Here We "SNOW" Again

By the sounds of it it's gonna get nasty!
I like snow, but ice is NOT my cup of tea.
Luckily, I went to grocery store late in the week last week, so we had most of the basics, but I did make a run for some randoms yesterday. And by the looks of it, so did a lot of you and I've heard today people had to wait in line for a shopping cart. Is that crazy to anyone else?
SO what you did you get? I know if we're iced/snowed in we need basics like milk, bread, etc but what else did you get.
I, of course, got stuff to make cookies because that is a necessity when you are stuck inside all day :)
I also got some veggies and fruit just to make myself feel better about myself. My hubby made a last minute run today for nothing related to food and came back with chips and cheese dip. I guess we all have our comfort foods :)
If this storm ends up being as big as predicted I plan to blog about all things snow, or all things to remain sane in snow :)

Let me know your plans or treats of choice and we can share with everyone.
Stay warm and stay safe!

How Young is Too Young for Make-up?

We've seen young girls glammed up in shows like Toddlers and Tiaras and young actresses strutting their stuff. I have my own opinions on youngsters looking like 20 year olds, but now Walmart is unveiling a makeup line geared towards tweens.

This make me think and I can honestly tell you I don't remember when I first wore makeup. Lets be honest, I don't wear much make up still and I'm 30, but may be the northwest girl inside of me :)

So I asked many of you what you thought of a whole line geared towards today's tweens (girls ages 8-12). I KNOW I wasn't wearing makeup that early, but things are changing. I can't imagine Stella putting on make up in 6 years. She loves chap stick now, but it's more of a copying mommy phase right now.

But many of you sounded off on facebook and twitter...
here were some of the responses...

Susie wrote, "My girls are 11 and 12. My 11 year old is ready to wear it now and my 12 year old has not interest at all. I've set the 8th grade as the bar for us."

Becky wrote, "Never! Ha ha! I'm thinking 13 sounds like a good number."

Dawn says she let her daughter start with lipgloss before she was 13, but now she can wear concealer and a little mascara. But Dawn says she will take her to a make up artist so her teen knows how to do her make up the right way.

Several of you said just let kids be kids. They have their whole lives to be adults, so lets slow things down instead of speed them up.

As for our girls...their daddy says 16. Ha, we'll see how that goes over in the future!

You can read all about the new make up line here.
Also, if you have thoughts on this topic please leave a comment!

A Meaty Situation

I'll admit it I like to run for the border on occasion. But Taco Bell has been the talk on many talk shows and news stations. There's no secret that we've all known that Taco Bell uses cheap meat, but now some are claiming the beef served at the fast food chain is really meat. What?
good news for me...their beans are the real deal, but for those of you who enjoy your 4th meal of beef tacos, well read the details here. Does this mean we wont run for the border anymore? Probably not. In fact, while i was waiting at the doctors office the other day I overheard some nurses talking about the lawsuit and then planning their trip to taco bell for lunch. Maybe what they say is true...bad publicity can be good. Actually I'm getting hungry for my favorite order, bean burrito with no onions, so TB might come out on top of this one. I guess we'll have to sit back and see :)

Sound Off: What Do You Think?

Photo couresty: US Weekly
Did you know that this magazine cover has put Arkansas in the national spot light? According to local tv outlets Harps Grocery is underfire for what many are calling censorship. Recent stories claim that a Harps in Mountain Home place the family shield over the cover of this edition of US Weekly. A family shield is a piece of plastic used to cover content that may seem inappropriate for children.
You can read KNWA's complete report here, but a Harps spokesperson says the shield is used to cover content per request of the customer and it has since been removed.
So lets face it, this news doesn't look good for the small town in Arkansas and Arkansas in general. What do you think?
Does the cover of this magazine offend you? Do you think it needed a family shield? If so, do you also think the covers of women showing lots of skin is offensive?
I want to know what you think the root of this is all about. Is this one store saying we're too accepting now? Is it another example of people in the Bible belt judging others? Or is it simply a customer saying they don't want to see that content and moving on? There's no doubt this story will have legs and continue to be the talk around town and the nation. But what do you think?
Honestly, I think that entertainment news has a bigger role in "real" news then ever before that many of us are numb to the idea of this being controversial. So now is you're chance to sound off.
No opinion is wrong, so please share.
Harps issued a statement that you can read in full here.

Tasty Tuesday: Cappuccino Punch

All I need to say is YUMMO! This was served at a baby shower this weekend and was soo good. The hostess had people asking left and right for the recipe. You don't want to miss making this treat.

