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Merry Christmas with Robert Earl Keen

November 22, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

For more there’s nothing more classic Christmas than Robert Earl Keen. Celebrate Christmas his way with this mamachallenge.com exclusive and get your tickets to a “Countdown to Christmas” in Fort Worth, Dec. 30 at Bass Performance Hall.

“Carve the turkey turn the ballgame on

Make margaritas when the eggnog’s gone

Send somebody to the Quik Pak Store…

We need some icing and extension cords…”

Growing up this song describes my family Christmas to a tee I heard it the first time, but more so it would be the first of many R.E.K. lyrics that would become our anthems growing up in small town Texas. As I look back at those big memorable moments in my life, Robert Earl Keen is often the soundtrack.

So when asked if I would like to talk with the Texas singer/songwriter to chat about his upcoming show at Bass Performance Hall featuring my favorite Christmas song, “I kinda fanned out. A LOT. You have no idea how big of a dork I acted.

But after I gained my composure and a few minutes into chatting with Robert Earl Keen (always by his full name because it never sounds right saying it any other way), like his songs, I’m calmed and collected, and brought to my happy place.

(PC: Robert Earl Keen)

That and that just listening to hi say anything reminded me of all the stories he shares before he belts into one of his own songs…The same stories that have connected him to audiences for decades. Except this time, was my own moment…

And like you’d hope and expect, everything about him is just what I thought: a good ole boy that’s thankful each time he heads to the stage to do what he loves, his way. A man, I would find out, spends his life pretty normal in Kerrville, Texas where he describes it as a lot like “Leave it to Beaver.” Except quite possibly the way he actually spends his Christmas.

“I’m known for my making homemade personalized pizzas on Christmas Eve,” he shared when asked how close his Christmas is to the song that was released in 1994. “Everyone comes over and I spend hours making 20 or so pizzas for all my friends and family,” he continued. “Then on Christmas Day we eat Lasagne.”

While I didn’t expect the Italian twist, REKs own personal Christmas tradition encapsulates his own way of authentic, “real way” of sharing much like the recent $55M fundraiser he played in this September “Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief” with George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and tons of celebrities taking donations over the phone or as the headliner on October 21 for Deep From The Heart Concert at Texas A&M University hosted by former living U.S. Presidents performing alongside Alabama, Cassadee Pope, Lady Gaga and more.

Yes, it was as perfect as it gets,” he shared. “The music was just stellar.”

But as star-studded as that evening was, it’s the less than red-carpeted evenings I had to know more about.

“So Robert Earl Keen, is “Merry Christmas from the Family” real or is it just a fun song that all the words came together to make it a hit?” I bravely asked finally.

He took a deep breath and began his story in only the way REK could, began to share how the “Christmas song,” a song that would become the impetus for the Christmas production many years later, came to be.

“Right before Christmas, to amuse myself, I just wrote about Christmas just off hand, with these words of my experiences in Houston growing up that I had in the back of my head,” he began. And in 20 minutes, it was done, so I just put it in my back pocket. Then one day I was sharing some music to production guy and it wasn’t going great. Then the guy asked ‘Well, is that all you got?’ I was pretty frustrated so I just started to play it…and he said ‘That’s the best song you have here.’ And that was the tipping point.”

(PC: Robert Earl Keen)

While “Merry Christmas from the Family” is one of REKs most popular songs so much so that he actually had to put a “Linen Rule” on when he plays it, “Coming Home” stands as his own possible favorite (as well as mine.) But when it comes to Christmas tunes, he shared “O Holy Night” is one of his all time favorites as well as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

And the Town this Santa is coming to is what Keen calls ‘his favorite city in Texas’ – Fort Worth.”

And the Town this Santa is coming to is what Keen calls “his favorite city in Texas,” Fort Worth, for his one-night performance of the “Fam-O-Lee Back to the Country Jamboree.” The show is described as it “brings visions of sugar plums, elves and maybe a cow or two while families bond with those closest to them at what is sure to become a favorite, non-stop laughing, holiday tradition!”

But honestly, Robert Earl Keen has long been a holiday tradition for many of us for a long-time now.

See the show:

Robert Earl Keen’s Countdown to Christmas

Dec. 30 at 7:30 pm

Bass Performance Hall

Fort Worth, Texas

Buy Tickets

It’s a German Christmas at the Texas Christkindl Market

November 21, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

There’s tons to do in Dallas and Fort Worth during the holidays. One of our favorites is outdoor fun, culture, and history all in one at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, plus there’s gluhwein. (’nuff said.)

