Buffalo River Bed and Breakfast

This was the first Memorial Day Weekend in years that I did not have plans a month a head of the actual big kickoff to Summer Weekend.  On Friday night I was feeling somewhat sorry for myself and I guess my husband could sense the poor me act in the air and the sad puppy dog look in my eye.

He decided that we needed to go have a Margarita and a Shrimp Cocktail.  So off we went to the best place in town in my opinion for a Margarita.  El Lorito.  Adult snowcones.  After our drinks we headed home with the plan of waking up on Saturday early and heading out for a day trip to Tulsa.  Tulsa is a great place to go for a day trip and our plans were to go to Utica Square and have dinner at the New York Cheese Cake Factory.

Saturday morning arrives and we both slept in until 10:30.  Guess both of our bodies were tired and I know for a fact that my brain was exhausted from too much stress from the world of Media and the ever ending deadlines!  We decided just to stay in town and do a little shopping. 

Later that evening we met Lauren over at her new place and took her to dinner at Fuji's Steakhouse.  To all of my Central Arkansas Friends, Fuji's Steakhouse is just like Benihana's Steakhouse.  The three of us had a lovely dinner and we caught up with the current events of Lauren.  After sushi, dinner and drinks we headed back to Lauren's place.

On the way over to Lauren's I received a call from my BFF and her husband inviting us to the Buffalo River on Sunday for a float trip and then to stay at a Bed and Breakfast.  We both agreed their invite was exactly what we needed.   Excitedly we both started talking about how high the river might be and the idea that it might be a little dangerous.  The thought of possible danger did not stop us from heading out Sunday bright and early to the Buffalo for a great day of canoeing. 

We arrived at Wild Bill's Outfitters and surprisingly the River was down to almost 6 feet deep.  The river had just enough flow that we had very little paddling involved.  It was wonderful!  Hardly anyone was out on the  Buffalo.  I'm guessing most people thought it would be to high and risky too!  It was so serene  and peaceful.  A day of nature and the skies were the perfect color of blue.  The water was really cold!  We had such a great time.

After we got done with our float trip we headed over to the Buffalo Bed and Breakfast.  Wow!  I was pleasantly surprised.  It was absolutely beautiful.  Joe and I stayed in the Lone Star Suite which was the largest suite of the entire Bed and Breakfast.  The owners of the bed and breakfast are originally from Texas so the room was rightfully decorated and referred to as the Lone Star Suite.  This was the only room that had it's own Hot Tub!  This suite could of slept four people comfortably as it had two twin beds plus a King Size Bed. 


Buffalo Bed and Breakfast



Great Room and Dining Area



The Great Room with Buffalo over the Rock Fireplace

Buffalo Bed and Breakfast

The Lone Star Suite....Look at the beautiful ceilings!

 

Our Lone Star King Size Bed So Comfy!

Private Hot Tub in our Suite



Cowhide chair and ottoman made out of Gorgeous Antlers in our Suite



Vanity in our Suite



Beautiful Bridge walkway over Waterfall

 

Rock Waterfall that lands into a Fish Pond of Gold Fish

Fish Pond with Gold Fish

Outdoor Grilling Area

We even had access to a huge kitchen and outdoor grilling area.  Sunday evening we grilled out Ribeyes, Babyback Ribs, Bake Potatoes and Corn.  The owners had ice cream for our dessert and a variety of coffees or hot teas. 


The owners cooked an amazing breakfast for us the next morning.  Pecan Pancakes, fresh melon, sausage, orange juice and coffee.  I would highly recommend this Bed and Breakfast to anyone and we will definitely go back!  It would be nice to rent it out for Thanksgiving for our immediate family and drive to Branson for Christmas Shopping!

All in all our Memorial Day Weekend turn out to be one of the best Kickoffs to a Fun Summer!  Stay Tuned...


Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise

Memorial Day Celebration and Recipes

On Monday we will observe Memorial Day which is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States.  Most Americans will honor this National Holiday with the traditional flying of the United States Flag and a moment of silence at 3pm. 

