Fashion Forward: Loudmouth

Yes these pants are REAL. If you like John Daly, like my husband, you've seen these on the golf course. They are Loudmouth Golf pants...yes, you can get them in shorts and they do have styles for women.

Tom wants a pair so badly and I'm thinking it might be a good Father's Day present. They are a little spendy, but I know my "loud" hubby would get every pennies worth, but do you think others will golf with him if he's sporting these pants?

Yes, there are some more subtle styles, but I know Tom and he will want the boldest and brightest.

Anyway, I decided to write about these because this week's blogger of the week--husband owns a couple pair. Check them out here. I love them! You go Chris!

So if you were to buy a pair...what is your favorite style?

Happy Shopping.

Mother's Day...any Suggestions?

Please tell me that you agree that this is the most precious gift EVER. My sweet husband did GREAT last year for my first Mother's Day. If you can't tell the wings of the butterfly are Stella's cute little feet. This present will be precious to be FOREVER for several reasons. I just love the idea that Tom took her into a local pottery store and did this all on his own. Major hubby points!
So, that was last year and this year I told him I wanted TOMS so that's what I got. Ha! I'm going to be out of town on Mother's day so it works.
ANYWAY, what are you getting for YOUR moms?
I will actually be with my mom and grandma for Mother's day, so I think they're just excited 4 generations will be together!
We are on a budget, but I want to get both grandma's a little something for Mother's Day...SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!

AND GOOD NEWS FOR YOU...we have an incredible giveaway for those looking for the perfect gift. I'm not going to say much now, but the two links below are HINTS. Check back this weekend for details!

All I know is...I wish I was eligible to win, BUT I'm not....so be sure to check back because I want SOMEONE to enjoy these!

This and That

Ok, bare with me! This post is random but I have a lot on my mind and instead of spreading it over several posts...you get it all in ONE shot.
Don't worry I am not in this picture of folks doing yoga, but I have recently tried out hot yoga at our gym and I'm LOVING IT.
Hot Yoga=is yoga in a heated room. Controlled heat and humidity help those in the class to go deeper into their yoga pose.
Let me say that I have a LONG ways to go, but I really like the class. But I will worn you---you WILL leave a sweaty mess. And DON'T forget your water bottle. And while we're at it...if you go to the morning class at your gym...remember to put on deodorant. It wasn't smelling too great around me this morning. But if you've done Hot Yoga...let me know what you think about it.

i think Sandra Bullock deserves a standing O. How in the world did NO ONE know about her adopted baby! AMAZING. My heart breaks for her as she has a lot to deal with personally, but I'm glad she's got her little one to help her through! If you don't know what I'm talking about...here's the link to the story.

Oh my heavens! I finally bought a pair of TOMS and I love them. Thanks to all of you for your feedback. I went with red, but I don't think this will be my last pair.

One last thing: Congrats to our giveaway winner, Dena Smith. She won a pair of shoes from Good Things Boutique in Fayetteville.

Stay tuned for some great giveaway NEXT week.

Tasty Tuesday: Sugar Cookies (my grandma's INCREDIBLE recipe)

If you like sugar cookies than this recipe is for YOU! You'll go from liking sugar cookies to LOVING them.

My grandma has made these cookies for as long as I can remember. PEOPLE, if made right, they MELT in your mouth. Seriously, melt! But I should warn you...I can't make them like my grandma. I just don't have her special touch. This is a great recipe and makes LOTS so try it for a summer cookout.

Let me know if they turn out and what you think!

Also, while we're talking sweets don't forget to VOTE.
And while you're voting for the TCBY giveaway --- don't forget about this giveaway.

Happy Cooking!

Vote NOW

I have a secret to share with you. I LOVE TCBY's White Chocolate Mousse. There used to be a TCBY in Fayetteville, but it closed. There was still one in a gas station in Bentonville, but then in CLOSED!

Yes, I eat otehr cold treats, but I MISS my TCBY with MandM's. Does anyone get what I'm saying!? in fact, Tom used to surprise me with trips to TCBY all the time when we were dating...it's a special place! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....

