Rosca de Reyes with Arandas Bakery #DiadeReyesHouston

::Momma Disclosure:: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Arandas Bakery. However, all opinions expressed are my own. 

Some of my favorite memories are from when I was a child and spent Christmas in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. We loved going to all of the Posadas in December, spending Noche Buena and New Years at my GrandMother's house and just when we thought the season was over. We had a bonus holiday, Dia de Reyes. We would place our shoes under the Christmas tree or in front of the Nacimiento (nativity scene) and then on January 6th our shoe would be sitting on top of an extra gift depending on how big it was, from the 3 wise men. It was so magical. It's this type of tradition that I love passing on to my children. 

When I was asked to visit one of the original locations of Arandas bakery here in the heart of Northside Houston, where I grew up, I was more than happy to do it. I went behind the scenes with the location's manager, Johnathan who gave us a tour of how things happen on one of their busiest holiday's. You can see a full video on my Facebook page. The location works around the clock with 50 staff members, for almost 4 days to produce, hundreds, if not thousands of delicious roscas, or King's Cake. The dough is set overnight to rise and then baked for 45 minutes in their industrial ovens, cooled, then decorated with candies imported from Mexico and then inspected again. The roscas are then boxed and set out in the bakery for fresh purchase or delivered and picked up for external orders. The roscas go as far as Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  To be enjoyed by families who celebrate this day. 

The rosca has a secret though, plastic "baby Jesus" figures are hidden inside the bread and it's said that whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine is blessed. It is then that persons' responsibility to have a rosary or mass dedication on February 2 on el Día de la Candelaria. In the Mexican culture, this person then hosts a dinner and typically serves tamales and atole for the attendees. Arandas Bakery hides 3 figurines in their large roscas and 2 in the smaller one. And, by the way, those tamales can also be purchased at an Arandas Bakery location nearest to you.  

After we had the location tour, the Arandas team had a Dia de Reyes celebration at their Plaza Arandas location near Airline and Tidwell, where they gifted a large group of deserving children, with a gift from the Reyes Magos. It was great to see all the kids patiently waiting. The Reyes Magos showed up and the children lit up with joy.  You can see more on my Instagram and page. 

A little about Arandas: 

Via: https://www.arandasbakery.com/our-story/
"Arandas Bakery comes from a strong, deep tradition of delicious and authentic Mexican pastries and desserts. Through the years we have used are traditional recipes that come from the depths of Mexico. Our name, Arandas, comes from the small town name of Arandas in the state of Jalisco, which is about 140 kilometers East of Guadalajara. This is where our family is from, and where our traditions began."

 Arandas Bakery #1 – Airline & Tidwell

5307 Airline

Houston Texas 77022 

Monday – Sunday  5:00am – 10:00pm

(713) 694-1813

Arandas Bakery #2 – Beechnut

8331-C Beechnut St.

Houston Texas 77036 

Monday – Sunday 6:00am – 10:00pm

(713) 771-3616

Arandas Bakery #3 – 45 Sur & College

9803 Gulf Fwy.

Houston Texas 77034 

Monday – Sunday 5:00am – 10:00pm

(713) 941-0100

Arandas Bakery #4 – 59 Norte & Aldine Mail Rd

11919 Eastex Frwy.

Houston Texas 77039 

Monday – Sunday 5:00am – 10:00pm

(281) 227 3600

Arandas Bakery #5 – Conroe

1906 N Frazier St 

Conroe, TX 77301

Monday -Sunday 5:30AM–9:30PM

(936) 760-6677

::Celebrating the holidays with JOY!:: Guest Blogger, Coppelia

{Guest Blogger Coppelia of www.CoppeliaMarie.com} 

I started thinking about Christmas back in September. Ha! Seriously, there's a website that counts down 101 days to Christmas with ideas on how to get organized, plan ahead and make sure the crazy busy holiday time is less stressful and more merry and bright. The countdown starts in September and I love it!

You know how some people are adulting? I'm more into Christmasing.

