Check Out Paige's NYC Fashion Week Experience

Paige of approachingjoy.com is in NYC this week experiencing Fashion Week.  Follow her adventures here.

Thanks! Healthy Families

Reposted from Dining With Debbie:

2012 Arkansas Women Bloggers Unplugged

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Healthy Families is a reliable resource for families in Arkansas and western Tennessee to learn about the health, safety and well-being of children.  Visit their site by clicking on the site banner or the book below.  While you are there, thank them for their generous sponsorship of 2012 AWBU.

 

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University of Arkansas Reaches Record Enrollment

GOOD LUCK BENTON CHEER!

Last year’s National Champions, the Benton High School Cheerleading squad, is competing this weekend in the 2011 Championship.  I, like so many in our community, are very proud of these girls for all that they have accomplished.

The fate of the competition is unknown at this point. Regardless of the final outcome, these girls should be extremely proud of what they have accomplished.

Since I taught many of these ladies, I am especially proud to tell you that they are excellent students as well as athletes. 

For your viewing pleasure…

You can watch them…and, of course, you want to do so:)  Just click on their picture.

Congratulations to all of  you and to Coach Hilborn on another outstanding year.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SUPER FOODS - Tailgating Time

I won't be at the 2011 Super Bowl, but I will be watching it and sharing in the excitement with those who are able to attend.  The commercials are always the highlight of the game for me as they are for many, I'm sure. 

It's time to share your favorite Super Bowl Super Foods or Tailgating Favorites.  Just link up your post below.  If you don't have a blog but want to share, email me your recipes/ideas and I will post them for you.

TAILGATING PARTY at THE SUGAR BOWL…I wish!

My favorite college team, THE Arkansas Razorbacks, are playing in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Tuesday.  I was there the last time they played in the Sugar Bowl…I was much younger then.  Unfortunately, our Governor did not see fit to declare a state holiday for Tuesday, so I’m back and work and NOT attending this year.  That’s not to say I won’t be having our own housebound version of a tailgate party though.  And we’ll be singing this song…

Fight Song Lyrics

Hit that line! Hit that line! Keep on going,
   Take that ball right down the field!
Give a cheer. Rah! Rah! Never fear. Rah! Rah!
   Arkansas will never yield!
On your toes, Razorbacks, to the finish,
   Carry on with all your might!
For it's A-A-A-R-K-A-N-S-A-S for Arkansas!
   Fight! Fight! Fi-i-i-ght!

The Fight Song used today at the University of Arkansas was written in the late 1920s. We play the fight song at every home Razorback football, basketball and baseball game.

And we’ll be doing a great deal of Hog Callin’ as well.  It takes some practice so here’s a tutorial.

Meet the prettiest guy around these parts -

We just LOVE our Hogs around here:)  And we won’t be cooking any sort of pork in the State of Arkansas today!  We’ll be grinding up lots of Buckeyes instead:)

Woo Pig Sooiee (it’s an art)!!!!

On my menu plan for game day is this favorite from Cooking Light – Country Captain Chicken (no pork, remember?)

Country Captain Chicken
1 Tablespoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 1/2 cups vertically sliced onions (about 2 medium)
3/4 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper (about 1 medium)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup dried currants (I can never find these so I substitute dried cranberries.)
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with jalapeno, undrained (I use Hot Rotel but you can use whatever is your preference.)
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Combine curry powder, salt, and black pepper.  Sprinkle chicken with curry mixture.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add chicken mixture to pan; saute five minutes.  Add onion, bell pepper and garlic.  Saute 3 minutes.  Add broth, currants, 1 Tablespoon thyme, and tomatoes.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer five minutes.  Stir in remaining 1 Tablespoon thyme; cook one minute.  Sprinkle with almonds and serve over cooked rice.

 

What are your "tailgating" plans for the Sugar Bowl while watching Arkansas turn the Mallett on "the" Ohio State Buckeyes? Link your post up here with Mister Linky.

Sugar Bowl Bound!

How do you bust a Buckeye?................

With a Mallett, of course:)


Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year to everyone!

WHAT’S ON the MENU WEDNESDAY and WOO PIG SOOIE!

If you are in Arkansas this week, you might catch Razorback fever…it’s going around and quickly becoming an epidemic!  After last week’s victory over Georgia, you might even call it Razorback fever of elephantine proportions!

Move over #1-ranked Alabama!  Here come the #10-ranked Hogs! We do love our Razorbacks and learn how to call the Hogs at an early age.  So, just in case you’ve yet to acquire the talent for that, here’s a tutorial:)

This is Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, AR.  It’s an awesome place!  Not only is it one of the most modern, well-equipped stadiums in the country, it’s located in absolutely gorgeous Fayetteville on the University of Arkansas campus in Northwest Arkansas.

