I have loved all this rain we've gotten this past week. I don't think I could ever get sick of rain- love the sound of it and way better than 110* weather!


I had another fun eventful week/weekend. Monday night I started off with going to a Stella & Dot Jewelry party big Kara was having. This jewelry has been featured on Oprah and InStyle Magazine. I'm not much of a jewelry wearer but I wanted tons of stuff they had! I ended up getting a pair of earrings and a bracelet. I could've ordered more but controlled myself ha! I'm not much of a party thrower for jewelry and these kind of parties but thought I would with this jewelry to show others the great stuff they have! Don't worry you'll get an invite later  = )


Thursday I needed to run some errands in Fayetteville before heading to Farmington. Hog season is approaching (WPS) and I'm all about the cute Hog apparel. However, some of it is a little too pricey ($100 and up- ouch!!) I stole an idea from a friend and went and bought a cheap dress (chocolate brown) from Wal-Mart ($6) and took it to Custom Tee's (off college) and had her put the glitter hog ($20) at the bottom of the dress. It turned out super cute and I love it!!! BTW- it was super fast too. I took the dress in and she did the Hog right then, I didn't have to leave and come back to get it!

After getting my dress done I went to a Fundraiser in Farmington for my friend Melanie. They had made chicken dinners to-go to help raise money. I got there right when it started but heard from others that went later that they stood in line for awhile because there were so many people = ) I'm so glad they had a great turn out.


Saturday I went and got my nails done and as soon as I walked in people were asking if I was "Little Kara". I thought this was hysterical. They were big Kara's neighbors and their daughter recognized me. Just cracks me up that everyone knows we're Big/Little Kara = ) But I love it! Afterwards I went and met Big Kara and her friend Rebecca to see "The Help". What a great movie. I read the book too which was great.  That night Andrew & I met back up the girls and their husbands to eat at Table Mesa. It was yummy as always = ) I got my usual, curry chicken burrito. Andrew got Pork Carnitos and loved them too.


Today (Sunday) I had Kara's (SIL) bridal shower at Briar Rose in Farmington. This was my first time to this place. It was very cute and we had a delicious lunch- sandwiches, fruit, fruit tarts and mini cinnamon rolls. I also got 2 chocolate croissants to take home- whoops ; ) I might've already ate one too and it was AMAZING! Kara got us some cute little goodies (cute bag, straightner holder, wet bathing suit bag, little makeup bag, pearl earrings/bracelet to wear wedding day). Kara did good by giving the wet bathing suit holder with a skull/crossbone bathing suit on it to me = ) She had to point it out to me though because I was too busy looking at my other stuff ha- sorry Kara.  Her big day will be here very soon!! 

Andrew and I have turned one of our extra bedrooms into an extra TV room/man room. There isn't much decoration going on in there because it's last on list to decorate pretty much. I'm just more worried about the main rooms first. The little decorations it has is Hog stuff. I know a girl name Lane and she is a great painter. I saw a Hog painting she did on her FB page (Ruelle Designs, go check it out) and asked told Andrew we had to have it. Well he had something else in mind- I asked Lane if she could do it and she said "She'd love to". Here's the finished product and I think it turned out great! Andrew is very happy with it too. We still haven't hung it up = ( But hopefully he will tomorrow on his day off.

Look what else came in!!

FOOTBALL TICKETS!!! Cannot wait for tailgating and cheer on those Hogs!


20 days until first HOG GAME!
28 days until Las Vegas!
62 days until Ukraine!


Have a great week!

Weekend full of fun

The weekend went by way too fast and was packed with stuff to do! 


Friday night I went and tried out a new restaurant with some friends (Kellye, Whit, Janae) in downtown Bentonville (right off the square) called Tusk & Trotters. It was good and I'd go again but not one of my favorites. LOVED the atmosphere but just not many menu options. Funny story- Kellye & I got their early to get a table because they didn't have any reservations left. We were hungry so thought let's get an appetizer- so we order "chips" & salsa. Well they give it to us and we just kind of look at each other. The waiter tells us they are prosciutto chips- so we were basically eating beef jerky with mango salsa. It was very different but pretty tasty. Guess next time we need to look at the thin print underneath the meals ha! I ate a chicken breast with yummy spinach and potatoes with a glaze on top of the chicken. It was very yummy! It was a nice change from all the other restaurants.


