Talking Divorce and Remarriage With Your Kids

Sharing Sundays - Books and info worth sharing

A few pages into this book, I was already crying. Not because I’m a child of divorce, but because as a mother now, I was instantly touched about how a child would feel reading this book and as a parent IF I had to discuss such a difficult issue with my child. While it is sad that divorce is so prevalent in our culture, it is fact that children will be affected when 50 percent of marriages do result in divorce.

Thankfully there is a book on a 3 – 8 year-old level that kids relate to and can help parents communicate and share their feelings about divorce in an easy-to-read format.

A child of a successful “bonus mom” relationship, author Tami Butcher penned My Bonus Mom! Take the Step out of Step Mom to plant a seed in children’s minds that having a stepmother/stepfather can be a bonus with their hearts and minds accept the new relationship in a positive way. Through colorful graphics and rhyme, she’s developed a must-have book for any family affected by divorce and remarriage. 

My Bonus Mom! Take the Step out of Step Mom

By Tami Butcher

Five Star Publications, Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-58985-081-1

Buy It

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Traveling to Puerto Vallarta with Chef Tre Wilcox

Food Fridays
What’s not to love about Tre Wilcox?


He’s hot.

He loves his mama’s fried chicken.

And the cherry on top?  He has the most memorable and contagious laugh ever (I giggle just thinking about it.)

And, oh yea, is he’s an amazing chef with some mean knife skills.


So this week when Portico unveiled the exclusive luxury resort program to Dallas with a culinary tour of its portfolio at Marquee Grill, I got my passport and my taste buds ready for the evening around the world with Mr. Wilcox as our guide.

The evening’s menu featured several small bites perfectly paired to take one  away to that dream vacation on the beach or along the mountainside with flavor including:

Virgin Gorda -- Shrimp Squid Ceviche

Campo Dell’Amato -- Bluff Truffle Arancini

Beaver Creek, Colorado -- Colorado Lamb Sliders

Thailand -- Crispy Duck Spring Rolls

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico -- Spicy Tuna Tartar

I was grateful that our gracious hosts had provided us with a few recipes to share since it would have been unladylike to stow away any of the arancini or duck rolls in my purse. However, since I was married in Puerto Vallarta, I couldn’t wait to attempt to create my vacation experience at home by recreating the Spicy Tuna Tartar.

But let’s be real.  Based on past cooking experience, I won’t be making the tartar. I’ll be heading to see Tre to get the good version. (Besides, I just don’t want to make a mistake with tartar.)

In the meantime, you can try to your hand at the PVR recipe courtesy of Portico and Tre Wilcox.

Spicy Tuna Tartar with Jalapeno Avocado Sauce, Scallions and Cilantro

Tuna
4 cups bigeye tuna, cubed
3 tablespoons scallions
1 tablespoon cilantro leaves
1 pinch kosher salt
METHOD: Combine ingredients and set aside.

Vinaigrette
¼ cup mirin
¼ cup seasoned rice wine vinaigrette
2 tablespoons of lime juice
1 tablespoon sambal (a chili paste blend, so make your own or substitute sriracha.)
1 cup canola oil
METHOD: Mix together and set aside.

Avocado Sauce
2 avocados
2 jalepenos
1 bunch cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
METHOD: Combine all ingredients into blender and mix until smooth. Place into squirt bottle and keep cold.

Plate Up
Right before plating, add premade dressing and season with salt. Squirt avocado sauce around plate and serve.

Want the recipe for Puerto Vallarta? Then make sure you take a look at Portico Club for the utmost in luxury vacations.

4 Networking Apps to Run a Business or a Household

Whether you are a business woman or a mom with an intensive playdate date calendar, then trying to stay networked is always helpful to keep organized and connected. Here's 5 apps that are helpful for any one with a smartphone to use. Some of you may have already heard of Bump, which was featured in an Apple commercial, but there's more where that comes from. 

Four networking apps that
can make running a
business or a household run
 more efficiently with just a few clicks.

