If you follow my recipes, you know that I love to use Avocado Oil to cook with.  I also use it to soak and season my tomatoes, green beans, and many other.

The most abundant fatty acid in avocado oil is oleic acid, a fatty acid that provides numerous health benefits as well.  Research shows that avocado oil may benefit heart health, including reduced blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

Another reason that I use this wonderful oil so much is that studies show that it helps reduce inflammation in patients that suffer from arthritis.


However, did you know it is great for your skin?

Avocado Oil: Avocado Oil is incredible for your skin due to it’s healthy, monounsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E. It smooths and moisturizes while improving your skin tone. The high level of antioxidants in Avocado Oil also make it incredible at calming and soothing sensitive skin and has even shown to help with eczema and sunburns.

Research has concluded that avocado oil has incredible anti-aging qualities.  It is a #winwin for your beauty regimen.

Avocado oil is a relatively good source of lutein, a carotenoid that's naturally found in your eyes. It functions as an antioxidant that has benefits for eye health.

Eating plenty of lutein may reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, which are common age-related eye diseases. Your body doesn't produce lutein, so you must obtain it from your diet

Below is a list of various ways to add this wonderful oil to your diet:

• Add a tablespoon to a smoothie.
• Drizzle over a salad.
• Use it as a marinade for grilling 
• Include it when baking.
• Use it in homemade mayo.
• Drizzle it over vegetables before roasting.
• Soak your veggies in avocado oil and add garlic pepper 

It can be added cold to salads or smoothies, and is also great for cooking, grilling or baking.​

TaI suffer from extreme Arthritis.   I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis almost 12 years ago.   As a young child, I suffered from Arthritis type of conditions, as well as severe migraine headaches.

I would miss many days of school at a time due to joint pains and headaches.   I probably had Rheumatoid as a child,  but back in my early years you visited your old school family Doctor, and they just gave you lots of meds and steroids.

Don't get me wrong; I still take steroid treatments today when my body can't move.  I have tried numerous medications that have caused me terrible side effects and nausea.  

Your diet and emotional state can play a big part in decreasing your overall joint and other nagging pain.   I am a "hyper" person naturally.  It is hard for me to sit still.   I suffered from anxiety as a teen.  So much so, that I had to carry a brown paper bag with me to breath in/out.   I also have asthma, so that's a double whammy.

Some friends of mine told me about hemp oil.  They said it had worked miracles for them.  It decreased the inflammation in their joints, thus reducing the pain.   Research shows that CBD has been reported to reduce the inflammation by preventing cytokine formation in the body. Therefore, swelling is reduced, along with the stiffness, which leads to less pain.  

Other anti-inflammatory medications can cause extreme stomach issues to include ulcers.  I experienced terrible stomach issues with various medications that I tried to help ease the inflammation in pain.

I am excited to try the Daddy Burt Hemp oil.   I am thankful that Daddy Burt reached out to me to try their product.  I will be documenting by the journey, and sharing the results with all of you.

I have researched Daddy Burt products, and I am comfortable; they are the best fit.   Joe ‘Daddy Burt’ Burton was one of the largest hemp farmers in the country during the early 1900s. Bob Estes, the founder of Daddy Burt Hemp Co, is the great-grandson of Daddy Burt.

Daddy Burt Hemp Co. was inspired by his great legacy of farming, helping others and doing things the right way, never cutting corners.

Although Daddy Burt passed away in 1959 at the age of 67, stories of the great man, his legacy, and hemp farming history live on today with Daddy Burt Hemp Co.  The company is committed to the process from Plant to Product, without cutting any corners.   They ensure that the highest quality CBD and hemp products to support the health and wellness of you and your family.

Daddy Burt Company stands by the Plant-To-Product™ System, by building a system to go above and beyond the current product, legal, and safety regulations to guarantee their CBD products are consistently high-quality. 

Daddy Burt uses independent third-party testing to verify their ingredients, which separates them from others in the industry.  

Their belief is simple: 

If people are going to receive the health and wellness benefits from CBD, they need to be able to trust the company they are buying from.  The Plant-To-Product™ System tracks the product from before the CBD-rich hemp seeds are planted to the moment your product is bottled and sealed. 

