Arkansas Made Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is June 18, which is just right around the corner! I thought it would be fun to compile a list of great gifts for all types of dads, and all of the gifts are from companies in Arkansas. 

Check out the list of Arkansas Made Father's Day Gift Ideas below: 

Rock City Thumps 

Instagram: @RockCityThumps     Facebook: @RockCityThumps

For the music lover dad in your life, there is no better gift than a handmade speaker from Rock City Thumps. Owner and creator, Jon, makes these speakers out of recycled materials. Best of all, he does a lot of custom work, so if you have an old box or idea he can help make it come to life. I actually own one of these and it really is amazing. The sound is much better than any Jawbone or Jambox that I've had in the past. Also, it's handmade in Arkansas, how fun is that? 

Cost: $100-$300

How to buy: Visit Rock City Thumps on Instagram, or email them at RockCityThumps@gmail.com

Fur & Collar 

Instagram: @FurandCollar     Facebook: @FurandCollar

For any dog lover dad out there, they need a shirt from Fur & Collar. This Arkansas-based company sells these modern and fun dog shirts with dozens of designs. Pug? Check! Goldendoodle? Check! Lab? Check! If you have a rescue dog they even have a shirt for that. And BONUS, a 50% of proceeds from the rescue dog shirts are given to charities to help rescue more dogs!

If your dad loves his pup, get him a Fur & Collar shirt!

Cost: $24.99-$27.99

How to Buy: Visit www.FurandCollar.com  **Use discount code KATV for 10% off your ENTIRE order!** 

"Southern Fried: Going Whole Hog in a State of Wonder" 

For the dad who loves history or fun story-telling, then "Southern Fried: Going Whole Hog in a State of Wonder" by Rex Nelson is a perfect Father's Day present. This fun book will is a collection of columns from Nelson who worked at the Democrat-Gazette for over eight years. There's everything in this book from food to football, from family to festivals. If your dad loves Arkansas, this is a book for him! 

Cost: $17-$21

How to Buy: Check out River Market Books and Gifts, or buy on Amazon 

Arkansocks 

Instagram: @Arkansocks     Facebook: @Arkansocks

It may be hot in the Arkansas summer, but these socks will keep your dad looking cool. Arkansocks are state-themed designed socks with an option for everyone.

These socks are perfect for your dad who has it all, but still wants fancy feet!

Cost: $12-$14

How to Buy: Check out Domestic Domestic in Little Rock, or buy online at www.Arkansocks.com

Lost Forty Father's Day Gift Pack 

Instagram:  @Lost40Beer      Facebook: @Lost40Beer

For a fun take on a Father's Day gift idea, check out Lost 40's dad packs! If your dad loves craft beer, then he will definitely love one of these: 

 The Dad Pack = $25 

• Includes: $20 Gift Card, a Glass Growler and a Sticker Pack  

 The Super Dad Pack = $50 

• Includes: $40 Gift Card, a vintage wash Lost Forty Logo Patch Hat and a Glass Growler. 

If you don't live in the Little Rock area check out your local liquor store and pick up your dad some Lost Forty beer for his day of celebration! 

How to Buy: Go Visit Lost Forty Brewing in Little Rock, AR.

Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative

Instagram: @GrassRootsCoop       Facebook: @GrassRootsCoop

If your dad already has all of the grill accessories he needs, try this new gift idea of a meat share from Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative. That's right. You can mail your dad a box of meat that he can grill up for a special price of $69 and FREE SHIPPING in Arkansas! The Father's Day bundle include two t-bones, a package of bratwurst, a pound of grass-fed ground beef, and a package of chicken drumsticks.  

In addition to the Father's Day special, 10% of the proceeds will go to support Heifer International's work. (Heifer helped the cooperative get started.) 

Cost: $69 and FREE SHIPPING 

(This service only applies to folks in AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, OH, OK, NC, SC, TN, TX, and WI.) 

How to Buy: https://grassrootscoop.com/product/fathers-day-bundle/ 

What are you getting your dad this year for Father's Day? 

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Weekend Update

It is MONDAY and I am not even sure where the weekend went because it was jam packed with SO MANY THINGS.

After work on Friday, I went to my parent's house in Northeast Arkansas. It's not a terrible drive from Little Rock, so it goes by pretty quickly. I still get my hair highlighted by the same woman since I moved back from Atlanta 8 years ago. My parent's cooked dinner Friday night and then my mom and I went shopping at the local Dollar General.

Saturday morning I sat in a chair for almost three hours getting highlights, no photos because that's not that interesting. By Saturday afternoon I was back in Little Rock because we were doing a Facebook live event at 3 pm with bees.

This is right after we did a 20-minute Facebook live about bees.