Bump: Use Bump™ to share contact information and photos by simply bumping two phones together. Feel free to bump contacts at networking events and even in the workplace. Who's to say that fleeting connections won't materialize into bigger and better prospects down the line?

Friendthem: A revolutionary location-based connectivity app, with fine-grained and easily-configured privacy controls, which is changing the way the world connects in a seamless and fun manner by helping them send Facebook friend requests to people they meet in the real world. A great tool for connecting with people you meet along the way and creating long term relationships.

MeetMe: An app designed to help people meet in the middle. You input two locations (or use your current location and input your colleague’s address) and it locates suitable venues in the middle. The search can be narrowed down by type of venue, and you can store contacts and venues in your favorites for future use. From there, you can email directions to yourself and your colleague. The only thing left to do is meet up and have a good time.

ScanBizCards: For those people who are attached to their business cards, this handy app scans your businesses cards and automatically translates the information to a digital contact, letting you edit the information and add more. 

Which one is your favorite?

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It's always a challenge to stay up on all the things tech/digital, so get your tips with Tech Tuesdays on mamachallenge.com. 

Get Your Pumpkin Fix: Celebrate Fall with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Food Fridays

I love autumn in Texas (yes, I did make a funny there). It only lasts for two weeks with our crazy weather, so I intend to suck the life of every second of it. That means breaking out the fall wreath, painting my pumpkin (carving is way too messy), burning tons of candles with a baked something smell and baking up these perfect pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. They’re easy to make, which is why my friend who gave me the recipe makes them. That and they taste delish!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Makes 3 dozens)

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 egg

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (can use 1/2 cup chopped nuts instead of 1/2 cup chocolate chips if desired)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, pumpkin and vanilla.

Mix and sift flour, baking powder, soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add chocolate chips (and nuts if desired.)

Mix thoroughly but don’t over mix.

Drop by teaspoons onto well-greased cooking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.

Remove from cookie sheet while still warm.

Cook on rack.

Enjoy the perfect taste of pumpkin and chocolate.

Wanting to celebrate more fall fun? 
Fall in Love this Fall with Autumn in the Arboretum Dallas, Sept. 22 – Nov. 21

Oompah, Polka and Chicken Dance Your Way to Addison Oktoberfest, Sept. 20-23

Butter Dreams Come True: Meet and Eat with Paula Deen and Bobby Flay

While cooking might not be one of my strongest talents, eating and watching all things food is. My Pinterest board is full of all the things I’ll make in my next life and when the TV’s on…it’s Food Network that makes my heart (and my stomach) skip a beat. 

So when I heard that THE Paula Deen was going to be in Dallas for MetroCooking Dallas…I quickly jumped to see her Southern Highness whip up something and utter her magic twang that could make scrambled eggs sound like the best thing EVER. Speaking of the best thing ever (another Food Network reference), Paula’s not coming empty handed! She’s bringing Iron Chef, Boy Meets Grill, Food Network Star host - we’ll I could go on forever on his list of shows…Bobby Flay. And that’s just for starters.

Photo courtesy of MetrocookingDallas.com.

I do love me some Paula and Bobby, but some of the biggest stars scheduled for this food-lovers bonanza, are specialty food purveyors whose roots are already planted here in the Lone Star State. While food products from all over the U.S. will be on parade, being a proud Texas girl, I can’t help but spotlight these tasty treats that “reign supreme” in Texas.

If you have not heard of these companies, you should put them on your must-haves and must-tastes at this weekend’s MetroCooking Dallas.

Keller - Smokin’ Texas Gourmet
http://www.smokintexasgourmet.com

Inspired by Chef Peter Mollet, this Go Texan-approved product line of salsas, seasonings, sauces and more are all gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian friendly. Best sellers include Peach Salsa and Jalapeno Honey Mustard.

Dallas - The Kessler Cookie Company 
http://www.kesslercookies.com

Haven’t had the chance to bite into a Chocolate Chip Coconut Pecan cookie?  Then get in line. Or better yet, get scheduled for Clyde Greenhouse and Michal Taylor’s Club Kessler and they will send you a monthly supply.