And yes, singing loud for all to hear (which, we all know is the best way to bring Christmas cheer), happens daily in my car.

But here's the thing: finding joy during the holidays can be tough, especially if:

-Someone you love is sick, battling cancer, needing surgery, etc ...

This season, it was my mom. (And I'm thanking God that she's doing great! But we were all pretty worried about the whole thing.)

Finding joy during the holidays can also be rough if:

-Finances are tight and the kids need Christmas outfits for the reindeer romp, the holiday piano recital, gifts for the teachers and you need an ugly sweater for the office Christmas party. 

Or, maybe you can relate to this: 


-You know those moments when you go through the drive-through line at Starbucks and try to drown your sorrows in a peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte? You could be having a peppermint pity party. 

So, what can you do when you're experiencing a combination of all these things (and maybe some more that I didn't have on my list), and you are just not feeling joyful? 

You can still have JOY! 

Sometimes getting out of town for a while helps. We recently had a blast at SeaWorld's Christmas celebration. We even met Rudolph! 

But when you're home, maybe wishing you could go somewhere but the circumstances just don't allow (been there, done that), this might help:

There's a local radio station in Houston, KSBJ (I used to do the morning show there!) and they do something called "The JOY Pledge." Basically, when you're feeling the stress of the holidays for whatever reason, or when you have the Christmas blues, you stop for a moment & say the JOY pledge:

I choose joy

And when I keep my eyes on Jesus,I have joy!

 When I lose it, I will choose it.

 I choose joy! 

It might seem like those are just words, and maybe you're skeptical that "saying a pledge" won't do much to solve your holiday woes. But try it! 

Sometimes, a little change in attitude can go a long way. 

If we are focused on all the negative things that are happening, of course we're not gonna feel joyful! 

BUT, when we decide to think about what we're thankful for, when we make up our minds to choose joy, we often find that one of my favorite quotes, really is true:

"Feelings follow actions more often than actions follow feelings."

In other words, if you wait until you feel joyful… you might be waiting until the new year. But if you decide to act and make the decision to choose joy, you might be surprised that the feeling of joy will follow!

I'd love to hear from you in the comments! Share with me the things that work for you as you try to find joy in this season. 

Here's to more JOY than ever before!

Laughing (and being JOYful) thru life,

Coppelia

~Coppelia

Singer/Speaker/Blogger

www.CoppeliaMarie.com

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::Holiday Blues From a Mom’s Perspective:: by Candy of Fullest Mom

:: Guest Blogger today for Mini-Holiday Series :: 

Holiday Blues From a Mom's Perspective

Christmas is, in a sense, a crazy time for moms. We have our usual lists of daily to-dos; but, December completely tops it with a few sparkling extras. There are gifts to mail, seasonal parties to plan, and let's not forget shopping for the kids. It goes without saying that moms are typically the ones in charge of bringing on the festivities and it can get pretty overwhelming. One thing leads to another, then you're hit with RGF (Resting Grinch Face). In fact when asked, 64% of people have the holiday blues. This post will explore how to deal with it from a mom's perspective.

First step is acknowledgment.

You're part of the #StrongMomsClub, right? Yep, me, too. I'm the type to think logically, keep it moving, and even do a few push-ups on the side. When you're faced with the holiday blues, especially when you're busy, it may be hard to acknowledge that you even have it. Additionally, you might just want to pretend it's not there so you can keep your schedule. Pushing it down, and bottling it up, will not do you any good.

If you sense any sentimental or compulsive feelings of being down, or stressed, you need to face it head on. Pause and ask yourself if you would feel this way if it wasn't Christmas time. Symptoms of holiday blues include fatigue, tension, loneliness, and senses of loss. This is different than true clinical depression because the occurrences are temporary and only associated at the onset of the holidays. Once you understand this you can move on to the next step.

Talk about it.

Talking, or communication rather, is the best thing for a mom's well being. Some of us do not work outside of the home and it can get pretty isolating. Additionally, we can get into the false mindset of thinking that no one really wants to hear about our day. There's messiness, slobber, and mundane house chores. Who really wants to hear me complain about that? The truth, your loved ones do.

