We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to Beth Presley, of Fayetteville. You're the lucky winner of a grill from Petit Jean Meats along with 2 aprons, 60 Arkansas grillers, & 60 polish sausages!

You and your friends and family should have plenty of meat to enjoy your holiday weekend!

Tasty Tuesday: Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

Will you please look at this yumminess! This past weekend the fam loaded up the car for a weekend in Branson with some of our Little Rock friends. It was a blast to say the least. One night a friend of ours, Heather, made us all dinner and topped it off with this dessert she found on a blog. OH MY GOODNESS!
We seriously consumed it within minutes.

Here are Heather and Amy just moments after getting their piece. If you like chocolate try this recipe out. Heather says it was easy to make. Go here to get the recipe!

Happy Eating!

Meaty Giveaway! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS

I don't know about you, but when I spend the day swimming or at a swimpark I work up a hefty appetite! Well, this weekend we hit the road for Branson were we spent the weekend with 4 other families..this included 5 little ones all UNDER the age of 2! It was a blast. So, what does this have to do with the meat picture?
WELL, Petit Jean Meats is giving away a Backyard Family Fun Package. I'll get to that in a minute, BUT they gave us some yummy meat to try out and let you know what we thought. EVERYONE including the kiddos loved the sliced ham for their lunches and the guys thought they'd died and gone to heaven over the summer sausage.

Here is Josh being silly with the sausage, but the guys were loving it during our lunch at the water park. Little Reed is even finishing up his ham in this picture. Thanks Petit Jean Meats. We liked what we had!

NOW it's your turn...this GIVEAWAY IS AWESOME!

Petit Jean Meats Backyard Family Fun Package includes...

*a Charcoal Grill

*2 aprons

*60 Arkansas Jumbo Grillers (hot dogs)

*60 polish sausages

All you have to do is go here and register! We'll announce the winner Wednesday evening.

This is a great gift just in time for the 4th of July and grilling season!

Fashion Forward: Whose Ready for the 4th?

Don't worry---I don't think meat and fashion are really coupled together, but summer dresses and cookouts are common denominators in the 4th of July celebrations, RIGHT? I'll get to the meat in a minute, but first...

I don't know about you but I'm LOVING summer dresses this year. Who needs shorts when you can wear breezy summer dresses for ANY event? If you see me this year, I'll more than likely be in a dress or workout clothes.

Ok, onto the meat...this coming week we have an INCREDIBLE giveaway just in time for the 4th. I'm not going to give you all the details just yet, but I will tell you---if you win, you'll be able to throw a great 4th of July party!

I hope you have a great weekend!

Reality Check: Is it Really THAT Shocking that a Couple from the Bachelor Split?

Is it really SHOCKING that Jake and Vienna from the Bachelor are no longer together? How many of the relationships during the shows several year series has ACTUALLY worked? I can only think of Trista and Ryan.

Each season I swear I'm not going to watch again because I just get so frustrated with something about the show. Whether it's the bickering between contestants, or the extra drama I just get fed up. BUT guess what I'm watching this seasons of the Bachelorette. And yes, next week it looks like there is drama and I'm probably get frustrated, but I admit it, I'm hooked once again. I guess it's like watching a train wreck. I don't want to watch, but I can't help but looking.

SO, what do you think?

If you're watching this season...who is your favorite? I DON'T have a favorite at all...so we'll see next week.

Don't Forget About Razorback Relief

I've blogged about this before, but I wanted to remind you that if you want to help those is Haiti NOW is your chance.

According to Razorback Relief's facebook page there are 10 truckloads of food en route to the Razorback Indoor Track Center. If they have enough people, THAT INCLUDES YOU, then over 2 million meals can be prepared for the folks in Haiti. You can either volunteer for 2 hours or work a longer shift of 6 hours! It all begins THIS Friday night (June 25th) at 7 PM and runs through 7PM Saturday.

That's right...24 hours to put together over 2 MILLION meals. BUT it can't be done if there aren't volunteers. For more details you can go here.

Coach John Pelphrey and the basketball hogs are planning to help. If you're hog fan maybe you'll end up being on their shift!