The University of Arkansas was founded as a land-grant university and is the flagship school in the University of Arkansas system. 

Old Main, completed in 1875, houses the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, and carries a unique history.  The northern taller tower is the bell tower, and the southern shorter tower is the clock tower. One legend for the tower switch is that the taller tower was put to the north as a reminder of the Union victory during the Civil War.

The lawn of Old Main serves as an arboretum with many of the trees being native to the State.  In front of the building begins ones of the longest running traditions on campus – Senior Walk where every graduate of the U of A has his or her name inscribed.  Somewhere I have a picture of my name…maybe I’ll just take a new one this weekend rather than hunt for that!

I spent most of my time on campus living in the Kappa Kappa Gamma house where I formed friendships that have endured for many, many years.  I’m looking forward to seeing some of those gals at a reunion in October.  I think there were about 36 of us in our pledge class; this year’s class had 104 I believe!

Needless to say, I’m proud of my affiliation with the U of A, and I look forward to returning often to the campus.

With football season comes tailgating and the U of A comes second to none in that regard.  The infamous Road Hogs, a rather large RV group that travels to all of the games and has its own special parking section, begins arriving days ahead of time.  Others will pull up in their SUVs and vans, pitch their tents, haul out the TVs and satellites, and a grill or two.  There’s usually a cooler…or more…of the groups favorite beverage as well.  Talk about a feast!   You might see everything from hot dogs to a whole hog on the grill!  There could be oysters and shrimp, a gumbo or jambalaya, you name it, it’s appeared!  Tailgating in the South is more than a game day activity ---it’s a traditional right of passage.

I thought I would offer up a couple of tailgating favorites for you this week.  We don’t really participate in that much anymore since we usually have a Perfect One in tow for the game.  I think you will enjoy these goodies for whatever festive occasion (or not) that you might be celebrating.

Cabbucio (Hot Crusty Loaf)

1 pound round “flat” crusty Italian bread loaf
5 large tomatoes, thinly slices (homegrown, if possible)
61/2 ounces mozzarella, thinly sliced
3 1/2 ounces sliced salami or  prosciutto
small bunch of oregano or basil
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Heat the bread in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.  While the bread is still hot, cut it in half lengthwise and make small incisions all over the cut surfaces of both halves of the bread.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and half of the oregano or basil leaves.  On the bottom half of the loaf, put a layer of tomato, followed by a layers of cheese.  Top with the salami and the remaining oregano or basil (or a combination) leaves.  Sandwich the 2 halves together, wrap in aluminum foil and a dish towel or insulated bag, then transfer to a picnic basket.

Makes 4 servings.

I sometimes use basil pesto in place of the basil or oregano leaves, and I often add roasted red peppers as a layers.  I may even sprinkle in some olive salad or black olives.  Do whatever floats your boat!

Adapted from:  Lazy Days and Beach Blankets

Florentine Pasta Salad

1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
1 cup water
1 pound farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
8 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 1-pound can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2/3 cup fat-free Italian dressing
3 –4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 6-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped, optional

Heat the water to a boil and place the dried tomatoes in it for at least 20 minutes or until they have absorbed the water and cooled.

Cook the past al dente according to package directions.  Drain, rinse with cold water and drain again.

Place the pasta in a large plastic container.  Add the remaining ingredients, including the cooled tomatoes, and mix well.

Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

I sometimes add fresh cherry or grape tomatoes that have been halved.  I may also add a good sprinkle of dried Italian-blend herbs.  I think this is better if it sits overnight in the fridge myself.

Since we are now on day 105 of 90+ degree weather and the forecast for the 2:30 game on Saturday is more of the same, I think this salad would make a very welcome addition to any tailgating menu, don’t you?

Did I tell you that I forecast the future?  Well, I can.  Here’s how I see it on Saturday -

Razorbacks Roll Over Tide in

Southeast Conference Upset :)

 
This is Tusk, an authentic razorback.  He smells good!

Thanks for joining me for What’s On the Menu Wednesday.  I look forward to what you have to say.

TAG, YOU’RE IT!

This is just for fun.  I hope you will join in and tag five other  Arkansas Bloggers to add to the list.  When your tag blog post is ready, add it to Mister Linky below, and pass on the word to the blogs you have selected.  This will replace our Favorite Post of the Week for this week.  Help Spread the word.

1. Started your own blog
Yes.  Four actually.  Dining With Debbie, Mrs. Arnold’s English Class, OoHoo and Nana and Arkansas Bloggers

2. Slept under the stars
Yes.  On the banks of the Buffalo River several times.  On my Nonnie’s front porch lots of times as a kid. I’m  looking forward to doing more of that with my grandchildren:)

3. Played in a band
Nope.  Not unless you want to count the times I subbed by playing the spoons for the Kappa Pickers in college.

