by Julie Kohl
Just because school is back in session doesn’t mean that lazy days at the lake are a thing of the past. Slow down and spend an afternoon paddling at the lake. Whether you SUP, Kayak, canoe or cruise around on a jetski or boat, the lake is a beautiful place in the fall. Arkansas is jam-packed with lakes just waiting for adventure seekers like you! Here are 5 tips to help you have a successful fall paddle from Julie of Seek Adventures. READ MORE…
I had a chance to chat with Chris Rodell, the Author behind the bestselling book of stories of what he calls the “Golf King.” First, I must share our connection together. If you recall back in 2010, TSA became a nightmare and pat-downs became more invasive in airports across the country. It was on the nightly news night after night. I shared this on my Facebook Page: “I am Pat Downs and I do not appreciate people not wanting me in their airports!” READ MORE…
by Shea Fogerty
As is my yearly tradition, I spent the long weekend dragging out all my fall decor. Arranging, and then rearranging it all to transition my home into a golden colored goodness. I gave you all a sneak peak on my Insta Stories this weekend. Now, I’m here to chat about all things fall in today’s post. Plus overload you with pictures.
For phase I of my fall decor, I wanted to be a bit more simplistic. Fall decor doesn’t have to be overdone. For a peek at a few of the fall vignettes I’ve created around my home READ MORE…
While most go to Starbucks for their morning coffee, I go for these people. When it comes to coffee, I am what you call a “weak” drinker. When I do drink coffee, I have to load it up with tons of creamer and Splenda to be able to handle it. These ladies have mastered my favorite “Patty” smoothie that over time we have mixed and changed and laughed over. It starts out with what we call “frozen chocolate milk.” Cold non-fat milk, 1.5 pumps of their superb mocha, frozen, double blended is the mixture. READ MORE…
by Shea Fogarty
My brain is on blogging overload today! I just returned from Megaphone Summit 2018 where I made a last minute decision to attend this local blogging conference. And boy did it pay off again! Last year was my very first Megaphone and I walked away with such a kick in the pants that really got this whole blog thing on track. They lit an even bigger fire in me this weekend and now I’m processing all the things. If you have ever wanted to blog, or maybe you’re wondering what does she do behind this computer screen all day, then your questions are about to be answered as you enter into my jumbled mind. Here are my Top 5 Megaphone Summit Take Away’s – Blogging Tips & Tricks.
by DeAnna Hill
I recently watched a video of someone declaring that self care and self love was a reason to be selfish. The feelings that washed over me while watching it was absolutely awful. SELF CARE IS NOT SELFISH.
Now, are there some people who probably use it to be selfish, sure… but there are also people who use the Bible for their own gains, and people who use charities in terrible ways too. You will always have that.
You can not take care of others, if your personal needs are not met. Believe me, I know. I’ve tried. I am a mom.
By Pat Downs, Miss September 2018
If you have ever been through the busy drive-through lane at Chick-Fil-A #11525, you have surely met Ronda. This Chick-Fil-A is super busy and the drive-thru lane can wrap outside this Pleasant Ridge Location. This fine lady makes it worth the wait. Not taking anything away from the great food and service that Chick-Fil-A offers, but Ronda is a delight! It doesn’t matter if it is early morning rush, lunch, or anytime that she is working, it is all smiles from Ronda. READ MORE about Ronda here.
I am honored to be named Blogger of the Month for September. I started just a few short months ago in March of 2018. My son (who was my baby) had just gotten married and I found myself being a little down and in a bit of a rut.
For those who know me well know that I have the “gift to gab.” I also love to cook at our office for my co-worker’s in our old ancient oven, I call Betsy. I was talking to one of my co-worker’s and said, “I think I will blog.” She encouraged me to do just that. Having an extensive background in computers and software applications, the technical part came easy. I knew that I didn’t want to blog all about myself. I wanted to share stories of others that have touched my life in some way. I also wanted to mix a food blog with a lifestyle blog in hopes that I would inspire others.
I found myself part of this wonderful group of Arkansas Women Bloggers and have been encouraged and enjoy being part of a group that supports each other. I sat down to begin blogging and I have become obsessive about it since. I am truly honored to have several articles published in OIA and have been able to write stories about some wonderful people that have blessed me tremendously.
My blog has really grown and has taken off in a short amount of time. The stories I have written about hospitality have been my biggest views. My nephew called and said he heard “The Buzz” talking about the blog and the story that I had written on Ronda at Chic-Fil-A. I was more excited to see how much Ronda loved all the attention. It was when I was recognized with a wonderful note from the Owner of Chic-Fil-A, that I knew I was to continue writing about others.
I am a Native Arkansan. It has been said that I am about as “southern sounding” as they come. I have been married for 29 years and have two beautiful children. I recently gained a beautiful daughter in February when my son walked down the aisle. I come from a huge family and I am the baby of seven. I have so many nieces and nephews that I must keep up with them in a spreadsheet. We have four animals. My little shiatzu is named Blake Shelton after the Country Singer. I am obsessed with NCIS and Elvis. Greg (I call husband) and I go to the movies just about every weekend.
Some fun facts about me that come to mind would be:
1. I would rather have a good glass of sweet tea than the best steak you could buy.
2. I was interviewed several years ago for an article for MSNBC.com about my name due to the attention of “pat downs” in airports. The article went viral which led to me talking on the air with the late Jay Thomas (Cheers Sitcom) on his morning radio show in New York. He picked up the paper on his commute to New York and saw my photo with the tagline “I am Pat Downs and I do not appreciate people not wanting me in their airports!” The author of the story, Chris Rodell and I have kept in touch since.
3. I have taught hundreds of people Microsoft Office Applications including being honored to teach some of Arkansas best “Your Honors.”
Thank you again for this incredible recognition. Please follow me on my social media accounts:
Blog: https://www.sweetyellowcornbread.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sweetyellowcornbread
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetyellowcornbread
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/patdowns1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetyellowcornbread and https://www.facebook.com/patdowns
by Sarah Conley of Rascal Honey
A couple of years ago, I met the luminous Nicolette Mason for tacos at my favorite SoHo spot, Tacombi (I’m a tacos al pastor devotee). She arrived dressed in a white tee layered underneath a slip dress and my first thought was ‘dang it, are we doing this again?’ and followed immediately by ‘oh yes, we are definitely doing this again’. The slip dress, like tattoo chokers, space buns, and Gap’s Dream fragrance punctuated my 90s experience.
If you’ve been eyeing the 90s-inspired slip dress movement, I cannot recommend this particular style enough. I am pleasantly surprised how versatile this style is and it’s quickly become a staple piece that I reach for in nearly every occasion. It’s polished, comfortable, and extremely versatile. What more do you need?
READ MORE for 3 great ways to style your slip dress!
New York is my soul city. I love the energy there. And I love Broadway musicals, so it’s the perfect place for me. I’ve been 9 times so far, and so when my friends go, they always ask for my tips and recommendations. I wrote up all of my favorite things to do and see so when someone asks, I can just send them my link.
If you want to visit NYC someday, check out some of these fun things we’ve done over the years. Or if you’ve been to New York, I would love to hear if you have been to any of these places and get your other suggestions for our next trip.
