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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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5 Holiday Reminders Every Mom Needs

Yum

November 1, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 76 Comments

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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.) 


Happy-Cards

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.  

 

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 

 

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. 

HappyCards (5 of 6)

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.) 

Happy-Cards

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:

  1. No one is thinking why you didn’t coordinate your wrapping paper under the tree once they open the gift. 
  2. There is no mom award given at the end of the holidays for making it the best Christmas ever. 
  3. If you don’t make it to every Christmas event on the list, no one is going to know. 
  4. 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. 
  5. 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. 

Happy-Cards

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! 

Happy-Cards

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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About Autumn Rose Reo

Texas blogger, TV contributor, PR pro, and mother of two (including a son with a Congenital Heart Defect) , Autumn Rose Reo is always on the search for REAL SOLUTIONS for REAL PARENTS that REALLY WORK. From parenthood, things to do, reviews, style, recipes and more, she’s always cookin’ up something fun, resourceful and good to know! She’s frequently featured on TV sharing her solutions and in her spare time, she’s helping others promote their business with her own PR shop, The Reo Agency See what she’s burning, party she is planning, or what challenge she is taking on today.

Comments

  1. mami2jcn says

    December 20, 2018 at 9:07 am

    I’ve been having some digestive problems and have felt sick all month. I would be really happy if I felt healthy and enjoyed eating again!

    Reply
  2. HS says

    December 20, 2018 at 9:40 am

    Getting together with my family, enjoying food and fooling around would make me very happy.

    Reply
  3. Annette says

    December 20, 2018 at 10:39 am

    I’m already pretty happy, but something that would make my day would be having all my debts paid off. I don’t have many, but to not have that hanging over my head would be a welcome relief.

    Reply
  4. Tim says

    December 20, 2018 at 11:46 am

    I would happy for some warmer weather. I would also be happy to spend Christmas alone with my family, rather than have people come over or have to go to someone else’s home.

    Reply
  5. Jessica To says

    December 20, 2018 at 2:45 pm

    I would really be happy for some sunny, dry weather. We’ve had so much rain and snow in our area that flooding is a concern.

    Reply
  6. Nicole Zerbini says

    December 20, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    Paying off the rest of our debt and buying our dream house!

    Reply
  7. Melissa C says

    December 20, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    Welcoming a new baby into the family!

    Reply
  8. heather says

    December 20, 2018 at 8:15 pm

    What would really make me happy is winning this gift card this year sure need it and would appreciate it so much.

    Reply
  9. Tracie Cooper says

    December 20, 2018 at 9:28 pm

    Making more memories with loved ones- both family and friends, would make me the happiest!

    Reply
  10. Laurajj says

    December 20, 2018 at 10:34 pm

    Just would love my family to be happy and healthy in the new year!

    Reply
  11. sandra says

    December 20, 2018 at 10:53 pm

    If my family had a happy Christmas

    Reply
  12. Sonya Morris says

    December 20, 2018 at 11:28 pm

    Being debt free would make me really happy!

    Reply
  13. Helen says

    December 21, 2018 at 1:05 am

    I would love the chance to slow down and get some rest and relaxation.

    Reply
  14. Debbie Garrett says

    December 21, 2018 at 7:27 am

    What would really make me happy would be a nice massage to relieve all the stress of the past year!

    Reply
  15. Kimberly Munoz says

    December 21, 2018 at 7:41 am

    I just want no fighting or bothering the dog all day!! One can wish, huh? LOL

    Reply
  16. Susan Christy says

    December 21, 2018 at 8:22 am

    I’d be SO HAPPY if my whole family was together at Christmas.

    Reply
  17. Sarah S says

    December 21, 2018 at 9:33 am

    It would make me really happy if my kids got along a little bit better and we could get into better health choices

    Reply
  18. Audrey Griffis says

    December 21, 2018 at 9:53 am

    Hopefully for a fun family vacation

    Reply
  19. Jeanna says

    December 21, 2018 at 10:30 am

    It would make me happy if my family has a wonderful holiday together!

    Reply
  20. Harmony says

    December 21, 2018 at 10:36 am

    Having all my kiddos with me!

    Reply
  21. Jennifer says

    December 21, 2018 at 11:01 am

    It would make me happy to get to have a girls night or even an afternoon and not worry about the holidays or kids haha!

    Reply
  22. Edye says

    December 21, 2018 at 11:30 am

    Just making special memories with family this holiday!

    Reply
  23. Elena says

    December 21, 2018 at 11:34 am

    Traveling somewhere would make me happy.

    Reply
  24. Marilyn Nawara says

    December 21, 2018 at 11:55 am

    Having both of my boys and their families with me for the entire day.

