Did you hear about the time Gwen’s brother filled a water gun with pre-gelled Jell-o juice? No? Well, there was a white, long-haired cat involved. You can bet it didn’t end well.
Yes, we played that little game “Your Kid Did WHAT?!” on the air this morning. If you missed it, click on the blue bar to listen:
What did your kid do lately that made you incredulous, mad, crazy or hysterical with laughter?
Dear Tom,
Even though it happened a long way from here, I can’t get the Sandy Hook shooting out of my head. I have two kids in elementary school and I’m feeling very nervous when I drop them off at school. It’s getting so intense that I’m considering pulling them out to homeschool them so I can avoid this panicky feeling that someone might attack them at school. My husband says that I’m overreacting. But this feels very real to me. What should I do next?
Dear Mom:
Your concern for your children’s safety is a very normal thing. In light of the Newtown, Connecticut shooting, all parents are feeling more vulnerable and concerned about keeping their kids safe.
The question is the degree of that concern and whether that concern is getting to be so high or so intense that it impairs a mom or dad’s functioning in the common areas of their life.
You mention wanting to pull them out of school “to avoid this panicky feeling that someone might attack them at school.” What you’re experiencing is most likely an anxiety reaction to the fear that they might get hurt.
Please note that moving them to home schooling may reduce your concern, but it also might be very disruptive for them. Before you take the more drastic step of moving them to homeschooling, consider taking these steps first:
Check with your children’s elementary school on the following items:
Consider the relative risk of children being hurt at school versus other public places – parks, pools, malls, etc. No place is 100% safe.
Educate yourself on risk factors for each place and consider steps you can take to reduce that risk. Being thoughtful and pro-active will go a long way toward reducing your concern and anxiety.
Best wishes to you.
Tom Petrizzo serves as CEO of Ozark Guidance and has degrees in social work and law. You can reach Ozark Guidance at 479-750-2020. Tom has spent the last 20 years managing non-profit centers in Texas, Kansas, Colorado and Arkansas. He has also served as adjunct faculty at the social work graduate program at three large universities. He’s married to Teri Classick, a licensed clinical social worker, and they have two daughters. When he’s not at work, Tom likes to jog, bike ride, read and he even belted out the National Anthem lately at a Northwest Arkansas Naturals Game!
Tom would be happy to answer your questions and read what’s on your mind. Click the butterfly icon below to fill out an anonymous submission form with your question or concern. The form contains NO identifying information and is designed to give local women an online place to share concerns with a person qualified to offer feedback. Tom will be back each month to answer another woman’s question.
Disclaimer: This RESPONSE does not provide medical advice It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on nwaMotherlode or Ozark Guidance websites.
It’s another round of HEADLINES! Parent style.
This particular Mamas on Magic 107.9 segment focuses on a headline about a 5-year-old child and her bubble gun. We’d love to know how you think the school should have handled this situation.
Click the blue bar below to hear more about what happened. Click the comment button below to weigh in on the news story.
Sometimes we mamas worry about the wrong things. We worry about crazy accidents or abductions or natural disasters. But we forget that, statistically speaking, it’s the subtle, quiet things that threaten us most — like heart disease.
We need to know what’s going on with our heart and the hearts of those we love. And thanks to advancements in cardiology, there are some simple, very effective tests that can help us stay on top of our heart health.
A calcium score test is a special kind of x-ray of the heart that will tell you how much plaque may have built up inside the walls of your arteries. This test helps doctors take steps that can prevent a heart attack from happening.
Click the play arrow below to see Dr. Larry Weathers, cardiologist with Mercy Health, talk about what it’s like to get a calcium score test. (Good news — this test includes NO needles or pain so there’s no reason to put this off!)
NWAMotherlode.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor if you have questions about a medical condition. Don’t delay getting professional medical advice because of something you read online. This website doesn’t necessarily recommend or endorse any specific tests, doctors, products, procedures or opinions discussed on the site.
Yes, we’re serious. A teenager gave her parents milkshakes that had a little somethin’ extra in them: sleeping pills.
We talked about this crazy story plus a few others that have made headlines in recent weeks in our Mamas on Magic 107.9 segment today. We’ll be on the air talking about more headlines tomorrow.
If you missed today’s segment, click the blue bar below to hear:
By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode.com beauty editor
Dry skin is a nuisance for anyone, especially in the winter when we cover ourselves in scratchy, wool outerwear and then come inside to the welcome, but, very dry heat.