Saturday morning I woke up early to go to CrossFit to cheer for tons of athletes doing a "Hero Workout" for the Disposable Hero Project (DHP). I know I've talked about this Project on here before, so won't go into it. CrossFitNWA raised $12,000 for this project. Tons of people were at CF saturday morning doing this workout in honor of a soldier. It was amazing to see everyone come together for such a tough workout!! Great job for everyone that worked their butts off!!

After the workout was over I got ready to head to Embassy Suites for Kara's Bachelorette Party. One we all got there, we talked for a bit and then went to Bonefish to get some appetizers and then went to the spa for some treatments. After the spa we headed back to the hotel to watch Kara open her gifts and just relax. 
                                                 The Bachelorette

                  PF Chang's Appetizers/wine at the Spa for us

Andrew decided to leave Nala in the house Saturday night when he went to work. We've left her inside before but only for like 2-3 hrs. at a time- NEVER 8!! Well Nala decided to have a party in the house- sorry if you already saw this on Facebook.

Yes that bed was made- but she decided to take everything off and get this little pillow off and destroy it. OMG I'm just glad Andrew got home to clean it up first = ) However, there are still TONS of little beads in the carpet if you look close and it's driving me nuts- we keep going over with a vacuum but I don't know if they'll ever go away! 


Sunday night Andrew and I went to Bonefish for dinner. We haven't been to dinner just us 2 in forever! We both got the fontina chop (pork chop) with mashed potatoes. This is our favorite meal. I also added a salad which was amazing! Thank you Big Kara for introducing caprese salads to me. I need to start making them at home for dinner.
             Mmmmm-  tomatoes, feta cheese and balsamic vinegerette 

Tonight I went to a Stella & Dot jewelry party that Big Kara was hosting. It has really cute jewelry and I found me some earrings and a bracelet. Can't wait until I get them in!




26 DAYS UNTIL HOG FOOTBALL!!!!

34 Days until VEGAS!!!
68 Days until UKRAINE!!


Have a great week- I'm hoping it rains a lot!

~Great Weekend~

Well another hot weekend! The sprinkles we got was just enough to make it hotter = ( I got in my car today and it read 109*- ahhhhhh no more heat!

I had a pretty fun-filled weekend. Friday morning I went to try out a new little pastry shop in downtown Rogers off 1st street. It's called Meridienne Dessert Salon. It reminds me of a Rick's Bakery because they have great lunch food as well. On Friday they were having a special, and of course I had to try it = ) They had their homemade pancakes topped with honey butter and toasted pecans. I also got nutella on it with syrup. OMG they were absolutely amazing!! Everyone should go like their facebook page- except for they are always making you hungry with the pictures they post.

Andrew saw this picture and said they look nasty- BUT I promise they're sooooo good

Here's some pictures of the cute little Dessert Salon

Friday night I didn't really do much- just sat at home and relaxed- which was so nice because they don't come too often. Saturday I woke up early and went to Kara's bridal party. Afterwards, I called Whit and we met up to do some shopping and then got a pedi with Big Kara. I had bought a coupon off JakesDeals (I think) maybe NWADealPiggy for Riffraff. We went there and I found 2 really cute dresses and only had to spend $20 of my own money. I was pretty excited about my finds.

                Can't tell but this dress is navy blue

Here's another dress I found at Impressions awhile back- this one is dark gray

One of my friends from work was telling me about a great recipe she tried from Pioneer Woman. If you don't know who this is, which you're crazy if you don't know, you should go check out her blog
Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. Anyways, the recipe is called Sour Cream Noodle Bake. It was yummy and extremely fattening- whoops!
  Yeah big chunk missing- we already fixed our plates and I said "OH Crap I meant to take a picture"

haha- this picture doesn't look appetizing either- but I promise once again it's very good. I was proud of myself for doing it all on my way too = )

Who's ready for Fall (cooler weather) and FOOTBALL!!! 32 days until I'm at this place

Catching up

This weekend I did some catching up. I started going to Table Mesa Thursday night to eat with my bestie, Whitney and her mom. Of course the food was yummy as always = ) I won't describe my delicious food like usual. Afterwards we went to the original Wal-Mart on the Bentonville square. They have recently re-opened it after remodeling. It's a pretty cool museum if you ever have a chance to go. 