As we observe this day with our families and loved ones it is also the day of grilling to perfection.  No matter your choice of grilling Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken, Steaks, Ribs....you have to have the perfect sides and desserts. 

In my family the Men take the honor of grilling while the women gather in the kitchen preparing all the wonderful side dishes to compliment the center of the plate selection of meats.

Yummy!

Mom's Potato Salad

Ingredients

• 5 pounds red potatoes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 1/2 cups creamy salad dressing, e.g. Miracle Whip
• 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard
• 3/4 cup of sweet pickle relish
• 6 hard-cooked eggs, diced
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook until tender enough to pierce with a fork, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool slightly. Remove the peels and cut into cubes. Set aside to cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the onion, salad dressing, pickle relish and mustard. Stir in the hard-cooked eggs and cooled potatoes. Try not to mash the potatoes very much. Season with salt and pepper.

I promise my mother does NOT go by a recipe but by taste.  All great cooks go by taste and NOT recipes.  She has been making her traditional potato salad for years. 

My father does his masterpiece bake beans and HE WILL NOT GIVE OUT THE RECIPE.  I swear one day I am going to coerce him into giving me his recipe and sell it to a Bar-b-que restaurant.  He makes the best bake beans!  Everyone always will ask him to bring his beans to any event that needs a bake bean!

I love to entertain for people and have picked up secrets from my family over the years.  Not only good food but great presentation and tablescapes are a must!  One of my favorite television shows on the Food Network is Semi Homemade Cooking by Sandra Lee.  I love her!



Sandra Lee

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this Memorial Day Tablescape!  Beautiful

As you can see I am a sucker for all things beautiful.  I am such a typical domesticated GAW!  Whenever there is an occasion for me to inspire and bring beauty into my life; I GO FOR IT!  Life is way to short not to celebrate and enjoy your surroundings.  From simple everyday life to Great Big Events; I truly enjoy making thinks beautiful. 

Right now as I am typing my husband is lying in bed next to me eating his nightly bowl of Raisin Bran with a sliced Banana.  He loves cereal late at night.  Says it makes him sleep like a baby. LOL

One last thing that I would like to share.  In Fort Smith we have a bakery called "Confectionatley Yours" and they have some of the best cakes in Fort Smith.  They also do Gourmet Cupcakes and this week I stopped by for a Gourmet Cupcake.   Lately I have been on a orange kick and my palette has been craving the taste of orange.  You guess it....I had a scrumptious Orange Gourmet Cupcake.  OH DEAR LAWD...it was divine!  Visit their website http://www.confectionatelyyourscakes.com/

Sinfully Delicious

Well, tomorrow we are heading to the Buffalo River to meet up with my BFF and her husband.  I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday.  Have Fun and Stay Safe!

Looking forward to a lot of this lazy kind of activity this Summer!

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise

Lauren's First Home Part One

Today we met Lauren over at her new place before taking her out to dinner.  I promised her that I would be back over Tuesday evening to help her finish hanging things and getting everything in order. 

Honestly, she and her roommate have done a WONDERFUL job.  Tonight her Grandparents are coming in town to see her new place.  They are going to spend the night and then tomorrow take her grocery shopping.  Yes, all three of our young adult kids are spoiled...but that is what we do, right?

I snapped a few pictures and will take more after the entire place is officially decorated and completed.  She has not even been in her new place a week yet and it already looks pretty homey!

Their house is a two story duplex nestled in a great established safe neighborhood.  As parents we are very comfortable with the area plus she is only five miles from our neighborhood and we can be there in 5 minutes driving like a bat out of hell if necessary.  They have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, large living room with fireplace, separate dining room with built in china cabinet and a galley kitchen plus a separate laundry room.  It is a very large spacious duplex.  Covered parking for both of their vehicles and a little patio backyard.  It's a dollhouse!