If you aren’t exfoliating properly, those little flakes of skin that go flying with your touch (I know, yuck, sorry) will clog your delicate pores, causing breakouts and just make you itch like crazy.
Since I suffer from dry skin, even in the best climates, winter can get quite embarrassing. I’ve had friends recommend microdermabrasion to help, but since I am a typical mommy-martyr, I am reluctant to spend the money and time on myself. I have settled on over-the-counter products like Origins Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion scrub, which promises similar results.
I was very happy with the results but wanted something for everyday use. I can never keep the tiny granules out of my hairline, so I only use scrubs on my face when I am washing my hair. I am a huge fan of facial wipes for the convenience of cleaning my face in bed, so when I saw the Equate Micro Dermabrasion Exfoliating Cleansing Towlettes, I had to give them a try.
When I opened them I thought it was hilarious that they were basically the same wipes I always use but one side of the clothe was covered in raised dots (like minky fabric). That’s when I realized that the term “microdermabrasion” could include everything from actual surgical procedures to my daughter’s grubby blankie. Ah, more research was needed, surely.
Microdermabrasion is the less invasive grandson of dermabrasion, a surgical skin planing method of removing the top and mid-level layers of skin and require a general anesthetic. Microderm can be performed by non-physician personnel and untrained individuals in their homes and is a procedure to help exfoliate or temporarily remove a few of the top layers of skin.
It’s like brushing your teeth and removing the top layers of plaque and debris for a temporary result. It helps reduce the after effects of sun exposure and minimizes wrinkles, fine lines and shallow acne scars. A typical microderm machine combines the use of a fine abrasive tip or crystals and a vacuum suction to pull up the skin to be treated and remove the crystal particles and dead skin cells.
The procedure has been described as the feeling of a cat licking your skin — a rough but gentle texture. This completely ooks me out, but hey, maybe you’re a cat lover.
Since microdermabrasion is almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance most likely will not cover the cost, which averages $100-$200 per session in-office. New home units are available for $150-$300 but are generally weaker than a professional treatment. There are also many microderm creams available ranging from $10-$100, but since this is a consumable resource, it may be worth it to invest in the longer lasting machine.
If you want to start out with a cream, look for one that contains aluminum oxide crystals or other sand-like debris that manually exfoliate the skin. One kit that has received good reviews and I am going to try myself is Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Rejuvenator for around $35.
I also have noticed that professional products advertise as microdermabrasion (one word and the correct spelling), whilst my cheapy face wipes say Micro Dermabrasion (two words). I can’t say anything definitive about the difference but I will definitely be looking for the distinction on my next shopping trip.
FYI: The FDA classifies microdermabrasion as a Class 1 medical device, which means it can be sold without any demonstration of clinical efficacy and can be operated without medical supervision. With over 100 different machines on the market, buyer beware! Get referrals if you are planning on having it done at a clinic or spa and do lots of research before buying an in-home device.
Whew, that is the most scientific information my poor brain has had to handle in a long time…yes, that makes me sad, too.
Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.
Note from the mams: Congratulations to Celesta McLaughlin, winner of the photo session. We can’t wait to see the “after” shots, Celesta! Have a great time going Hollywood!
When was the last time you felt really glamorous? With your hair just so, wearing a beautiful dress and happy with your makeup?
When we become moms, we sometimes forget about that little part of ourselves that loves being a girl. And once we become moms we hardly ever think to get another picture of ourselves alone (unless we do a quick iPhone pic for our Facebook page). In fact, we’re usually the ones behind the camera and don’t even make it into the picture at all.
This amazing giveaway is for you, mama. We know the woman who wins this will feel like a movie star. Not only will the she win a vintage-inspired glamour photography session — along with 10 of the most beautiful prints – from Greyline Creative, she’ll also get gorgeous in hair and makeup before the shoot. And where will the shoot be? At picturesque Pratt Place Inn!
We’re not talking about those “glamour shots” you remember from the 80s. No, no, no. We wouldn’t do that to you.
But it’s better to let the pictures do the talking. Our friend, Heather, had some portraits done by Casey at Greyline and we were wowed. See?
About Greyline Creative: We believe that the pictures above say much more than we ever could about Casey, who owns Greyline Creative! Her portraits are just amazing. We think it’s really cool that, in addition to shooting all the “normal” photos like families, babies and events, she also offers these vintage-inspired glamour photo sessions.