I’m a gal that loves to travel. But with kids in tow and Christmas craziness happening, it’s hard to think there’s time for that. But I found the way to Germany and all you need to do is head to the ballpark (Globe Life Park that is.)

All of these fun events and activities are in my backyard, but if you don’t live in Texas, then you probably only associate Arlington with America’s Team the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. Did you know it’s home to some of the most magical holiday experiences, too?

You can ooh and ahh at all the floats in the Arlington Holiday Lights Parade and the historical Interlochen Lights or you can enjoy the thrills of Six Flags Over Texas – Holiday in the Park. One of my favorites has to be strolling through Texas Christkindl Market – reminiscent of a German holiday experience.

Texas Christkindl Market, the largest open-air market in the Southwest, is not your typical holiday fair. It’s inspired by German tradition and features holiday gifts, decorations, and of course, German food. More than 25 vendors are found up and down the market with great giftables like jewelry, ornaments and little German trinkets like cuckoo clocks. Plus, it is the only place in the Southwest where you can find handcrafted gifts and collectibles straight from exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt merchandise and designs from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village.

This is heaven for shoppers or just people who like to collect festive holiday items, but if shopping isn’t your cup of tea, there’s much more:

SPECIAL EVENTS NOT TO MISS AT THE TEXAS CHRISTKINDL MARKET

Tree Lighting and Opening Ceremonies - Nov. 29 at 7 pm

Kicking off the 2019 Market, the community is invited to welcome the beautiful Christkindl Angel at the Opening Ceremonies on Nov. 29. The angelic namesake of the event, the Christkind opens the market, sharing German holiday traditions and stories. Special guests are invited to join the Angel as she lights up the live 30-ft. Concolor Fir Christkindl Tree, presented by Viridian DFW by Johnson Development, opening the Market for a successful 24 days.

Ice Skating in the North Plaza

Take to the ice with 5,000 sq. ft. of frozen fun produced by Ice Rink Rinks! Take a spin on our outdoor ice skating rink, which will be open through Jan. 12, 2020, and create magical memories with family and friends.

Hours: Open Nov. 29, 2019 – Jan. 12, 2020. After-school hours on weekdays: 4 pm-9 pm; Saturdays and School Holidays: 11 am-10 pm, Sundays: noon- 7 pm.

Tickets: Individual admission for all ages: $16 (includes skate rental). For tickets and information, please visit txchristkindlmarket.com. For questions regarding group discounts or private skate requests, email txchristkindlmarket@icerinkevents.com.

Warming Haus

Enjoy the comforts of warm, covered seating in the Warming Haus as a cozy place to enjoy eating your gingerbread or catching up with an old friend. The Warming Haus is an ideal destination to warm up by enjoying seasonal beverages including beer, Kinderpunsch and Glühwein in custom-collectible mugs (while supplies last.) After the refreshments, head back to the ice rink for a classic holiday experience with friends and family. For information on hosting private events and meetings, please email info@txchristkindlmarket.com.

Kinder Club

Before heading to see St. Nikolaus, children are invited to write a letter (or download a special template) at the Kinder Club online at: https://www.txchristkindlmarket.com/kinder-club/kids-downloads/. Letters should be dropped at the Warming Haus at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, Texas and put it in the specially marked mailbox to receive a personal response from St. Nikolaus himself (with a little help from the Texas Rangers Women’s Club.)

St. Nikolaus

There’s nothing more legendary than a visit with St. Nikolaus at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington! Every child is invited to meet St. Nikolaus to share their special requests and photography packages may be purchased starting at $19.95.

After all of the carousel rides and snow fights, you’ll probably work up quite an appetite for some authentic German cuisine – roasting nuts, brats, potato pancakes, funnel cakes and gluhwein / spiced wine (my personal favorite.) And you can enjoy all of this yummy food in the comfort of the Warming Hut or while listening to one of the acts musical acts that are scheduled throughout the market. Just be careful – we don’t need anyone roasting in a warming hut.

Arlington 2011 Christkindl Market Day Two photographed Saturday, December 2, 2011. Photography by Bruce E. Maxwell.

The best part about all of this – admission and parking are FREE! Located near Globe Life Field and Texas Live! in the North Plaza, The Texas Christkindl Market is open daily, Nov. 29 until December 22. For more information on vendors, activities and a full schedule of entertainment, click here.

