We've MOVED!

New Blog, New Website:

http://www.celebratearkansas.com/

AROUND TOWN: FCA Golf Tournament

This Friday May 7^th, Northwest Arkansas FCA will be hosting its annual Golf Tournament at the Paradise Valley Golf Course in Fayettville. Shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and the winners will qualify for the FCA National tournament at TPC Sawgrass. Entry fee is $750 per team and hole sponsorships are $300. To register or learn more, visit nwafca.org.

The tournament will raise money to send area athletes to Christian summer camps. To find out more about FCA and their good works in our area, look for their feature in our May issue.

BUZZWORTHY: Spring Fling Trunk Show

If you’re anything like us, 3 Monkeys is your go-to place for darling duds for your favorite babes. So adorable, we’ve often wished they offered sizes that could fit us. Almost as though they were answering our prayers, 3 Monkeys joined forces with Barbara/Jean LTD for a Spring Fling trunk show bursting with amazing clothes and accessories for us “grown-ups.”

The two stores teamed up at the 3 Monkeys boutique in Rogers to bring one of Little Rock’s favorite boutiques to Northwest Arkansas and show us what all the excitement was about. We couldn’t help but stop by and check out the fashions ourselves. The selection was so great we had to share!

Love what you see? Each of these items are available at Barbara/Jean LTD for purchase.

Versace dress

Alice & Olivia jacket

Dolce & Gabbana purse

Dolce & Gabbana purse & Janis Savitt necklace

Oscar de la Renta flats

Oscar de la Renta heels

We couldn't stop by 3 Monkeys without checking out the latest and greatest for the smaller set. Their selection of Dior duds was to die for-featuring amazing frocks for infants and children. Stop by 3 Monkeys in the Shoppes at Pinnacle Hills to see it for yourself!

AROUND TOWN: Music on the Lawn

Pinnacle Hills Promenade is proud to present the fourth annual Music on the Lawn concert series every Saturday beginning May 1 through July 31 on the outdoor stage at center court, near Nine West, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Schedule of May Performers:
Saturday, May 1: “Josh Noren and The Good Day”
The band’s sound mimics the pop, blues, and rock combination of John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Herbie Hancock, and Coldplay . Their music is described as easy listening and groovy. Cover songs include "Stitched Up" by Herbie Hancock, "Heartbreak Warfare" by John Mayer, "In My Place by Coldplay", and several more.

Saturday, May 8: “Jazzmopolitan”
Jazzmopolitan is perfect for events hosting guests with a variety of musical tastes. Working with computer tracks, they have the ability to perform anything from Sinatra to the Stones.

Saturday, May 15: “Joel Schisler”
Joel enjoys performing original compositions, as well as covering artists such as The Dave Matthews Band, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Hall and Oates, and other contemporary artists.

Saturday, May 22: “Luda”
The band Luda consists of three avid jazz enthusiasts that perform a wide variety of jazz standards as well as such favorites as All My Lovin’, Blue Bayou, Crazy, Ticket to Ride and many more well-known selections.

Saturday, May 29: “L-Street”
L-Street has played in clubs and hot spots around the local area. The band’s sound comes from the classic rock, blues and country music interest in the songs made famous by Eric Clapton, Carlos Santa, Elvis, John Mellencamp, Keith Urban, ZZ Top and many more.


***Bring a blanket or lawn chair to relax and enjoy this free performance outdoors on the lawn at Pinnacle Hills Promenade.

AROUND TOWN: NWA Hispanic Council Spring Fling

Your VOTE Could Bring TCBY to Fayetteville!

White Chocolate Mousse anyone? 

I can tell you this -- as a child in Bentonville I enjoyed a cup of that addictive concoction every Saturday.  Add some sprinkles on top and seriously, it is pure dessert heaven. 

As most of you know, TCBY was founded in Arkansas -- but oddly enough we don't have a TCBY anymore in Northwest Arkansas.  That could change.  It all hinges on your vote. 