NWA could be getting a new TCBY shop, but it's up to us!

A local couple is in a competition to win a TCBY giveaway...an entire STORE. RIGHT HERE IN NWA! You can watch the story KNWA did on the couple here or visit the TCBY page for more information on the contest here.

BUT GO VOTE!

If you like TCBY like me, what is your favorite?

Junk in the Trunk?

Are you getting the itch to do a little spring cleaning? I know there are times when I want to pack up everything (even if I still need them) to clear things out. I think about packing things up and setting up a garage sale, but it overwhelms me.
If you're like me pack up your "junk" and help out Womenade NWA. Click here for all the details.
If you don't have anything to sell stop by and check it out. I bet there will be great finds!

Race Day

This year I had the privilege to help KNWA with their 5th annual Team Neile/Race for the Cure Special. As always, it was a great time. We definitely got wet, but, hey, its all for a good cause!

The started at 6:00 AM for the crew call, then we were live at 7:25-9:00. Here are a few pictures of the day.

Some of the crew.

KNWA's Neile Jones & Shannon Miller.

Like last year, there were incredible booths with goodies for runners set up at the end of the race!

This is a VERY WET me and photog Micah Smith.

KNWA/FOX 24 reporter Chelsea Edwards, producer Anesha, anchors Neile Jones andMatt Turner.

I know I had a blast and I was working (I know, tough job...go out and produce an awesome event). It's tough, but someones got to do it.

Anyway, what did you think of the race? Were you running for anyone? I want to hear your stories. I've heard some incredible stories over the last couple months and would LOVE to hear MORE!!!
Thanks for sharing!

Fashion Forward: Sweet Touch to an Outfit

I know these necklaces have been around for awhile, BUT I LOVE them. I was flipping through a magazine the other day and found the necklace above. You can find out more about it here.

Then a mommy friend of mine was wearing a black one like this with a tank and jeans at our playgroup and it looked great! So, now I want some for the summer months.

I don't know where I can find this one, but I want it. You could wear it with anything. I live in tanks all summer and think this is such a great piece of flare!

So if you know where I can find some of these great pieces leave me a note. And if you have one and picture put your blog in comments so I can check them out.

AND if you know my hubby---give him a hint for my upcoming birthday, ha!

Reality Check: Heroes Don't Drop Your Guard

Don't worry I'm not going to tell you what happened THIS week, but I'm still in awe of the move the Heroes made LAST week.

WHY in the world would you give someone (no matter who they are) on the other tribe YOUR immunity IDOL? WHY? At this point in the game I'm not the HEROEs are going to outwit their competition. I really hope I'm wrong because I like the players on the heroes side.

If you follow this show (and you know all contestants, new and old watch the show) then YOU know Russell is tricky. He can seem manipulative, but he knows how to play this game. He's not even with the heroes much and they're convinced he's the underdog and GAVE HIM (yes, Russell) the hidden immunity! Oh my goodness. I'm watching tonight's episode right now and it's good.

Don't worry NO spoilers.

But I want to know what you think of this season?

Happy EARTH Day

You are probably wondering what these shoes have to do with Earth day, well, let me tell you. These shoes are eco-friendly! I LOVE the sandals---LOVE them. You can click on the shoes to learn more. BUT the good news doesn't end there!!! You can find these shoes and other Simple Shoes at Good Things Boutique in Fayetteville.

So go check them out and see all their amazing inventory. Oh yeah, and click here to learn more about next week's giveaway. It's from GOOD THINGS BOUTIQUE.

AND THE WINNER IS....

CONGRATULATIONS TIM MATHIS FROM BENTONVILLE!

Mr. Mathis was randomly picked and won $100 gift certificate to Rush Running along with a water bottle, shirt, and other treats.

We will contact you via email soon.

Thank you to EVERYONE who signed up for this giveaway. We are already working on next week's giveaway so be sure to check back. And even though you didn't win still go by Rush Running and check out what they've got in stock.

For more on the winner click here.