Dallas - Canyon Specialty Foods
http://www.canyonfoods.com

Anne Connaly’s special touch can be found in her pestos, tapenades, soups, and anything else that one can think of to make something taste good. A testament to its goodness, Dallas’ favorite chefs, Dean Fearing, has teamed up for a custom collection featuring his recipe’s for Texas Mop Sauce, Silky Orange Blossom Sauce and his famed Tortilla Soup.

Richardson - Custom Cafe Foods 
http://www.customcafefoods.net

Quick and easy are two words that are key in the kitchen nowadays. But with these dry mixes of gourmet soups, quick breads, and specialty dips can make anyone seem like they’ve been slavin’ away for hours with only a few minutes, especially when the aroma of the Cheddar & Chive Quick Bread hits the air.

Anna - Luscombe Farm Specialty Foods
http://www.luscombefarm.com

Leslie Luscombe’s jellies make biscuits swoon when they enter the room. Toasted Pecan butter, Confetti Jelly and Jalapeno Peach have won awards at the State Fair and can dress up a cream cheese and cracker like nobody’s business.

Austin - Lammes Candies
https://lammes.com

WilliamWirt Lamme made his family name a legend more than 100 years ago with the Texas Chewie Pecan Pralines in 1892. Now the appropriately named Austin-based candy “Longhorns,” along with other homemade candy treats, make them a must-have for any real Texan.

Brenham - Del Sol Food Company
http://www.briannassaladdressing.com

Family-owned and operated for more than 30 years, this small-batch dressing maker already has long had a home on many dinner tables. Rich Poppy Seed, Chipotle Cheddar and Champagne Caper Vinaigrette flavors makes one almost forget the bed of greens underneath it.

Fredericksburg - Quintessential Chocolates Co.
http://www.chocolat-tx.us

Hand-rolled by Lecia Duke, these chocolates are as delicious to drink as they are to eat by filling them with liquors, cognacs and wines like Garrison Brothers Straight Shooter Texas Bourbon and Australian Tawny Port. Other treats come sans spirits, but the Tequila D' Almendrado, their signature piece, is worth a shot.

Heath - Texas Toffee Queen
http://www.texastoffeequeen.com

Nancy Lalumia recreates her Sicilian family recipe of toffee into new flavors like White Chocolate Mango Chili, Dark Chocolate Salted Blood Orange and Dark Chocolate Salted Jalapeno. While you can find this one in your local grocery store, she’s happy to personalize these just for gift-giving with coordinated boxes and ribbon.

Houston - Fat Sister Southern Specialty Foods
http://www.fatsisterfoods.com

Anything called Fat Sister has got to be good and with pancake flavors like Pumpkin Spice, Butter Pecan and best-selling Peanut Butter, then Fat Sister can come over anytime. Making Nana and Paw-Paw proud, this still family-owned business has created an alter-ego, Skinny Sister, for those hankering for organic and gluten-free choices.

Spicewood - The Spicewood Food Company
http://spicewoodfood.com

David Lewis knows how to make any salad or sandwich mind-blowing with a great line of gourmet balsamic vinegars, infused olive oils and white truffle oil. Favorites include White Truffle Mustard, Blue Cheese Pecan Dipping Oil and Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar.

Photo courtesy of the Salado Wine Festival.  http://saladowinefestival.com 

I know I couldn’t think of something more flavor fully of fun than or more southern than a day smothered and covered with rich butter, spicy pepper and Texas food charm. Can’t you just smell the fun?

MetroCooking Dallas

September 22 & 23

Dallas Convention Center

http://www.metrocookingdallas.com

Tickets vary, but right now there’s a special offer for only $36!

