Category: Featured

All Scream for Ice Cream, Round 2

AMY GRAMLICH: Pineapple-Orange Ice Cream Float

If you’ve ever done much observing about ice cream floats, you will see there are two camps. In one camp are those who believe the ice cream goes into the glass first. In the other are the folks who believe the soda goes in first to eliminate excess foam. I am a staunch member of the first camp. I want all the frothy goodness I can get out of a float! READ MORE

PAT DOWNS: Caramel Granola Ice Cream Topping

Enjoy Pat’s Caramel Granola Ice Cream Topping on your favorite vanilla ice cream. READ MORE

JENNIFER MAUNE: Ice Cream Sandwiches

Entertaining is one of my love languages and nothing makes me happier than beautiful weather that lends to spending our days outside enjoying the company of family and loved ones. Watching the kids run and play, a yummy meal sizzling on the grill, a beautiful table set up to share a meal together, I’m not sure it gets any better! I’m excited to share these elegant backyard barbeque ideas including a menu and recipes perfect for your upcoming Independence Day Celebration or just a fun gathering enjoyed outdoors! READ MORE

RENEE BIRCHFIELD: No Churn Cookie Dough Ice Cream

There is nothing nicer then ice cream on a hot summer day. Memorial Day is the beginning of summer in my book. I have been seeing recipes for no churn ice cream, no need for an ice cream maker, sounded worth a shot to me! READ MORE

AMY GRAMLICH: Strawberry Margarita Sherbet Float

If you like frozen margaritas, you will love this strawberry margarita sherbet float! Despite the name, it is actually non-alcoholic so it is a great treat for the whole family! On an ice cream float kick this summer, I found some new inspiration a few weeks ago as I looked through my mom’s June issue of Better Homes and Gardens. READ MORE

Who Are You Pursuing? | Colleen Cashio

by Colleen Cashio

So lately, Zach + I have not been on the same wavelength. Such as- we fight constantly + are basically living the life of ‘I don’t like you + you don’t like me’. We’ve been walking next to each other like pissed off roommates because someone didn’t do the dishes on their night. I’ve been struggling with my pride of not wanting to say sorry when I should. I feel validated because my feelings seem legit.

The other day I was trying to talk to God about my feelings, because Zach is obviously not understanding me + doesn’t care about my feelings- (insert the rolling eyes emoji). I was trying to reason why I am so frustrated with Zach. There are many reasons that are all surface level; Airstream not complete, no us time, etc. But the main one under the surface was I don’t feel pursued. And for me that’s a sucky feeling.

The Explorer | Colleen Cashio

by Colleen Cashio

Am I the only one who doesn’t want my kids to grow up? When Ezra was a newborn I wished that stage away. It truly was an awful experience. But when he hit 18 months I was praying I could freeze time. It is the best age. They are so sweet, so curious, + like a sponge soaking up everything. It’s also a bonus because they think mom knows best. Now Ezra is two and a half years old + I still love the age he’s in now. But I won’t lie, I can see slivers of himself changing + evolving in his boyhood. It absolutely breaks my heart. I think most moms would agree at some point we’ve thought about experimenting with freezing time and living in an age for the rest of our lives; I have at least.

I have been reading “Wild Things the art of nurturing boys” + y’all, honestly I’ve debated about stopping after chapter 2. It is going through explaining the different stages in boyhood: what to expect, how to help, etc., etc., etc. And I literally thought to myself, maybe if I stop reading time will stay still and I won’t need to prepare for the next season because we can just stay nice + comfy right here. Sighhh… I know that’s not true or possible. This book is so helpful though; I wish I heard about it before Ezra turned 2. I come from a family of all girls, so I knew nothing about boys. Which is why I had a mild panic attack when I found out I was pregnant with a boy. Y’all, boys are so different than girls. Reading this book has helped me in understanding boys better + help change some things up that I am currently doing.

Stop Talking to the Wall | Anita Stafford

by Anita Stafford

If you’re talking and no one is listening, you might be a parent. Maybe your voice becomes louder with each successive ‘time for bed’ announcement. You’re at the point of shouting after your daughter ignores your third warning. She continues to play, with toys scattered about the floor. She has tuned you out. She has made it a nightly habit to push her limits for bedtime. This has become a battle of wills, and she is winning.

This kind of behavior is no surprise. She has been watching, listening, and learning from the first day of her life. She knows you’ll have to get to the frustration point and make some empty threats before she has to stop and go to bed. She’s only playing the game by the rules as she knows them.

This is a problem that will only get worse as the child gets older. It’s up to mom and dad to learn a better way of parenting.

All Scream for Ice Cream!