So, talk about your holiday blues. Get it out. That may be all that you need to make it past the season. Tell your spouse, or close loved ones, that you could use a little help. They will be more than happy to listen.

How to avoid holiday blues in the first place.

Here's a simplified list of how to avoid holiday blues in the first place.

1.    Aside from a few parties here and there, stick to normal routines as much as possible.

2.    Get enough rest. Please do not stay up to 2 am trimming the Christmas tree, or wrapping presents.

3.    Make sure to eat and drink in moderation. Bingeing on holiday ham when you're normally a salad goddess will completely throw anyone out of wack.

4.    Keep things simple and family focused.

5.    Lastly, set reasonable expectations for the month of December. You know you want to do gift shopping, bake cookies for Santa, and all that jazz. Just rationally plan only what you can handle.

Whatever your reasons for celebrating, I hope you find some joy. The holiday blues can be tough to handle from a mom's perspective. Use our tips of acknowledging, communicating, and furthermore avoiding, Christmas depression to turn things merry again.

Sincerely,

Fullest Mom

Guest Blogger Bio 

::Fullest Mom is owned by Candace Ann, wife and mom of 3. Her fundamentals are grace, laughter, and perseverance. She thrives off of coffee and hazelnut syrup. 

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::Survive the Holidays by Setting Boundaries & Releasing Expectations:: by Guest Blogger Eliza Boquin MA, LMFTA-Relationship Therapist

::GUEST BLOG POST- Survive the Holidays by Setting Boundaries & Releasing Expectations::

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...or is it?  For some, the holidays are the highlight of the year.  They look forward to the decorations, traditions, and family get-togethers.  For others, the holidays can trigger painful memories and serve as a source of anxiety and stress. But there’s hope and I’m going to share (2) simple ways you can survive and, hopefully, enjoy the holidays.

1.   Set Boundaries:  Setting boundaries is a term that therapists LOVE to use.  Essentially, boundary setting communicates to others what is okay and what is not okay with you.  In addition to physical boundaries, we can also set emotional and relationship boundaries. 

During the holidays, many couples struggle with how to balance the demands of extended family.  Each partner may feel pulled by their family/friends to partake and celebrate the holidays by their family’s traditions.  This outside stress often results in each partner taking their frustration out on each other.  Here’s the good news! If you set boundaries ahead of time you can avoid a lot of pain & frustration.

How To:  Discuss with your partner how the both of you want to celebrate the holidays.  This may mean setting new traditions.  Decide what works for your relationship.  Be as specific as possible.  What time will you allot for visiting one another’s family/friends?  What time will you reserve for your new traditions?

Communicate to one another what is most important to you – your must haves as well as what you’re flexible on.  It’s important to be as eager to meet your partner’s requests as you are for them to meet yours.

Once you’ve established your limits and rules refer back to them anytime a family member or friend challenges you.  For example, if your sister insists on having dinner for New Year’s Eve at her house because that’s what you’ve done for the past 15 years, but you really want to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year alone with your beloved then be ready to communicate that to your sister.  Note: It’s most important that the person who enforces the boundaries/limits be the one who has the most history with the person challenging the boundaries.

Benefit: By establishing and agreeing to your boundaries as a couple there will be less confusion about how to respond to outside pressure.  If you’ve decided as a couple what you will commit to prioritizing one another’s wishes, then you can both rest assured that you are both working towards the same goal.

2.      Release Expectations: Having a plan and a wish list of ways to celebrate is GREAT.  There’s nothing wrong with having a vision of how you would like things to go.  However, if you forget to include flexibility as part of that vision you’re likely to suffer from great disappointment when if things don’t go exactly as planned.  I’m no psychic, but you can probably bet on something not going as planned.  Depending on how you manage disappointment, your reaction may hinder your ability to enjoy the festivities.  However, by allowing for the unexpected you increase your likelihood and ability to manage the stress of things going off script.