EVENT DETAILS

Texas Christkindl Market, presented by Comerica Bank

Nov. 29 – Dec. 22, 2019

North Plaza at Globe Life Field (next to Texas Live!)

1650 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington, TX 76011

Free market admission, Ice rink admission: $16

For Info: For information, visit www.TXChristkindlMarket.com, www.facebook.com/TXChristkindl, www.twitter.com/TXChristkindl, www.instagram.com/TXChristkindl #TXChristkindl

5 Holiday Reminders Every Mom Needs

November 1, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 76 Comments

Christmas is hard work. Take out the stress with Happy Cards and let the elves do the dirty work for a change.

Thanks to the elves at Happy Cards for sharing this sponsored post how we can all get a little more happy this holiday.

If you have scissors in your hands as your wrap one of the countless numbers of gifts under the tree or plotting the demise of your “Elf on the Shelf” while you prop it for the daily antic before your children wake up, then you need to stop.

I repeat: put down the scissors or the Elf. (Or in my case, both of them since the Elf was about to go down.)

For most mamas, Christmas is one of the best (and worst) times of the year. You may not admit it (at least not aloud), but while you love those uploading your annual Santa’s photos with the kids for everyone to see, Christmas is hard work.

Yes, I said it.

If Cheesecake Factory, Saks Fifth Avenue off 5th, Panera Bread, Sephora, SpaFinder.com, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Lord & Taylor makes you happy, then just keep reading.

But before calling me a Grinch or a Scrooge, understand I love this time of year with beautiful decorations on everything from the fireplace to the mailbox, the look on the kids faces on Christmas morning when they unwrap the gifts, and all the other magic that comes with the holidays. But mama, you put in some serious work to make it all happen and you weren’t always smiling when you did it. Oh, I know I wasn’t…far from it.

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My ❤️is so full! Our first Christmas in our new neighborhood and carolers came with cookies and song. When I saw this moment at the door, the tears started flowing. It was like the moment the Grinch’s heart grew 10x. Pretty sure all my Christmas wishes have been granted. I’m a lucky lady. (Go to my Instastories to hear.) . . . #Christmas #carolers #holiday #dfw #dallasmoms #arlingtontx #viridiandfw #viridian #thisisarlington

A post shared by mamachallenge | Autumn Reo (@mamachallenge) on Dec 16, 2018 at 5:55pm PST

There’s nothing fun about interrupting the very precious hours of sleep you get for almost a month just to give life to a red inanimate “elf” with a creative theme that your kids will laugh at for :10 seconds in the morning.

Look closely. Very closely to see what’s happening to this Elf.

There’s nothing fun about climbing all over the outside (and inside) of your house while putting yourself in danger to put up lights, just to take them down again a month later.

There’s nothing fun about trying to get just the right something for that someone and then bracing yourself when you have to be around them (even if you don’t really like them.)

But for most moms, they wouldn’t have it any other way. Even for those of us that actually have to purchase our own gifts, wrap them to put under the tree, write our kids or spouses name on them, and then act like we’re surprised on Christmas morning. (Or in some cases, not get anything at all in your stocking because if you don’t do it, no one will.)

However, we also know that nothing’s going to change and if we want the magic of Christmas to happen (and I know I’m not letting go of it), then we feel we have to do it. #MOMGUILT is real and we all make us feel like it’s what you have to do.

But there are a couple of things you can do to put the HO-HO-HO back in the holidays rather than the BOO-HOO-HOO.

We all need to remember the following:

No one is thinking why you didn’t coordinate your wrapping paper under the tree once they open the gift.
There is no mom award given at the end of the holidays for making it the best Christmas ever.
If you don’t make it to every Christmas event on the list, no one is going to know.
If you don’t send out Christmas cards this year, you can post a photo on Facebook and call it done. Or send an Easter card or try just writing a letter.
You don’t need to work so hard to find the right gift. Gift cards really do make people happy, so buy it and be done.

Yes, gift cards. I know trying to find the “right card” is hard enough…but with Happy Cards, you can alleviate all that. Just pick one of the many cards and the giftee can choose what they want to get…and quite possibly more than one present. They can enjoy their favorite restaurant, start on the house project they’ve been waiting to do, or even get their resolutions moving – all with the Happy Card!

