Calling All Football Fans

I know you've heard me mention Holy Turf before, but now that we're in the midst of championship games, BCS talks, etc I thought I'd redirect all you football fans to a great new website that talks all things SEC and Big 12. Flint, the creator, lives in northwest Arkansas and KNOWS his football.
If you haven't checked out his website then you need to! AND ladies if you're looking for a fun gift for your hubby's this Christmas be sure to check out the section for women...there's a great gift for your loyal tailgating football-loving husbands.

I know that I keep finding myself getting caught up in this talk of what bowl the Hogs will go to...what happens if Auburn wins or loses this weekend, etc...so I'm loving all the blogs about the possible scenarios.

Plus as we all gear up for those bowl parties that are in our future there are great recipes for game day.

Check it out and let me know what you think.
And oh yeah, Poor Some Sugar on Me...crossing my fingers for the Sugar Bowl.

Too Picky? I Need Stockings

I know some of these pictures are small, but I need help deciding what to do for our family stockings. We already have traditional needlepoint stockings for our family a 3 and our furry child, but now that we're almost a family of four I think I want a change.

I really like these white ones and I'd have our names embroidered in either green or red. Thoughts?

But I also LOVE the actual stocking look. What do you think?

And of course there's the more modern look, but will I get sick of these after a couple years?

I know, I know big decisions, but I know MOST of you are already in the Christmas spirit and have decorated so I need your help. Just FYI, my house is more traditional/country than modern, but around the holidays I say anything goes.

Thanks for your help.

Black Friday Crazies!

For all of you that braved the cooler temps on full stomachs for the great deals this Black Friday...I'm proud. While you were cashing in on the good deals I was sleeping in the mountains of Montana. I know I missed some great deals for Stella from Santa, but the trek into "town" wasn't worth the EARLY wake-up call.

But I want you to add to my stress of the shopping I have in my future...and hear about your deals and fun early morning stories.

Plus if you have a little one and DON'T have ZuZu pet you're missing out. Stella and her cousins got some last night and they're super funny.

Check them out if you can!

Happy Black Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you're all taking a break for technology and enjoying your family and friends today!

Take a little time to remember what you're thankful for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Gobble Gobble.

Turkey Day Preps

If you were up bright and early with us during Skype this morning then you know I'm no longer in Arkansas. This year I'm so excited to be celebrating Thanksgiving in Montana with my brother and his family. Anyway, it's beautiful here and I wanted to show you a little bit of Missoula's beauty!
Hope you're elbow deep in turkey day preps.
Bring on the pumpkin pie!

Road Trip

I'm sorry for my absence today but I'm currently bundled up, sitting by a warm fire and enjoying the views of Montana!
Yes, over the last few days I've hop-scotched my way from Arkansas to Oregon and now montana. I'm hear for the holidays and just now got computer access. Like I said I'm in the mountains so I hope to have a pictures by tomorrow. I should be heading to bed since we drove through a snow storm to get here and I'm skyping with the KNWA Today crew very early in the morning.

Thanks for understanding for my tardiness!

Will You Cheer for the Tigers?

To say the SEC has been entertaining this football season is an understatement! SO many ups and downs...big wins and big losses...you get my point. But lets face it, that's what makes this conference so much fun.

Now, I know 99% of you reading this will be calling those Hogs loud and proud this weekend, but what about Auburn? I know we're playing the Tigers of LSU and we WILL win, but what about the other Tiger team? Lets face it...we (as Hog fans) want and NEED them to WIN. Will you cheer for Auburn? We were so close to beating them and oh I wish we had, but now if they win this weekend they go to the National Championship game AND when we beat LSU then that means the HOGS will go to the Sugar Bowl!

Can I get a WOO PIG SOOOOIE!?! Oh it's going to be an awesome weekend of football. I can't think of a better way to work off that turkey then cheer and scream at the TV all weekend.

Airport Screenings...Like or Dislike?

If you haven't heard about the new airport screenings popping up at airports across the countries then you are lucky. It seems everywhere I turn some news organization is covering the controversy about these screenings.
Since I recently flew I as interested to see these new regulations in person, but the airports I visited haven't "upgraded" yet. BUT let me tell you it is the talk of the "town" in airports. People have VERY strong opinions on BOTH sides. Let's face it, LONG gone are the days of kissing loved ones goodbye at their gate. It all stems back to 9/11 and in my opinion I'd rather be overly cautious then not safe enough, but I know not everyone agrees.