We think this pretty picture says it all:
About Bouffants and Beehives: Bouffants and Beehives works with Greyline Greyline to bring the whole “glamour session” dream come true. They take care of the hair, makeup and styling. Owner Ali is a graphic/web designer and artist. She blogs all kinds of fun tutorials and info at her blog here.
About Pratt Place Inn and Barn: When we first visited Pratt Place Inn for a birthday party, we were so impressed. This elegant boutique hotel is tucked away in Fayetteville on Sassafras Hill, really close to Razorback Stadium. It’s the PERFECT backdrop for beautiful pictures. In fact, lots of weddings and events are held at the Inn and the Pratt Place Barn, which is also on the 140-acre property.
We adore the inn’s wrap-around porch and the seven guest rooms we visited were so gorgeous! Everywhere you look there are antiques from Europe and Asia.
In fact, it would be a great place to get away for a night without the kids. They have in-house spa services and offer a European continental breakfast in your room. Ahhhh. Click here to visit the Inn’s website and to take a virtual look around.
How to Enter: If you would love to win this glamour photography session, just click on the comment button below and tell us about your favorite picture of all time. Is it one of your grandparents in front of an old model-T? You and your husband on your wedding day? Your baby girl taking her first gasp of air? We’d love to hear about it!
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ODDS: Help us spread the word about the giveaway and we’ll give you extra chances to win. Send an email to your friends about the giveaway and be sure to put giveaways@nwaMotherlode.com on the CC line of your note. We’ll give you an extra chance to win for every person you tell.
BE SOCIAL: Spread the word via social media and we’ll give you extra chances as well. Just share the giveaway with your friends on Facebook (click here to go see the post on our Facebook and share from there) or share about the giveaway on Twitter to increase your odds of winning. If you do either of these things, just let us know in your posted comment or send us an email so we can give you proper credit.
Guest post by Kristina Starnes, speech language pathologist specializing in pediatric feeding
Dinner time can be anything but enjoyable at times. Not only for those families faced with the challenge of having a very selective eater, but for a lot of families in general.
We start our days often in a rush, getting child A to school on time while child B is crying for basic needs in life like food, diaper change, etc. Once the day has begun we get into our groove and may be trying to accomplish a lot of needed tasks in the day before picking up the kids from school and tackling homework and any extracurricular activities that have been tossed into the week.
Sitting down together at the table for dinner as a family does not always happen as we would like and often a mealtime battle will begin at the table with the “I don’t want to eat this…I’m NOT eating this”…so on and so forth. Many of us have been there!
Before sitting down to write I had several former feeding therapy kiddos in mind.
I thought of the families who had spent a lot of time and energy trying to make mealtime happy for their child. A child who already struggles with trying new or different foods does not have the same mealtime experience or experience in general about food as most of us do. I suggest taking the time to fall into a relaxed, somewhat predictable routine if you have found this a challenge.
Establishing a Mealtime Routine:
I’ll use the name Ethan as an example. A routine could begin with Ethan watching a favorite show or movie while the meal is being prepared. Keep in mind that it takes multiple exposures to a new food before acceptance. Start by adapting foods that your child already knows and accepts. Small changes and familiar textures and flavors will allow for greater success! It is also helpful to start talking about what you are having for dinner at the start of the day “Its chicken night Ethan”— talk about it again on the drive home from daycare.
Little jobs in the kitchen…can be as simple as Ethan picking the plates or pushing some buttons on the microwave. How about having him sprinkle some cheese on the quesadilla, shake some salt or seasoning on one of the dishes. This will help him feel like a pretty big helper and hopefully be the start of a more relaxed mealtime for the whole family.
At our home we sometimes turn on the music at dinner or have a candle. The point being to create the routine so he knows what will happen next: First this, then that, then time to eat. You want this to be as free of stress as possible and start turning the process into one you all look forward to. I know it feels like so much of a hassle at first but this will get easier.
You will probably find your own routine and way to de-stress everyone. I do think it’s important for us as parents to keep the stress out of our lives so the kids don’t pick up on it. For some this may be a walk around the neighborhood (depending on how hungry everyone is and the amount of time you have), for others it may be sipping a glass of wine while preparing the meal or turning on some favorite music.
I’ve included some recipes below that are power packed with veggies along with a fun little dessert or snack that you can easily make in less than 5 minutes!
Samurai meatballs
This is a milk and egg free recipe that is fairly simple and fun to eat! If not avoiding eggs you can replace the egg-free mayo with regular and the panko breadcrumbs with regular.
