complete the process until you finish your batter. Bake muffin as instructed on box. 

In the meantime, unwrap the Tootsie Roll and begin rolling until its flat. The strip should be about 1.75 - 2 inches long. 

Once muffins are complete and cooled, flip them over to begin icing. Using the chocolate icing, frost the cupcake except the bottom (which is normally the top of the cupcake.)

Take your Tootsie Roll and form it to look like the top of a bag (almost in a circle.) Lay on top of the cupcake. 

Next take your straw/licorice and loop it under the Tootsie Roll so it looks like a string. Criss-cross the ends to resemble a tied bag. 

Last, lay your candies in the Tootsie Roll portion to look like gold pieces. 

Now your cupcake should look like a pot of gold, but when you bite into it, you'll find the rainbow surprise! 

It's My Lucky Day Treat Bars

I've never been a big fan of colored marshmallows in my cereal. Or any cereal that turned my milk a bright unnatural color for that matter. But when you pair the cereal with a little marshmallows and butter, something magical happens - like these bars. So easy my five-year-old made them, these treats are exactly the perfectly quick treat to make everyone's day a little more lucky (or at least tastier.) 

Ingredients
5 cups of Lucky Charms cereal
4 cups of marshmallows (I prefer the small ones so they melt easier)
3 tablespoons of butter

Instructions
Sift through your cereal and pull out some of the Lucky Charm marshmallows so you can put on top of the treat bars for decoration! 

Melt the butter on medium heat (or in the microwave if you really wanted to stay off the oven) and then add marshmallows. Stiring often to keep from burning, add cereal until combined. Pour combination into a greased pan (I like 8x10 so they are thicker) and then pack down with a greased hand (thank you, Pam spray.) Allow to sit for an hour at least to harden. 

Optional, you could die the treats green while mixing, but I just can't stomach green food unless it's an avocado or a margarita.) 


Oreo Truffles

I've never met an Oreo I didn't like. And when it's mint then dipped in chocolate, well then we are meant to be friends for life. This is a no-cook recipes, so it's all hands on deck to make these babies. Just make sure not to eat all the Oreos before you start making them. (If you prefer you could use Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, but who still has any of those left by St. Patrick's Day?) 

Ingredients
1 package of Mint Oreo Cookies (don't open them until you're ready to make these or you'll eat them all) 
1 package of cream cheese Dipping chocolate or white/green candy melts (You can find these at Walmart now!) 

Instructions
Crush the cookies in a food processor or blender until fine. Combine crumbs with cream cheese well. Roll into balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Place in freezer for an hour. Meanwhile melt your chocolate either in the microwave as instructed (or on the stovetop if it's easier) and then dip truffles in chocolate coating completing. 

Then decorate however you wish! 

For other great St. Patrick's Day Ideas and more fun, check out my Pinterest page!

Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}'s board HOLIDAYS: St. Pat's Day on Pinterest.

Last-Minute Must Pack Items for SXSW

Disclaimer: I was selected to represent Pfister at SXSW. I was provided a Powerrocks charger as a promo item. Hormel sent over several packs of their new Rev Meat Snack Mix for me to try complimentary, and I'm obsessed. 

I'm a planner-kind-of-gal. I like to know what to pack, what to bring and what to have just in case. So when going to a conference, especially a biggie like SXSW for my first time, I wanted to make sure I had everything I could possibly need as I journeyed down to the capital of Texas with Shannon of milkandcuddles.com for three days of all things technology, digital, interactive everything.

While I've been to Austin many times, I'll admit a forecast for rain threw my whole plan a little out of whack since normally Austin is prime for sandal weather, but I was so glad I made some specific choices to make sure I was ready to go at it like a pro (minus forgetting my galoshes.) 

While the weather wasn't going to be on my side as I headed to Austin for SXSW 2014, I at least make sure I packed a few things to make my experience a little more convenient, connected and tastier. 

1. Hormel Rev Meat Snack Mix: 

Ever wish you could eat pizza and type on your keyboard with making a mess? Or drive without dropping your BBQ sandwich all over you at the same time? Well, Hormel is making my dreams come true with their new high-protein, on-the-go snack, Rev Meat Snack Mix. Exclusive to Dallas-Fort Worth for now, I was sent a few of these babies to try out and they were the perfect SXSW treat. Packed in a small-cup size, they are perfect for snacking when you are driving down the road (it sits perfect in my cup holder), hiking/camping or gaming and don't want to stop. Best of all, the mix varieties including Spicy BBQ & Bacon, Turkey Ranch and my family favorite, Pepperoni Pizza, are loaded with tasty flavors that will satisfy the perfect craving for meat, spice and crunch. And you can't go wrong when your snack is full of protein with 9-10 g protein per serving. For me, it's so much better than just snacking on jerky. Just don't leave them in the cabinet while you go out of town, or your family will devour all of them. You can find these at Kroger for a limited time!