Tailgating Tips For Not Adding Weight to Your Tail

I'm not much of a football watcher...even though I live REALLY close to Jerry's World (Dallas Cowboys Stadium.) However, I do like getting together with friends and enjoying the fun that football watching brings like snacking in front of the TV or even better, outside the stadium. But since I'm trying to treat my "Dunlap's Disease" (you know when your stomach has done lapped over your pants), here's a few tips to help keep your tail from expanding.

Consider bringing this quick, easy and healthy Corn Dip from DairyMax.org that taste as good as the big-calorie options without all the bad stuff.

1. Don’t be a meathead – You might think that choosing turkey burgers is an easy touchdown but they can actually be as fatty as beef! Learn about the leanest cuts of meat for tasty, healthy meals.

2. Never go for 2 – try to keep consumption down by eating slowly. And remember, there will be even more temptation at the stadium concession stand, so try to set limits and stick to them.

3. Grab a buddy – make a pact with another friend at the game to help watch what you eat, making healthy choices is easier when you have support.

4. Grab a Bud (Lite) – stock the cooler with low-calorie alcoholic drinks. You can still party with everyone else, but punt the extra carbs.

5. Get baked – chips are a tailgate necessity, but go with baked varieties to cut down the calories and learn what other snacks are a must.

6. Walk home – ok, so that might not be possible, but try to burn some calories before sitting in the stands with these activities as the weather gets cooler.

Thanks to Rachel Berman, the Director of Nutrition for CalorieCount.com—a free online service that provides diet and nutrition information to more than 4.5 million international members—for these suggestions for tailgaters who are either health-conscious or trying to be. 

Are you ready for the challenge?

Always Know Where "Kids Can Eat Free" with Free New App

I try to always give readers a heads up on where they can score free food -- especially when you are paying for kids to eat, too. Worst off, when you are trying to eat healthy it can go to the wayside if you have to take out the whole family. (I mean how can you compete with a Little Ceasar's Pizza at $5 for a large pepperoni!) That's why one of the most heavily downloaded lists is that of all the “kids eat free” restaurants in DFW. But keeping up that list and printing it out to put on the refrigerator may be a thing of the past with a new free website and app.

Jennifer Bilbro, a busy mom tired of overpaying for kids’ meals, founded Out to Eat With Kids, an online database featuring local restaurants with economical and healthy kids’ meals. At OuttoEatWithKids.com, parents can search by zip code and day of the week to find a selection of FREE or reduced-price kids’ meals at local restaurants. Parents can also access this incredible resource for meals on-the-go by using its free mobile app. (This is what I use.)

Out to Eat With Kids features more than 15,000 restaurants nationwide and is constantly being updated with new deals. Plus, Out to Eat With Kids is working with the National Restaurant Association to promote healthy children's menu options that meet nutritional standards through its Kids LiveWell program and features a special logo next to qualifying restaurants.

I found around 15 Kids Eat Free specials in DFW on the app, so it’s off to a great start. And hopefully so are we to saving a little money!  

Fashion's Night Out - Because it's fun to celebrate shopping!

[This blog is devoted to all things mama -- which means most the time it's stuff about the kids, what to make for dinner and things that are designed to make our lives easier. This month I'm taking the focus off the family and putting it back on #1 (that's you, ladies!) With all the stresses of being a mama, we have a tendency to forget about us...from our looks, our bodies and our minds. So September is all about taking care of yourself and remembering that there are other parts of being a mom...being yourself. (And if you don't remember what that means, then you really need to get ready this month!) So get out a glass of water or wine and enjoy!]

I'm still recovering, but I have to admit it was all worth it in the name of shopping! 

September 6, 2012 I celebrated my first Fashion's Night Out. I'll be honest I wasn't sure what I was doing and for what reason it seemed that Galleria Dallas, along with most every shopping center in DFW, was rolling out the red carpet with hosted parties, Djs, special offers, gifts and best of all, free nibbles and bubbly for one night called Fashion's Night Out. Based on an event started by Vogue in New York a few years back, this nationwide campaign has become like Christmas for those of us that love fashion, style and every thing in between. Since I was told I had missed a good time last year, I decided I would make this year work. I'm glad I did. 