I have researched, and the #CBD oil is safe and legal for me to use.   I am excited to give this product a try in hopes that my pain and inflammation will be significantly reduced.   I also heard from my friends who use #CBD, that it helps you sleep better.

Daddy Burt Company was generous enough to send me a bottle to start my journey, as well as, a bottle to give to one of our Subscribers.   If you want to join in on a journey with me, please make sure and subscribe to our newsletter.   We will be drawing on Friday, May 31st.    This product is valued at $75.00.   #daddyburthemp  #daddyburt

Be sure and check out the Daddy Burt Company store for their various products to include oils and gummies.    They are offering free shipping on orders of $50 or more. 

Don't forget to sign up as a subscriber to be eligible for one bottle of the oil valued at $75.00 on May 31st.  Go to our home page:  https://www.sweetyellowcornbread.com/ and sign up under the tab.

TAKE THE SURVEY -----WE WANT TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE TRIED #CBD Products?  

Thanks to all of you who participated in our poll for the best cookie, cake and tea preference.

 I am surprised about some of the outcome.  Before we get to the results, I want to share a little tidbit of information.

I also want to thank my friend, John at Community Bakery for helping sponsor the poll.   Community Bakery has donated a $20.00 gift card for the lucky winner from the participants in the poll.   

Community Bakery is popular in Little Rock, Arkansas.  It was found in 1947 by Ralph Hinson and first located in North Little Rock.   In 1952,  Ralph moved the bakery and storefront to 14th & Main in Little Rock.   In the late 1970s the head cake decorator, Agnes Bargiel,  bought the business until she sold it to Joe Fox in 1983.   Agnes continued to decorate the famous cakes at the Bakery until her death in 2008.

Fox expanded the Bakery to open a second location in West Little Rock in 1986.   He relocated the Main Street store to the historic Cohn Building after renovation.  The Bakery has received numerous awards from the Arkansas Times and The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for "Best Bakery."

Today, John Brandenberger and his wife Juli Jarrard Brandenberger,  are the new faces of the Bakery.  The Bakery employs over 70 people and is using the same recipes that were created from scratch over 60 years ago.   New items are being added often as well as, custom orders. There are many desserts to choose from including European cakes & pastries, donuts, and granola with no preservatives.   A wide variety of cookies and cakes are just some of the options you can choose as well.   The Bakery is known for creating beautiful birthday, anniversary and stunning wedding cakes. 

The Cafe side is a great spot to pick up breakfast, lunch or dinner.   There are so many choices to choose.  You could eat at this great place daily and not get bored.  If you aren't  in the mood for a sandwich, there are plenty of smoothies, shakes, slushes, coffees, and teas. Be sure and check out the full menu at https://communitybakery.com/cafe-menu/ 

Community Bakery supports many groups and charities with donations of baked goods, gift certificates, and cash.   They help service two great homeless shelters with unsold products to Feed the Hungry programs.

Now to our results:

I found it interesting that John said that the top-selling cookie at the Bakery was the plain sugar cookie.   "We sell thousands a week," says John.   

What do you think the top-selling cake at this historic bakery is?  The plain white cake!     I was surprised by this one for sure.

I wanted to reach out to our readers to find out what would they choose for their top cookie or cake.  Since I am a tea fanatic, I through that topic into the poll.  I love my southern sweet tea, but don't ruin it by putting lemon in it for me.   By popular opinion, it appears that the readers agree.  More than 90% of the readers have weighed in and said "no lemon."
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The Best Cookie -------------60% said --- what chocolate macadamia nut.  What?? you're kidding me.
The Chocolate Chip Cookie came in second place, followed by peanut butter at third place.   

The Best Cake ------------a whopping 70% said the strawberry cake was their favorite.   P.S. I am highly allergic to strawberries so I wouldn't know how it tasted.  The lemon cake came in second place, and chocolate was the 3rd place.    This was the biggest surprise of all.

Some honorable mentions for favorite cookie go to the shortbread, Oreo and oatmeal raisin.