Front of their New Home



Galley Kitchen


L

Lauren's Bathroom



Living Room with sliding Glass door that leads out to patio backyard

Lauren is working two jobs this summer but when she starts back to College she will be only working one job and going to school full time. 

I guess next Tuesday evening I will go over there and help her finish up the rest of her new place and take more pictures.  Stay Tuned....

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise

Lauren Nicole

It's Saturday morning of the official kickoff to Summer and here I sit with coffee in hand and laptop.  Blogging is great therapy for a GAW!  Decisions, Decisions, Decision....

Obviously we did not got to the Lake this year due to both Justin and Lauren not being home plus the conditions of the water level from all the bad weather.  So here I am wondering what to do with my time off.  Of course I can always finds something wonderful to do with my time but when you are faced with sharing your time off with your significant other you are faced with COMPROMISING!  URGH...

His idea of a great weekend and my idea of a great weekend are two completely different perspectives.  I do not like to Golf or fish.  He does not like to shop or shop.  After much debate this is what we have decided to do today. 

First we are meeting Lauren over at her new house to see the progress of how it's coming along.  She and her roommate have done a really good job at decorating and getting the things they need for their place.  Makes a GAW proud.  I will post pictures later tonight.

Lauren Nicole

Then the three of us are going out for a early dinner to visit and catch up on the past week.  After dinner, Joe and I are going to the movies to see Hangover II...it's not my choice of movie but I figured I could use a good belly laugh.  Right now Joe went to wash the Escalade and as soon as he gets back we are leaving.  Going to run by TJ Maxx and pick up some towels for Lauren. 

Last Sunday I purchased her a really cute bathroom shower curtain and accessories from Dillards.  We also got her a dining room set and her Grandmother bought her a coffee table.  It's all coming together slowly but surely.  Their place is precious.

Lauren's Bathroom Accessories

Lauren's Shower Curtain

Saturday is just the start of my three day weekend.  Tomorrow I am going to Little Rock to spend the night with my parents and enjoy Grilling out and Swimming for the Memorial Day Holiday.  Tonight I will do a second post on the reviews of the movie and post pictures of Lauren's new place.

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise

Say Yes to the DRESS

Just got home from having dinner with my husband on a Friday night and I am watching "Say Yes To The Dress"  I love this show...all the brides searching for the perfect dress to wear on their magical day.  This show just gave me inspiration on tonight's blog....Ladies just SAY YES TO THE DRESS! 

Over the years I have purchased many dresses for special occasions as most women will do in their lifetime.  From Prom dresses, to LBD'S (Little Black Dresses), Church dresses, Easter Dresses, Wedding Dresses, Bridal Shower dresses, Baby Shower Dresses, Maternity Dresses, Funeral Dresses, Interview Dresses, First Date Dresses, Vacation Dresses, Graduation Dresses, Pageant Dresses, Class Reunion Dresses, New Years' Eve Dresses....the list goes on and on.  Each Dress holds the key to a pivotal time in a Woman's life. 

I once read a blog about a woman who challenged herself to wear the SAME DRESS for 365 Days!  Excuse me???  Guess what?  She did it! 

Not only did she wear the same dress from July 7, 2005 until July 7, 2006; but it was a dress that she designed and made herself out of brown fabric!  I'm not talking about a fabulous designer dress but a homemade dress.  You can read more about the daily life of a woman in her brown dress at http://www.littlebrowndress.com/

There is no way in HELLO that I could possibly wear the same dress for 365 days?  Could you? 

I love the ease of dresses for work in the summer plus dresses are very feminine.  From the time I was a little girl I have loved dresses.  The more frilly the better.  See if you remember these iconic dresses!

 

Katherine Hepburn was a powerful woman that introduced women to the pantsuit.  Thank you Katherine! 

There are days when a pair of pants is what I desire to wear.  However, nine out of ten times I will choose a dress to wear to the office and a special occasion.  There is just something super sexy about a GAW in a dress in a pair of high heels. 

