I am continuing my Health Benefit series with the top fruit for a healthy lifestyle.   When I was young my mama would often give me this fruit.   Naturally a little sour, she would sprinkle just a dab of sugar on it to get me to eat it.

This particular fruit is good for weight loss, helps balance your sugar, and it even will help reduce your cholesterol.   Do you have enough clues to know which fruit I am speaking of?

It is the grapefruit.    Studies by Healthy Living state that the grapefruit is one of the healthiest citrus fruits.Eating grapefruit has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and help prevent kidney stones, along with balancing your insulin levels and help with weight loss!   #winwin

Try eating grapefruit with breakfast.  If you eat in as part of your brunch it isn't so as sour.   Also, make a point in trying to get your kids to eat as they are young.   If kids and adults can eat the Sour Patch candies, they should be able to handle a little grapefruit.   This sweet and sour fruit is rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber.   It is one of the healthiest of the citrus family of fruits you can eat.

Grapefruit has more water than almost any other fruit.  The grapefruit is 92% water, giving it one of the highest water contents of any fruit. That makes it good for overall health. 
About 20% of your daily fluid intake actually comes from food. So add some grapefruit to get closer to your daily H2O goal and choose the heavier of two fruits of equal size: It has more juice.   It's one of Healthy Living's  30 foods under 40 calories (39 calories in one half!) and 30 summer snacks under 100 calories .  It's a great choice if you want to boost your intake of high nutrient, low calorie foods. 

WARNING!   Be cautious eating grapefruit while taking certain medications.  Be sure and note any warnings on your medicine bottles.  

Cherries are my new favorite snack!

Cherries are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, vitamin A and folic acid. They are also well known for their antioxidant properties.

Both dark, sweet cherries and the yellow-red blushed Rainier cherries provide the perfect dose of sweetness without excess sugar. They also have a lower glycemic index (The Glycemic Index (GI) is a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels) than many other fruits and because they’re also a good source of fiber, they release their natural sugars into the bloodstream more slowly helping you feel fuller longer and giving you more sustained energy.

Cherries are a great snack to give to your kids as treats.  However, remember those that contain the seeds in the middle.   You don't want your kids choking on a cherry seed.   I love cherries to snack on.  They are naturally sweet and give you the boost of energy.

Cherries are a good antioxidant.   As well all know, antioxidants are vital for good health as they protect our cells from damaged caused by harmful oxidants. Cherries contain antioxidants known as anthocyanins (Found naturally in a number of foods, anthocyanins are the pigments that give red, purple, and blue plants their rich coloring.) and cyanidin which may have anti-inflammatory effects and initial research has shown that these antioxidants could be beneficial in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Research as shown that cherry juice may help reduce blood pressure due to its high polyphenol ( a large group of plant chemicals that help fight cellular damage, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health content) Tart cherries contain high concentrations of key phytochemicals including melatonin which is involved in the regulation of our sleep cycles. 

Tart Cherry Juice and concentrate have been found to accelerate muscle recovery, decrease exercise-induced muscle pain, and prevent strength loss in elite athletes, such as cyclists and marathon runners.

Overall, both cherries and cherry juice are good sources to add to our daily diet routine.   I have been eating them over the last couple of weeks.   As an arthritis sufferer, I am noticing my inflammation isn't as intense.  Lower inflammation means lower pain.  That's a #winwin for me.

Be sure and pick up some fresh cherries during the summer season.   They are a delicious snack and look beautiful in your fruit salad or table.
​

It has been busy the last couple of weeks getting ready for the 4th Celebration ideas.   It was so fun and such an honor to be back on KTVH11 The Vine morning show for the second time.

This time I did two separate segments.   The first segment was 4th Ideas for Appetizers & Snacks.   Doing a bar of appetizers & snacks gives you time to enjoy the Holiday festivities yourself.   You don't have to stand over a hot BBQ grill to have some great festive foods.   

It is so fun to set up a "grazing board."  I am from the South and growing up these beautiful boards were called "grazing boards."   You can graze over them by going back and forth and choosing your items.   Most, I assume, refer to them as charcuterie boards.   

Click to view the segment from "The Vine."  

Watch the video and you can see how fun the table really was to do.   My grazing board included french rolls & bread, crackers and a variety of meats and cheeses.   My theme was to make your own mini BLT, chicken club or ham and cheese mini sandwiches.   I used baby spinach in lieu of the traditional lettuce.  I also pre-soaked the tomatoes ahead of time.  The tomatoes are pre-soaked with Lowry's garlic pepper & avocado oi.    If you follow my blog posts or recipes you will find this is normal for me.   It makes your sandwiches and wraps delicious.   You don't need to worry about mayonnaise getting hot outside.  You also don't have to worry about supplying a variety of sauces for the sandwiches.    This add moisture and flavor to your sandwiches.   Delish!

Included on my bar were also some of my favorite quick & easy snacks to do.   I love to make homemade Moose Munch.  Moose Munch can be expensive to purchase.   This little trick is so good and you can "graze" on it all day.     