If you don't know, the new screenings include two options full body scan (basically, an x-ray) or a pat down. Now, I have seen stories where it looks a bit ridiculous for little kids to get patted down by strangers. I don't think our little one will like that, but it's only for a couple minutes and then we're off. As travelers we do have the option of choosing what we want. Since I'm pregnant I was prepared for a pat down, but again, I didn't have to experience either.
SOOO...what do you think? I know there are several arguments for each side. I tend to lean towards be careful so I'm fine with the changes, but I don't travel as often as some of you. I DO think it goes back to what our parents taught us when we're little..."If little Johnny does it and ruins it for everyone, then we're done." Well, unfortunately terrorists have ruioned traveling for all of us, but thankfully we have technology and knowlege to make sure it doesn't happen again! Do you feel it's an invasion of privacy? Are you upset it's gotten this far?

Let me know because I KNOW there are opinions out there.
If you're traveling for the holidays this upcoming week...safe travels and have fun!

Traditions

I know we all have some sort of tradition around the holidays.
Today I had the great privilege to visit with my grandparents and I was quickly reminded of all the traditions I have not only on the holidays, but just during regular visits.
As long as I can remember, my grandma has had a "candy" jar in her kitchen and EVERY time I visit I check it out. I'll admit last time I visited the candy wasn't my favorite but today I hit the jack pot with Butterfingers! But as I was reaching for the yummy treat I was reminded about all the "traditions" I've shared with my Grandma over the years.
Growing up I had a blankie (if I'm honest I still have it, ha) and whenever I spent the night with Grandma and Pa Grandma would sew a fresh stitch around my blankie to make sure it "lasted." Well, it's done the trick.

Anyway, those are regular habits I have at my grandparents, but it made me think of holiday traditions.

So, now is your chance to share. Do you have family traditions? Please share. Some families don't have any, so you're might be their new tradition.

The Winner is...

The random selected winner of the Petit Jean giveaway is Brooke Peterson of Fayetteville. Congratulations Brooke! I hope the 14 pound ham and deluxe gift box comes in handy for your Thanksgiving feast!

Thank you to all of you that registered. I wish I could give you all a gift because it's obvious this was a big hit. BUT I do have some good news...Petit Jean is doing ANOTHER giveaway in December in time for Christmas, so be sure to tune in on Wednesdays for our skype time and follow me on twitter @knwablogger for hints on when you can register!

Happy early Thanksgiving friends.

FREE FOOD

Don't miss your chance to win free food just in time for the holidays.

Go here for more information and here to register.

Tasty Tuesday: Corn Casserole

This past weekend our church had a chili cook off and I was in charge of cornbread. I decided instead of just making the traditional cornbread muffins I'd make my favorite corn casserole. Since it was such a hit I thought I'd share the recipe with you because it's a great side dish for the holidays. It goes with all sorts of foods including turkey and even mexican dishes!

Check out the recipe here!

And DON'T FORGET if ham is on your holiday menu be sure to check out this week's giveaway! I promise it's definitely worth taking time to register to win.

Need Food? Check This Out

Is your mouth watering? I know mine is!
I'm counting down the days until Thanksgiving and all the yumminess that comes with it, ha!
Next week basically kicks off the beginning of eating myself silly!

So in an effort to encourage you and everyone else to enjoy yummy food this holiday season we're giving away THIS great gift from Petit Jean Meats. All you have to do is register and you
could add a 14 pound ham and other goodies to your menu this season! How perfect is that? Just in time for making your holiday menus and saving a little money since you wont have to splurge on the ham!! You can go here for more details.

Don't forget to register!

Fa La La La La

Is it too soon?
I know a lot of you have shared your opinions/concerns about Christmas music already playing in stores, on the radio etc.
So, again I ask, is it too soon?

This is one of my favorite times of year! I love Christmas music and I really could probably start listening too it as soon as it's cool enough for me to start drinking hot chocolate. So, I have no problems with it. But I know people like my husband would rather get a full 24 hours of the holiday cheer Christmas eve and leave it at that.