Remember, what your family really wants is a mama that’s happy, rested and wants to enjoy Christmas. And honestly, so do I. So we’re happy the little elves at Happy Cards are sharing a $100 Happy Lady Happy Card for one lucky mama.

So what are you waiting for? Enter below.

It’s just a click to get one step closer to a service from being a Happy Mama with a Happy Lady card from Happy Cards. And you have until Dec. 24 at midnight to enter. That’s all you have to do. (We’ll that and whatever you still have on your Christmas list – that probably isn’t necessary either.)

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Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

June 22, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 68 Comments

Love the idea of grilling, but think it’s too complicated? We’re sharing the basics you need to get your grill on with our Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak!

Thank you to Market Street for helping all of us girls (and guys) get our grill on with this sponsored post.

Isn’t it funny that so many mamas take on the world (literally) every day, but when it comes to grilling think it’s too hard or should be left to the guys?

Just answer me this: Do you like the idea of biting into a juicy, sizzling steak? Do you like to entertain? Want to make a special meal for your special someone? Then you need to know how to grill a steak.

…But don’t worry, it’s not near as hard as you think it is. Now don’t get me wrong, grilling is just as much an art and a science as it is skill. I have the utmost for those that have mastered it, but we don’t have to be the best to have a really good steak dinner. And before you get any further down, here’s your real disclaimer: Grilling is subjective and everyone does it different.

However, we’re gonna give you the absolute basics to get your first steak from purchase to plate without much work, hassle, or slaving over a grill for hours. (Besides, who has time for that!)

Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

1) It’s all in the meat.

No matter what marinade you use, what you cook it on, or what you pair with it, you need to pick a great piece of steak. I honestly didn’t have a clue except that there was steak and there was hamburger meat. So off to Market Street I went to figure it all out when the butcher came out to help me (he must have seen the scare in my eyes!) He explained the cuts of meat so I knew what I was looking at and how best to cook it.

There are three basic classes you should know when it comes to your beef: Prime (best), Choice (better) and Select (good.)

When it comes to flavor, it’s all in the marbling or the little white flecks in beef – is key to flavor. The higher the amount of marbling, the higher the quality of beef.

When it comes to the meat, Rancher’s Reserve is always a great choice with 100% Angus beef that is juicy, tender and full of flavor.

Now for the fun stuff, the cuts! These four steaks all come from the same general area of the cow – the short loin, tenderloin, and the ribs.

TENDERLOIN // aka filet mignon / Boneless cut from the short loin and sirloin. / Most tender and most expensive cut of steak.

T-BONE // aka Porterhouse / Bone in cross section of the unfilleted short loin with combo of f tenderloin and NY strip. / Great taste but difficult to cook with two different cuts.

NY STRIP // Boneless & sometimes bone-in short loin behind the ribs. / Fine grained texture with some marbling.

RIBEYE // aka Delmonico /Boneless & bone-in cut from the rib cage. / Lots of marbling and fat pockets for the juiciest flavor.

The Ribeye is by far the best choice for new grillers. It’s more tender than the other cuts of beef and has lots of marbling, which means lots of juicy flavor!

When it comes to the cut, you’ll want to aim for 1 1/4 inch – 1 1/2 inch cut.

Don’t see any in the case? Then ask your butcher to assist you! Market Street will cut it to your specifications!

2) Season and Sit it Out.

Alrighty…this is where there are all kinds of opinions on the best way to make your steak taste perfect. What you put on it, how long you let it sit on the steak and how long you choose to put the steak in the fridge or at room temperatures varies as much as there are different opinions on how best to soothe a crying baby. There’s been tons of research, experiments, and lots of hot-headed opinions but for this first-timer’s steak: we’re keeping it basic. You’ll find your own way after you do it for the first time.

Take your steak out of the fridge at least thirty minutes before you plan to cook your steak. Pat your steak with a paper towel.

Add LOTS of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to both sides (it’s going to seem excessive, but this will add the simple seasoning your steak needs. (Put it in your palm and let it fly!)

Let the steak sit at room temperature for around half an hour.

3) Get your Grill Going.

The biggest question here is: How are you planning to cook this thing!

Gas: By far the easiest way way to grill is on a gas grill. Turn on the tank, turn the burner, ignite, and close the lid for around 10 minutes when the grill hits around 425-450 degrees. Now you’re ready to roll!

Is it time to cook? Hold your hand about about four to six inches above the grill grate, palm down. If you can hold it one to three seconds before you need to pull your hand away, you’re at high heat.