How To:  Sit down with your partner and make a list of activities that are important to both of you--activities such as driving around local neighborhoods to see how they decorate their homes with holiday lights or baking cookies. Then decide again which are most important and how you will be flexible about.  It’s great to have a vision, but if you’re ability to enjoy the holiday is contingent upon strict orchestrated ways that these activities will be performed then you may end up disappointed. 

Also remember, this is YOUR vision.  The rest of your family may not find these activities as exciting or joyful as you.  If your ability to enjoy the holiday relies upon OTHERS enjoying the activities you planned you may end up highly disappointed and resentful. Stay flexible!  For example, decide that you want to see the neighborhood lights, but be flexible on the day/time you see them versus, “We have to go see the holiday lights on Christmas Eve at 8 PM with everyone in their PJS and then stop afterwards to get hot cocoa from the coffee shop drive-through because THAT’S WHAT WE DO EVERY YEAR!” That attitude may not spark the holiday cheer you’re working towards.

Benefits: By implementing flexibility into your holidays, you will be better equipped to manage the anxiety that may arise if things don’t go exactly as planned or if someone isn’t as thrilled about your plans as you.  This will allow you to stay in the moment, be present, and perhaps even laugh at the chaos.  I know…wishful thinking.

Whatever you decide to do, remember that the stories and the value we assign to life is exactly that…the value WE assign to it.  So this holiday season, decide WHAT you will prioritize and what value you will assign to it.

Happy Holidays!

Eliza Boquin, MA, LMFTA

Relationship Therapist

www.trswc.com

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::Top 5 Unique Gifts for the Awesomely Fun Momma in your Life::

::Momma Disclosure:: This post is not a sponsored, but some of the items below have been gifted to me by some of the shops mentioned below. All opinions are true and my own. 

We all have those people in our lives who have everything and who just need a little extra swag this Christmas. I love being a fun and cool Momma. Sometimes I fail, majorly, but I still love being a Momma. I have loved receiving the items below and know that there has to be that one Momma in your life who would also love them! I love it when gifts are more about the true thought put into it than the cost. The gifts below are all great items to add to any area of your collections and are also not going to break the bank! 

::Unique Graphic Tees:: 

I am known to wear graphic tees, a lot. This year I was happy to work with a couple of awesome Texas shops like; Sew Bonita (Frida Shirt below) and Taco Creative (Jesus Loves Taco shirt below). There are so many other shops where I get my t-shirts including places like Liv Luv Shop (Caffeine t-shirt below) & Pick Your Plum. As well as more common stores like Target or Walmart.  As part of my shop review with Elena, of Sew Bonita, we did an interview! 

It was our first time doing this hope you like it (Content edited by 90 Seconds Media): 

::Workout Clothes:: 

I am an active Momma. I am not the skinniest, nor do I run 10 miles a day, but I workout and love workout clothes! This year I partnered with Dick's Sporting Goods and received a gift card to purchase the items I needed and wanted most. They also sent me a great new pair of workout tennis shoes, all which I love. My favorites are comfortable form fitting yoga pants and bright colors! Loved this whole outfit from Dick's. I usually end up looking a hot mess after my workouts but at least now I look cute! Hey! 

::Mugs:: 

So, I have a little secret, or maybe not so much, I love MUGS! I drink tea more than coffee and I rarely use my pretty mugs but I love collecting them! These are my top favorites that I have sitting on my desk, looking oh so pretty! I also use them to hold my pens or business cards. Multi-use! I have purchased them in different places. Some local shops and places like Francesca's for the Blogging Day mug. The Calavera mug my co-worker gifted to me, of course, it's my absolute favorite!

::Unique Colorful Clutch bags or Purses:: 

This year I also partnered with Original Wear Travels Abroad, the three bags below are from some of their Spring and Summer Collections. You can truly never have enough purses. They are so handy and when you have options it makes getting ready a little more fun, such a girl, sometimes! There are so many shops that have unique pieces that are sure to match something in your closet and can turn into a great conversation piece at your next outing! 