My dad's been in town staying with Andrew and I while he's doing some painting for some people. So on Friday, Dad and I went to Conway to spend the weekend. It was nice to get away and see my mom. Mom and I went to LR on saturday and went and saw Friends with Benefits saturday night. This movie is pretty funny and I really liked it. Predictable yes, but still very good. Sunday we woke up and went to Waffle House before coming back home. Yummy, I love Waffle House- I always get the All-star meal (eggs, waffles, hash browns, bacon and toast). 

My dad and I got back to Rogers sunday afternoon. Andrew went to wal-mart and picked up some things for dinner. He cooked filets, squash, asparagus and baked potatoes. OMG- it was wonderful! I wish I knew how to season things like him and cook food on the grill. But I have no clue- so I'll just leave it up to him = )

Last night (Monday) my dad and I went to Guasno's and ate sandwiches and I had to get my brownies from there, which are the best ever! After dinner, I took my dad to the original Wal-Mart since he hasn't been in awhile.

I have some very recent & exciting news to share! No I'm not pregnant- get those thoughts out of your mind = ) I will be going to Ukraine in October with TEAMWorks Ukraine to help kids with disabilities. I'm excited, nervous and anxious all at the same time. I know it'll be emotionally/physically draining but well worth it! TEAMWorks Ukraine is a mission teamed up with 99 balloons with physical, occupational and speech therapists from Children's Therapy TEAM.  

You can read more about TEAMWorks Ukraine here- http://www.teamworksukraine.com/

Or 99 balloons here- http://99balloons.org/

TEAMWorks Ukraine is having a golf tournament at Stonebridge, Saturday, August 20th to help raise money for our trip. Shotgun starts at 8am- it will be lots of fun and there will be a silent auction.

To sign up to play in the tournament visit this website- http://www.birdeasepro.com/99B

Please spread the word to family/friends. If you'd like to sponsor or make a donation just let me know = ) 

Everyone have a great week- I hear tomorrow is suppose to get up to 110 degrees! Hottest day yet ugh!

45 DAYS TIL HOG FOOTBALL!!! WPS!

Good weekend turned BAD

My weekend started out great. I had a great dinner at Bordino's with Big Kara. I had the rigatoni that I talked about last post but with wild boar sausage, and Big Kara got it with chicken. We split a yummy salad and had good drinks.
Saturday I did some shopping at Williams Sonoma- FYI they're having a huge summer sale until August or until they can get rid of summer stuff. I got a pretty table cloth that was 60% off. Oh and since I registered there I get 10% off any purchase for 6 months! I also got some Fresh Lemon countertop cleaner- mmmm spells so good. Andrew and I met with Big Kara, her husband Dale and her daughter Spencer at PF Changs for lunch.

Saturday night Andrew and I went to his Aunt Darcy's for one of Kara's Couple's showers. It was fun with great music and yummy food. Andrew & Hannah (his cousin) always wrestle and it's pretty funny to watch. Lulu (Darcy's dog) wasn't of fan of them wrestling ha

                                  Wrestling

Sunday started off great. I got some shopping done for stuff for the house then came home to start some appetizers since we were going to grill out with Chad and Sarah. Well instead of being smart and getting the scissors to open the bacon I get a steak knife and yup SLICE the finger open big time. Luckily Andrew was still here because he was about to run to get some tinfoil. So he says well rinse it off and went to get me a band-aid. Well I put it in water and just let it sit and it started bleeding pretty good (Whit I know this is grossing you out, sorry). I don't know if it was just seeing my own blood or the pain but I was getting very light headed and sick to my stomach. We looked at my finger and could see the bone and vein so we head to ER. We got right in but took awhile before a nurse  came to see me. We were there for awhile and I was STARVING. The nurse finally comes in and gives me 2 options- stitches or glue it shut and I can wear a finger guard because I can't bend it for a week since it's on the joint of my finger and for it to heal. I just wanted to leave and go fix dinner so I chose glue.


                                  Poor finger

Well, I never took off that guard but as you can see it doesn't cover my gash. I guess sometime in the middle of the night the gash came open because I woke up to a gross finger =  ( I made an appointment for tomorrow to see if I need to get stitches because I don't think the glue will hold! I'm not afraid of needles but I've never gotten stitches while I'm awake and there's not much skin on my finger. OH well I just want it to be better because it's quite an inconvenience even though it is my left hand.