TCBY is giving away a frozen yogurt franchise in "The Great TCBY Store Giveaway".  Jared and Sarah Greer submitted a video application and essay for the contest.  They recently found out they have been chosen as one of the 10 national semi-finalists. 

Now they need NWA to rally like never before!  The 10 semi-finalists will be narrowed down to 5 finalists based upon voting by the public.

Visit http://tcby.com/giveaway/videos/ar between April 26th and May 10th to vote to bring TCBY back to NWA! 

A message from Jared Greer:

"If we win, we are not only bringing back an opportunity for everyone to enjoy TCBY’s delicious, 96% fat free frozen yogurt; we will be creating 20 – 30 new jobs in NWA, and helping the local economy recover."

And if Jared didn't convince you to vote, maybe this will....

or this....

or maybe this...

Good luck Jared and Sarah Greer!

(Follow them on Twitter @NwaTcby or on Facebook as Northwest Arkansas TCBY)

BUZZWORTHY: Power of a Purse

In honor of Mother's Day (coming up May 9th) we want to introduce you to a fairly new chapter of a charity gaining a presence in Northwest Arkansas.        

Mothers & More is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy.  The charity is committed to creating a place for mothers to feel part of a large community of women who are experiencing challenges that all mothers face -- not only in raising children but also in fulfilling their sense of belonging and making them feel comfortable in being themselves. 

The Northwest Arkansas chapter of Mothers & More is participating in a national campaign (running from April 5th - April 30th) called Power of a Purse -- which is designed to raise awareness of mothers' economic issues through the act of collecting new or gently used purses for mothers and women in need. 

Purses will be given to several local organizations the weekend before Mother's Day (specifically the Women's Shelter and Peace at Home Shelter).  In addition to the purses, Mothers & More will gather donations from local businesses to put additional items into each donated purse. 

We are currently working to gather drop-off information for anyone looking to donate a purse.  In the meantime, email bentonvillemoms@yahoo.com for more information. 

Or visit their website:  http://www.mothersandmore.org/chapters/NWArkansas/

UPCOMING EVENTS: 'Tini Night at Soul

Heads up Martini Lovers!  Tuesday is 'Tini night at Soul Restaurant and Lounge in Fayetteville. Every Tuesday from 5:00pm to 9:00pm a portion of the money you spend at Soul will go to Youth Bridge. 

Visit here for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Wine, cheese and jewelry....Oh My!

Is there anything more fabulous than wine, cheese and amazing jewelry? 

Check out this Marco Bicego TRUNK SHOW on Wednesday and Thursday at Romance Diamond Company in Fayetteville:

UPCOMING EVENT: Celebrate the Arts!

Support the arts on Friday night! 

Benton County School of the Arts High School will hold its Fine Arts Fundraiser on Friday, April 23rd from 6:00pm until 10:00pm at the Center for Non-Profits in Rogers, Arkansas.

*Benton County School of the Arts High School is a Public Charter School and runs primarily on donations.

AROUND TOWN: Pull out the PJ's This Evening!

The Susan G. Komen PJ Party is TONIGHT!

Where: Hyatt Place
Time: 5:00pm
Details: If you wear PJ's you will be eligible to win a trip to Hilton Head or Ft. Lauderdale
There will be a raffle with great prizes including movie/dinner packages and Bath Junkie gift sets.  Each raffle ticket is $5.00 and all proceeds go to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. 
The event will also have PINK drink specials and hors d'oeuvres from Carrabbas Italian Restaurant. 

For more details visit:  http://www.komenozark.org/

Other upcoming events:

Susan G. Komen Pasta Party (Carb up before the race!)
When:  The fun festivities begin at 6:00 p.m.
Where:  St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tontitown, AR
Details:  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the time you register for the race or at the door. (Kids 5 and under eat free)
Sponsored by Washington Regional Medical Center

For more details visit: http://www.komenozark.org/




And of course the big RACE for the CURE is Saturday, April 24!