Charcoal: Yes, you’re going to have to light it up! Starting with a clean grill like this one, lay your self-starting charcoal (it has lighter fluid in the briquettes so you don’t have to deal with it) in a grid pattern. Then light each corner and let it go! Close the grill and either using a thermometer or the hand method (see above), wait until the charcoal has lost its flame and beginning to turn gray.

Pan-fry: It never seems to fail that you make plans to grill and Mother Nature makes another plan! When you’re in a rush or weather doesn’t permit outdoor grilling, go with the iron skillet! Just put it on high and let it go (I also like to add a little oil and butter to the pan for even more flavor!)

Our fourth is sizzlin’…? Ribeye, butter, garlic, rosemary and an iron skillet. All you need for the perfect steak. ? Get your guide to yours on mamachallenge! (FYI Ribeyes are on big sale now at @marketstreet_tx!) #marketstreet #ad #fourthofjuly

A post shared by Autumn?mamachallenge.com ? (@mamachallenge) on Jul 3, 2017 at 6:21am PDT

4) Let’s Get Cooking.

Alright, Alright, Alright! We’ve reached the big show!

If you’re making your steaks on the grill, then you’re going to wait to cook your steaks until they get to your specific level of doneness.

Rare // 120 degrees Medium Rare // 130 degrees Medium // 140 degrees

Medium Well // 150 degrees Well Done // 160 degrees

You can also use the finger test, but this isn’t always accurate as using this.

5) Dinner is Done.

To cut or to sit out, that is the question! One of the biggest controversies (yes, it’s that big of a deal) is whether you need to let your steak sit before serving. While there is all kinds of rationales for why you should and why you shouldn’t, but for me it’s simple: If you wait about 5 minutes after you take it off the heat, there’s less juice therefore less mess. So that’s my win-win.

Now let’s eat!

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Quiche Lorraine with Hashbrown Crust

March 20, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 22 Comments

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Quiche Lorraine with Hashbrown Crust

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

A wonderful brunch make-ahead recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

4 tablespoons butter, melted, divided in half
1 package 16 oz. frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
8 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup ham, chopped
1 Tbsp minced, fresh oregano
1 tsp red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.
Brush a 9-by-2 1/2-inch springform pan with 2 TBSP melted butter.
Line the sides of the pan with strips of parchment paper and brush paper with butter, too.
Squeeze all the water / moisture out of the hashbrowns in a colander and let dry.
In a large bowl, mix hash browns with butter, 1 egg, salt, and pepper.
Press hashbrown mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pan.
Press firmly to mold the potatoes against the edges.
Place on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until set and the edges of the hash browns are lightly browned.
In a large bowl, whisk the remaining eggs and milk, then add the rest of the ingredients. Pour into prepared crust.
Bake until set, 45 to 50 minutes and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Perfect for Mother’s Day, Easter, Christmas or a another great holiday!

Garland ISD Students Serve Up Success

February 27, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

There’s no better way to learn than getting hands-on, real experience. At Garland ISD, the students are getting skills for tomorrow’s jobs today.

Thank you to the students, staff and City of Garland for their hospitality and sponsoring this eye-opening post.

When a private invite for an extraordinary six-course Mardi Gras meal comes to your inbox, you say “oui.”

But when you find out the hands that are going to make said meal are those of high school students, you go wondering if you’re part of an episode of Top Chef Junior.

But when I walked into the doors of The Bistro at Garland ISD Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center, I figured out this was not the high school experience I remembered. Not by a long shot.

The Bistro is the student-led restaurant operated by the students of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs. The restaurant give students wishing to work in the restaurant, hotel, tourism industries not only hands-on opportunity for planning, preparing, serving and designing, but also certifications that can get them a job the minute they graduate – or in many cases – a job right after they leave for the day on campus. The benefit for the community is now a new place to have breakfast Wednesday – Friday, 8 AM – 1 am and lunch, 11 am – 2 pm with very affordable pricing like $8 jambalaya and $6 gumbo.

Led by Director Etienne Walker and taught by Chefs Rob Richards and Alex Bar-Sela, the students really went to the next level to give us the royal treatment to remember with decor and an elevated hospitality experience as they served us each with an offering of the drink de jour, the Smokin’ Jamba Juice served with frozen grapes and a dry ice “icicle” or the Mardi Gras Smoothie, layered perfectly for the occasion.