Check the recipe out here.

Guest Blogger

I mentioned last week that we're getting closer to this baby making it's grand appearance and after some activity this weekend I thought I better get my rear in gear and introduce you to my "fill-in" while I'm out for a couple weeks.

Kelly Stamps will be blogging while I'm attending to Miss Emerson when she first gets here. I'm not due for another couple of weeks, but you never know.

Some of you might already ready Kelly's blog because it's pretty popular, but if you don't hop on over there and learn a little more about her.

Kelly is also a mom of a spunky little toddler and is expecting her second in March. Sound familiar, ha! Anyway, she is super sweet and is looking forward to sharing stories, hot topics, and recipes with you!

Also, I'll try...TRY..to keep my personal blog updated once Emerson gets here. So if you want to know how we're adjusting to two little girls I'm sure I'll have some stories.

Snow Day!

I'm having major issues with pictures loading tonight, so I apologize that I have not posted the pics you emailed me, but I will try again tomorrow.

I hope you've all enjoyed your snow day and it looks like a majority of us get another day with no school.

I don't know about you but we took it pretty easy today. Of course, we did a lot of eating and normally I would say we watched movies, but I wasn't in the TV on all day kind of mood. So we turned it off and simply played.

There's something very peaceful with a quiet house when it's snowing outside.

As you can see when Tom got home it was play time. We weren't the only ones braving the cooler temperatures. the local kids were laughing all throughout the neighborhood. I really wanted to go sledding, but considering I'm getting over a nasty cold and OH YEAH I'm 37 weeks pregnant I decided against it. ha! so how did you spend the snow day. I know with school being cancelled a snow day can be stressful for many. I hope most of you enjoyed it.

Be sure to tune into KNWA Today tomorrow morning. They're starting 30 minutes early...so if you're up and at 'em they'll be going strong at 5:00 am.

Thanks again, for the pictures you emailed me. I will try again in the morning.

Toasty Toes...Is this a Bad Thing?

Snow, and possibly lots of it, is back in the forecast I'm busting my Uggs out to keep my toes toasty. I own 2 pairs and would love more styles and colors, but a new study suggests they might be unhealthy. WHAT?! How are cute, furry, and stylish books bad for you.

Well, according to this article sheepskin boots can be a breeding ground for fungus and cause odor and chronic foot pain, especially if worn for long periods of time.

This is so sad because they're SOO comfy and cute. So, does this mean I'll treats my feet to a different shoe as snow continues to blanket the area? NOPE. I'm going to live on the edge. What about you? Are you concerned about this health risk?

Tasty Tuesday: Green Bean Bundles

Yes! That's right. Those are little bundles waiting for the final touch. And YES, that is a bag of brown sugar. Let's be honest, brown sugar is magical and can make anything fabulous. If you haven't tried a green bean bundle ever then you're missing out!

Just look at the sizzling goodness! I had the joy of trying these a few years ago with a steak dinner and WOW! They are super easy to make. You can get the recipe here.

I hope you enjoy them!

Plastic or Paper?

I noticed on KNWA's facebook page today they're asking viewers if they'd be ok if you could no longer get plastic bags at the grocery store...so I wanted to know what this story was all about.
Basically, State Rep. Denny Altes proposed a house bill that would forbid stores from offering plastic bags to customers. In return, most shoppers would be forced to use the cheap, fabric-like bags. Lets face it there are those of you that this wouldn't' effect at all because you've got it together and remember your bags. Me, on the other hand, this would force me to actually REMEMBER my "green" bags.
A sustainablity blogger breaks down the proposed law here.
This are groups that are opposing this legislation. You can read about it here, but what do YOU think?

Library Time

Stella and I are headed to the Fayetteville library today for Toddler Time. It starts at 10:30 if you're looking for something to do!

Baby It's COLD Outside

Today I noticed a lot of you were re-tweeting 7 Hills Homeless Shelter.
There's no doubt we all know it's freezing outside, but many of us get to escape to work, school, our homes during the day and especially at night. I can't imagine what it's like for those without a home right now. And that's why 7 Hills is asking for any and all donations of BIG WARM coats NOW. According to their twitter messages, they really need MEN's coats of all sizes. They really need the bigger sizes.
But the need for shoes, thermal wear and even hot chocolate is a NEED.
So, if you're making room in your closets or simply need to downsize swing my 7 Hills in Fayetteville and help those in need!

Things To Do...When it's COLD

I know the snow is pretty much melted, but there's NO doubt it's still COLD.