Tasty Tuesday: Mac 'n Cheese

Let's face it...we just got back home TODAY from an amazing vacation! SOOOO....

Stella's dinner was this! HER FAVORITE. Before you send me notes saying this isn't a recipe, I know, I know. I was going to make the "real" deal, the homemade stuff but we got up at 4 this MORNING to make it for our flight so by the time we got home I was pooped. So I'm putting a twist on tasty Tuesday.

I know there are a million different recipes out there for mac 'n cheese, SO I want to here from you. You can either leave a comment here OR go the recipe box and share your favorites. Sometimes a mom just needs the box for a quick fix but the homemade stuff is delish.

Recycling Rant

I don't want any of you to think I'm against recycling---I'm from Oregon I grew up recycling. It was part of life and still is for me here in Arkansas, but I have a COMPLAINT.

I know I've tweeted about this several weeks in a row and this past week Tom got to experience and a neighbor or two have laughed about it with me now.

Every Wednesday I'm up early getting ready to Skype with Laine and Tom at KNWA Today, and EVERY Wednesday I hear the recycling truck go through our neighborhood AND EVERY Wednesday it sounds like they're having a party throwing all the bottles into the truck. It is so LOUD it's comical. And it's getting earlier and earlier...it used to be around 6:30...this past week it was 5:35!!!

Ha, I know they need to get an early start, but I wouldn't be surprised if little ones were woken up or adults for that matter. :)

Ok, rant over. AND YES, I will continue to recycle, but it is humerous every week.

What is your rant this week?

Fashion Forward: Gold Shoes

What is the deal?
This past weekend I was at a wedding in Little Rock and SEVERAL of the girls had incredibly CUTE gold shoes, BUT when I'm on the hunt for a nice pair of gold shoes to go with the dress I bought for several events this summer..NO GO.
I like the ones above, but they're pretty simple.
At the wedding I was at, they were ALL over the place. The bridesmaids even had super cute gold shoes, but I was stuck in my basic black.
So, my hunt continues. If you know where I can find a pair of gold heels...shoot me a note!
Happy Friday!

Time to Love on Daddy

I know it's Thursday and we normally talk reality TV, but I decided to skip it this week and talk about something even MORE real...our Dads. I'm lucky enough to have an incredible dad that has supported me in EVERYTHING I do, so I like to make sure he's celebrated on Father's Day.

I have several friends who aren't close with their dads or have lost their dads, so this holiday can be tough.

But there is definately one daddy that is VERY loved by his little girl. Happy early Father's Day TOM!

We aren't getting anything for Tom this year because he got me a nice camera for my birthday and we agreed that would be part of his present too. I just mailed my dads and grandpa's cards so I hope they get their in time.

WHAT are you getting your dads for Father's Day? Or what have been your favorite gifts? I know for my dad it was handmade stuff when we were little.
For all you awesome dads out there, Happy Father's Day...a little early.

Time to Pack Up and Head Out

Almost everyone I know has a big summer trip planned this summer. Whether it's a trip across the state in the car or hopping on the next plain to paradise folks are packing up and heading out. We do have some fun thing planned for this summer so I'm really trying to prepare myself for traveling with a very BUSY toddler.
SO, I thought I'd open the old trusty laptop and seek your advice and wisdom when it comes to traveling with kiddos.

A couple months ago I braved the friendly skies with our toddler by myself and survived, but I want EVERY trip to be enjoyable with as little hassle as POSSIBLE. Tom, doesn't really like travel day as it is, so add a 21 month old and it can get hairy.
Ok, back to the reason of the blog. I've talked to several of my mommy friends and they've given me some great tips, but I want to hear from you so we can all be in the know of how to kill time while traveling.

Here is what I've heard and I've tried some and they've been great, but remember new ideas are KEY because kids need to be entertained every second!