FABULOUS FIND: I.O. Metro Now Carries Archipelago Soy Candles!

New candles arriving at I.O. Metro have a dual purpose:  They'll make your house smell fabulous and burn longer and cleaner (which is good for the environment!). 

I.O. Metro's new Archipelago soy candles

And check out I.O. Metro's blog to read why the new candles are better for you and Mother Earth:

http://iometro.blogspot.com/2010/04/burn-notice.html

AROUND TOWN: A View From The Top (Saturday Night)

AROUND TOWN: A View from the Top Gala

A VIEW FROM THE TOP GALA:  Saturday, April 17th Benefitting The Kendrick Fincher Foundation
For ticket sales, please call 479-986-9960 or visit http://www.kendrickfincher.org/

GIVING BACK: LIVE UNITED Day!

United Way Facilitates Largest, One-Day of Volunteer Service

Guest Blogger:  Brook Benoit, United Way of Northwest Arkansas

956 people. 4,010 hours. 65 projects. 51 nonprofits. $84,000 worth of time invested.
That’s the impact of one of the largest, one-day volunteer efforts supported by the United Way of Northwest Arkansas’ LIVE UNITED Day sponsored by GE Consumer Finance.

Today, the more than 950 people who are donating their sweat equity or five dollars to wear jeans to work are helping to save nonprofits in the community more than $84,000 in labor.

Teams throughout Northwest Arkansas are working on landscaping, painting, and various other improvement projects to help make the places that serve those in need more welcoming. More than that, it frees up resources so that more lives can be changed, and our community made stronger.

These are projects that are always things on nonprofits wish lists. Things that they want to do, but don’t have the resources to accomplish without a little help. LIVE UNITED Day helps to facilitate these wish list items by providing the man (and woman) power to accomplish the tasks they need.

LIVE UNITED Day brings together all the things that are great about the United Way movement – on one day, together, united, we join together to make a difference by giving, advocating, and definitely volunteering!

To all of those participating in LIVE UNITED Day, thank you for lending a hand to help advance the good of all.

Visit www.unitedwaynwa.org to learn more about all the ways you can LIVE UNITED and join the movement. Or keep up with the movement on Twitter @UnitedWayNWA or on Facebook.com/UnitedWayNWA.

BUZZWORTHY: Help the Kendrick Fincher Hydration Foundation Win $250K in Funding

http://www.refresheverything.com/hydrationcampaign

The Kendrick Fincher Hydration Foundation is in the running for $250,000 in funding through the Pepsi Refresh Project.  You can vote online at the link listed above.  Currently, the Foundation is ranked 142nd in the contest rankings.  So get out and vote for a local foundation, NWA!   Voting ends on April 30th. 

A little background information on the Kendrick Fincher Hydration Foundation for you:  It was established in 1996 after 13-year-old Kendrick died from heat stroke.  The Foundation provides educational presentations and resources to promote proper hydration and prevent heat illness.

Here's a clip from Rhonda Fincher:



For more information visit the website at http://www.kendrickfincher.org/.

AROUND TOWN: Meet the Real Family Behind the Blockbuster Movie "The Blind Side"

Banquet with Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy
Fundraising Banquet for Life Source International

Tuesday, May 18th

Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale
Silent Auction begins at 5:00
Dinner and Program to begin at 7:00

For more information or to purchase tickets visit Life Source International online. 

AROUND TOWN: Recycle Your Old Electronics Today!

Ditch your old electronics today (as well as Friday and Saturday) at Arvest Ballpark.  According to the Washington County Environmental Affairs & Recycling website, the following items will be accepted:

• Computers
• Copiers
• Phones
• Printers
• Stereos
• Televisions
• DVD & VCR Player
• Fax Machines
• Electronic Cable
• Microwaves
• Paper Shredders
• Handheld Devices (PDA’s, iPod, etc)
• Video Game Consoles
• Satellite Receivers

 

For more information on the free electronics recycling event click here.

AROUND TOWN: Ready to Run!