1/2 package frozen chopped spinach, cooked on stovetop or steamed then pureed
1/2 package lean ground turkey (approximately 3/4 pound)
1 tablespoon egg free mayo
1/3 cup whole wheat panko crumbs
sea salt, garlic powder and onion powder to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. When mixed together, roll into balls and place on a greased cookie sheet ( I also used mini muffin pan) Bake for 30 minutes.
Note from Kristina: My daughter enjoyed eating these on a wooden skewer and dipping them into her favorite dipping sauce which was presented in a Smile across the plate (see photo above). I would make one change and that would be to make smaller meatballs because they were a little too big for that perfect bite-size! Hope you enjoy!
***Disclaimer: Be careful with pointy Skewers! I’ve already gotten ‘scolded’ by Nana who suggests “transferring them to a plate and eating with a fork”
Veggie surprise mashed potatoes
What You’ll Need:
½- ¾ cup sliced zucchini
1 cup cauliflower
1 cup potato flakes
Dash of sea salt and garlic salt
1 tablespoon light butter
¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1. Steam the zucchini and cauliflower. (I used a microwave steamer bag)
2. In a separate bowl mix the potato flakes with ~ ¼ cup skim milk and ¼ cup water and add the butter and cheese, place in microwave for 3-4 minutes
3. Puree the steamed veggies (I am loving my Magic Bullet …makes a super smooth mixture) and add to the potato mixture. Voila! Yum yum.
It’s always a good sign when the 3 year old asks for More! Matching taste and texture to the ‘preferred’ food (mashed potatoes) is the secret to success.
Yogurt dippin’ dots
This one is fun and easy! Take a container of any favorite yogurt and empty into a ziplock bag. Cut a small opening in one corner of the bag and squeeze little dots onto a baking sheet. Freeze. Scrape off your dots into a bowl, grab a spoon and enjoy! I’ve also used a decorator frosting tip which made a pretty design. Enjoy!
Kristina Starnes lives in Fayetteville with her husband, Chris, and their 2 girls. She is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in pediatric feeding disturbances. Kristina loves to teach children and babies of all ages about food and overcoming obstacles to make mealtimes happy and healthy. She enjoys creating recipes and adapting them according to a child’s specific oral motor and sensory needs. To read more about pediatric feeding disturbances and ways you can help your child as well as when to refer to a feeding specialist check out Kristina’s blog at www.pickytots.blogspot.com and her Facebook page here.
Happy Monday!
This morning on our Magic on Mamas 107.9 segment, we talked about words that have been banned for 2013. Not really banned, mind you, but nominated to be banned — or voted on by your fellow Americans to be eliminated from the English language.
The list includes: fiscal cliff, YOLO (You Only Live Once), whatever and like. As in: Like, people just, like, hate it when you overuse the word like!
The Motherlode mamas also vote to ban the phrases “baby bump” and “baby daddy”.
We’re on the air every weekday morning at 7:45. Stop by and we promise to make you laugh. Usually. Unless it’s a serious topic. Which, like, it usually isn’t.
The rest of the week we’ll talk about some crazy parent-related headlines and play a few rounds of “Your kid did WHAT?!”
Talk to you then!
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
By Bro. John L. Cash
My father’s oldest brother was named Howard. He outlived all of his siblings, reaching the ripe old age of 89 years. My Uncle Howard was wonderful, and I adored him. I’ll have to tell you all about him sometime.
Several years before Uncle Howard passed away, he had a series of small strokes that affected his ability to choose the correct word for the idea he was trying to express. His life became very frustrating. In his discouragement, he said that he was going to pray for the Lord to “take him on home to Heaven” because he was tired of living this life below.
However, after a bit of time had passed by, Uncle Howard began to recover and to feel better. One day his son was helping him pay a stack of bills. One of the bills was a subscription notice for a little magazine that Uncle Howard liked to read. His son said, “Daddy, there’s a renewal letter for your magazine. You can renew for one year. But if you renew for three years, you save some money. Which do you want to do?”
Uncle Howard thought about it briefly and decided he would renew his subscription for three years. You see, a wonderful thing had happened. Howard Cash had gotten his second wind! He went on to live a number of happy years in an assisted living facility. He became an expert pocket-billiards player and rode around the campus on a Rascal Wheelchair Scooter. He called out the numbers in a weekly Bingo hour, was active in his church, and was dearly loved by all the other residents. The last years of his life were very happ
y.