So, I had a friend who was watching her niece for a week and asked what to do when it's COLD out. Let's face it going to the park is out right now. I quickly rattled off some things she could do at home..ie: make play dough, color, make cookies, snuggle and watch a movie, etc. BUT what about those days we just need to get out.

I mentioned several in the video above. (I know the video is a bit random, but we're testing out somethings, so I thought this was a good opportunity. And sorry for the lack of make up...we had just attempted to clean up the toys around the house and lets face it, what pregnant mom of a busy toddler has time to "touch up").

Ok, back on track. These are a few of the things I thought of...visit the NWA Mall. While your there you can do a little window shopping, but you can go around lunch or dinner for a quick meal, but most importantly they have a little playground inside for the kids to burn some energy.

There's also Chik-fil-a on MLK in Fayetteville and another in Rogers that has a great INDOOR play area. We went there today and I'll admit it Stella took a great nap today.

There's always the bounce/jump places. There's Boingo Bounce in Fayetteville and Jump Zone in Bentonville. We've been to both and loved it!

Of course, there's the traditional favorite...Chuck E Cheese in both Rogers and Fayetteville. If you haven't visited the new location in Fayetteville...it's super nice. It's in Fiesta Square.

I know some of these places might cost a little money, but if it's a special trip then you wont go broke :)

But there's also all the local libraries. I used to take Stella all the time, but have gotten out of the routine because she's in "school." I think we'll go to toddler time at the Fayetteville Library on Thursday though. They really have a great program there for Baby bookworms and Toddler time. I haven't visited the other libraries, but I've heard they offer great programs too.

If you have any other ideas, please share. I don't think the cold is going away anytime soon.

Tasty Tuesday: Greek Salad

I know you're probably shocked...I'm putting a "healthy" recipe on the blog this week. Ha. I figured since a lot of us have been stuck inside either because of the weather or sickies we've probably eaten more than usual. Well, so instead of a recipe for cookies or some high calorie casserole I thought I'd share a viewers Greek Salad recipe. After all, it has to be healthy if salad is in the title right. Anyway, check it out here and let me know what you think.
Thanks for sharing your recipe Whitney!

What Would You Wear?

If you know who this guy is then you're either watching this season of The Bachelor or you've watched in the past. Because, YES, this guy is BACK for a second chance at love. Brad Womack is the infamous bachelor that turned two girls down during the final rose ceremony. Well, ABC thought he was a good choice for round two. After hearing his story and his deep apologies to the girls he "lead on" his first go around I believe this Texas boy may have changed, but it really doesn't matter what I believe.
So, after swearing off all future bachelors season after season...I'm once again hooked. But after watching Monday's premiere I really started to wonder what I would wear for the first episode. After all, it is the first impression, your first time (at least for most) on national television, etc, etc.
I thought some of the dresses were classy and cute and others looked more like shirts that barely covered the ladie parts. Some girls hair was out of whack. Some girls acted like fools and I was embarrassed for them. All that to say, I've never been in a situation with 29 other girls trying to get ONE guys attention...so who am I to judge.
But I DO know that I would wear something classy. I even asked some of you on Facebook what you would were and I loved some of your answers. I think I agree with those of you that said jeans and a shirt. If I want the guy to like me for me...then I might as well give it to him on the first meeting. Lets face it, when the TV crews are gone and it's us alone...I'll be comfy in my jeans and t-shirt. I wonder if a girl would EVER consider doing that or if the network would even allow it.
I'll never find out, but I would have great respect for a girl who just got out and showed her REAL self.
So, tonight is episode 2...we'll see how it goes. I'm not sure I'm sold on this season. If you don't know already here's a real reason I'm not sold on the "reality" of this show...there's a girl who has fangs. I'm interested to learn more about her.
Ok, enough about reality TV.

maybe later this week I can blog about how to NOT go crazy if you're home with kids during the snow...but we'll have to see how much we get.

PS...I LOVE SNOW!

Dreams Really Do Come True

When you wish upon a star...Ok, sorry my little one is watching Pinocchio while I write this. But seriously, when I think of dreams coming true I think of the famous Disney song.
I know there are Hog fans around the state that are bummed to see our star quarterback leave early for the NFL, but CONGRATS to Ryan Mallett.
It was officially announced yesterday and in a letter to the press Mallett said it was always a dream to play for the Hogs and he's done that and now it's on to bigger dreams. While it's a sad day for a the Hogs isn't it fun to see other's dreams come true.