::Unique Jewelry Pieces::

Also from Original Wear are the slice of heaven and colorful cuffs seen in the far right corner. The leather cuff with the large metal piece is from another amazing Texas talent, who is from the RGV (If you know me, I am a Texas Valley girl, so much support local!! so much support local?) the artist's name is Mitch Darte. She recently partnered with two local artists and opened a shop called Mi Casa Hidalgo. Check it out!! One of my favorite partnerships this year was with JORD Watches, their wood watches are amazing, and as holiday gifts, I am sure you'd make the Momma in your life very happy! The other items above are from The Silver Loft (red heart necklace and silver bracelet)  and  Luca Love Bracelets  (Set of 4 bracelets which include the Tree of Life, Story of Jesus and Alejandra's arrow, a set I created). 

A Christmas Letter of Apology!

Dear Family & Friends, 

As our Christmas tree continues to fill with great personalized greeting cards, I feel I should apologize. I know. I try to do to so much and am at the end of the day not as organized as I wish I could be. It's been a few years now since we send out nice family Christmas cards (would it be horrible to send out some from 2011? Just asking. ). For that I am sorry. We do however appreciate all the wonderful well wishes, pictures, and cards that are sent to our home every year, some of them yearly now. 

We have you all very near to our hearts during this time of year. Please know that we have not forgotten you and that we hope you understand how busy our lives have become. As I am sure yours are too. This year alone we had changes in jobs, two kids in soccer, we became parent coaches and had several small road trips to make lasting memories with our family. It was a great year, and we cannot complain. 

We appreciate your patience with us as we have not been as available as we should have been, but we hope that you can also understand, life happens. I cannot promise that 2016 will be any different, but we do hope that you too can seek out new adventures in 2016 for you and your loved ones. As for our family, we have new road trips in mind, many new ideas to share, and chaos to display. Ha. 

Hoping you have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year. We say THANK YOU/GRACIAS, to all those who followed our adventures in 2015 and we invite you to stick around, there is so much more to come. Be sure to follow us on our social media sites and let us know if you have an idea we should share or something you wish to know about our family. 

We love to hear from our readers: mommaofdos@gmail.com 

FELIZ NAVIDAD! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! BLESSINGS. 

Love Always, 

Team Gomez

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Celebrate the Holidays by creating Traditions with Hallmark! #HallmarkTradiciones

{This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hallmark & in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect. . The opinions and text are all mine.}

Every holiday season, we try to add a new tradition. This year, thanks to Hallmark, we decided to let the kids choose their very own Christmas ornaments to hang on our fresh tree. The kids had not done this before, so it was a bit confusing at first. We went to our local Hallmark store, which is literally an adult candy store. I had to remember we were there to let the kids select items, and resist buying everything. They have such an amazing selection of Holiday items and, of course, the best Holiday cards. All the perfect gifts to help spread joy. 

The best part of spreading joy is planting that Holiday cheer in our own home. We love creating moments and traditions that the kids will remember.  No matter what is going on during the Holiday we love slowing down and remembering what the time of the season is all about. For us, that means family, more importantly, our children and their growing memories. We have such crazy schedules and lives that small moments like this, no matter how hectic are always fun. 

The kids were so excited and after several minutes of browsing, picking up and almost deciding on ornaments, they had made their final selections. Santiago picked the Grinch and he talks. He loved his choice, I did too. Very unique and a classic Dr. Seuss character. Camila picked a princess, not any princess but the new version of Rapunzel. It has been a favorite movie of the kids since it came out. I love that both picked an item that represent them and that they will remember they selected. 

Filling our home with Holiday cheer, lights and now new Christmas ornaments for our little tree, give bring us great joy and create new traditions. I know the kids will now look forward to adding a new ornament every year. I think that every year will be unique as the kids continue to express grow into their personalities. 

Last year we added "Lucy", our Elf on the Shelf which is available at Hallmark, to our Christmas traditions. And, this year when she reappeared from her year long hiatus the kids were ecstatic. They look forward to what crazy trouble Lucy will get into. It's the small traditions that bring them joy and that to us is happiness.   