If you've been out in public lately then you've noticed tis the season to jump into the holiday spirit early!!! I love the idea of decorating early. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to skip over Thanksgiving because I do think it's an important part of the year to reflect on things you are thankful for, but lets face it...decorating for Christmas can be a full days worth of work. SOOO lets enjoy it a little longer.

I especially think it's ok if you're not hosting Thanksgiving at your house. this year I'm keeping my fall decorations up a little longer, but I am eager to break out the red and green!

All that to say...what do you think? I know some of you are already done Christmas shopping (to say I'm jealous is an understatement) and others of you haven't even given the holiday a second thought.
So again, tell me what you think!?

I Missed It

Without giving you too many details the stomach bug hit our home last night. It seems I've taken the biggest hit, but it fast and furious, so I'm sorry I'm just now posting about this.

First of all, I don't think you know how much I despise being sick and being sick with a very active toddler is NO FUN!

Anyway, I was looking forward today because it's Drive-Thru Difference Day hosted by the local radio station KLRC 101.1.

I look forward to listening to their morning radio updates on this day because it's so cool to hear others paying it forward.

If you don't have dinner plans you can still get in on the fun.

Basically, you order your food and then offer to ALSO pay for the car behind you. I just love this concept! I know we can do any day of the week, month and even year --- i just love hearing the stories from folks in the area.
Anyway, I hope at least one of you were blessed by this fun day!

I would participate tonight, but saltines are the only item on my menu today.

Hope you're all feeling well!!!

Calling All the Ladies:NWA Boutique Show

Calling all shoppers! I know you're out there and I KNOW you're itching to get started (or maybe finished) with your Christmas shopping.

Well, if you don't know where to start...how about the NWA Boutique Show? Not only will you being checking off that Christmas list, but you can also help support local artists and designers at the NWA Boutique Show. This years event features over 130 UNIQUE merchants from across the area. They'll be showing off/selling specialty holiday items, home decor, clothing, gourmet foods, jewelry, toys and of course MUCH MORE.

Did you read the part about UNIQUE gifts? Hello, do I hear those wheels turning that this might be the PERFECT shop stop for that "hard-to-buy-for" loved one?!!

And it's gets even BETTER...it's a 2 day event! November 19th and 20th. The BEST part, Saturday the 20th is FREE. All you have to do is show up at the Springdale Convention Center and shop your little heart out starting at 9 until 6!

BUT HOLD ON...I have MORE. Friday, the 19th is GIRLS NIGHT OUT! Yep, you heard me right. Leave the kids at home, grab your purses, pick up your girl friends and head out to a UNIQUE shopping event with your girlfriends. The night will include LIVE Christmas Jazz, hot cocoa (because I'd like to believe it will feel like fall/winter by then), and get this, a CANDY BUFFET. There will be door prizes and much more. NOW, this does cost $10 at the door, OR you can register online before and it only costs $8. Friday shopping starts at 5 and goes until 9 PM. Let's face it a candy buffet is worth the $8 and 4 hours of fun with girls ALONE!

So mark your calendars and DON'T miss this great event! Plus you're helping support local businesses!!!

PS...Be sure to follow me on twitter @knwablogger because I might come across some fun items that will BENEFIT YOU for this fun event!

Tasty Tuesday: Irene Casserole

I've realized that lately a lot of my more recent recipes in the recipe box have been a bit on the sweet side. Come on, don't hate. I'm pregnant. HA!

Anyway, I wanted to mix it up some so I asked my friends on twitter @KNWAblogger for some recipes and I've received several, so be ready for some new treats coming soon.

Ok, enough rambling. My sweet friend Dana shared a dish called Irene Casserole. She has enjoyed it since she was little and it's named after her babysitter. You can check it out here.
I'll add a picture later because Dana is sending one once she gets off work, but I wanted to get this up now in case you're looking for something easy and cheap for tonight. I plan on making it tomorrow!!!

If you have a recipe you'd like to share please shoot me an email knwablogger@knwa.com

Sprinkle or Shower??!!

Everyone has heard of a baby shower, but have you heard of a baby sprinkle? At first I thought it was something us southerns made up (and they may be the case originally), but it's a real deal.

According to several different websites, a baby sprinkle is relatively new. It's a scaled-down version of a baby shower for mom's expecting baby #2.