There’s a very important lesson for all of us here. We all become tired and discouraged from time to time. But, the most beautiful thing of all is that — in our lives with the Lord — He very often sends us a second wind. That’s what David was talking about in The 23rd Psalm when he wrote, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures…He restoreth my soul.”
So this week, when you are weary, don’t go to pieces. Go to the Shepherd instead.
Dr. John L. Cash is the “Country Preacher Dad.” He was raised in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and has spent the last 27 years being a country preacher in the piney woods five miles south of the little town of Hickory, Mississippi. (On week days has a desk-job at a public school and teaches Latin on closed-circuit-television.) He and his lovely wife, Susan, live in the parsonage next door to the Antioch Christian Church (where the Preacher and his wife sometimes get tired but always get rested up again.) The Cashes have two sons, Spencer (age 21), and Seth (age 18), who live in the parsonage, too, except when they are away at college. He would love to hear from you in an email sent to countrypreacherdad@gaggle.net.
By Gwen Rockwood, newspaper columnist and mama of 3
There’s a monster in the house. His name is Gimme – as in “Gimme more.” His attempt to take over the children’s minds is frustrating. Less than one month after Santa’s generosity, the Gimme Monster still can’t stop clamoring for more.
But we understand how this ogre works because the Gimme Monster has been around for centuries. He is, in part, hard-wired into the human brain. It’s natural to reach for more. It’s part of what pushes us to invent, explore and improve.
But that natural urge to have more has a dark side, and the Gimme Monster is the spawn of that dark side. This beast has a permanent hall pass at every school in America. Over ham sandwiches in the cafeteria, kids compare toy acquisitions and discuss who has the latest tech gadgets, the coolest new video games and who’s allowed to see R-rated movies. Judging by the after-school reports and requests I hear from our three kids, there’s always a new, cool thing to want that somebody else already has.
I remember being in grade school and feeling jealous of a tall blonde girl in my class who had the kind of wardrobe that could fill several walk-in closets. Her parents were upper class and the girl’s mother made sure her daughter never wore the same outfit to school more than once. She was a walking tween fashion show, and the rest of us mere mortals could only stand by and watch and wish – for more, more, more. (And then we went home and bugged our mothers to buy us new Jordache jeans because “all the other kids have them.” Sorry about that, Mom.)
So a few days ago, after I said “no” once again to a request for a new video game, I explained that even someone as ancient as me understands what it’s like to want more. I wanted more when I was a kid. And I still like and want new things. That part is normal.
But I’ve also learned that constantly fixating on things we don’t have can make us (kids and grown-ups, too) nothing short of miserable. It’s like walking around with an internal hole that never fills up. Because the Gimme Monster lives in that hole and he is insatiable. He won’t 
ever get enough, no matter how often or how much you shove at him. And if you indulge him, he’ll stay around forever – comparing you to the Joneses and pushing you toward that elusive “more” for the rest of your life.
So Tom and I are trying to walk that fine line between giving our kids the fun things and experiences of childhood without feeding the beast who always craves more – who is never happy with “what is” and can only think about “what’s next.”
Sometimes it feels like bouncing between two extremes. On one side, I want to see my kids’ faces light up with the surprise and joy of getting something they like. On the other side, I want them to understand that there are millions of kids in the world who can’t even imagine wanting things like computers, headphones and new apps because they’re busy wishing for food and clean water.
I know our kids already have what they need. And I hope we’re teaching them how to work for and wait for things they want. But most of all, I want them to learn how to beat back the Gimme Monster and feel content in what they have – and to know what a blessing it is to simply have enough.
Gwen Rockwood is a mom to three great kids, wife to one cool guy, a newspaper columnist and co-owner of nwaMotherlode.com. To read previously published installments of The Rockwood Files, click here. To check out Gwen’s new book, “Reporting Live from the Laundry Pile: The Rockwood Files Collection,” click HERE.
Author Photo credit: Lisa Mac Photography
Are you absolutely THRILLED it’s Friday? Well, so are we!
Today in our Mamas on Magic 107.9 segment, we wrapped up a week-long discussion about some of our favorite parenting tips from author Michelle Borba.
The tips today included:
Hear more about these tips by clicking the blue bar below. Have a great weekend and enjoy hanging out with your kids! xox
Name: Riana Thomas
Children’s names and ages? Lauryn (6) Sarah (11 months)
Where are you from and how long have you lived in NWA? I originally grew up in the Green Forest/Harrison, AR area, however in 2006 we were moved to Chicago for my husbands job (talk about a culture shock), he was just transferred back to NWA in April 2012 and we are so very glad to be back in Arkansas.