What kind of traditions have you created for your family every year? 

Do you want to win your Holiday cards and gift card from  Hallmark to help you spread the Holiday cheer this year? ENTER BELOW. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hallmark. The opinions and text are all mine.

::Gift Guide:: Sibling Edition

This gift guide was inspired by all the fabulous guides my fellow Houston Latina Bloggers have put out this week. Have you seen them? Check out our FB, Instagram and Twitter account for all the latest post! 

Our big ticket items for the kids, this year, were the following:

A Frozen karaoke system and a Skylander Interactive set.

"Santa" will be bringing the kids these gifts on Christmas day per our traditions. But, when it came to getting both the kids something that they could open on Christmas eve we love the following gifts. My Husband and I both agree that it should be something they can share and will be inexpensive. Since the expensive items will follow. We acquired the gifts either online or in person from Target, Walmart, and Toy's R Us.   

Our online items were purchased weeks ago and there was free shipping. We received the items within a couple of days. The deals were good. And, guess what we actually finished shopping the first weekend we went out to shop. Which is perfect! This never happens. Last year we almost got into those massive store brawls over this Frozen doll. It was ridiculous and not something we wanted to repeat this year.  By the time I ordered it online we couldn't get it delivered until Christmas day. 

We vowed for our own sanity and time that this would not happen this year. We planned ahead, found all their first choice toys and tah-dah, operation Team Gomez Christmas 2015, success. Ya'll I can't be on the news for some doll. Cause, I will throw a punch and I will be escorted out. Just sayin'! Haha.  

The list. The list of good gifts for siblings, items you can purchase for your kids or nieces and nephews or neighbors!

::Board games::

Our kids are finally at that age {4 almost 5 and 6 years old} where they can understand the concepts and play a good board game. Currently, we have UNO, Guess Who {with animal and veggie board options} and Boom Boom Balloon. UNO is so much fun for everyone. Guess Who is a riot, my kids are super competitive and Santiago has learned the art of cheating at games, not good! But, it's so funny. Boom Boom Balloon, if you have not played is the most fun and intense game ever.We give that a Team Gomez high five and recommend it. 

::Movies:: 

Our kids have a ton of movies which we watch 10{thousand} times a piece. But, now with Netflix, Red Box and YouTube we have bought fewer movies. We wait for birthdays and, of course, Christmas. We chose two new favorites, one which we watched at the movies and spilled our drink over, Jurassic World. Which if you like intense, scary movies with action and people being swallowed by large whale like things then yeah, this movie is for you. We loved the Jurassic Park series so this was a must. Our second choice was Inside Out, Camila loves this movie and watches this video incessantly. 

::Puzzles::

Puzzles are great, watching them put them together is pretty cool too. Some come with cute carrying totes and storage cases. Last year we got them each a puzzle with lunch boxes as cases, which was pretty useful. They have some with little purses or nice wooden boxes. These are good items, you can get them one for each child or one big puzzle for groups of 3 or more kids. I like getting them similar items so there isn't a fight over why someone received something different than the other. If you have 2 or more kids you might know what I am talking about! 

:: Books:: 

Books are great too. Either gift cards to Barnes and Noble, which we have done in the past for other people's kids. And, been thanked by the parents for not bringing them the usual. Some of our favorites are short, Bilingual, hardcover books like those of Lil'Libros! They have so many great cultural concepts and vibrant pictures that keep the kids attentive.  But, this can work similar to the puzzles, you can buy a book for each child or maybe a longer storybook for both to sit and read together.

:: Matching PJ's::

We have done matching PJ's in the past for my kids and nephew, best gift ever. It's useful and such a quick and easy gift to purchase. This year we are considering PJ's even for us. Who doesn't love a good set of comfy PJ's to lounge around the house in? I know I do.