Why Can't My Hair Look Like This?

I LOVE this style of hair and NO matter how hard I try I can't get it to look right.

So this week's BLOG OF THE WEEK features a local hair stylist! Her name is Julee and YES, she is married to KNWA's Matt Turner, but I didn't pick her because of that. She has a great post up now about hair trends. Check it out.

Hope you have a good hair day.

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER TO WIN $100 from Rush Running.

UPDATE: Rush Running Giveaway SIGN UP NOW

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!! Click here to sign up!

We will announce the winner Wednesday evening. Registration closes at 5:00 PM

Click here for more on this weeks giveaway.

Tasty Tueday: French Breakfast Puffs

These French Breakfast Puffs are AMAZING! Believe it or not they're easy to make too!

I recently made these for a brunch I was hosting at my house and since they were so good and easy I made them again for play group! I stole this incredible recipe from the Pioneer Woman. If you haven't read her blog you definately should check it out.

I've heard through the grapevine and read a couple articles...that Pioneer Women's story will be hitting the big screen.

Check out the recipe box below for some other tasty treats.

Enjoy cooking!

Giveaway: Lace Up Those Sneakers

I told you some good giveaways were in the future.

Well, here's a sneak peak . Don't worry I wont tease you much longer.

In honor of The Ozark Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this weekend Rush Running is giving away a great prize!

In addition to the t-shirt, water bottle and other athletic swag in this picture...the winner will get $100 gift certificate!!! Anyone want some new sneakers or new workout gear!?

So hold on just a little longer. The registration to win this giveaway will be posted Tuesday evening for all you bloggers.

Until then, shoot me a note and tell me what you'd buy with the gift certificate.

Floating By

If you had the crazy enough to bundle up in your winter gear and head out onto the water, the Buffalo River that is, this weekend...then you probably saw me floating (or even swimming, by accident) down with you.
It was cold, wet (only a few raindrops or if you went for a an unexpected dip), and BEAUTIFUL. Seriously people we floated 24 miles with some great friends and LOVED every minute. We camped overnight and had a blast. We started in Ponca and ended in Pruitt.

Our second day of floating was warmed...my knees even got a little sun burned. But I promise I will post pictures soon (I didn't take my digital camera--the waterproof disposable hasn't been developed yet), but I wish you could seen the outsides of my lower legs. I am one BIG bruise! I'm not kidding. You should know I bruises easily, but I walked around with some battle wounds!

SOOOO, my legs might look pretty beaten up right now but I want to float some more once it gets a little warmer---so where is your favorite spot to float? Do you have any good float stories?

Oh yeah, we saw snakes!

Fashion Forward: TOMS

I admitted when we first started this blog I'm not a fashion expert by ANY means, but I do like to copy others every now and then. And let me tell you I wasn't sure what I thought of TOMS when I first saw a couple friends sporting them.

But NOW I think they are super cute and help a great cause. Did you know that for every pair of TOMS purchased the company gives a pair to a child in need. HELLO, I think that is awesome.

I don't own a pair of these yet because I can't make up my mind on what color/style I want, but I have worn a good friends and oh my goodness they are wonderful. It's my mission to buy a pair this upcoming week. I've seen them at Warrens in Fayetteville and Masons.

So that's the next fashion trend I'm going to follow, but I need YOUR HELP. What color should I go for? I'm leaning towards red (hence the picture on this blog), but I might want a more neutral color, any advice?

Reality Check: Who is Your Idol

Let me start by saying I was addicting to American Idol last year, but I'm pretty sure it's due to the fact that Arkansas was cheering for Kris Allen AND I was working for KNWA/FOX 24 at the time, so I was surrounded by the Idol Edge.

So, this year I'm not into it as much, but I still watch it. Usually I'm blogging or paying bill, etc when it's on so I'm not cheering for one specific person, but I'm somewhat in the know. Not to mention I know FOX 24's Brad Reed, so I can get updates from him. Ha!

That being said, I want to know what you think of Idol this year? Do you like Ellen as a judge? And will you watch again next year without Simon? Who do you hope will win?