We got home from the ER and told Chad and Sarah to come on over because we were hungry. I went ahead and fixed the appetizers I was going to make and this time I got the scissors to open the bacon  = )

                       My yummy sausages wrapped in bacon with brown sugar

We had pork chops, green beans, grilled squash and corn on the cob for dinner. Sarah brought an awesome gluten-free strawberry cheesecake. It was absolutely amazing!

Here's my sweet girl with her first Loofa Dog- she's obsessed!!!

Everyone have a great week. I'm sick of this weather- so ready for Fall and FOOTBALL!!!

HOT!

How was everyone's weekend? Hopefully survived this dreadful summer! I tried to lay out this weekend, well I guess I did for a couple of hours, and OMG I could barely handle it. Of course I got burned as well. I know the sun is different here than other places but since getting home from Jamaica not too long ago I could really tell this time. In Jamaica I could tell I was burning, definitely not here! But the burn is gone now so it's ok (yes I wore sunscreen Big Kara, just maybe not as much as I should've)

I also ate at one of my favorite places this weekend- Table Mesa. I know I've talked about this place before but just have to brag again how good it is. I usually get the chicken curry burrito- sweet but has a little bit of spice to it, and of course a fresh margarita is a must at this place = )

I got my wedding pictures in last week, so that meant I needed to get a big picture frame for our 16X20 picture. I had found some at some stores in Fayetteville but of course they're like $170, ouch I know. I was going to check Hobby Lobby though before I went and bought one of these. I went saturday with my friend Sarah and they were having 50% off their frames. We looked and I wasn't really finding anything until about the last aisle we went down and cha-ching there it was! I love it and it matches our living room perfect!!! This frame was a whopping $25 thanks to the half-off sale = )

            Andrew hasn't hung it up yet- we need to get some wire he says

                          This picture kind of shows the red that's in the frame

Andrew's schedule just changed again so we decided to go out Monday night for a nice dinner at another favorite restaurant. Bordino's!!! I had bought a thing from NWADealPiggy where I spent $25 and got a $50 gift card for there. Now that's a good deal! I got beef rigatoni- mmmmm this meal is the best! Rigatoni pasta with beef tenderloin, green beans, sun-dried tomatoes in a port cream sauce. I'm sure I just made all your mouths water, if not then you're crazy! Andrew got the same but substituted wild boar sausage, which was just as good as mine.

For those of you that know my Nala girl, she's a big ole' baby! 70lb baby! We've been letting her on the bed occasionally and now she wants to be on it every night. Except I think she wants to love the bed, but she'll lay down for 30min max and get up to go lay on her own bed. Even if it's just 1 person in the bed with her, she still has plenty of room but gets down to go to her bed. Well last night I said "Nala go lay down on your bed", oh she hops up on my bed! Silly thing, but it only lasted about 20min.

I tried posting a funny video of Nala girl. But it's taking WAY too long! Maybe next time

Week at a glance

Saturday was a big CrossFitNWA day. I woke up early and did an awesome/unbelievably hard Hero WOD but felt good after it was over. Here's what it was:
"Murph"
Run 1 Mile
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
Run 1 mile
Yes crazy! For lunch everyone had a huge cookout at Memorial Park in Bentonville. Everyone brought some yummy yummy food!
                                  Group picture at the picnic

It was great having a long weekend for the 4th of July. Andrew and I (well Andrew and Jeremy) shot fireworks at Andrew's parents Sunday night and we all ate yummy kabobs and hotdogs! 

                         Jonah/Adrienne watching some fireworks

If you're my friend on facebook I'm sure you've already seen but look what I got!!

Yes they're a little crazy/loud but I LOVE THEM!! I needed a new pair of Uggs and what a great color for HOG FOOTBALL!!! They have royal purple (so cute) too which I was tempted to buy but went for red.

Who's Big Brother fans???? Ok, so I used to make fun of my parents for watching this- because my dad would even watch it and he's not really big into TV shows except for this one and Survivor. Well when I was in grad school and pretty much stuck at home in the summer due to hard classes I'd take breaks and watch this with them. OMG- love this show! It starts tonight and I cannot wait. 

I'm so ready for tomorrow to be Friday even though it's been a short work week- pretty sad huh?

Have a great weekend, try to stay cool in this horrible heat!