Here's a fun fact: If you have a swarm of bees at your house that just means that they are looking for a new home. If you do not want your home to be their next home, call your local county cooperative and they will come retrieve the hive for you and take them to someone who has a home for them.

The only reason I am not freaking out about holding these bees is: 

1. The protective jacket and hood. 

2. They have been given sugar water so they are HAPPY. 

Saturday night I had free tickets to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers and it was SUCH a good show! I always liked their song, but honestly didn't consider myself a huge fan, but after this show, I appreciate them so much more. We also had AMAZING free seats!

Now. If you remember back a few weeks ago where I got a $1,200 estimate to clean up my backyard I got another quote a week later for $125. So, obviously, I went with that one. The guys came on Sunday and you can see the difference.

Here are a few before photos...









AND THE AFTER: 







There is still a bit of work to do to make it pretty, but we are slowly getting there! 

How was your weekend?

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Arkansas Derby Day 2017

Happy Monday! After such a weird week last week, it was so nice to have a great weekend! Friday afternoon I called another landscape guy who gave me a quote of $125! VERY different from last week's quote! Friday night was an easy night with takeout and just hanging out and watching TV. 

Saturday was the big Arkansas Derby Day! You guys know how much I love a good derby day... 

Rich and I rode to Hot Springs with our friends Susie and Buckley. Of course, girls sat in the back while the guys sat in the front and discussed really important things. *Eye roll* 

While we were on our way to Hot Springs, Susie and I were taking selfies to our friend Maggie who is in France right now. Major jealousy. 

Unlike last year where the weather was COLD, this year had perfect weather for the derby! 

As soon as we got to Oaklawn Racing we headed to the infield. It's fun to watch the horses run, there are so many people dressed up in all sorts of outfits, and it is just a great environment. 

Because it was a beautiful spring day, we clearly wore our best spring colors and flowers. 

My dress is by Bar III. 

Seriously, it was such a beautiful day to watch the ponies run! 

After a few hours outside, it was time to head inside where we could sit down and watch the Derby race.

Now, for a different view of the ponies! Every year that I watch the Derby race inside I always win! 

This year was no different! The two top horses were no point to bet on because there was nothing to win from them since the odds were so high. 

I bet on horse 11 because I felt confident that there could be an upset. I was *partly* right because 11 came in second place and I had bet on him across the board! My $6 bet turned into $20 so I made $14. That's enough for a Chipotle salad with guacamole! 

After the Derby race, we left and headed back to Little Rock. I was ready to get back and head to dinner because everything in Hot Springs was going to be packed. 

On Easter Sunday I met my parents for lunch. Sunday afternoon Rich and I headed to Home Depot (cue his excitement!!) to pick up some necessities for the house. I also bought some flowers to plant in front of the yard and some basil and lavender for the patio. I'm basically a master gardener now.

Everything will get there in time! 

What did YOU do this weekend???

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Why My Dog Likes to #DineWithCesar

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, MARS Incorporated. All opinions are mine alone. #DineWithCesar #TreatWithCesar #CollectiveBias

This is Lucy. My 9-year-old Maltese dog that always looks like a puppy. She's a bit of a diva ... she likes really soft blankets, she believes she is the protector of the house, she loves to sit on laps and be petted ... and she's VERY picky about her food and treats.

 

Let's just say that this dog has the life. 

Lucy lived with me for five years until I started graduate school. With working full-time, going to graduate school, and everything in between, it was just too much to have a dog. She temporarily moved in with my parents for a couple of years until life slowed down a bit. During this time, my mom started to feed Lucy CESAR®'s wet dog food. When she moved back in with me, my mom made sure that I kept up with feeding her the wet food as well.

Lucy LOVES the different flavors of the CESAR® wet dog food and it's so handy to buy at Wal-Mart in the CESAR®  Pate Mixed Variety Pack. Mealtime is as important for Lucy as it is for me. She knows when it's time to eat at night and she is not going to settle for anything less than delicious food. 

We all know that our pets are part of our families, so it's just as important that we feed them with healthy, comfort foods as we do ourselves. 

CESAR® lets you feed your dog like family, but keep them healthy at the same time. 

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It wasn't until recently that I knew that CESAR® had dry food with Meat-First Recipes that you can buy at Wal-Mart. Lucy is currently loving the CESAR® Dry Filet Mignon with spring vegetables flavor. The first time she tried it she LOVED it.

You would have thought I was going to take the bowl of dog food from her as quickly as she ate it!

How do you get your dog to be part of the meal time with family? You let them choose which meal they want! 

How to Make Your Dog Take Part in Family Mealtime: 

1. Set out different selections of CESAR® wet dog food 
2. Let your dog sniff each one 
3. Once they sniff them all and look at you, pick the one they sniffed last 
4. Bon appetit! 