Customized Books

If you're little ones like books (or LOVE books, like my sweatpea) you've got to check this site out.

I've always wanted to write a children's book and this will let me channel that urge. Ha!

I love this concept. It personalizes a book for anyone.

My 18 month old LOVES the Fancy Nancy Books, but now I can give her a Stylish Stella book. I don't have one of these books yet. I found the link through a twitter friend, but I'm looking into ordering one for Stella for her 2nd birthday and for my 3 year old nephew.

Do you or your kiddos have any personalized books...what do you think of it?

Skype, Food, and Giveaways OH MY

Good morning! Happy Wednesday (or hump day for some)! Well, we have a lot to talk about so lets get going. Today we kicked off our first Skype with the KNWA Today crew. The audio was a little off, but we'll get it worked out. I'm not complaining. I get to chit-chat with the crew from the comfort of my own home. I LOVE Skype! I was actually in my room today because I didn't want to wake my little girl up. It's a tough job, but someones got to do it. Ha! If you want to see the interview check out the link below.

I couldn't let this next topic go without a quick mention. I'm sorry KFC, but this sandwich is a bit much. It's called the Double Down. All I can say is WOW. You can click on the link to read the details of what makes up the Double Down, but basically instead of a bun there are two slices of chicken with cheese and bacon in the middle. Tom mentioned on the morning show that he's waiting for Laine to get him one. Ugh! I don't know what I think about eating one of these at all--let alone before 6:00 AM. What do you think?

I'm eating healthy these days, so I don't think this is on my menu.

Switching gears completely! I've told you we'll have giveaways and this is just a tease of what's to come. Rush Running out of Bentonville has a great gift for you. Be sure to check back here later this week for more details. But I PROMISE it's a great treat for you and all you have to do is register NEXT Wednesday.

I have so much more to blog about so stay tuned for more, but in the meantime, check out our Blog of The Week. The link is off to the right!

Tasty Tuesday: Lemonade Cake

Disclaimer: Don't judge this cake by it's cover!

I know this cake isn't pretty, but it's good and easy. BUT I only make it once a year because it's my husband's favorite. So every year on his birthday I pull out this tasty/tart recipe.

What is YOUR favorite kind of cake? Please share your recipes too!

To Spank or Not to Spank...that is the Question

Ahhh! As our family approaches the "terrible twos" we've discussed the negatives/positives of spanking and guess what? There's a new study about spanking. I found it while I was browsing the internet and reading stories from my old station KARK in Little Rock. Check out their story here.

Basically, the study says toddlers that are spanked are more aggressive. What do you think? I was spanked as a child and I don't consider myself very aggressive, but then again I wasn't spanked much.

So, I know there many studies out there, but I wanted you to read this one and tell me what you think?

Save Money? Yes Please!

If you like to save money or even find a great freebie...you've got to click on the logo above and visit this website.

I don't remember how I stumbled onto this blog, but it's awesome. I know there are many great coupon/saving blogs out there, but this blogger is from this area. Yep, she lives in northwest Arkansas. I've never met her, but I feel like she helps me cut back our spending every week. I would love to meet her and pick her brain on the best way to save a penny here and there.

I don't know about you, but saving anything these days is awesome. I love handing my coupons over to the cashier in the check out line. I feel like I accomplished a great mission---1. for finally grocery shopping, but 2. for saving a little money.

So if you haven't checked out Passion for Savings before now...do it!

But I also want to know how you save money? Do you have a secret weapon you use when you head out for those weekly groceries?

Hope you have a great week!

Fashion Forward: Sweet Southern Girls

Don't worry Fashion Friday wont always be about cute girl clothing, BUT you have to admit dresses like this a-line dress are precious!!!!

Guess what? This dress is made by a local mom right here in northwest Arkansas. Check out her site here.

I think I'm going to have her make Stella a little Razorback dress! Imagine if these dresses were in style for us older folks. Ha! Don't worry I'm not going to have my initials monogrammed on a dress anytime soon, but this style is TOO CUTE for youngsters.