Honorable mentions for favorite cake go to the chocolate mayonnaise, carrot, and white cake.   Yes, I have eaten a few chocolate mayonnaise cakes in my time.  They are very moist and delicious.

Check-out the new dessert that Community Bakery just revealed.    Cookies, ice-cream and caramel...................Yes, Please!    Be sure and visit Community Bakery during the SOMA After Dark on Friday Nights.    The event times are posted on their Facebook Page - SOMA After Dark.


Be sure and watch out on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sweetyellowcornbread.com  and on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sweetyellowcornbread   we will have another poll in the next week.  Inquiring minds want to know.

​The Popular Band Monsterboy is set to release new single "Closer To You" on Friday, April 26th.

I had the chance to preview this song and it will definitely be a crowd favorite.  The vocals are amazing and I love the sounds of that beautiful Sax from Veronica.   

I can't say enough good things about Chris & Veronica.  The young couple is talented, personable and definitely know how to entertain a crowd.   I am so happy to find these new friends!

The Band has been in a development program headed by Ari Herstand since the beginning of the year.  Herstand is known as "The Poster Child of DIY Music."  The program has encouraged them to develop more YouTube content, thus inspiring an upcoming series of videos.  Be sure and check out this Youtube Performance of "Just a Song" filmed at the Laman Library in  North Little Rock. 

This awesome song will be the next studio recording that will be released.  After the release of "Just The Song" it will complete the "Roo Sessions."  These songs were written around the couples trip to Bonnaroo, which began the journey for Monsterboy.   MTV.com discovered the Band during an Open Mic Session during Bonnaroo.  This duo has captivated audiences since.

The Band recently received the Sally A. Williams Artists Fund to help with continuing artist development.

“We are excited to be able to share a more raw and stripped down side to our music, in the next few months," says Chris Long.

Learn more about this great duo on their website:  http://www.monsterboylives.com/epk.html  

I will certainly keep you posted on any upcoming news and tour dates!  I am excited to help be a part of their journey!

I hope all of you have a blessed #Easter weekend.   

David & Hannah took Greg and myself to lunch today at #Soulfish.   That is a great place in downtown Little Rock.   They have great home cookin' sides.   I love their black-eyed peas and cornbread.   Greg always gets the catfish plate.     The catfish is wonderful.    Speaking of the catfish,  Austin's  (one of David's friends) family farm raises the catfish here in Arkansas.   

As we were beginning to order, one of my new co-worker's came up to the table.  Kyle brought his mom to lunch.  It was great to meet his mom.   She will come in handy, as I found out she is the APN for the Urgent Care  right up the hill.   I know where to get to quick when this ole' asthma flares.   Kyle fell in love with my homemade peach crisp.   He loved it so much that he bought some ingredients for to make him a second batch.     We took a photo so he could send to his mom.    Now I have a new #blog fan!   

I am so glad that Kyle has joined our Company.  He is our CFO and CPA.   He has a great sense of humor.  When I first met him he asked if I had seen him on American Idol.   He said that he was on Season 3.   I looked straight in eyes and saw him flicker.  I knew then he was joking!   But, it was good!   I decided that I would play along with him and we would tell others.    He and I will get along just fine!

I have been attending various products at Murry's Dinner Playhouse since I was a young child.  Murry's Dinner playouse has been at the same location since 1967.   Murry’s Dinner Playhouse began as the Olde West Dinner Theatre in 1967.  I remember my Aunt Anna being a part of  the entire production a the Olde West Dinner Theatre.  My parents and us girls would often go to watch the productions.  

Murry's is among the country's top 10 oldest dinner theatres providing great entertainment to include a full buffet meal with every show.  A professional theatre with life comedies, plays & musicals.   The best part of Murry's is you get a live performance and a great buffet dinner.  The live stage performances feature Broadway musicals and comedies that your whole family for generations will remember.