Sprinkle was invented to celebrate the future little one, but NOT go overboard. After all, baby #2 usually doesn't "need" as much as the first baby because the "big" items are already purchased.

I know that some of the showers I've gone to for second kiddos include a lot of diaper purchases and the "necessities" especially if #2 is the same gender as it's older sibling. But then there are times I can get caught up in buying the cute outfits for the little one.

What do you think about a baby sprinkle?

You're probably asking, why in the world am I writing about such a random topic, but a sweet friend of mine has offer to throw a "sprinkle" and she was planning on going overboard. I told her to keep it simple. We'll see if she listens. It's not that I don't think the second baby doesn't deserve a big party like her big sister...I just know we all have a lot going on and I don't want to add extra stress.

So, that's what spurred today's blog topic. Plus I still think it's more of a southern thing, but I wanted to share it with those of you that might not know about a baby sprinkle.

Gap Jean Giveaway!!!

I don't know about you but I love the word FREE.

And how about Free and Jeans in the same sentence. Thanks to my tweeps I follow from Celebrate Magazine I was tipped off to this great event that's happening TOMORROW.

According to the Gap facebook page Gap is giving away 10,000 pairs of jeans. All you have to do is check-in to the stores using facebook places and YOU COULD WIN. It says ALL Gap stores are participating so we all have a chance!

And if you show up and you're not the winner...don't worry you will still get jeans at 40% off if you choose!!!

I say this is a WIN/WIN situation. I'm thankful for social media today. First, for hearing about this via twitter then know Gap is using Facebook to spread the wealth. Be sure to check out the Gap Facebook page for all the details.

If you participate and win...shoot me an email to let me know knwablogger@knwa.com

Good LUCK!

Britax Carseats Recalled

Britax announced it's recalling thousands of it's infant carseats because of an issue with it's harness chest clip.

According the company's site, the clip can break and possibly cut the child. And since the piece is small it could also be a choking hazard.

The seats being recalled were sold nationwide from October 2009 through last month and they cost $230.

You can call Britax with concerns anytime at (888) 427-4829 or visit their website for a free repair kit.

Unhappy Times for Kids Meals in San Francisco

If you're planning to visit the Bay Area anytime soon with your little ones you'll want to make sure you order them a healthy kids meal if you want them to get the promised toy so many are accustomed to.
Recently, it was voted on and APPROVED in San Francisco to BAN toys in kids meals at fast food chain restaurants. Kids can still get a toy with there meal ONLY if the ordered meal contains fruits and veggies, is less than 600 calories and is low in fat and sodium.
I wonder if this will become a growing trend..what do you think?
I know the story alone makes one think. Yes, fast food is not good for you that's why it's cheap and easy to get our hands on, but it's been around for years.
Will this action really change the way we order fastfood?
I admit it, Stella has had a kids meal a time or two, but I know it's better if she eats her well-balanced meal at home and we try our best to provide that everyday.

I know there's not a ban here in NWA, but the reasons of the BAN in California is enough to make me reconsider if I'm going to swing through a drive-thru for a quick meal for my growing toddler.

What do you think? Do you think this should go nationwide? Is it up to the parents/guardians to watch what their little ones eat, or should officials set in to help with kids well-being?
Ok, lots of food for thought. Here's a link to another article on the decision in San Fran. And here's another story in the NY Times.

Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Bread

I thought I'd share a seasonal favorite!
Yes, Halloween is over, but there's still Thanksgiving. So get out the pumpkin and enjoy this fall treat.
Go here for the recipe.

Play Time vs. TV Time

Guess what? It's time for a new study.
According to the new study, kids who spend more than two hours of television tend to have more problems...no matter how active they are.
Is it time to turn off the TV? Well, I guess that's up to you. I know this study doesn't seem much different than past kids and TV studies, but I thought I'd share.
Of course experts recommend replacing TV time with story time, play time or EVEN bed time.
For the full report you can go here for the story.

On that note, what are your thoughts on TV and kids? I know I'm guilty of letting Stella watch cartoons in the morning while I get ready and then when I'm getting dinner ready.
And let's face it...there are lazy days when it's cold outside and we just want to cuddle up and watch Mickey.
Thoughts?