Buy NEW Goodies...this includes new snacks and toys
examples:
*different flavor of cheerios, fruit snacks, chips, juice, etc
*stickers...Stella LOVED these on our last trip
*coloring books, new books
*videos--we haven't resorted to this yet, but I hear it works. I'm trying to hold off.
*if you're flying introduce them to the pilot and hopefully they'll get pilot wings
*a new version of their favorite toy

Those are a few of some ideas from friends. I know a lot of people kicking off their summer with trips in the next couple of weeks, so I'm sure the list will expand once people hit the road or the sky.

Please leave me your helpful tips!

Tasty Tuesday: Chicken Enchilada Ring

I saw this tasty treat on a local bloggers blog so I tracked down the chef of this very yummy looking treat and am snagging the recipe from her blog. You can either check the recipe out on her blog or scroll down to our recipe box.

I hope enjoy Mexican treats as much as me!

My Heart Breaks!

Every time I hear a story about the flash flooding at the Albert Pike campground last week my eyes fill with tears. there are some incredible stories of survival, but then the harsh reality slaps me in the face...18 people died (6 of those are children) and a couple dozen were unaccounted for at one time. I can't imagine!

I can't imagine the anxiety of the family members waiting to hear something. I can't imagine what it's like for those searching the campgrounds and beyond. I can't imagine clinging onto family members while flash floods ravaged where they were sleeping. I just CAN'T imagine. This is such a tragedy and really it could've happened anywhere, but it happened in Arkansas and is just devastating.

Keep these families, searchers, crews, everyone involved in this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers!

Fashion Forward: "I Do"

Tis the season to get married and Tom and I are very excited to go to several of our friends wedding. As I've admitted to you in the past I'm working hard to lose weight and tone up some, SO I decided i needed a new dress for some of these weddings.
What do you think? I got this dress at Dillards and I love it. I bought it in royal blue. It's super comfy and I plan on wearing it a lot this summer. Yep, you guessed it -- I'll probably be wearing it to several weddings or rehearsal dinners. The best thing about the weddings we're going to I probably wont see the same people. Our pictures might look a little similar, but oh well. I'm saving money.

Be honest, do you like the dress? Don't worry it doesn't seem that short on me. I'm still looking at my shoes...what do you think I should wear with this dress?
Ok, enough fashion talk! I hope you have a happy Friday!!

Mani/Pedi for Toddlers

My little one has been clawing us with her nails lately so I finally convinced myself I could do this (it's normally a fight) and we'd trim those nails.

Well, after about 5 minutes and a mini-meltdown I decided to call in the troops and ask you on twitter. THANK YOU so much! She no longer has claws and decided she wanted short nails like mommy.

I thought I'd share some of the tips from you with others...please leave me a comment if you have another tactic because I'm sure others need some tips and I know we'll need to switch it up each trim.

@MrsSaraScott says "I let Lilly hold a fingernail file and she goes behind me and 'files' after I cut each nail."

@Jenna05 "I put him in his highchair and occupy his other hand with a snack!"

@superchikk "I trim Caedmon's while he's watching cartoons - something he really loves. Keeps him from thinking abut the clippers."

@jfrancis1 "I do it while Brody sleeps! It's the only time he's still. Ha!"

Thank you and good luck with your little one's mani/pedis :)

Razorback Relief: Operation Haiti...YOU can HELP!

Ok, gang listen up. RAZORBACK RELIEF Operation:Haiti is going to be HUGE and YOU can be a part of it.
If you're like me your were glued to the news coverage after the earthquakes in Haiti not long ago...I felt helpless and this urge to go over there and lend a helping hand. I never made it to Haiti, but I've thought of several ways I could help. I could give money, volunteer to organize collection sites, etc...BUT I never did any of those things.
NOW is my and YOUR chance to help those still in desperate need in Haiti and you don't have to go anywhere.
Ok, well you have to go to the indoor track center on campus, but that's not far.
You can find the details on their website, but it basically is a 24 hour period of volunteers working around the clock...or a couple hours at a time filling bags with rice and other nutrients for the folks in Haiti.

The Goal: 2 MILLION meals
The NEED: YOU, Northwest Arkansas Volunteers

You guys I cannot express to you how awesome this event is going to be. I've had the privilege of chatting with the organizer, Rich Morris, and is eagerness and excitement is contagious. I know you are all huge HOG fans and this is a joint deal.

