We Voted

This morning my News Media Writing class (we're missing a few) took a trip to the court house to vote early. For several it was their very first time voting. I'm thrilled that I could be a part of their voting experience.

I encourage you to make your voting experience special, one that you'll remember always... at least till next time.

Race For The Cure in Pictures

Saturday, October 20, was the Race For The Cure in Little Rock, and we were out in record numbers! Instead of telling you about the race, I'd rather show you....

Race participant and her Wild Thang!!!

Yes, they decorate the porta potties, and this one was nice inside!

Channel 7 news team cheering us on...

Bikers for boobs!

The firemen always put on a good show for the ladies...

These guys were my favorite of all the Three Mile of Men!
Can you guess who they are???

Sweet Tooth Satisfied!

I've always said that I'm not much of a sweet eater, but recently that's far from the truth. Lately I crave sweets! Last week I was terrible. I made a rice pudding, a blackberry cobbler, and my nephew made a icebox lemon pie and cupcakes. Yes... in the same week, and I indulged. My sweet tooth was sat-is-fied!

One of my new favorite cooking shows is The Chew. I dvr it every day so I can watch it when I can. Clinton Kelly recently made an Apple Cranberry Cobbler, he said he made it every week (with different fruit) this summer until he perfected it. And perfected it, he did. It was delicious!!!

I had a migraine, and was trying to do anything but lay down. When I succumb then I get really sick. What better way to take my mind off my headache than cook. I had apples, so it was going to be an apple cobbler, but then there was no baking soda... So off to WalMart I went.

While in WalMart, my apple cobbler turned into a blackberry cobbler, and of course I had to buy ice cream. Not any old ice cream would do, it had to be Blue Bell homemade vanilla.

This recipe is not like my grandmother's cobbler with a thin buttery crust on top and bottom. It's more like a dump, a batter poured over the berries.  Did I say it was delicious?! 

Taste testing started as soon as it was out of the oven. You know that thing you do when you bite into something hot, you're trying to eat and blow at the same time with it in your mouth? Yeah... that was me. I knew it was hot, but I had to taste anyway.

Although it's not the cobbler I'm used to, it's definitely one I'll make again, and again.
 

Surprise... Surprise... Surprise

October 14, was Men and Women's Day at our church. And guess who was voted Woman of The Year... Me silly! It was not only a surprise, but a total shock. In the above picture I was trying my best NOT to do the ugly cry.

I am honored that the women of Mt. Harmony MBC, think that much of me. My parents were there, which was not a totally surprise, but was a little odd. They were suppose come down for dinner.

They messed up and gave me a tiara! After getting home, I changed clothes, but DID NOT remove the tiara. I cooked, and took a nap... yep, still wearing the tiara. When it was finally time to go to bed, I removed it, and put it on the night stand next to my bed.

I've been thinking of ways I can get more ware out of it since. Got any ideas, that won't make me look too crazy?

Mr. Husband giving me a hug





Bowling & Racing For a Cure

With Krystal Grant at the American Cancer Society
Bowling For More Birthdays
Photo Credit: Krystal Grant

 

Blogalicious was not only filled with the best social media information, from some of the best practitioners, it was packed with fun with a purpose.

Our last night the American Cancer Society hosted, Bowling For More Birthdays. After learning more about ACS's quest for longer lives for those dealing with cancer, we dedicated our games to someone we know who has lost their battle with cancer. I bowled in honor of my grandfather who had colen cancer.

 

We laughed, danced, ate, and drank a lot of Coke... and oh yeah we bowled. I had a great time with my partner in crime Krystal Grant, and enjoyed the company of Danica Kombol of Everywhere. I laughed more than I have in a very long time.

 

I can't say enough about the facility. The bowling alley was located at the Red Rock Casino & Resort (the conference hotel), and we had a private party with at least 8 lanes. It was awesome, we never had to leave the resort!

 

This weekend is Little Rock's Race For The Cure... and I will be participating. I'm walking with @20somethingsurvivor's team, but will also walk for my aunt who has beat breast cancer a second time... a year ago.

 

Although we had a great time bowling, and will be a part of an amazing race... cancer is serious, and no laughing matter. Get your yearly screenings, and do your monthly self breast exams. Afterwards  remind someone else to do the same. Your birthdays are important to the people who love you.

 

Check out my video from 2010's Race For The Cure.

 

 

 

Digging Up Holes

Mr. Husband puts a lot of time and effort into our yard, and it looks good. He mows, trims and edges, waters and fertilizes the yard to a beautiful green lawn.

About two weeks ago utility workers sprayed a line starting at the house on the corner, ended in the yard next door. That's five yards. Last week they dug a huge hole in the yard two houses over. They eventually made it to our yard with shovels and dug two small holes. Whew!