    Reply
  25. Stacie says

    December 21, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    Agreed. The Elf has never been in our house, and it never will. Not only is it extra work, it’s just plain creepy.

    Reply
  26. Jenicia Beckstrand says

    December 21, 2018 at 12:35 pm

    What would really make me happy? Just knowing my kids are happy and healthy and feeling loved this Christmas!

    Reply
  27. Brianne says

    December 21, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    These are great ideas! A Gift card like these isn’t restrictive on location, and will come in handy for college kids, as an example

    Reply
  28. Dana Rodriguez says

    December 21, 2018 at 4:07 pm

    I love these ideas! It would make me happy to see our baby grandson.

    Reply
  29. brittany doerfler says

    December 21, 2018 at 4:54 pm

    Having my brother home from deployment

    Reply
  30. Liz Mays says

    December 21, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    I like that these cards can open up a few more options for the recipient, They’ll make their after-Christmas shopping more fun!

    Reply
  31. Amy says

    December 21, 2018 at 7:15 pm

    I love the name of these gift cards! They are so cute! I surely would be happy with one about now!

    Reply
  32. Tammy Woodall says

    December 21, 2018 at 7:29 pm

    Seeing my brother will make me happy.

    Reply
  33. Rust says

    December 21, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    A trip to spend Christmas with my daughter.

    Reply
  34. Claudia Krusch says

    December 21, 2018 at 7:47 pm

    Family time with the ones we love should be our mail goal on Christmas!

    Reply
  35. krystal says

    December 21, 2018 at 8:08 pm

    Those gift cards are so cute. I’d love to be a happy lady!! LOL

    Reply
  36. Liz N. says

    December 21, 2018 at 8:22 pm

    I’d love an airline ticket to go see my sister in Budapest! But other than that, I’m pretty happy in general!

    Reply
  37. Jennifer says

    December 21, 2018 at 8:22 pm

    Everyone loves gift cards! These are great reminders too.

    Reply
  38. Mama to 6 blessings says

    December 21, 2018 at 9:29 pm

    I am a mom to 6 little ones. This year I am keeping it simple. No stockings, not sending out Christmas cards. I can only do whay I can. Less stressful!

    Reply
  39. Celeste Herrin says

    December 21, 2018 at 10:16 pm

    To have all three of my children under the same roof would make me really really happy! I am hoping that happens Christmas Eve. I’m almost giddy thinking about it!

    Reply
  40. shelly peterson says

    December 21, 2018 at 11:10 pm

    Spending Christmas with my mom would make me happy.

    Reply
  41. Debra Pearlstein says

    December 21, 2018 at 11:37 pm

    Healthy and happy friends and family would make me happy!

    Reply
  42. Sherry says

    December 21, 2018 at 11:47 pm

    I actually just saw these gift cards in the store today while I was out shopping. I think it’s great that there are different themes and the cards have a variety of stores to use them at.

    Reply
  43. Nancy Bowers says

    December 22, 2018 at 12:31 am

    Peace and good health for family would make me happy.

    Reply
  44. Lindsay A. says

    December 22, 2018 at 1:55 am

    Continuing my fitness goals would make me happy this holiday season!

    Reply
  45. Alicia Gonzalez says

    December 22, 2018 at 2:32 am

    Healthy friends and family, volunteering and growing make me happy. Okay, I also love when my businesses are growing.

    Reply
  46. Janice Cooper says

    December 22, 2018 at 6:44 am

    Peace and happiness for the holidays with no family drama would make me happy.

    Reply
  47. Tina W says

    December 22, 2018 at 7:19 am

    I would love for my Dad to get healthy, out of the nursing home and be home at least by the new year.

    Reply
  48. Rachel says

    December 22, 2018 at 8:21 am

    I definitely don’t go for picture perfect Christmas presents. My kids sure don’t care.

    Reply
  49. Taryn T says

    December 22, 2018 at 8:29 am

    A long and peaceful holiday with my family, with the ability to go somewhere fun, would really be great!

    Reply
  50. Cindy A. says

    December 22, 2018 at 9:44 am

    Winning this giveaway would really make me happy. 😉

    Reply
  51. Heather Dawn says

    December 22, 2018 at 10:33 am

    I hope that all of my family will be together this Christmas.

    Reply
  52. Betsy Barnes says

    December 22, 2018 at 11:50 am

    Lots of snow would make me really happy, would love a white Christmas.

    Reply
  53. Jeremy McLaughlin says

    December 22, 2018 at 12:54 pm

    Spending Christmas with my whole family.

    Reply
  54. Jeffrey says

    December 22, 2018 at 6:40 pm

    Spending time with the whole family together would really make me happy, Its so difficult these days since we live in different places!

    Reply
  55. Jeffrey says

    December 22, 2018 at 6:44 pm

    My favorite is Happy Dining, we love eating at Bravo and The Cheesecake Factory.