If you'd like to volunteer you can read more on their website listed above, but they're really only asking for 2 hours of your time. TWO hours. It spans over 24 hours. Starting at 7:00 PM June 25th and ending the following day, same time. So lets be honest, even if our day is slammed and our calendars are FULL...we can go in the middle of the night OR super early in the morning. There aren't many excuses out there. Plus I've been told it'll be an AMAZING experience.

Ok, I'm sure you get that I'm a little excited about this, but I want you to spread the excitement. If you have a blog or group email or facebook, etc spread the word. The more the merrier!

If you plan on attending let me know! I will probably blog about this again, but I wanted to put a bug in your ear so you could mark your calendar!

Monday, Monday...

Oh Monday! You were NOT good to me this week.
Yes, I know it's Tuesday, but seriously friends, I am still recovering from a "no-good-yucky" Monday. I tried to post this story yesterday morning, but the link was down. Then I had a doctors appointment for a lovely sinus infection. (I'm feeling better today) and THEN I tried to post this again yesterday evening and our wifi modem was broken. So today we purchased a new one (of course not in the budget) and we're back in business. Ok, I'm really not that upset. These inconveniences are very MINOR in the grand scheme of things, but yesterday definitely felt like a Monday. I;m sure you know what I mean...ok, enough with that!

You're probably wondering what in the world is this picture all about. Well, after the rain storm in the morning I thought it was time to tackle the inevitable...CLEANING. I don't know about you but the warm sunny weather is a great excuse for me to vacate the house/ the mess and go play and ignore my daily chores.
Well, finally Mother Nature gave me an excuse to stay in, so I decided to conquer the kitchen first and I thought I'd let you know about my newest secret weapon. (it's not new by any means, but it's a new favorite of MINE).
I really can't stand the smell of cleaners that smell so chemically. COME ON...I just cleaned why isn't there a fresher smell? :)
So, after talking to a couple friends from church I decided to research what they were telling me about...who knew VINEGAR is the cure all when it comes to cleaning.
So right now I'm using a mixture of water and vinegar as my main cleaning tool, along with an old t-shirt for a rag, in the kitchen and bathrooms. the ONLY complaint we have so far is my husband says the trash always smells like vinegar (from the dirty paper towels), but I think that's a better smell than dirty diapers, HA!
If you're interested into cleaning a little more "green" I've been visiting Sara Snow's website a lot of ideas and combinations. Check it out.

Now it's your turn...what are your favorite cleaning tips/tricks!

Reality Check: So You Think You Can Dance

I meant to post this yesterday, but I haven't been feeling great so I'm playing catch up today!

I have to say I LOVE THIS SHOW. I really do wish I could dance. Don't get me wrong, I get on the dance floor at weddings, etc but its not pretty. BUT hey, if you're having fun who cares. Just don't go back and watch the wedding video of you. BELIEVE ME...I did and regret it :)

Anyway, I do love this show. I'm not the biggest fan of the tryout weeks, so I can't wait for the top dancers to be announced and the competition to heat up.

Plus, does anyone else think the shows host, Cat Deeley, seems like the nicest/sweetest person ever. I just want to be her best friend because she is so positive and of course, incredible cute.

So, now that the season is in full swing...what do you hope to see this season?

Why Do You Love NWA?

Whether is watching the baseball regionals in Fayetteville this weekend, or...

catching a concert at this years shareholders meeting, or...

headed to the Naturals game at Arvest ballpark in Springdale there is SOOO much going on in northwest Arkansas this week.

In honor of the big events happening in our area I want to know what you LOVE about NWA. It doesn't have to be a big event like all the activities this week and weekend. So now is your chance to sound off.

Have a happy Wednesday and I hope you're enjoying all NWA has to offer!

Tasty Tuesday: Avacado Salsa

If you're like me salsa ALWAYS sounds good. So, I thought you might like a new recipe during these warmer months! Check it out here and let me know what you think.