Yesterday those men and that digger (I don't have a clue what's it's really called), made it's way to our yard. They dug a little, and then more and more. When they were finished... they left the machine in our yard over night. That means they're not finished, and will be back.

I felt sorry for my husband. He's going to have his work cut out for him to fix the mess they've created.

Beignet, Done That

My Daughters were crazy busy this summer traveling to Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Florida, and New Orleans. All summer I looked forward to the New Orleans trip. Although the the purpose of the trip was the Basketball On The Bayou tournament, my mission was beignets!

Beignet (pronounced ben-yay) is the French term for fritter, and often called a doughnut. French colonist of the 18th century brought there recipes and traditions of making them to Louisiana.

After being in New Orleans for several days, having watched several basketball games, and had authentic Louisiana gumbo, we finally made our way to the French Quarter and Bourbon St. I had every intention of having beignets from the famous Cafe Du Monde, but while on Bourbon St. we came across Cafe Beignet.

Cafe Beignet serves fresh beignets, live music with a swinging jazz  atmosphere that drew me right in.
Once we received our beignets, I couldn't eat them. It was late and wasn't feeling the best. My girls had no problem devouring my portion. They said they taste like funnel cakes. Not having them while in New Orleans, means I have to make them.

Immediately after returning from New Orleans, I was on the hunt for a beignet recipe. I've found several, but went with Paula Deen's  French Quarter Beingnets. Do I have to tell you they were DELICIOUS!
My girls said they tasted, just as good as the authentic beignets they had on Bourbon St. Watch out Paula Deen!

Below are a few other versions of beignets that may interest you.

• Yeast free beingnets
• Southern Living, Cooking Class: Beignets
• Gluten free beignets

Into The Future

When I was a kid, pre-cell phone era, our phone looked like this...

 

Not only was it not pretty, it was not cordless. We had THE longest phone cord that stretched through three rooms. That was the only way we could get away from prying ears. On a few occasions, after being dropped several dozen times, my mother would take it back to AT&T. She'd return with the ANOTHER black phone, just like the previous one. Yes, there were prettier phones... but we never had one.

 

During a time when Star Wars, and Star Trek gave us hope of future technology, we used to fantasize about the day we'd see the person we're talking to on the phone. That day is here and yesterday, my mom and I Face Time with each other.

 

This summer I became a member of #teamiPhone, and recently both of my parents have as well. I don't know which I'm most tickled about... them getting iPhones, or wanting to Face Time.

 

Technology has afforded us a number of opportunities, and access to information that 20 years ago did not exist. I'm looking forward to what the next 10 years has to offer.

 

I still can't believe my parents have iPhones, are are Face Timing!

Time For A New Look

I've had the above picture as on my blog header, as my Twitter avi for at least two years. Only recently Facebook profile picture was changed. I'm sure that picture is somewhere else as well...

It's time for a new look!

Don't get me wrong, I like the picture but I want a change. Change is good! My kids change their avi's on Twitter all the time, heck my sons Twitter handle changes with the seasons! I'm not going to change my Twitter handle, but I definately want to change my avi and profile pictures.

Recently my baby girl and I did had an impromptu photo shoot with my still fairly new iPhone4. But I'm not sure if I want to use any of those pics. We were just outside of the house playing around. I would like something a little more purposeful, and not in front of my house.

Although I'm not looking to have a professional photo shoot, I would like to be in a great location, for a nice background. Because of some of the profile and avi pictures I've seen I'm very careful how I want mine to look.

I strongly dislike bathroom profile and avi pics. They are the worst. I'm not talking about the ones just in the mirror, but the ones in the mirror and where the rest of the public bathroom can be seen. Or... where you can see the toilet or sink their sitting on. In the words of Tamar Braxton... That ain't hot! Of all the places to take a profile pic, skip the bathroom.

This weekend I'm on a mission. I'm going to do my hair , put on a little make up, and have one of my kids take my picture... all over town.
 

A Change of Season... Overnight

Somebody flipped the switch last night turning late summer to full fledged fall... over night!

It is officially Fall, but the weather has been ideal. Mornings have been in the 70s, and afternoons high 80s. It's been comfortable, during the day it's even been hot with more of a late summer feel.

Yesterday was one of those days. It started off in the high 60s, jacket weather. By noon it was high 80s and perfect for wearing shorts and flip-flops. Last night while my kids were at the high school's homecoming game, a cool front moved in bringing with it scattered showers and cooler temperatures.

Today wasn't just cool... It's was cold! Going from 80s to today's high of 54 degrees is a drastic change. I have a lot of writing and planning to do, this weather just gave me a reason to stay in the house and get it done! But of course that didn't happen.

My family ventured out to watch my nephew play little league football. We were wrapped up in coats, scarfs, and hoods protecting ourselves from the wind. Although it's cold now, next week tempertures could be summer like again. We have this saying about Arkansas weather... If you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes it's subject to change.