Tell us about your family: My husband works for Tyson Foods, I am now a stay at home mom and also an Independent Fragrance Consultant for Gold Canyon Candles. My girls are my miracles, as I was told years ago, I would never have children, and here they are bursting with life, happy and healthy!
In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a mom? The never ending surprises, you never know what’s coming next, watching them learn and change is such a blessing.
What are your favorite hobbies? Baking, selling Gold Canyon Candles, and spending time with my family and friends.
What about your favorite movie? I have several but, at the moment I would say Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect they make me laugh.
Winter, spring, summer or fall? Why? Fall ~ I love the changing of the leaves, such beautiful colors and here you see so much more of that than in a big city area.
Tell us about some traditions you’ve started with your kids: This year we started (like a million others) The Elf on the Shelf, but what we have always done is go every Christmas and get a personalized family ornament, the only year we are missing is 2009 and Lauryn was sick that year and we spent Christmas in hospital so we decided we would not get that year, because we ALL couldn’t go pick it out.
What are go-to activities in NWA? We have been to Crystal Bridges, and we are food people so we try the different restaurants in the area, but we are hoping to find more things to do/activities this year in the area since we wont be busy unpacking 
If you could have a vacation anywhere this winter, where would it be? Playa del Carmen or Rivera Maya… I love the beautiful blue water, warm and sandy beaches…
Which songs are on your iPod right now? Smells like teen spirit (Nirvana), Wanted (Hunter Hays), Home (Michael Buble), I like it all…
If a song was written about your life, what would the title be? She’s always saying, no, no, no…
One thing I have been meaning to do is: Get out and meet more people/moms… I have always worked in an office and met people that way… Staying at home is a whole new world…
How do you unwind at the end of the day? With 3 Chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk while my husband and I try to catch up on the shows we have DVR’d
One word to sum me up… Happy
Attention all shoe and handbag addicts: Get ready to SHOP. Because the mother of all shoe and handbag sales is this Saturday.
We think this may be the most genius idea for a non-profit fundraiser ever invented because everyone truly wins. Shoe lovers are able to clear some space in their closets by donating gently used shoes to the event. And shoe lovers are also able to shop this event and pick up brand new lovelies for — here’s the amazing part — $10 per pair of shoes. TEN BUCKS, people. This is serious.
This annual sale is happening this Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Arvest Ballpark. Doors open at 8 a.m., but you’ll definitely want to go early to this event and get in line. (Some people go as early as 6 a.m. or sooner.) The early birds will get the best selection of new and 
gently used shoes — all of which will be on sale for only $10 per pair. (Can you say SCORE? Your feet are going to love you.)
There’s a reason why this sale happens at a huge ballpark. There are more than ONE THOUSAND pair of shoes — and we haven’t even mentioned the handbags yet!
If you happen to be a handbag junkie, you’ll feel right at home at this event because it features handbags in addition to women’s, men’s and children’s shoes. Each handbag is also only $10.
This popular event has grown each year, and this year it will include new features like the “Designer Corner.” This area of the sale will feature high-end brands that will sell for only $20 per pair. Keep in mind that many of these shoes are brand new and were donated by local shoe stores like Warren’s. They may have originally retailed for more than $200, so we’re talking about a 90% savings off the original price.
You can move from the “Designer Corner” over to the “Bargain Bin,” where you can browse through shoes that will sell for only $2 per pair. It’s a perfect opportunity to stock up on flip-flops and other less expensive shoes for the summer.
Mark your calendar for this sale on Saturday, January 26th, and grab a few friends to take with you to make it even more fun to shop.Keep in mind that the money for this event will go toward counseling services for kids and adults right here in our community. Because mental illness is not discussed as often as other illnesses, most people don’t realize that it affects more people than cancer, heart disease and diabetes. So the money from this fundraiser is incredibly important for Northwest Arkansas. For more info on this event, click HERE.
Well, hello there! This week in our Mamas on Magic 107.9 segments we’ve been talking about some great parenting tips from one of our favorite parenting experts, Dr. Michelle Borba.
The tips today (listen to the clip below for more info):
As Gwen said on the air this morning, “Man, this parenting stuff is not a walk in the park, is it? There’s so much that goes into raising human beings.”
Click the blue bar below to hear Thursday’s Mamas on Magic 107.9:
Stay in touch!