If you decide to order a dress from Sweet Southern Girls let the owner know you saw it here! And send me a picture of your little one's dress when you get it.

Happy shopping

Reality Check:Kate is Back

She's back!!!

Ok, I know she is currently on Dancing with the Stars, but I hear she's pretty awful to watch. (sorry I'm just not into DWTS this season).

Anyway, this reality check is not about DWTS...it's about the upcoming TLC show Twist of Kate/Kate Plus 8. I DID love Jon and Kate Plus 8, but I think this story has run it's course. That's just my opinion and you might think I'm 100% wrong, but in my opinion I feel like these kids have already been through enough publicity (good and bad). I know this is probably their livelihood, but I also feel that this adventure they embarked on hurt their family. Check out this article about the upcoming show.

Don't get me wrong, I'll probably watch a couple episodes, but I really think I'm done with this show. The kids are cute, but I have enough reality TV to keep me busy so I think I'll skip on Twist of Kate.

What do you think? Will you watch?

Rundown

I'm thinking of having a topic to tackle most days. So what do you think of something like this...

Monday...Free For All (we'll write about whatever is going on...we pick here)

Tuesday...Tasty Tuesday (recipes and new yummy treats)

Wednesday...You Choose (what do you want here for the week)

Thursday...Reality Check (we discuss what's going on the in the world of reality tv)

Friday...Fashion Forward (latest trends, etc)

Of course, there will be all sorts random posts because, lets face it, there is a lot to blog about.
Anyway, check back later today for this week's Reality Check. I know what I want to talk about and I can't believe this person will have her own show again...CRAZY!!!

Send me some of your ideas!

At Least I was TRYING to Clean

Let's just say cleaning is not something I'm good at, but recently I've heard some GREAT things about steam mops. I hate getting on my hands on knees to clean our tile or use a bucket of dirty water, so I found a highly rated steam mop at Walmart today on a great sale. I jumped at the chance, but so far I'm not overly impressed with the results.

That being said I was definitely distracted and didn't get to really get it started.

SOOOO I want your feedback.

Have you ever used a steam mop? What brand? Did you like it? And what is your trick to making your floors SHINE?

Headed Home

If you enjoy reality TV like me, then you've probably seen 19 Kids and Counting on TLC. It's a show about the Duggars who live right here in northwest Arkansas. In case you don't know, they recently welcomed their newest addition, Josie Brooklyn, to their family. Josie is number 19 for Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar!

I'd love to chat with Mrs. Duggar someday and ask her a million questions on how she does it. ha! One can take a lot out of me...imagine 18 more.

Anyway, Josie was born very premature and was sent home! What an amazing praise for their family.

You can read more about the homecoming here.

I know I'll be watching the homecoming episode on Mother's Day...will you?

This BLOG is for YOU

This is my cute family. Yes, I'm married to one of the co-anchors on KNWA Today, Tom Yazwinski. The sweet girl in the middle is our daughter, Stella. The quick profile about me, the writer on this blog, pretty much sums me up. Since KNWA is officially launching this blog today/tomorrow morning I thought I'd give you a little information on me.

Like my profile says I'm a news junkie at heart (reported/produced for almost 8 years), but after having sweet Stella I found my true passion...being with her. While I was on maternity leave (that obviously turned into permanent leave) I found my love for reading blogs. I enjoy reading other people's take on parenting, fashion, cooking, sports, etc. I'm also a sucker for blogs about how to save a penny here and there and so on.

I have a blog. It's basically pictures of Stella so that I can remember what she was doing at what age, but it's really my tool to share the thousands of pictures we have of Stella with our friends and family!

ALL that being said...KNWA has asked me to renew my journalism roots and help kick off this blog. This blog is not for me...it's for YOU!!!!

SOOOO, I've told you what I like to read/write about, now you tell me what you'd like to see on here. I will be similar to a host/facilitator getting information and stories on here that YOU want.
So lets stop wasting time and tell me why you blog and what you'd like to see on this blog!!!