::Arts and Crafts::

My kids have received this type of gift in the past, things like play-doh and different drawing or painting sets are good.  I don't love that, depending on what it is, they are not easy to clean up, but it does keep the kids busy. Plus with my kids in daycare they do a lot of this type of activity already so seeing drawing pads and paints at home is always a thrill for them. A kind of extension of what they have going on at school. It's a great way to practice their motor skills and while clean-up time isn't much fun for this Momma, the somewhat quiet time is great. Camila loves to write and draw and Santiago is learning to write more and more so they love pens, paper, and notepads. 

Hope this guide was helpful! Let is know your thoughts and feedback or tag us on Christmas day to see all the gifts you did purchase. I mean...that "Santa brought."

Holiday Gift Card Deals Round-up #ad

All offers below are available from now until Dec. 31 unless otherwise noted.

We realize that some people are hard to shop for, but there is one item that never gets old. Food gift cards are always good, they are easy to use and I am sure we all love food enough to use them! Another great idea is gift cards to food and entertainment places where kids {and parents} can have fun too. Finally, what Momma doesn't like wine and or a good spa day. Here are some great Holiday gift cards for everyone to enjoy, great for group, couple or family gifts. {hint,hint} 

::P.F. Chang’s::
P.F. Chang’s is offering a free $20 gift card with every $100 in gift cards purchased in-store or online at pfchangs.com/giftcards. Cards can be redeemed for food or drinks beginning Jan. 1at participating restaurants. Offer available in all P.F. Chang’s markets.

::Pollo Tropical::

Pollo Tropical guests will receive a $5-off coupon for every $25 gift card they purchase. The $5-off coupons will be valid for use in January at all company-owned Pollo Tropical locations. Guests can also plan holiday gatherings and parties with ease with Pollo Tropical catering for any size group with as little as one day’s notice. Guests can order by calling 866-769-7696 or by going online toorder.pollotropical.com.

::Taco Cabana::

Taco Cabana guests will receive a $5-off coupon for every $25 gift card they purchase. The $5-off coupons will be valid for use in January at participating Taco Cabana locations. Offer available in all Taco Cabana markets.

 

::Bruegger’s Bagels::

Bruegger’s Bagels is offering deals on gift card purchases and catering orders this holiday season that your audience will want to take advantage of.

Gift cards: Guests will receive a $5 bakery bucks certificate for every $25 gift card they purchase. The $5 certificates will be valid for use from January 1, 2016 – March 30, 2016, in-bakery only at all Bruegger’s Bagels restaurants.

Catering: Guests can also plan holiday gatherings and parties with ease with Bruegger’s bagels’ catering for any size group with as little as one day’s notice. Guests can order by calling 855-776-0660 or by going online to catering.brueggers.com.  And from now until the end of the year, a $10 rebate will be applied to all catering orders over $75.

::Main Event::

Main Event Entertainment is offering everyone who buys $25 in gift cards through Dec. 31 a free $10 bonus FUNcard. Gift cards can be purchased at any of Main Event’s 22 locations or online atmainevent.com/FUNcards. Offer available in all Main Event markets.

::Salata::
Now through Dec. 30, Salata, is offering guests who purchase a $25 gift card a coupon for a free small salad (or wrap) on their next visit in (coupons valid through Dec. 31, 2015). Offer available inDFW, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, L.A. and Chicago.

::Max’s Wine Dive::

For every $50 spent, guests will earn a $10 bonus card that can be redeemed January-February only. This will be available both as a physical gift card and through our new online gift card partner, QuickGifts. Offer available in Dallas, Houston, and Denver. Max’s Wine Dive, locations and more information available at http://www.maxswinedive.com/

::Etre Bell::

Now through Jan. 31, Etre Belle Beauty and Medical Spa is giving back to guests for the gifts they give to others. Purchasers of a $100 or more in gift certificates will receive a choice of a manicure, pedicure, massage or facial as a gift for themselves. Gift certificates can be purchased at Etre Belle Beauty and Medical Spa, located in NorthPark Center between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Contact the Spa, at (214) 369-1600, for more information or to schedule an appointment. (Dallas only).