On days that I feed Lucy the wet food for a healthy dog meal, I use the dry dog food as a treat. This is a great way to show a little love with to your pet. 

Lucy may be my little diva dog, but she has good taste when it comes to her food. She may not know how easy it is to pick up at Wal-Mart, but I appreciate that her tastes are really convenient for my weekly shopping trips!

Learn more about why your dog should #DineWithCesar and #TreatWithCesar!

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Looking Back On 2016!

There's something about a new year that makes me very ... cheesy. It actually feels like a new start and a new beginning. Now, I know that 2016 is getting a REALLY bad rap from a lot of people, but life is what you make it ... and I believe I made my 2016 a really good year.

Here are just a few highlights of my favorite parts...

JANUARY

In January we went to New Orleans for a few days and had a GREAT time. It's one of my favorite trips that we've been on. I'm actually really ready to go back soon!

You can check out our trip and all the DELICIOUS FOOD details here.

FEBRUARY 

I thoroughly enjoyed a simple dinner of cocoa puffs. It's really the simplest things in life that I really appreciate the most. 

MARCH

In March I was able to mark something off my bucket list of legends... Billy Joel! It was an incredible show and we had great tickets. It was perfect! 

APRIL

In April we went to the Arkansas Derby and it was a blast. It was cold, and I wore the wrong dress to be warm, but it was worth it because I WON THE DERBY RACE! Read about it here. 

MAY

In May we had an impromptu date night that started out with wine on a patio on a gorgeous May night. Again, sometimes it's the smallest things that can lead to the best memories. 

JUNE

We went to St. Martin! You can read about the trip here.

I also turned 30 on the beach in St. Martin! It could't have been a more gorgeous day!

JULY

In July I got to see one of my FAVORITE bands again... Alabama Shakes! It was an incredible show. 

AUGUST

In August I got to see another legend that I have been obsessed with... DOLLY PARTON. It was really the year of music for me and seeing some incredible singers and performers. 

I mean. She wears a dress full of sequins. Goals. 

SEPTEMBER 

August and September were a bit stressful after bidding on houses, losing them, and the emotions that I felt with the ups and downs. I went to happy hour one afternoon and the bartender felt for my sorrows and gave me the HAPPIEST glass (the one on the right!!).  

Just a few days later I got the house I wanted back!! 

OCTOBER 

In October I bought my very first house! Of course, it was dramatic ... because I'm either simple or dramatic about things. There's not really a middle ground with me. And yes, there have been some dramatic issues since moving into the house ... the AC going out the weekend we moved in. The water heater going out RIGHT when it was freezing outside. But overall it's been great to live here! 

You can read about the related house drama here. 

NOVEMBER 

November was the month of settling into the new house, and hosting Thanksgiving with my family. It was probably one of my most favorite Thanksgivings. 

DECEMBER

December was a fun and busy month! With decorating for Christmas in the new house, hanging with friends, being incredibly stressed at work, it was nice to have a fun and easy Christmas with my family and with Rich's family. 

Cheers to 2016! You were exactly what I made it - easy, fun, difficult, dramatic, and memorable! 

Looking forward to 2017! 

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Pan-Fried, Oven-Baked Panko Chicken

It all started a couple of years ago when my mom made us drive around Little Rock one day looking for Panko bread crumbs. Panko bread crumbs weren't available in our small town grocery store so we had to go from store to store to find them.

I can't really remember now why we were on a scavenger hunt for them or what the purpose was, but at the time it was really important.

Now of course, panko bread crumbs are available all over and even in my parent's small town grocery store.

Last weekend I went home to see my parents on Saturday (and to get lunch money from my mom... 25 and I still get lunch money) and my dad made his pan-friend, oven baked panko chicken.

As he was cooking, I stood behind him and snapped pictures with my phone to share how to make this. It's good, folks. Real good.

Take a couple of chicken breasts (we only needed three that day) and pound them out a bit.

Add salt and pepper to both sides.

Apparently my parents are buying wheat flour now,

so add some flour to a bowl...

Next, add the salted and peppered chicken to the flour mixture and coat.

We let our chicken rest before the next process.

A happy chicken is a good chicken.

Panko time!

Panko in one bowl, a couple of eggs in another.

To the panko bowl, add some garlic powder.

And mix the eggs up.

Make sure you have around 4 tbps of oil heated in a pan.

The pan also needs to be oven safe.

Phone action shots. 

Chicken to egg.

Chicken to panko.

Shake, shake, shake!

Chicken to pan!

Do the same for all the chicken.

Now, brown one side of the chicken for about 4-6 minutes,

turn, brown the other side of the chicken for about 2-3 minutes...

And then stick the chicken in the pan into the oven at

350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Take it out, and plate.

Add a couple of sides and there you have it.

Pan-Fried, Oven Baked Panko Chicken.

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