    Reply
  56. Lauren says

    December 22, 2018 at 7:43 pm

    A gift card would make me happy!

    Reply
  57. Denise M says

    December 22, 2018 at 8:42 pm

    It would make me happy if everyone is happy and healthy on Christmas

    Reply
  58. Jenna P says

    December 22, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    What will make me happy is seeing my family all together and happy on XMAS morning.

    Reply
  59. Sam says

    December 22, 2018 at 11:02 pm

    I would be ecstatic to be out of debt this year. But I’ll take even a couple grand out of debt. Or even a date night. it’s be a couple years. 🙂

    Reply
  60. Allyson Tice says

    December 22, 2018 at 11:30 pm

    christmas will be more amazing if we are able to bring home my grammie who is currently in a nursing home!! we wantt o hopefully get her here on christmas day!

    Reply
  61. Annemarie LeBlanc says

    December 23, 2018 at 1:45 am

    I usually get gift cards for my nephews and nieces. It is difficult to find a gift for teens that they would really like. It is better that they have the money to get what they want.

    Reply
  62. Kelly D says

    December 23, 2018 at 7:07 am

    Seeing my extended family and seeing all of the children happy will make me happy.

    Reply
  63. Kristen B says

    December 23, 2018 at 9:13 am

    Having a relaxing and stress free holiday is what would make me happy this year!

    Reply
  64. Anissa says

    December 23, 2018 at 9:55 am

    This will be my first Christmas without my family since I moved to the US, what would truly make me happy would be spending the day with them and holding up all the family traditions. Next year, hopefully.

    Reply
  65. Bryan Vice says

    December 23, 2018 at 12:39 pm

    Spending time with my parents and lot & lots of food would make me happy

    Reply
  66. MarciaF says

    December 23, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    I’d be really happy if everyone could come for dinner. We’ve all got our own small families now and bringing us all in one space is getting so hard.

    Reply
  67. Michelle J. says

    December 23, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    Being healthy!

    Reply
  68. Erin says

    December 23, 2018 at 3:20 pm

    To wake up to nothing to do for the day except to enjoy it with my family .

    Reply
  69. Lisa says

    December 23, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    I just want time home to relax.

    Reply
  70. Tiffany S says

    December 23, 2018 at 5:55 pm

    Spending time with family makes me happy.

    Reply
  71. Robin says

    December 23, 2018 at 6:18 pm

    An angel investor to buy the land for our black dog rescue ranch!

    Reply
  72. Amanda Justice says

    December 23, 2018 at 7:18 pm

    If I could see and be with my family. I miss them.

    Reply
  73. Ashley Keinath says

    December 23, 2018 at 7:24 pm

    My kids make me happy! Also winning this would how fun

    Reply
  74. Nancy Loring says

    December 23, 2018 at 8:31 pm

    I would love to have a lot of snow. We are a family that love to go sledding and what better day to go than Christmas.

    Reply
  75. Trish Musgravea says

    December 23, 2018 at 9:26 pm

    Seeing my grandma for the holidays would make me happy!

    Reply
  76. Keri Justice says

    December 23, 2018 at 9:57 pm

    What would make me happy is health and happiness all around thugs holiday season. And a new pair of PJs wouldn’t hurt.

    Reply

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Wonder what the @dallaszoo is like after dark? Once Upon a Wild Light comes alive with more than two million lights, 5:30 pm - 9 pm each night through January (so you can do this one with your family during the holiday break!) 

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Experience: 
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🎅 Coca-Cola Lounge - 21+ Cocktail experience (looked great to go with the girls)
🎅 Santa Landing

And of course, the Eatery! Eyes (and mouths) got big here with featured food from State Fair of Tex winners like The Drowning Tacos (SO GOOD we then ordered the Birria Tacos, too all cooked onsite and with all the sauce!) 

It’s the real thing!

#ClassicChristmas #ChoctawStadium #ArlingtonTx #CocaCola #Dallas #DFWEvents #DFWHoliday #DFWInfluencers
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Li WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Lights

🎄 Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie 
🗓️ Now through Dec. 31 (NYE) at 6 pm 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without @prairielights- with a packed car with blankets, Santa hats, hot cocoa and coffee, and blasting holiday music while we sing them even louder.  

A stunning two-mile drive through light park complete with a midway stop - The Holiday Village with carnival rides, amazing bites (corndogs, funnel cakes and more, oh my!) And this year we were surprised with a new light tunnel, reimagined walk-through forest and new displays, great photo opps, gifts, visit with Santa, a lighted strollable forest.  It’s perfectly timed for food, fun and a little time on foot! 