Komen Ozark Race for the Cure opened a new registration office to the public this morning (Wednesday, April 14th).  The new office is located in the Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall in Rogers and will be open for participant packet pick-up and registration until race day -- April 24th. 

Just a note if you live in Washington County:  Komen's second registration office will officially open this Friday in the Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville.

BUZZWORTHY: Beautiful Tulips Outside our Office!

Just thought I'd share these on this gorgeous spring morning in Northwest Arkansas!

GIVING BACK: Benefit Dinner and Donations Accepted for Cartwright Family

Imagine taking your four small children to Easter church services and coming back to find your house has burned beyond repair. That’s just what happened to the Cartwright family on April 3rd.
Now, imagine how you can help this family in need. There will be a Benefit Dinner for the Cartwright Family graciously hosted by Buffalo Wild Wings, Highway 412 in Springdale on Wednesday April, 21, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.

If you would like to donate, but are unable to attend the dinner, please contact Traci Farrah, Collier Drug Stores at 479-442-6262 or email her at traci@collierdrug.com.
The kids’ gender and sizes are as follows:

Girl, age 8, size 7-8

Boy, age 6, size 7

Boy, age 4. size 5

Girl, age 2, size 2

Any donations are greatly appreciated.

BUZZWORTHY: While we're on the topic of Arkansans on national television shows...

A Clarksville woman (and Bentonville High School graduate) will be spinning the wheel on Wheel of Fortune this Thursday, April 15th at 6:30pm on KFSM (Channel 5). 

Ashley Bryant Morgan says she tried out for the show in Branson almost a year ago.  She taped the show in January in Los Angeles and says it is one of the coolest things she's ever done! 

Good luck Ashley!

AROUND TOWN: You Won't Want to Miss These Events!

We are weeks away from launching our new Celebrate Magazine website.  In the meantime, I want to keep you all in the know about upcoming events in our area.

Call of the Wild:  Owls in Wonderland
Benefitting the Ozark Natural Science Center
April 24, 2010
6:00-10:00pm

To order tickets call ONSC at 479-789-2754
Visit here for more information:  http://www.onsc.us/events/

 
Big Doins' and Big Laughs
Benefitting the Benton County Sunshine School
Saturday, April 24th
6:00 to 11:00pm
For tickets -- call 479-636-3190
Visit here for more information:  http://bcss.cdmiweb.com/index-static.htm

6th Annual Grand Slam Celebration
     at the home of Colleen and Tom Pagnozzi
Proceeds benefit the Pagnozzi Youth Sports Scholarship Fund

Saturday, May 1st
6:30 to Midnight
For tickets visit:  http://bit.ly/9rLBgd

BUZZWORTHY: Bentonville High School Grad One Step Closer to ......GLEE!

She graduated from Bentonville High School just two years ago.  Now Cassandra Hernandez, a University of Central Arkansas student, is a step closer to becoming a cast member of Fox's popular series, Glee.

In pure American Idol style, Cassandra's future hinges on votes from the general public.  Cassandra is currently among 20 other finalists in a contest held by Fox 13 in Memphis.  The finalists recorded a song performance and a 30 second speech on "Why I should be a cast member on Glee".  The 20 finalists' pitches will be on http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/ between April 5th and April 19th where the public can vote for their favorite three finalists.

Check out this Facebook fan page for more information on the contest and Cassandra:  http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/event.php?eid=107942455905469&ref=mf

Good luck, Cassandra!  Celebrate Magazine is pulling for you!

FOOD FASHION TREND: Cupcakes are In!

An observation....

Last night I had dinner with a friend who is in town from Orlando.  He said cupcakes shops have been popping up all over the city and that meant one thing:  Ice cream is out.  Cupcakes are in!  It seems the same thing is happening in our area. 

Let me preface this by saying, I will always -- and have always -- been a huge ice cream fan.  I love the stuff.  I could live on the stuff.  But in the spirit of enjoying new things and venturing into new territory, I am finding my sweet tooth equally drawn to the new cupcake shops in town. 