4. Visited Hawaii
Yes, twice.  LOVE…LOVE…Kauai

5. Watched a meteor shower
Yes.  Laying in my front yard with Hubby.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity
Hmm.  If you think about it too much, it always seems to be more than you can afford.  I believe in giving, however.  I especially believe in supporting those entities that make Arkansas a better place to live and work: Garvan Woodland Gardens, The Arkansas Symphony, Heifer Project to name just a very few.

7. Been to Disney
Disneyland and Disneyworld both.  I lived near Disneyland as a youngster.   I was even on the set of the Mickey Mouse Club early on! I think that’s the only way I ever learned to spell “encyclopedia!”

8. Climbed a mountain
Yes, if you are willing to count Pinnacle Mountain in Little Rock. Oh, you might also count the mountains I’ve climbed (unintentionally) while snow skiing.  Woops!

9. Held a praying mantis
Yes, and boy was it ever praying that I would let it go!

10. Sang a solo
Yes.  I was in the cast of The King and I in high school and had a couple of solos.  I wasn’t very good.

11. Bungee jumped
Nope.  Thought about it.  Came to my senses. I have zip-lined in Costa Rica though.  Does that sort of count?

12. Visited Paris
Yes.  With my daughter and about forty other students.  I got to see Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower at midnight.  Awesome!

13. Watched a thunder and lightning storm
Absolutely.  I’m a Southern girl.  That’s a rite of passage.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
Yes.  I taught myself to towle paint, to decorate cakes, to cross stitch and to do needlepoint.  I would love to be able to watercolor really well.  Maybe I’ll be the next Grandma Moses.

15. Adopted a child
No, but I appreciate those who have.

16. Had food poisoning
OMG!  Just ask me about the coon supper!!!!!! On second thought, I would just as soon NEVER think about that again.

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Yes.  It was amazing. I love this country of ours.

18. Grown your own vegetables
Yes.  Loved it. Miss doing it now.  I once had 33 varieties of heirloom tomatoes.

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
Yes.  She is more beautiful in person.  I hope you get to meet her.

20. Slept on an overnight train
Yes, as much as you can sleep on an overnight train.

21. Had a pillow fight
Isn’t that what pillows are for?

22. Hitch hiked
I’m from the South.  Southern girls don’t flaunt their white gloves that way:(

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Shhhhhhhhhhh.  I won’t tell if you won’t.

24. Built a snow fort
The girls beat the boys!!!!!

25. Held a lamb
Is that not just the sweetest thing.  I once was at Heifer Project during lambing season – 63 new lambs!!

26. Gone skinny dipping
You’re lying if you say you haven’t!

27. Run a marathon
Are you kidding me?????

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
Been to Venice but didn’t do the gondola.  Water taxi count?

29. Seen a total eclipse
Yes.  May, 1970 and probably more.  I’ve been around for a long time.

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
As many as I can.  I prefer them at the beach. 

31. Hit a home run
Yep!  Softball’s the game.

32. Been on a cruise
Nope.  Unless you count a boat ride up the Rhine. Hubby and I are planning on one next year.  I’m so excited!

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
That’s on my bucket list.

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
I’ve been to England and Germany, but not Ireland or Scotland.  Oh, and I’ve been to Oden and Grapevine, Arkansas!  We’re an interesting family. 

35. Seen an Amish community
That’s on my bucket list as well.

36. Taught yourself a new language
I had four years of Spanish.  Didn’t teach myself anything.  Learned a few words of Italian.  Ciao, baby! 

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
Is this possible?  Am I fortunate?  Absolutely.  I am way more fortunate than I deserve to be.
 
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
I have.  Last Spring.  It was freshly cleaned and beautiful.

39. Gone rock climbing
I’ve climbed over lots of rocks in my day…not sure that is what this means:) 

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person
I have! Amazing.  Unbelievable.  You just can’t imagine how beautiful he is unless you have stood at his feet.

41. Sung karaoke
On Bourbon Street in New Orleans in a little Irish bar.  And I wasn’t even drinking:)

42. Seen Old Faithful erupt
On THE  bucket list.

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
I have.  It was a “paying it forward” type of thing.  I wish I were more generous all of the time.

44. Visited Africa
My bucket list is really long.  I need to win a gazillion bucks and live to be 200!
 
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
Are you kidding me??:??  I am THE original beach bum! 

46. Been transported in an ambulance
Not a happy memory.

47. Had your portrait painted
Yes.  Liz Powers painted one of me and Perfect Daughter when Daughter was 5.  It hangs in my bedroom.

48. Gone deep sea fishing
Yes. Only three times.  The last time was the ONLY time I have ever experienced seasickness. YUK!

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Yes.  Last Spring.  It was AMAZING.  We hired a private guide; it was worth every penny.  Euro???