What's the weather like in your neck of the woods?

We Like To Party

1. Roasted vegi's Viva Las Ladies Welcome Party
2. Petite turkey sandwiches - Tea Party
3. Petite Key lime pie, with meringue - Tea Party

I went to Blogalicious12 with the expectation of being inspired. I was not disappointed!

Although Blogalicious is a social media conference, and I did come away with loads of inspiration to reach the masses... I was also inspired by the food!

For a while now, I've wanted to host a "real" dinner party. Friday's Tea Party (sponsored by Sears Shop Your Way), and the Viva Las Ladies Welcome Party (sponsored by McDonald's) was ubber inspiring. From the cocktails, selection and presentation of food, music and atmosphere everything was PERFECT!

This month is the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's Homecoming. More than a dozen family members have graduated from UAPB, and I currently have two children attending, as well as a nephew. It's like "Our" school. Anywhoo... I was thinking, Homecoming is a great opportunity to host a get together/party/soiree.

This is a rough sketch of what I'm thinking... Since it's October it won't be hot or cold, this party can be inside and outside on the patio. I'd like to have a nice mix of music, three generations of Golden Lions will be represented at this party. Instead of just canned drinks, I'd like to have a nice themed mocktail or two.

When it comes to food, I'd like to keep it simple with easy to put together foods, that can be eaten with your hands. This party is centered around football, so there has to be some barbecue, or turkey legs, but I'm open.

With three full weeks until Homecoming... I'm in full research and planning mode. Do you have any tips for party and event planning?

Blogalicious Recap - Part 1

Mario Armstrong via marioarmstrong.com
Digital lifestyle expert, and Blogalicious12 speaker

There was so much great information and fun at Blogalicious12, I couldn't possibly put it all into one post. It would be way too long, and you wouldn't read it. So I thought I'd give you spoonfuls at a time so that you're able to process it better, and get out of it what I did.

I'm also not going in chronological order. Don't know why but...

Saturday morning kicked off with Kellogg's breakfast and speaker Mario Armstrong, "From Free to Free." Mario is a digital lifestyle expert, and TV commentator for the Today Show, CNN, and HLN. He's also won an Emmy, you can read more about him, his bio is very impressive!

Instead of me going on, and on about his presentation you can see for yourself! He's posted the slides from his presentation "From Free to Fee" on his website. Make sure you check out the 21 Day Challenge. I'm officially starting today, but before he went to his seat I was starting my list for number four. It's not as easy as I though it would be.

I made five copies of the 21 Day Challenge, and posting it in key places: On the refrigerator, my bedroom mirror, home desk, office at work, and in my car. Will you take the challenge?
 

Steel Magnolias

In just a few days, October 7,  the remake of Steel Magnolias will air on LifeTime. (Victoria White the producer of the original film, threatens its premiere, the Huffington Post reports.)

From the very first time I watched Steel Magnolias it became one of my all time favorites. It's in the category of The Color Purple, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Help, and The Secret Life of Bees. Each time I've watched it, it's like I've never seen it before.

With a whole new cast of women I love, Phylica Rashad, Jill Scott, Queen Latifah, and Alfrie Woodard I wondered what could they possibly have to offer this classic??? I don't know, but I sure am excited to watch and find out.

When I first learned of the remake and the cast, I laughed out loud. I just knew Alfrie Woodard would be Ouisser... and she is. I'm looking forward to her characters sass and attitude.

With only five days before Steel Magnolias airs (hoping that injunction fails, or LifeTime sees the light and pays Ms. White what she's due), I'm going to try and find a copy of the book, and watch the original movie in preparation for the remake.

Are you a fan of the original movie? If so what do you think about remaking such a classic film? Before you respond watch the following trailer.

Blogtober

It's Blogtober!!! What is Blogtober? Glad you asked.

For me and my blog, Blogtober is simply a reason to blog every day, I just gave it a fun name. Since the summer I've blogged infrequently so much so, I've almost not blogged at all. Blogtober will get jump start the creative juices, and content.

This being October there are tons of things happening providing material for content. For one, I just returned from Blogalicious12... It.was.a.blast! I learned a lot, and had a great time. In the words of Tamar Braxton, it was the bomb dot com, and in that order (I just had to throw a little Mama D. in there - Ha).

It's also breast cancer awareness month, and later in the month my girls and I will walk in the Race For The Cure.

Fall is in the air and the weather is starting to change. I just love Arkansas in the fall, it's absolutely beautiful and worth sharing. UAPB's Homecoming12 is this month along with Halloween! I've been looking forward to this year's Halloween since the last. I can't forget Steele Magnolias. One of my favorite movies has been redone with an all-star, all black cast and I can't wait to see it.

See, there's so much to write, and make videos about... and I.am.on.it!

Don't forget to come back, take your shoes off, and sit a spell. Enjoy Blogtober with me.