On A Quest For A Healthier Way of Eating

Stopped in at the Root Café the other day just to get a small snack. I chose the Sweet Potato Fries for a sweet $3.50 and this really hit my snack spot! The fries were not real crispy but, that was OK, they were delicious!! This large order of hand-cut sweet potatoes with a spicy Hickory Chip mayo was to Di for. Maybe the fries lost a little healthy when they got fried, but at least it's a step in the eating better and locally direction.

The Root Café is truly a wonderful place to support. Since 2008, they have connected "individuals, families, organizations and businesses of Central Arkansas by offering a focal point for sustainable activities in the area." Going with the shop local ideology, the Root Café uses locally grown or produced items such as meats, breads, and cheeses and makes everything a delicious experience!

Stop by the old dairy bar place on South Main and experience an eclectic "turn-of-the-century" decor and a certified green roof!

On A Quest For...Always Looking For Something New

You never know what you're missing out on, if you don't try something new every once in a while. Always looking for something new led me straight to Hardin Farms and Market Too out Hwy 165 toward Scott, AR yesterday. Sandwiches, BBQ, fresh vegetables, homemade goodies, ironwork, country store items, and catering seem to be just a few of their spectacular specialties. I tried the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich ($7.99) which was served on sourdough along with a pickle slice and soon forgot how I had thought the price seemed a little steep. Delicious! Also, brought home some of Mee Mee Deb's Pimento Cheese ($5.99) which I haven't been able to stop snacking on since I bought it. Another impulse splurge was various soup packets ($6.99) that are great for gift giving! The mums were beautiful and the pumpkins were priced way under 40cents/lb and it's just too bad I bought mine for 48cents/lb at Wal-Mart the other day.  This is a sweet lil hole in the wall you might want to visit now that autumn has finally made it's way to the Natural State, and it's always nice to find something new as you ramble down the back roads of Arkansas!

So That's What The Problem Was At The AR Arts Center This Summer...

Read in the newspaper this morning that the Arkansas Arts Center laid off three marketing staff employees this past Monday and hired Stone Ward Advertising to help them out of their 'unfortunate' situation. The article went on to say that the Arts Center had laid off two staff members in June as well.

Hummm.....I knew something was really wrong at the Arts Center because I had read about their financial hardship from a low performance of the 2009-10 Pharaoh's exhibit. I also read where Alice Walton (THANKS AGAIN, ALICE) gave a whopping $1 million to help them out. And on a more personal note, I had taken an art class there this summer and had a heck of a time getting them to take my money for the class. Finally after two months, numerous phone calls, conversations, and emails, they deposited my check of $204. Didn't realize they were working as a skeleton crew.

I do hope the Arts Center turns itself around with the innovative ideas of Millie Ward, co-owner of Stone Ward who plans a lot of new happenings such as:

• Transforming the gallery experience
• Making the atrium and box-office areas more welcoming
• Designing a mobile app (YEA)
• Using e-mail, texts, Facebook, and Twitter (YEA)
• Creating events during lunchtime (YEA)
• Creating a Pinterest following and Google Art (online) Project (YEA)
• Offering online sign ups for classes (the present one is a nightmare to maneuver) 
• Efforts to reach the younger crowd

Hard to believe this fine organization hasn't (ALREADY) done some of the things mentioned above...oh well, best wishes Arts Center...I don't want my grandkids (or me) to grow up without you!!

On A Quest For...Sprucing UP A FB Timeline

Found these great places online to spruce up a FB timeline. Sure, baby pics, grade schools shots, and vases of flowers are fine for a while but, for more creative ways to express your most inner thoughts and feelings (surely by now your sharing every ounce of your persona [hopefully not non grata] to all other online creatures), check out these cool websites!

1. http://www.fbcoverpix.com/
2. http://covercanvas.com/
3. http://coverjunction.com/
4. http://www.faceitpages.com/

I'm very pleased with my new FB timeline...and, I can't wait to change it (fickle, fickle)...so many options!! Remember, maneuver the web carefully, it is your friend...

On A Quest For...Letting Go of Stuff

According to an anthropological study of 32 California families, Life at Home in the Twenty-First Century, the average home contained 438 books and magazines and 139 toys! I understand...

Just recently sold a home I've had for ten years...a lot of stuff accumulates in ten years. Most of this (excess baggage) is in my garage at the moment because I have a whole houseful of other stuff I already live with. This new garage stuff is waiting for sorting, labeling, tossing, keeping, and eventually SELLING!

Tired of accumulating stuff...too much stuff...high stress levels just taking care of all of this stuff...need to quit buying more stuff...need to quit trying to keep up with those darn Kardashians! See you at the garage sale...I'm sure you need more stuff...

On A Quest For My Yin and My Yang

While recently philosophizing (is this a word) with my beautiful, hippie/guru daughter (product of the 60s...late 60s I might add), I realized there have been many control freaks (still are) in my life (as hers). I use to be one...a CF, that is...but gladly gave that up about thirteen years ago (long story/later blog). However, to this very day, I must confess, there is a dilemma (inside my whole self) about giving in to my Yin (dark side) and staying a CF or going forward to the Yang (light side), thus, becoming a leader.

Oh, you say...leader...how presumptuousness...well, somebody has to make a #?*! decision. Sorry, my Yang side, oops, Yin side came out for a brief moment ( #?*! dyslexic, too). Anyway, I learned that the opposite of CF is leader, and I am always in a struggle to let the two forces interact, consequently hoping to form a HAPPY MEDIUM...which is what I have always been On A Quest For in the #?*! first place. Hope you're having less trouble with your Yin and your Yang...Peace, Love, and Joy to you...

(Almost New) Greek Haven In Sherwood

Found this great little hole in the wall on Kiehl Avenue which serves a variety of cultures including Middle Eastern, Greek, and American appetites. Actually, I have been to a restaurant at this same location a couple of years ago (named Mama's something or other) however, upon returning this past month, this is not the same Mama it used to be. This (almost) new place is run by a group of guys who really know how to cook authentic Greek food and pretty good American fare as well.

The Hummus Dip w/Pita Chips was really good as were the Shrimp Souvlaki (on pita bread with onions, tomatoes, and tzaziki sauce) and Falafel Sandwiches (chick pea patties with tomatoes, pickle slice, and tahini sauce on pita bread)! Mama's even knows how to make a delicious Spaghetti and Meatballs with Garlic Bread on Wednesday and Thursday. Gotta get there early for the Italian food...goes really fast! Mama has this place in top condition with clean surroundings, reasonable prices, friendly service, and delicious homemade delicacies (don't forget the Baklava)!