2. Powerrocks Charger: 

Everyone at SXSW will run put of power at least once if not twice a day. When you're talking technology and the future of interactive nonstop for a week, running out of power is the point. But with my handy (affiliate link) Powerocks Magicstick, I just plug it into my phone, put it in my pocket and keep going. Love it! And it's pink too so that doesn't hurt my feelings either! While I would pick up a few of these while I was at the conference, I can't tell you how many times I needed more than one recharge in a day for the iPhone and the iPad. Thankfully Powerrocks charges them all!

3. Go Go squeeZ: 

As the ambassador for Go Go squeeZ, I always have my green packs of fruity fun around. And when you're hiking around Austin, waiting in line, or dying of hunger, go go is an awesome + easy way to get some fruit into system and eat it while I'm tweeting. I wish I had brought more for the hackers and power computer users who never left their laptop. Go Go makes it easy to eat over your computer without mess or from stopping what you're doing. Believe me, you can subsist on Go Go squeeZ when you are on a deadline for many hours and have a sweet craving. 

4. Cords, Cords, and More Cords: 

Not only do you need to bring a small charger to keepy our devices running at SXSW, but you'll also need to make sure to bring an extension cord. If you are taking notes and on your computer the whole time and have already gone through that recharge pack (or saving it for an emergency), make sure to utilize an opportunity to charge up your computer. And considering outlets may not be handy, having that cord can save you every time. I've learned this from other conferences and even if you don't have to use it often, there's always going to be that time you should have and didn't. 

5. Boots. 

Yes, it seems so cliche, but it's the truth. Any trip to Texas you should bring your boots. I actually had read a post about What to Wear to SXSW and the author mentioned boots. Considering I'm from Dallas/Fort Worth (well, Arlington), I thought that was only fitting for foreigners (people from outside of Texas), so I decided not to comply. Dumb girl. It rained so much on Saturday, even the most comfortable flats I own that are made for walking couldn't handled the rain along 6th Street as I walked at least four miles that day. And it was cold too. So heed the advice: Bring your boots. Cowboy, rain or just cute riding ones - just leave the ones with the 4 inch heel at home. They just ain't fittin' as Mammie would say. 

I'll definitely be sharing more about my experience at SXSW in coming posts, so make sure you stay tuned for the good stuff. 

Win Tickets to Day Out with Thomas: The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014 {Giveaway}

Disclaimer: I was provided tickets to giveaway for you to The Grapevine Vintage Railroad for Day Out with Thomas™: The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014.

READ MORE ABOUT Day Out with Thomas™: The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014 on Mom2MomDFW!

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Easy, Natural Spring Cleaning Tips from Mama Challenge on TV

This weekend the clock sprung forward an extra hour and for many of us it marked the unofficial beginning of spring...which also means spring cleaning! 

(Hold back the enthusiasm, right?) 

But when you are a busy mom with kids (and for me with two kids at home during spring break), it's a REAL challenge to get caught up with that spring list of chores you've been holding off for months to do. 

This morning I conquered a few spring cleaning tips on WFAA Good Morning Texas using products you probably have at home that can make your job easier. And I even have a tip to get the kids involved, too! 

Check my Spring Cleaning segment here on Good Morning Texas. 

Here's a list of some of my favorite tips we covered during this segment and soon I'll have another segment air that will cover some more of the ways you can keep up on your Spring Cleaning list! 

SPRING CLEANING TIPS FROM MAMACHALLENGE

My Most Important Tip: Baking Soda isn’t just for refrigerators and baking anymore, folks!

Clean Your Mattress:

Have your child jump on bed to bring up dust from inside.

Then sprinkle with baking soda.

Then vacuum the mattress top.

Baking Soda as Silver Polish:

To polish silver: Wash items, then place on aluminum foil in the bottom of a pot. Add a baking-soda solution (¼ cup soda, a few teaspoons salt, 1 quart boiling water) and cover for a few seconds.

Use a Baking Soda paste for stains on your cups/plates.

Use a Baking Soda paste to clean stove instead of those corrosive oven cleaners.

 

Clean Your Stainless Steel with Baking Soda:

2 tbsp baking soda, ½ cup vinegar, 2 cups warm water. Put in a bottle once the suds have gone flat.

Clean Your Grout with Hydrogen Peroxide:Just dilute hydrogen peroxide with water before applying on the grout and then leave it for few minutes. It can also be applied in combination with baking soda.

Clean Your Microwave with Vinegar:

½ vinegar

½ water

Microwave and let it steam. Then wipe it down.

White Bread as Glass Magnet:

The next time a tumbler takes a tumble, sponge up the shards with a slice of bread. Even tiny slivers will cling to it.

What's your favorite spring cleaning tip? 

TV ALERT: 
Watch me next week on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2014 
 for St. Pat's Treats you can make with the kids!