PRO TIP: Go early, get tickets in advance and spring for the fast pass on the weekends and prime holiday times. And enjoy it and don’t try to rush it - enjoy it! That includes entry and the experience (so bathroom before you go, but thankfully there’s one at The Holiday Village and you get the corn dog.) 

#GoGrandGP @grandfungp #GrandFunGP #dfwinfluencer #Dallas #grandprairie #prairielights #dfw
Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there are still some ways to give a little love to Thanksgiving with a little DIY (hello old pumpkins!) from Mama Challenge! 

So excited to see my friends over at Good Day Fox 4 today for this fun segment!
Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 # Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 
#nationalcoffeeday 

#cinncinati #kentucky #newport #coffee #fall
Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebr Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebrating all month long with its #SaveTheTacos campaign, now - September 30.

Try and vote for “Best Taco in Arlington” from 12 participants:

🌮 Fiesta Fusion Shrimp Taco at Boiling Tails Co.

🌮 The Hunter Taco at Cut & Bourbon

🌮 El Jefe at Grounds and Gold
 
🌮 Jamaican Me Crazy at M’Jays House of Smoke

🌮 Champiqueso at Papaya Mexican Grill

🌮 What the Falafel at Prince Lebanese Grill

🌮 He’s Just a Po Boy at R Bar and Grill 

🌮 Celestial Pork Belly Taco at Rocketbelly
 
🌮 House Special Barbacoa at Tic-Taco
 
🌮 The Chicken of Wall “Street” at TJ’s Catfish & Wings & BBQ

🌮 Baja Shrimp Taco with Mango Salsa at Tom’s Burgers & Grill
 
🌮 Wanna Taco ‘Bout It at Zack’s Bistro

We can tell you which one is our favorite, but take away all the fun to find your favorite! 

(Link to Vote in Stories!)

#ArlingtonTX #TacoTuesday #SavetheTacos
Always great to see a few guys who work together l Always great to see a few guys who work together like each other, too.

It’s even better when they’re Texas Rangers and  we’re celebrating Hall of Famer Adrían Beltré!
And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and then they drove off!)
Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind e Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind experience in DFW. 🚨 

Named after Bangkok’s legendary road of entertainment of all kinds (Sukhumvit Soi 11), it seems fitting this newly imagined destination would find its home in Arlington’s Entertainment District. Anchoring the NEW @loewsarlington, @soycowboytx (also from @bbbutchers / @berghospitality) recently swung open the curtain this summer with an opening that made heads turn at every corner of this 12,000 sq. ft. of sexy space - with 3 unique bars, patio, viewable kitchen and dining room. 

To call it a “Pan Asian restaurant” doesn’t do it justice with its rich menu of fresh sushi, dim sum, caviar, truffle, lobster, waygu (all things you don’t find in the home of the margarita machine and ballpark nachos.) And if you’re looking for entertainment, just take a peek into the expansive kitchen and watch your rolls or omakase be made. The cocktail menu is just as extravagant with everything from mezcal to Japanese whisky, you’re eyes will be just as happy as your lips upon your first sip. 

While we experienced live music, fashion show and more as part of the opening, the cool smoke installation and the people-watching is definitely just part of the menu at Soy Cowboy you’ll have to explore. 

Food Nerd Note: SoyCowboy is on the upcoming @dfwrestaurantweek menu for just $39, so it’s a steal to take your own trip on a budget. (Make your reservation.)

Chon mean (or what we hope is Cheers in in Thai!)
NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 ( NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 
(Well today at least.)

Normally we’re always behind the smartphone camera, today we stepped out in front of the TV screen! The lovely folks at the new morning show Morning on Merit Street @morningonmeritstreet invited DFN for a little “roundtable” discussion about dining trends with our own Food Nerd @autumnreo / @mamachallenge and Bill Trevino of @craftandvinerestaurant CraftandVine along with hosts @dominiquesachse and @fanchonstinger for a little dishin’ on dining!

(If you’re able to take a look online, keep watching to see our new friend Pearl 🐶 and friends from @sweetpearlsicecream share their incredibly sweet story with @hungreehannah!) 

✔️ And just like we shared on the show, we want to know what you think! What do you think about Table Limits on reservations? Yes restaurants should have them or no way?
Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grad Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce! It’s hard to separate them, but we’re excited he’s so happy to be ready for this adventure!
July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the n July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the neighborhood shines!
Left my heart at PK! It’s Jackson’s last year Left my heart at PK! It’s Jackson’s last year as a camper at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce and his birthday this week! His view: right center with Hell’s Gate. These are the memories!
Today was a “Good Day in Arlington!” with the Today was a “Good Day in Arlington!” with the Topping Off of One Rangers Way! Nice to be able to put our mark on it! Great job to The Cordish Companies team and Texas Rangers! 

If you want to be in the middle of everything - this is the place!
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