AMY JAMES: Easy Retro Dreamsicle Ice Cream

If you came here looking for a healthy meal for your family, you might want to skip to the next recipe. But if you want a quick, sweet, cold treat for a HOT summer day, you’ll want to make this ice cream. It takes just like a Dreamsicle! When was the last time you had one of those?? I don’t think my kids ever have, but they LOVE this ice cream. READ MORE

RENEE BIRCHFIELD: Raspberry Sorbet

Who doesn’t love a good sorbet? The smooth texture, the tartness of the fresh fruit, and the sweetness from plenty of good sugar. This sorbet recipe is adapted from the one that my in-laws made a couple years ago for Fourth of July. It tastes great but my favorite thing is that it is easy to make with only five ingredients. READ MORE

DEBBIE ARNOLD: Fresh Ginger-Peach Ice Cream

Arkansas peaches are simply amazing. Have I mentioned that before? Well, just in case you have not heard it before, Arkansas peaches are so doggone good, y’all and I can’t wait for you to try them in this Fresh Ginger Peach Ice Cream.

Go ahead. Lick your lips! READ MORE

LACIE RING: Easy Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

Well, my kiddo just turned 11 years old. It is so bitter sweet. He keeps getting older and more independent which is sweet but I’m losing my baby which is bitter. Birthdays call for cake and ice cream! The kiddo loves him some ice cream. (he would eat ice cream every night if we let him.) He isn’t the biggest fan of cakes, but he will eat it. Garrett does love cookies and cream and ice cream sandwiches. So, what’s the compromise? Make your own! READ MORE

DEBBIE ARNOLD: NoNo’s Peppermint Ice Cream

During the summers he was in college, Hubby worked for his uncle at the family sawmill. It was hot, dirty and dusty work and was a huge incentive to stay in school and work on his degree. He also lived with his uncle and aunt and enjoyed the benefits of his Aunt NoNo’s home-style country cooking. (How she got that name is another story for another time.) Unfortunately, NoNo passed away from breast cancer shortly before we married, but I know she would be quite proud of her baby brother’s only son. Family was all important to NoNo, and she loved each and every member of the clan deeply and sincerely. There never was a truer Steel Magnolia. READ MORE

More to come next week!

Tasty Tuesday: Summer Favorites

JULIE KOHL: Coconut Watermelon Margarita

One of my favorite parts of summer and summer vacation is TROPICAL DRINKS! I love a good frozen drink with pineapple, coconut, strawberry, lime, and all the flavors of summer. To me, no dessert is better in the summer than an icy cold flavored beverage. I love to get out my blender and mix up all kinds of concoctions. Some have alcohol and some don’t. Some act more as a cocktail while others are more of a dessert and yet others are just a fancied up beverage you would drink with a meal. READ MORE

LYNDI FULTZ: Picnics Are Meant for Slowing Down

It started off a bit on the chilly side and as I woke up to meet the day I slipped on comfy sweats and a tee shirt. As the day ebbed on and we ran errands, I quickly released it was time for shorts and flip-flops. Summer is coming and she is ready to make residency.

Whenever I encounter perfect days such as today, when the slight breezes and half-sunshiney and half-shady days beg me to put up a hammock, I am reminded that life is meant for slowing down whenever we can. To really LIVE. Pick a flower, enjoy a long conversation, and just get your feet wet. READ MORE

PAT DOWNS: Lunch on a Budget: Great Summer Lunch Ideas {Turkey Spinach Wraps}

Like many of us I was making the quick dash out at lunch to find something fresh and quick to eat. However, fresh and quick in most sandwich shops is not cheap! I decided to eat the local Supermarket on my way in to work. I purchased tortilla’s, two fresh Roma tomatoes, a bag of fresh baby spinach, Boars Head Smoked Turkey (from the deli section) and Kraft Cheddar Cheese for $10.50. I had previously purchased some fresh salsa (made fresh at the Deli) and a small bag Parmesan cheese for $5.00. Take the time to check out your local market in the deli area, most of them make fresh salsa in quart containers in mild, spicy and hot. I always purchase mild because after it sits it can get a little kick in it. READ MORE

DEBBIE ARNOLD: Savory Tomato-Basil Jam

This Savory Tomato-Basil Jam is just one way I extend the incredible flavor of summer tomatoes. It’s sweet. It’s savory. It’s just plain delicious. We especially like it on grilled turkey-cheese sandwiches. Put some on a biscuit with a slice of ham or bacon—oh my goodness y’all! READ MORE