Power of a Purse

Ok, ladies it's time to help others in the community! We all have them. Purses. Some of us have more than others. And some of us have some to spare!!! So lets clean out our closets and lending a helping hand.

Power of a Purse

Here's how it works. In honor of Mother's Day, the local chapter of Mothers and More is collecting purses that will be donated to the local Women's Shelter and Peace at Home. The campaign is running from April 5-30th and is designed to raise awareness of mothers' economic issues through collecting new or slightly used purses for mothers and women in need.

You can read more about the campaign on the Mothers and More website.

If you want to help just shoot me an email at knwablogger@knwa.com or leave a comment and I'll let you know where to take your purse.

I know I have a couple, ok maybe a few, purses I can hand over for this good cause! Plus, who doesn't LOVE a new purse. I'm sure my husband will support this cause. He is always trying to get rid of my purses. He doesn't understand why anyone needs more than one purse. Not to mention the diaper bag I tug around!

Ok, let me know if you want to help!!!! It's for a good cause!

Broccoli Puff

Check out an easy recipe in the recipe box below this post!

What are some simple recipes you like to whip together for big gatherings?

New Years Resolution

I'm proud of myself.

Besides the usual resolutions of losing weight and getting more organized, I also challenged myself to get out more, meet knew people, and have fun with other women.

Well, I'm doing it. This picture is from a night out to the movies with some girls. I know a couple girls better than others, am getting to know a couple more and didn't even really introduce myself to the others (unlike me...I was tired).

Anyway, at the beginning of the year I promised myself I needed to start doing more. I've since joined a Bible study, playgroup, and a mommy group. SO needless to say we're busy AND I love it.



SOOOOO, all that being said, I want to meet more of you out there in the blogging world. I think for awhile after having my little girl I felt like I was connected to the world because I could jump on the computer and read up on people via blogs, facebook, twitter, etc. BUT now I'm having fun meeting those "blogging friends" and learning more about them in person.



What do you think?

Will You Go to Prom with Me

I'm no youngin, but I still remember my prom. It seems like every year guys were on a mission to come up with the most elaborate way to ask a girl to prom. And why not. If you did a knock out job everyone talked about it. The funny thing is it's been 10+ years since I got all decked out for prom and I don't remember any of those "incredible" stories. Now if you sat me down with some friends from high school I'm sure we'd come up with some doozies, but this aging brain is simply not remembering.

I DO remember that I went with one of my dearest friends to our senior prom and he simply walked up to me in the senior commons and asked, "Syd will you go to prom with me." Easy enough.

So, why am I talking about prom? Don't worry, I'm not trying to force you to re-live my college days with me---I just saw that kids are still at it.

This video proves it. Guys are still trying to impress the ladies.

And I guess the creativity can pick back up when couples start talking marriage later in life. I've heard of some pretty incredible proposals, but we'll save that for another day.

So, do you have/know of any incredible "will you go to prom" stories?

Girls Movie Night: The Last Song

Can you believe it? I snuck away for a couple hours to see a chick flick with some girls tonight. I think I enjoyed the adult interaction so much that I'm now having a hard time falling asleep, so I thought I'd share my feedback on the movie.

Let's face it, I'm not a girly girl (I lean more tom-boyish), but I DO love a good chick flick. And we all know that Nicholas Sparks writes some great books for future chick flicks. In case you're not familiar he wrote The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, and Walk to Remember.
Anyway, they're all good chick flicks.

The Last Song did not disappoint. Yes, there are cheesy parts and yes you might (I did) cry, but I liked it. Like most of Sparks' books/movies, it's sad and it will pull on your heart strings, but it was cute. I'll admit, I was a little hesitant that the main actress was Miley Cyrus, but I got passed that quickly into the movie.
I know I'm being vague, but I don't want to ruin it for anyone planning to see this movie. BUT this is definitely a chick flick. If you're like me and you have to beg your husband or significant other to see a chick flick save it for the next romantic comedy because this one is over the top.

I hope you like it. Let me know what you think!

Ok, I think I'll try to go fall asleep. Goodnight.