A glass of wine, nibbles, make up and a 'do and I was ready to make my way to the festivities.

I'm certainly not a celebrity, but everyone at Galleria Dallas acted like they were for the night along with the local celebs that also made an appearance like Fox 4s Good Day Dallas Anchor Lauren Przybyl, Galleria Dallas Fashion Stylist (and mama to 3 girls) Holly Quartaro and Texas Living's Hilary Kennedy (along with a whole lotta bloggers and other media folks.) 

I started off with hair and make up from Toni & Guy at their VIP lounge designed to get us all in prime form to look our best and make us feel like a million bucks before going elbow to elbow with models for the evening. After a glass of pinot and a few tasty bites of OMG hummus from Townhouse Kitchen + Bar, sweets from Godiva and a big swag bag to keep my hair in place for later, I put on my best I'm-probably-going-to-break-my-ankles heels and strutted all of my stuff down to start the party hopping.

Galleria Dallas' Fashion Stylist Holly Quartaro making the rounds at  FNO at Galleria Dallas.

And hop we did...I didn't even make it to all the events that night which included runway shows down the "longest runway in America," but the ones I did attend - they were great! And the freebies alone were worth going...especially when I donated a purse to Dooney & Bourke and they gave me a $50 sun glass case for free. Then off to Kenneth Cole, which upon checking in our Foursquare, handed me a great reusable shopping bag. After hearing about the party happening over at one of my favorite store's Brahmin, I scored the awesome "official FNO tote" to store all my samples and swags I'd picked up along the way. I did miss out on the personalized monogrammed stationary from Papyrus as well as the hand massages at L'occitane, but my poor little feet couldn't have run any faster to get there before they ran out. 

One of several parties at Galleria Dallas' FNO event. 

The evening felt more like a party than a shopping trip and to be honest, it's exactly what I needed. It was a reason to get out and enjoy things I enjoy like shoes and handbags (in that order), but that's not all. It gave me a purpose to remember that it's okay to enjoy doing something for no reason at all except to enjoy it. Of course, I couldn't just let it be the evening alone to remember. Maybe it was the champagne, but somehow a beautiful Brahmin bag to make it home with me. While it wasn't free, I did get a AMAZING discount and by just picking it up, I kinda still feel like a million dollars even with my apron and flip flops on. 

A bag at Brahmin I may have purchased during my fun night out at Fashion's Night Out. Isn't it cute!?!

So for those of you still wondering, "Why Fashion's Night Out?" 

My answer to you is: "Why not?" 

***Disclaimer: I work on the behalf of the Galleria Dallas to promote events and activities at the center. However, I attended this event and enjoyed the heck out of myself - even if I was "at work." It was one of those days that "going to the office" wasn't so bad. Everything said here was done on my own and for my own enjoyment. 

Win a little bit of (healthy) heaven with Arctic Zero!

 

This month is all about trying to be healthy and take care of #1. I can tell you that I can enjoy my healthy quest a little bit easier with ARCTIC ZERO! The World's First Super Dessert and only 150 Calories Per Pint! Arctic Zero is All Natural, Fat Free, Gluten Free, Lactose Intolerant Friendly and a whole lot more good stuff. And with flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip and Cookies and Cream, I don't feel like I'm missing out and neither will my kids! And now you can get your hands on this good stuff too!

Arctic Zero is giving away 8 pints of ice creams with different flavors, 2 boxes of bars, 1 box of mixed vanilla/chocolate and 1 box of mixed strawberry/orange cream to one lucky winner (for US only.)

This giveaway will start September 7 until September 30. To enter the giveaway you just fill up the rafflecopter below. The mechanics of the giveaway is very simple just follow the FB pages, twitter, tweet, and leave a comment. Good luck everyone! a Rafflecopter giveaway. 

If in case the rafflecopter did not work here is the link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/sharecode/YTIwN2ZlOGYwZWI2ODE4YmNiYTcwMjlmYzM5MjU5OjEw