Greg and I had the pleasure of watching "Sister Act" live on Sunday night.   We arrived early and ready to hit that wonderful buffet line.   Murry's is still one place where you can get fresh carved meats to include roast beef, ham and turkey.  Our Sunday meal included the wonderful roast beef and ham.  The buffet line contains a large variety of salads, vegetables and other meat choices to choose from as well.    The fried chicken at Murry's is top-notch!   Tea or coffee is included with the meal.  They do have sodas and a full bar if you wish to purchase other drinks.

Sister Act was amazing.   The talent at Murry's is remarkable.  This musical will keep you laughing throughout the entire evening.  I highly recommend this play.   In fact, I liked it better than the movie.  The final performance is April 20th so be sure and get your tickets now.

Did you know Murry's has local auditions? The Murry's stage has iincluded several Arkansan performers who are well-known today, including Wes Bentley, Amy Lee (of Evanescence) and George Newbern. The next call for auditions is on April 29th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  For details and instructions visit their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/MurrysDinnerPlayhouse/

Arkansas has some great local talent and it is fun to witness that first hand by supporting the local Arts.  Murry's Dinner Playhouse is a great opportunity for the cast to showcase their amazing talent.  The cast ranges in ages from young to old.  The sets are built at Murry's, the costumes are custom made and rehearsals are conducted just like on Broadway.  

Murry's does not disappoint!    Overall I give this great theatre a 10+ on a scale of 10. The 2019 lineup includes Sister Act, Shear Madness, Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash, Mary Poppins and much more.   For tickets:  ​https://murrysdp.com/


​Show TimesTuesday - Saturday EveningsDinner 6 - 7:20 p.m. Curtain 7:30 p.m.
Sunday & Special Wednesday MatineesDinner 11 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. Curtain 12:45 p.m. Wednesday matinees occur only on the First, Second, and Third Wednesdays of each new production.
Sunday EveningsDinner 5:30 - 6:40 p.m. Curtain 6:45 p.m.

I love Easter!   Easter is one of the holidays that as I kid I looked forward to the most.  The excitement of waking up to find the wonderful basket filled with candy, treats, barbies, stuffed animals and so much more!

As a child, mama would have matching dresses made for us girls to match her dress.   Mama had five boys before she would have her first girl.  My sister Nancy is just 18 months older than I am.   Between the youngest of the five boys, and my sister, was a difference of nine years.  Mama would love for us girls to have matching dresses, hats, shoes, etc.  I don't think I went anywhere without a purse on my arm and a doll in my hand.   

When my kids were small I loved making the baskets.  I never wanted one of those typical all-in-one store bought baskets.  I would carefully select the basket, the pale, or even the box for both Lauren and David.  I would spend weeks compiling items to put in each of theirs.  I would sneak it up to their room so that when the would wake up they would have it. 

After the went to college, I kept getting the baskets for them.  My husband would say,  "Don't you think they are to old for that?"   I would reply NO!   My kids will always be my babies.  I still spend weeks compiling the baskets or boxes unique to each one of them.   

I had the pleasure today of being apart of  "The Vine" morning show on KTHV Channel 11.   I wanted to share various ways and ideas of making Easter "baskets" for your adult children, friends, co-worker's or other family members.   Remember, Easter is for everyone!

I want to thank each of the Sponsors for contributing to my baskets.   Each of these wonderful vendors have beautiful products that I am glad to #partner with.    Serveiteasy, AP Monograms, Mary Garrett Jewelry, AY Magazine, At Home Arkansas Magazine and Southern Stitched Designs.   Also my #Amazon #Partners:  Bizz NYC, Timeyard gifts, Goodpick baskets. You can find the majority of the items in my baskets featured today on my Amazon store:  https://www.amazon.com/shop/sweetyellowcornbread.   Please take a moment to also visit the links above for all the wonderful vendors.  They each have unique merchandise that is perfect for your Easter gifts.