Last fall, I had the chance to visit the popular Magnolia Bakery in New York City, made famous by Sex and the City and SNL's "Lazy Sunday" music video.  To be honest, I wondered why these types of stores hadn't popped up in our area yet.  It looks like I was just a couple months away from the cupcake craze happening in our neck of the woods. 

I had a chance to briefly talk with the folks at Kupcakes and More on the Bentonville Square and had them send me a few sweet images of their on-the-go snacks that will surely get your mouth watering: 

So my question:  Why are cupcakes so popular?  I scanned the 'net for answers and found everything from the fact that they're the perfect portion for dieters, to the popularity of the cupcake on Sex and the City...to the simple fact that there is less cleanup required.  Whatever the reason, the cupcake craze has made its way to Northwest Arkansas -- and this sweet tooth is thrilled. 

BUZZWORTHY: Ten of the BEST Springtime Secrets in Northwest Arkansas (and beyond!)

If you're like me, you spent your winter months stuck in the house a lot more than normal.  So as the temperatures have warmed up, I've found myself looking for interesting things to do outside in Northwest Arkansas.  Today, I asked a few friends on Facebook and Twitter to give me their SECRET SPRINGTIME hangouts, restaurants, relaxing spots, etc.  Sure, a few of these probably aren't top secret, but they definitely serve as a reminder of some awesome things to do in our area when the sun is high in the sky.   


1. SPRING EATS:   There's no better way to welcome a springtime forecast than to grab some grub in the sun.  Alex said his favorite patio in Fayetteville is the patio at Sassy's Red House

2. SPRING in BLOOM:   Michael on Facebook said he loves "watching the dogwoods blossom as the hummingbirds and butterflies return at Anedodi's Lodge on Lake Norfork". 

3. VIEW FROM ABOVE: With the flowers in bloom, a picturesque springtime place is the highest point in Fayetteville -- Mount Sequoyah. Many folks flock to the cross at the top of the mountain for a great view of Fayetteville or a spectacular photo op location.

4. BABBLING BROOK:  I had to weigh in on this one.  Bella Vista has a hidden treasure that is great for a relaxing afternoon walk or a waterside picnic.  With its nature trail, swinging bridge, bluffs and babbling brook -- Tanyard Creek is my favorite spring secret.

5. ON THE WATER:   Kim on Facebook shared her favorite spring secret:   "Eating at the Boatdock Cafe at Prairie Creek Marina."

6. CATCH A FLICK:  Why watch a movie inside when you can take in some night air and a featured flick at the same time?  Roll down the windows, grab some popcorn and head to the 112 Drive In Theatre in Fayetteville. 

7. ON THE PROWL:  Just outside of downtown Eureka Springs you can enjoy the springtime alongside lions, tigers and bears (oh my!).  Catch the cats during their feeding time or take a habitat tour at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. 

8. SPRING SHOPPING:  When the springtime air gets a bit gusty, there is a spring secret in Eureka Springs that will blow you away.  With a huge collection of kites (among other things) Kaleidokites in historic Eureka Springs is a fun place to shop for some of the coolest, most colorful kites in Arkansas. 

9.  BUZZWORTHY:  One of Celebrate's own staff members, Stephanie, says one of her favorite springtime secrets satisfies her sweet tooth.  La Rue's Beehive and Honey House serves up natural honey in various flavors.  And for all you springtime allergy sufferers, many people say that eating local honey can help with allergies. 

10. SPRING SWEET TOOTH:  Cupcakes must be the new "it food" in Northwest Arkansas, because cupcake shops are popping up all over town.  If you're in Washington County, Bliss Cupcake Cafe sits in downtown Fayetteville.  What a great spot to grab a cupcake, walk outside and enjoy the flowers on the Fayetteville Square!  

If you're looking to devour a cupcake in Benton County, Kupcakes & More just opened its doors on the Bentonville Square.