And the menu, which was served for the day’s special debut, was brought out to each guest with both presentation and outstanding taste. I mean this wasn’t just homemade cooking, this one upscale culinary skills like exemplified with the sugar crisp that hugged the baby ontop of a bread pudding with a dollop of cream was really delicious, but each of the entrees were just THAT GOOD.

While I had a very full and happy belly thanks to these students, learning that this state-of-the-art training center, which opened in August 2017, was just two of 90 advanced programs available to students had really whet my appetite. The school, which supports all seven home high schools, gives real-world experience to students in careers from everything medical, investments, architectural, marketing, engineering, firefighting, logistics, and automotive mechanics.

But this school exists through a lot of diligent work with the municipal and business communities. Working hand in hand with the City of Garland, having a school of choice program on this level, makes it attractive for all the area students to want to be a part of the school system. And the corporate world sees the benefits as well, which is why many well-known companies invest time and money to these students to prepare them for careers inside their own doors one day.

Each “classroom” looked nothing like a traditional classroom, but a slice of the “real world” and in some cases beyond. For instance, this program is the only high school in the world partnered with Harley Davidson motorcycles for the Battle of the Kings to custom build a 2019 bike and have it compete against other groups from all over the world.

While they won’t let you enroll at GRCTC as an adult (I know I was ready to enroll), they do invite visitors to dine at The Bistro. And of course, there’s always the bigger benefit that we are getting tomorrow’s workforce ready for careers, today.

Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center
4885 N President George Bush Hwy
Garland, TX 75040
website

Anti-Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day Ideas

February 13, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Do you think of Valentine’s Day is the saddest, coldest, most depressing day of the year? No date? No problem. Make Valentine’s Day an opportunity to celebrate your singledom with these Anti-Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day Ideas.

Affiliate links may be included.

I’m gonna be honest…Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday. I might be married now, but I can count not one, but two different Valentine’s Days I had a breakup. And there were plenty of V-days that there wasn’t anyone around at all including the year I spent Valentine’s Day at the movie theatre watching “Titanic.”

That was definitely a sinker.

But I learned early that if you make the best of it and celebrate with the girls, then you definitely will feel the love. And if you still are harboring a little rage and anger towards that ex-someone when Valentine’s Day rolls around, you can use the day to rid yourself of all those ill-feelings and move on.

Galentine’s Day, Officially February 13

Make it the best day for celebrating your gals who love you with or without a partner with a Galentine’s Day Brunch! Penned by Amy Poehler’s character on Parks and Rec, Galentine’s Day AKA February 13 is a new holiday to celebrate you and your girlfriends. So do it doing what ladies love most – brunch with mimosas, movies, and doing girl things!

Galentine’s Day Brunch

MENU

Mimosa Bar: You can do no wrong with bubbles – but you can make them better with infused fruit! My favorite is infusing the berries with Elderberry liqueur. Full up the glass and add the soaked strawberries for a twist.

Heart-shaped cinnamon rolls: Here’s an easy way to make these with red icing.

Chocolate-covered strawberries or Fondue with strawberries: Use colored chocolate to add a new fun twist.

GALENTINE’S DAY ACTIVITIES

Rom-Coms: Don’t worry about any complaints here, bring on the romantic comedies! Netflix or bring ’em from your private collections. Love Actually, Crazy, Stupid Love, – you know the ones!

Go Girl Playlist: Cue up your Spotify with this special Galentine’s Day playlist meant to empower “All the Single Ladies!”

Galentine’s Day gifts (nail polish with cute printables):

What’s more gal pal appropriate than painting your nails! Here are a few cute favor ideas to gift your girls with a sweet note to show them how much you care!

>>>Get your printables<<<

GALENTINE’S DAY PARTIES

Anti-Valentine’s Day Party

Hate the idea of Valentine’s Day? Then host a Whine Party. Have guests a bottle of wine to drink, photos of the ex(es) and get ready to purge them from your system.

Anti-Valentine’s Day Whine Party

MENU

Wine: Ask guest to bring a bottle (or more.) If you’re gonna whine, you gotta bring wine!

Food: All things garlic! While garlic is good for your heart, the flavor is much more fun when you don’t have to worry about your breath! Start things off with Bagna Cauda (it’s heavenly garlic dip!), Caesar salad with garlic vinaigrette and garlic polenta croutons, and Chicken Alfredo with Garlic Sauce.