I know of a lot of little boys that dreams of playing on Sundays and well, now they're grown men still dreaming (or maybe their dreams have changed).

There are a lot of sports analysts talking about this decision. Here is a little history on the star QB with the Hogs.

Now that it's official all of us Razorback fans will have to cheer for Mallett on Sundays! Here's to wishing him luck and success on his new journey with the pigskin.

Now, back to you...do you have any dreams or past dreams...please share.

Monthly Book Review: The Help

I have to admit when someone recommends a book I tend to brush it aside, but my mom swore up and down that I'd love The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I've always enjoyed reading about civil rights and this book did NOT disappoint. I felt like I was back in the 1960's in the deep south where it was normal for black maid's to raise a white families children and clean around the clock. While reading this book I could feel the bond between "the help" and the children. That type of lifestyle has always intrigued me. I can't imagine it in today's day and age, but lets face it the roots of that era still has a strong hold on many in the south. I don't want to give away too much in the book. You can actually visit the author's website here for a glimpse of what you can expect if you haven't read it.
I thought it was a great read. It was actually hard for me to put the book down while I was on vacation. I DO wish I knew what happened "next." I know at least one of my twitter friends said it was a good book, but they were disappointed in the ending.

But to be honest, there were really only positive things said about The Help.

Here are a few comments from facebook:

Cassie wrote, "The Help is one of my all time faves. So captivating and moving."

Patty wrote, "Love The Help. The narrative grabbed me and held me."

Katie said, "LOVE it. My book club read it and it was one of our favorites."

Another twitter friend admitted she could here her nanny in the story lines.
And that's another thing I loved about this book. The author, Kathryn Stockett, relates to the main character, Skeeter. This is not only a story she was writing, but a story she can/does relate to. And lets face it...it's not the 1960's anymore. We can't push this book off as a storyline that happened in the "past" it is still very real today...even if it looks a little different I believe we still encounter "the help" in a new way.

Anyway, what do you think? If you haven't read it, you should. If you have, share your thoughts. There are no right or wrong answers. Please feel free to disagree with me.

Oh and if you want to join in on the next book...I'm going with a suggestion from a friend on Facebook.
Originally we were going to read In the Sanctuary of an Outcast by Neil White, but it's hard to find right now. SO since we're almost half way through the month we're going to read Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. My mom just finished it and said it was an easy, but great read. It's by Beth Hoffman. I promise we'll read Neil White's book in the near future.

Baby Gear Round 2

I know it's been a LONG time since I announced I was pregnant with our second baby girl. Well, believe it or not I have around 5 weeks left. WHAT IN THE WORLD!? I feel like this pregnancy has flown by and I'm don't know if I'm ready to chase two little ones around.

I DO know that I need your help/feedback. Since baby number 2 and Stella are only 2 1/2 years apart I already have most of the baby gear I "need." BUT all you moms out there is there anything I'm missing. We already have a swing, carseat, pack n play, cradle, and now I've been working on the nursery. Am I missing anything. Stella was born in 2008...are there any baby gear that are must haves that have come out since then? We'll need another monitor and a double stroller of some kind...advice?

Please help this momma out!

Tasty Tuesday: Crockpot Pork Roast

I've had this recipe in my recipe box for sometime, but am just now trying it. Oh my goodness it is good.

I thought since we're all back into our routine post holidays...it's probably the ideal time to rely on the ole crockpot to get us back to normal. So, I pulled out this recipe from my old babysitter and it's great!

You can check it out here. I'd love to share more crockpot recipes so please either leave a comment or shoot me an email knwablogger@knwa.com

ENJOY and GO HOGS!

Dead Birds & Fish...What is Going On?

I don't know if you've seen the stories on local news and even national news recently, but what in the world is going on in Arkansas lately.

New Years eve around 1000 birds fell dead from the sky in Beebe. Just dropped dead and they're still trying to figure out why. Here's the article from KARK in Little Rock, but according to my twitter updates it looks like that number is climbing to almost 2000 dead birds within a mile strip in the small Arkansas town. Can you say creepy?

But it doesn't end there. A day before the falling birds, thousands of fish were found dead in the Arkansas River. The Game and Fish is expected to release the total number sometime today, but it all seems a little too Hollywood for me. It sounds like a creepy movie in the making. Let's just hope this is the last of dead animals showing up in the Natural State.

I don't know how I would feel if I lived in Beebe and woke up to dead birds in my yard and no explanation of what happened. I guess we'll just wait and see what the cause was.
Happy Monday. It's kind of a weird way to kick off 2011 in Arkansas.