Ladies, celebrate your femininity and just "SAY YES TO THE DRESS"

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise

About to Pull The Trigger!

I LOVE this Tory Burch Tote for Summer...too cute for the weekends!  Please stop me before I pull the TRIGGER! 

Nordstrom's is having their infamous Half Off Sale and I have been wanting something Tory Burch forever!  What does a GAW do?  Please help me....I need therapy and I need this Tory Burch Tote for Summer.  Comments, Suggestions, Help, Advice and Direction is greatly appreciated!

Honestly I think Tory Burch is more age appropriate for me then Vera Bradley...What do you think?

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise

Things I am LOVING

Things I am loving at the moment!  Normally I do not use Estee Lauder products but recently I purchased a few things from this line of cosmetics when Dillards was promoting the Estee Lauder Bonus Gift with purchase.


Advance Night Repair Eye Serum

 Love this product! It is a silky serum-gel which helps dramatically reduce the look of every key sign of aging around the fragile eye area:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Puffiness
• Dark circles
• Dryness
• Uneven skintone

The Estee Lauder Shimmer Bronzer will give you a  heavenly shimmer glow without the fear of looking too orange.  Gently Sweep on the illuminated bronze radiance that's golden and glamorous. The lady at the Estee Lauder counter showed me the proper way to apply the bronzer to my face, shoulders, décolletage or wherever else I want a glamorous highlight.  I love it!

The Perfect portable retractable Kabuki Brush From Two Faced is the ideal tool to apply bronzers blushers powders and shimmers flawlessly plus I Love the Hot Pink color. 



Those are just a few of the things I am loving right now!  I have never been a big fan of bronzers until this summer.  I really am enjoying the results achieved with the Shimmer Bronzer by Estee Lauder.  I highly recommend trying it.

So today during lunch I had a few errands to run.  Joe called and invited me to have lunch with him and all of his salesmen but I just had too much to do and was trying to use my time wisely.  I ran by the house to pick up some items that needed to be dropped off at the Post Office.  While I was home I decided to grab a Lean Cuisine to eat at the office.  I ran by the Post Office and luckily today was the one day out of 365 days that I actually had stamps in my purse.  GREAT!  I could avoid the hassle of going inside.  There is a reason people jokingly refer to the phrase "I am going to go POSTAL" 

Anyway today I was talking on the phone while driving and was some what distracted to say the least.  I drove up to the outside postal service mailbox and before I realized what I had done, I managed to pick up my Lean Cuisine from the passenger seat and throw it down the shoot!

OH DEAR LAWD!  I wonder how many random things they collect out of the mailbox that were not intentional. 

Brownies are one of my favorite sinfully delicious treats to bake.  Recently I discover the brownie pan for the perfect size brownie without the messiness of cutting each square which results in all the crumbs.  The Pan retails for $19.99.   What a wonderful concept.  Stop!  Hold Up!  Let me show you how I bake brownies!

I use individual Cupcake tins for my brownies! 
No mess, no worry about cutting and leaving behind crumbs. 
Just Grab and Go!

Yes, I love Oprah Winfrey...the skinny, the fat, the in between size, the big hair and the jacked up feet due to wearing high heels.  I can relate to all of Oprah's issues:  Yo Yo Dieting, Wearing the Big hair and shoulder pads in the 90's to offset my junk in my trunk, the jacked up feet due to wearing Sexy High Arse Shoes for the sake of fashion instead of comfort!  I am going to miss her daily talk shows and I am going to miss selling her program to advertisers that desire to target the Female Audience of Women of all Ages! 

Oprah has a gift of words and wisdom and is such a great communicator.  She has the unique ability to make people feel comfortable and at ease when interviewing her guests.  Oprah is an Iconic Female and I am sure she will continue to devote her time and find a purpose to continue to pour compassion, knowledge and wisdom into the hearts of many people.

 

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,

Tonya Denise