Tasty Tuesday: Summer Favorites

Anni Schenk: Grains Zucchini Bowl

Today I want to share one of my go-to summer recipes (besides the “Cool Cucumber Soup”): A “Grains Zucchini Bowl”!
I love the Minute® Brown Red Wild Quinoa Multi-Grain Medley! It only takes about 30 mins to prep it, and it tastes delicious warm or cold. It’s quick, fresh, healthy & vegan/vegetarian. READ MORE

Pat Downs: Margarita Chicken

Summer is here in Little Rock, Arkansas. Temperatures already in the mid 90’s. I love to do my grilling indoors in the cool temperatures! If you have a Gas stove you sure want to check out this awesome indoor smokeless gas top grill! You can get them on Amazon. I use the Copper House model. It holds up well and you can even put it in the dishwasher! READ MORE

Anni Schenk: Cool Cucumber Soup

Recipe Week continues! Today’s recipe is still one of my all time favorites, and extra good for the upcoming super hot days! It’s a “Cool Cucumber Soup”. Don’t hate just yet!!! Give it a try. SUPER refreshing, healthy, and delicious. READ MORE

Get The Most Out of Your Beach Vacation During a Tropical Storm | Julie Kohl

by Julie Kohl

You’ve waited and planned all year. Your bags are packed and you are about to head out for a week on the beach when you catch the weather report. A tropical storm is headed right for the beach. Don’t worry! All is not lost and I’m going to help you get the most out of your beach vacation during a tropical storm or hurricane.

We have spent at least a week on the beach every year for over ten years in a row. Eight of those years were at Panama City Beach which has come to feel like our home away from home. Over the course of those years, we have experienced our fair share of tropical storms.

A tropical storm, and especially a hurricane, can seem like a “death sentence” for a beach vacation. True, you may not get seven days of sand and sun but there is a pretty good chance it won’t be all rain clouds either. And, if you have ever come home from a beach vacation feeling like you needed a vacation to recover from your vacation you just might benefit from the slower pace caused by a tropical storm.

Breast Feeding Tips and Advice | Jennifer Maune

by Jennifer Maune of The Maune Legacy

Nursing my five babies has been one of my greatest joys. It has not been the easiest journey, so in honor of World Breastfeeding Week, I’m sharing some breastfeeding tips and advice and a little bit about my experience in spending nearly five years, out of the last seven, nursing my babies. Before becoming a mother, like many women, I was quick to assume and quick to judge. Nothing like motherhood to help me realize that A. the world doesn’t revolve around me, B. it’s best to assume that we’re all just doing the best we can, and C. the world could use a little more grace. So I had seen mothers nursing in public and thought they should be nursing in private, and my young friends and I would discuss this matter with great authority. Goodness, we had a whole lot to learn!! But sadly, it took nursing my fourth baby, to finally be completely comfortable nursing (even while covered) in public. Breastfeeding is such an act of nature. God designed a woman’s body to nourish a baby, and the power of breast milk is truly miraculous! As women, we can all work together to normalize breastfeeding and be supportive and non-judgmental regarding whether or not we could or couldn’t nurse, or how, when or where to feed our baby.

For more information plus some tips and advice for breastfeeding, click here to READ MORE...

Tasty Tuesday: Blueberry Bounty

Mel Lockcuff: Blueberry-Spinach Smoothie

This particular smoothie has a few hidden ingredients, like spinach, a banana, Greek yogurt, milk, and honey. My boys didn’t quite know what to think when they found out there was spinach in their smoothies. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries, totally up to you. I used frozen because cheaper. READ MORE

Jamie Smith: Easy Winter Blueberry Rhubarb Pie

I love hearing stories of when my husband grew up eating great food from his grandma. We make Grandma Susan’s Bread

every winter and he frequently talks about her persimmon bread and her rhubarb pie.

He also loves pretty much anything blueberry so whenever I can find a dessert or salad or … anything with blueberry, I get it for him to try.

He recently pondered the idea of a blueberry rhubarb pie after we tried a blueberry rhubarb preserves, which even I agree was divine. I did a little research and learned that both fruits are more spring/summer fruits but I wasn’t deterred. It’s rare he asks for desserts so I decided to accept the challenge. READ MORE

Julie Kohl: Blueberry Scones

The growing season in Arkansas is pretty early. Blueberries usually start coming available in mid-June. Thanks to an early spring, blueberries are just coming into season here in Arkansas and fresh, local blueberries are so good.

Since fruit is so plentiful this time of year we tend to incorporate into almost every meal and breakfast is certainly no exception. Today, I want to share my scone recipe with you. I used blueberries but you could certainly substitute with other fruits, nuts, and seed or even chocolate chips! This recipe is really versatile. READ MORE