TIPS to making the perfect EASTER Baskets or equivalent:

1.  Start off with the perfect basket - I love the Goodpick basket by Indressme They have a wide variety of beautiful baskets and home decor items that are perfect.
2.  Think outside of the box to a traditional basket.  For instance, for the kitchen lover you can use a colander for the base.   I love the green colander I am using for one of the non-traditional baskets.  
3.  Take your time and really think of the person you are giving to.   That's easy if it is your child, think of their interests.  What is unique to them? Favorite colors, gadgets, etc.   
4.  Hand make some of the items.   For instance, make cookies, granola, brownies, candy, etc.   Be sure and "sack" the items so that they are kept separate from any soaps, etc. that might be included in your basket.  For instance, I made cookies and put them in pretty decorative bags.  It is easy to dress up your basket with cute little bags, ribbon and cards.  All you need is a single hole punch, ribbon and cute bag.  You can add a card that you can have custom printed in bulk.
5.  Always wrap your bath products (soaps) so that they won't rub onto your other items.  You don't want your cookies or candy tasting like soap.   I always bag the candy separate from soap, perfumes, etc.

Don't stress!  It is easy to come up with some creative things for your adult children.  Remember, these adult or teens might think this isn't a big deal now.  However, when they get my age, they will have the wonderful memories that I had as a child. 

The "Colander" Basket:
The Base - Green colander found on my Amazon store - Category Easter Baskets 
Decorated Treat bags - contain my homemade chocolate chip cookies
Chocolates, Pot Watchers, Measuring Spoons, Note pads, Gold sponges, hand towel & oven mitt set
Wood spoon
The beautiful monogrammed linen coasters are from:  AP Mongorams

The "Spa" Basket:

The Base is a gorgeous 100% white cotton rope basket from Goodpick by Indressme.  The best quality you will find.  I am so happy to #partner with them.   You can find these baskets on my Amazon Store at .https://www.amazon.com/goodpick

This basket contains items such as:  Bath Salts, moisturizer, yoga towels, body sprays and lotions.  Anything for the "spa" lover or people like me who like to take long baths.  These wonderful baskets can be washed and dried and can easily tote back and forth to the pool or spa.   I added a cute leopard toothbrush as well.  I love anything leopard!

Remember to wrap the candy in a separate bag.  I also wrapped individual cucumber soaps from Whole Foods in little treat bags.  It helps protect the soap and the other items.

Don't forget to add in some homemade cookies, granola, etc. Be sure and separate them in individual treat bags as well.   If you are giving this as a gift to a friend or co-worker and don't know if they have food allergies, be sure and label if the item(s) contain nuts, peanut butter, etc.   I am allergic to strawberries so I try to stay away from "pink" or "red" food items until I ask.

​

The "Dude" Box

I call this the "dude" box.   It is designed more for the guys.  It does contain some items that will help them with their laundry.   This is great to give a guy who might be graduating from college.  They still need to do their laundry, etc.   This great storage container is perfect to use for storage.  It makes a great home decor item as well.​

Perfect for the college guy or graduate as well.   This wonderful basket has dryer balls, a grooming kit for men, socks, toiletries, etc.   An awesome grey Bizz benton lunch box.  These lunch boxes are the best.  You can heat, freeze, microwave or dish-wash these lunch boxes.  Be sure and check them out on my Amazon Store:  https://www.amazon.com/shop/sweetyellowcornrbead

Lots of homemade goodies wrapped in individual treat bags.

​

The "Vintage Box"

This might just be my favorite.  If I were to design an Easter basket for myself, this definitely would be it.  I started with a wonderful vintage wooden box.   This is perfect for the "farmhouse" decor style.  It also works with "shabby chic."   It contains wonderful magazines, pillow covers, a great pink BIZZ Bento lunch box, linen spray, my favorite Mary Garrett Jewelry, beautiful linen napkins, candies, chocolates, and just all things a girl of all ages love.   We have some wonderful magazines that are published right here in Little Rock that are filled with beautiful Home Decor ideas, stories, and so much. I love adding local items to my boxes.   Thanks again to AY Magazine and At Home Arkansas for the beautiful magazines.  I am also honored to be an on-line contributor at AY Magazine.

I hope this gives you several ideas about making the perfect Easter basket or basket equivalent for your children, friends, co-worker's and family.   Be sure and have some fun.   Don't forget to include some homemade items, and be and sure to keep the food separate from the soap!