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
See Number 12

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
I’m a certified open water diver…just don’t get to go.   Last time was years ago at Little Cayman.   I’m adding the Great Barrier Reef to my bucket list.
 
52. Kissed in the rain
I’ve been married 40 years; I’ll take those kisses whenever I can get them.
 
53. Played in the mud
My favorite place to play!

54. Gone to a drive-in theater
The only theater we had when I was growing up was a drive-in; of course, I have been!  I watched The Ten Commandments sitting on the hood of a 57 Chevy!
 
55. Been in a movie
Home movie, yes?  Anything that paid me , nope!
 
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
I need to get a bigger bucket! 

57. Started a business
My mom got me in the cake decorating business…didn’t want to be there…soon quit.  Best business decision that I have ever made.

58. Taken a martial arts class
Should I?  Do you know something that I don’t?

59. Visited Russia
Bucket list again.

60. Served at a soup kitchen
Yes.  Everybody should.
 
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
Yes.  Everybody’s mom has.

62. Gone whale watching
Yes.  Somebody forgot to invite the whales.

63. Got flowers for no reason
Yes.  Hubby is the best!

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
Have tried.  Can’t.  I’ve always been short on hemoglobin myself.
 
65. Been sky diving
I sooooooooo want to.  My family would kill me if I survived.

66. Visited a Concentration Camp Have I mentioned that I have a bucket list?

67. Bounced a check
Let’s don’t drag out the dirty laundry, shall we?
 
68. Flown in a helicopter
Yes.  Toured Kauai via helicopter.  Highly recommend it.  Did the same with the Grand Canyon.  Amazing is too simple an adjective for that experience.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
I had a younger sister; I didn’t get to save any toys!

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Yes, and it is certainly impressive.

71. Eaten caviar
Yum!  I really like the stuff…just can’t afford much of it:) 

72. Pieced a quilt
Nope.  But….. I actually have a quilt that my grandfather made for me when I was a baby.  It’s a treasure.

73. Stood in Times Square  Yes, but never on New Year’s Eve.  I love NYC! 

74. Toured the Everglades
Been there but have not actually “toured.”  I bet it’s a phenomenal adventure.

75. Been fired from a job (only if being laid off counts?)
Nope.  Thank you very much!

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
I have.  The Queen and I are close:)

77. Broken a bone
Yes.  Same bone in both feet... Not at the same time.  I waited for the first one to get finally healed before deciding to break the other one.   Am I clumsy or what? (Hubby says that I was just trying to get out of aerobics!)  Also, both of my little toes….I’m definitely a klutz!

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
Yep.  Wrecked.  Need I say anything else?

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Yes.  By helicopter and by boat. Still in total awe that God could do that!

80. Published a book
It depends on how you define “ book.”
 
81. Visited the Vatican
Yes.  I highly recommend it.  Absolutely unbelievable. Ol’ Mich really outdid himself with that one.

82. Bought a brand new car Have I told you how old I am?  I won’t either.  Needless to say, we’ve bought several new cars during our wedded bliss.  The newest one arrived last Spring…lovin’ it, too.

83. Walked in Jerusalem
Stick that one on the Bucket List!
 
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
Yes.  And it WAS NOT for the Most Wanted list either!

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
Yuk!
 
86. Visited the White House
Yes.  Thanks Lindsay for the tour:)

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
Well, does killing the old red rooster from my grandmother’s henhouse count?

88. Had chickenpox
Almost died from them at 6 months.

89. Saved someone’s life
Sort of.  I pulled someone out of a swimming pool who was having a heart attack.
 
90. Sat on a jury
Nobody would pick me.  They don’t want lawyer’s or judge’s wives on juries.  Trust me on this one. 

91. Met someone famous
Bill Clinton.  Dale Bumpers.  Barbara Walters.  Mickey Mouse.  Do any of those count?

92. Joined a book club
Depends on how you define “book club.” 

93. Got a tattoo
Not yet.

94. Had a baby
One.  I stopped with perfection.

95. Seen the Alamo in person
Yes.  Can’t say that I was overly impressed.  San Antonio is fantastic however.
 
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
Seen it.  Didn’t feel the need to swim it. How awful would that be?
 
97. Been involved in a law suit
Not intentionally. Don’t get any ideas either.

 
98. Owned a cell phone
Are you kidding me? That’s like asking me if I ever breathe.
 
99. Been stung by a bee
I am, after all, a country girl.

100. Tell us where you were born
I was born in Sheridan, Arkansas during a December snowstorm.  I’ve hated the cold ever since:)

Okay, so I’m tagging:
Linda at The Boys and Me
Fawn at Instead of the Dishes
Kathy at Life in the Slow
Sam at My Carolina Kitchen
Jody at Miss Fancy Pants