Monday, October 20, 2008

Arkansas Awesomeness

I had a great time going to craft fairs last week but I have had my share of craft fairs, festivals, and extravaganzas to last me for a while. I found so many neat things, Christmas gifts, and great bargains that it is impossible for me to write or show them all in one post. The road trip with Bryan's mom, her friend, and her niece was great. We had tons of laughter and came home with inside jokes that no one will find funny but us!!

I love love love NW Arkansas.I think it has such pretty scenery. I stayed in Bella Vista and there are curvy, hilly roads with trees galore. Just a beautiful drive! The above picture was actually at the War Eagle Mill.


On Thursday morning we went to the Bella Vista Craft Festival and then went to another craft festival close by. I saw so much cute Razorback merchandise that I think I was nearly converted over; nearly but not quite yet!! But I will pull for you at times!!

I found some really neat Fall decor at Bella Vista. Here are just a few items.

I was so excited to meet with Kelly on Thursday evening at Abuelos.



Isn't she just beautiful! I truly think expectant mothers are some of the most beautiful women. Their faces are just glowing with excitement. I really appreciate Kelly taking time out of her week to see me. She had worked some very long days and I'm sure she was tired. Her visit was so refreshing for me. It was so fun to sit back and just talk. I think she is missing an ear because I'm sure I talked it off.


Kelly got me this wonderful Willow Tree figurine called Angel of Prayer and encouraging card. The front of the card reads "God can work things out"


It means so much to know people are really truly praying for Bryan and I and they are not just saying empty words. Kelly blessed our food at Abuelos and spoke the most eloquent beautiful words to God for Bryan and I. I am blessed she is my friend!!

On Friday morning we went to War Eagle. I got some Christmas presents there and I also came home with some groceries. I can't wait to eat all of this!!

On one of the days we went to an estate sale and I bought this old rocker!
Believe it or not, it fit in Donna's van. I bet we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies with all our purchases and a rocker to top it off.
On Friday night "the group" ate at the Fish City Grill. The food was delicious but I didn't take pictures. Some in "the group"

Left to Right: Cindy (Bryan's aunt), Karen (Bryan's cousin), Donna -- in the green shirt (Bryan's mom), and Gayla (Donna's best friend). I laughed so much with Donna and Gayla. It was a blast!

On our trip home Saturday we stopped at Oops!! I remembered Kelly mentioning it on her blog before and I called her on Friday to get the directions. It just so happened it was on the very road we would take to go home!! Yippee!!! I got so much stuff there but I saved boocoos of money!!! I got Christmas ornaments for $1.80!!!

Then in Siloam Springs, AR we stopped at the DaySpring Card outlet and I spent over 2 hours in that store. The money I saved there was unbelievable. I'm sure Donna and Gayla got tired of hearing about it. I got some notepads for the ladies in my Bible study group. They normally cost $7.99 but the outlet had them for $2.00. I bought 12. On this purchase alone, I saved $71.88!!!!! I also bought at least 4 Christmas gifts. I would drive back to Siloam Springs just to shop at this store. If you live in the area definitely visit this store!!

On this trip I bought a lot but a saved a ton!! I had more pleasure in knowing the dollars I saved than I think the actual item!! It is also a big relief to get some Christmas presents taken care of. Maybe I should relocate to NW Arkansas!!

15 comments:

Brooklyn said...

sounds like you had so much fun. would you believe i've never been to arkansas except to drive through it? i would love to hit those shops. i'm glad you got some good deals. maybe someday this week or next we can go to the y for a walk and visit?

Weeksie50 said...

Wow, what a wonderful time you had.. and what great finds.. I think the picture of the scenery is so beautiful..

Candy said...

Wow, it does look beautiful there! I've only been to north AR once and of course I've been to south AR lots! :) I'm glad ya'll had such a GREAT trip! You found such cute things and YAY for saving $! :)

Laura said...

Glad you had so much fun on your girls shopping trip!

Megan L Hutchings said...

I am so glad you had so much fun on your trip and you were able to get a little shopping done as well ;)!

I LOVE THE PUMPKIN!

petrii said...

Julie,
WOW!! I'm so glad you had so much fun and saved money too ~~ WOOHOO!!! I love the War Eagle crafts fair, I haven't been in a couple of years, but this made me want to go back.

You look so cute and relaxed with Kelly ~~ you're right she is a BEAUTIFUL pregnant woman!!

So glad your back. Blessings to you friend and praying for you,
Dawn
How is Bryan's MeeMaw doing?

The Hickmans said...

Hey Girl!
Did you know I live in Siloam Springs!?! Next time you come thru, look me up and we need to get together! I'm so glad you had a great trip!

Guyla said...

I'm glad you had a fun and safe trip! I've been thinking about you alot.

Faith said...

What a great weekend you had! I love all the pictures and reading all about what you got. I love the wire pumpkin with the candle. I wish I was near Oops! I am all about saving some money!

valerie said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time. You got some really cute things and you're right...to already have Christmas gifts purchased....yay!

How sweet that you got to visit with Kelly again over dinner. I love the little gift she got you.
It is so precious to know someone is praying for you who truly understands, huh?

I'm so glad you had a good time.
What a blessing it is to get away from the same 'ole, same 'ole.

I was born in Arkansas, by the way. ;)

Kelly said...

First of all - I'm glad you love NWA!!! I'm a little biased but it is great!
You found so many great things - I'm so glad!!!! I'm glad you found oops and hopefully found some stuff there. I need to go there. I have NEVER been to the daysprings outlet but my mother goes constantly (can you believe all the things that are here in my backyard that I never go to?)
I LOVED seeing you and it was fun to visit with you! You are so sweet the things you said - I really am praying daily for ya'll!

Immeasurably More Mama said...

I'm so glad you had a good time and you found some really great stuff!!!
I've heard about Oops on a couple of blogs and wish I could go there!

ocean mommy said...

WOW! What incredible goodies you brought home! I LOVE the rocker...

I'm praying for you and Bryan too. Keep hanging on to God...he's got something really great for you two. :)

Have a wonderful week!
stephanie

Heather said...

This is awesome and I am so glad you had such a wonderful time! NW Ark IS beautiful! Praying for you!

Alana said...

Sounds like such a great time. It is so great that Kelly was able to bless you that way. Meeting blog friends is so great!