Thanks again for stopping by!  
​Pat, Sweet Yellow Cornbread


LINK TO KTHV 11 THE VINE STORY -VIDEO
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tWhy is one of the most difficult daily task I can come up with is "what's for supper"?  In the many conversations that I find myself having with others, they are facing them same struggles.

When you work a full day, the last thing you want to do when you get home, is stand on your feet for another hour or more cooking.   I like to find quick and easy meals that are not only good 'ole southern meals, but that don't require us waiting another hour just to eat.

Tonight's dinner was delicious, quick to make, and it fit right in with our "southern" style. Start out with a good #petitjean hamsteak, hashbrown potatoes from #simplypotatoes and #sweetyellowcornbake.   This cornbake was a little different.   I made it with sweet yellow whole kernel corn in lieu of the cream styled corn.   The whole meal was done by the time the cornbake was ready, less than 30 minutes.

If you haven't tried the Simply Potatoes, you need to give them a try.  They will not disappoint.  I use these plain, loaded, or even in casseroles.   They are delicious!   Both Greg and I really love them.   My little dog Farrah might even sneak a bite or two.   She loves potatoes.

For the Cornbake:

1 box Jiffy Cornbread mix
3 Tablespoons of Light Sour Cream
1 Can of Sweet Yellow Corn (drain most - I left a little juice)
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup Kraft Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Pre-heat oven to 400 Degrees

Spray pan (I use a 9 x 9) 
Mix all Ingredients above in large mixing bowl until it looks creamy
Pour in your coated pan - Bake at 400 degrees for approx. 25 minutes - until cornbread looks golden brown (use pick test)

For the potatoes:

1/2 pkg of Simply Potatoes 
2 Teaspoons of Lowry's Garlic Pepper
1/2 stick of margarine
Salt/Pepper

Spray griddle or pan - Simmer until golden brown.  I put in part of the butter at beginning and add the other halfway through and stir throughout.   We prefer them a little crunchy so they are cooked until hash browns are golden and crunchy.

Ham Steak

2 Petit Jean Ham Steaks
I spray grille or pan and cook until warm - I flip occasionally to get both sides grilled.

A delicious southern meal of ham, potatoes, corn & cornbread (cornbake) 

The investment in the #serveiteasy utensils is the best thing that will happen to you.  These utensils are heat resistant and can be used while you are cooking/grilling/serving.  

The fork is my favorite.   It works great flipping the ham steak.  I also use it in place of my spatula to easily serve the potatoes.   The long bendable handle makes it easy to reach across the burners.    They are reasonably priced for less than $20.00.   Check them out on https://www.serveiteasy.com   

I have #partnered with serveiteasy to help promote this wonderful utensils.  I truly do use these in my every day meal prep and serving.

I love jewelry and accessories.  Beautiful jewelry pieces don't have to be pricey to be elegant.  I love simple, elegant jewelry that fits my budget.    

I was looking for an inexpensive name necklace when I stumbled across a beautiful one in the Instagram feed.   It was from the Company, Sincerelysilverco  The next thing, I know we were collaborating.    

I received a beautiful gold name necklace from them.   It is really stunning.  I love gold.  Although, I might wear some silver, I do prefer gold.   I think gold stands out more with my blonde hair.

Sincerelysilver.co is a  small women's lifestyle brand that started just a few years ago. They have refocused their brand to focus on women empowerment and encouraging all women by sharing the stories of strong women everywhere.   

Sincerelysilver.co has a multitude of beautiful jewelry with price ranges to fit all budgets.  That is what attracted me to them.    I am so excited that they are #sponsoring this post and allowing all my family, friends, and followers to receive 15% off their order with the code:  SINCERELY15 at checkout.   This is an awesome savings!

This deal is available to share with your friends, family & followers as well!    Truly a great deal!   Take the time and checkout the website at:  https://www.sincerelysilver.co/   They have some stunning initial, name, and lots of other pieces available to use this code for purchase.    Here's the link to the name necklace  https://www.sincerelysilver.co/products/custom-gold-name-necklace

#jewelry #sincerelysilver #sincerelysilverco #accessories #empower #encourage #beautifuljewelry

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