MOOSE MUNCH - Pop two bags of popcorn in the microwave.    Pour into a large tub or bowl and while it is hot, pour caramel sauce on it.  I use just a couple of tablespoons.  Stir in the sauce.   Add in pretzel sticks (I add in a couple of hand fulls.)   To make it festive for the 4th, just add in about 1/2 cup - 1 cup of the red, white & blue M &M's.    Be sure and wrap the the tub or large bowl with plastic wrap until ready to serve.   If you keep it wrapped, it will last a couple of days.   I purchased the bulk pop-corn bags on Amazon.    There are many to choose from.  

Blue Chips & Salsa -   To be festive, use blue corn chips in place of regular chips.  I purchased my salsa at the deli-section in Kroger.   Walmart, Kroger, Fresh Market, and most local grocery stores carry deli fresh salsa.  It is delicious and very affordable.   Of course, homemade salsa is the best if you have the time to make it.

Watermelon Fruit Pizza -  The watermelon fruit pizza was so fun to do.  You can make it small for a center piece to your pan, or as large as the whole pizza pan.   Simply cut your watermelon slices into pizza triangles and place in center of pan.  Spread light cream cheese on top of each slice to substitute for traditional pizza cheese.   Garnish with blueberries, cherries or strawberries.    I use cherries because I am highly allergic to strawberries.     This gives you the cute red, white & blue fruit pizza.

Since I used the watermelon pizza as a center piece to my large pizza tray, I added a variety of fruits around.   Adding a couple of these fun cookies also made it a hit.     The little flag toothpicks can be found at your local Dollar Tree.   Yes, only $1 gives you a bunch!

On  the relish tray next to the grazing board is the baby spinach, the pre-soaked tomatoes, fresh cucumber and yellow squash slices.   Little did I know that Adam didn't eat bread.  He  made a cute bread-less sandwich by using the round cucumber & squash slices in place of his crackers.  Adam put ham, bacon a cheese in the middle.    What a great idea!    

The fun decor items I tried to find locally.   The round tin was perfect to hold all the picnic supplies.   I had plenty of room for the plates, silverware, cups, serving spoons and napkins.   I found all of these items at TJ Maxx.    I am a #maxxinista for sure.    The large tin was less then $20.00.   The gingham blue napkins were $7.95 for six.   The beautiful red silverware was $19.95 for a serving for eight.    

Investing in red decor items will give you a great cost savings.   These can be used for Christmas, Memorial Day, Flag's Day, Valentine's Day, as well as, the 4th!    I love red decor items all year long!

The large Patriotic tub was found last year at Target in their $3.00 section.   That is a bargain!  I use it frequently at our office.   It is perfect to use for our red, white & blue holiday events.

My beautiful grazing board was another item that I found at TJ Maxx.  I am always on the lookout and search through their decor items intensely to find the perfect item.   TJ Maxx, Homegoods & Marshall's always have great sales.   They also mark down their items frequently.

For all the ideas for the Appetizer & Snack Bar be sure and watch the episode:  
Click to view the segment from "The Vine."  

Before I move on to the dessert bar, I will talk about my outfit.    The entire festive outfit was purchased at Marshall's.  The shoes are Tom shoes that I purchased on Amazon a few months ago.   I want to especially thank #SINCERELYSILVER Co.  for donating my wonderful necklace.   This necklace makes a great summer necklace.   In fact, I don't take it off.   
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The simple initial necklace can be worn with anything.   I love that it is lightweight, simple & elegant.  I have great news!   Sincerely Silver Company is giving all my readers 15% percent off with the code SINCERELY15 at checkout.    They have lots of jewelry to choose from.   I prefer gold over silver most of the time.   They have lots of gold items of high quality and affordable pieces.  Be sure and check them out at: https://www.sincerelysilver.co/    Just use SINCERELY15 at checkout for the 15% savings.​

Patriotic Dessert Bar

Who doesn't love desserts?    This was so fun to do.   A HUGE SHOUT-OUT to my dear friend Beth Hubbard for contributing to this board.   Beth is a gifted artist whose talent is endless.   Beth creates beautiful charcoals, alcohol ink designs, jewelry, abstracts, and the list just keeps going.    She has started a bakery out of her home for custom artesian cookies and treats.   Be sure and check out her Facebook Page at:  https://www.facebook.com/ExtraSweet501/   Her bakery is called EXTRA SWEET!   She can customize your favorite cookie for any occasion!   Extra Sweet can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/extrasweet501/

TO VIEW THE SEGMENT ON THE DESSERT BAR - CLICK HERE

COOKIE PIE -  SIMPLE ---  i purchased this awesome pie plate at Target for only $2.00 on Clearance!   This plate will go straight in the oven.    The base is my chocolate chip cookie dough recipe.    Flour - 1.5 cups, 6 Tablespoons of Sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 stick of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt and 1 cup of dark chocolate chips.  My special secret ingredient --- add in a pinch or 1/2 teaspoon of organic Vietnamese cinnamon.

MIX - 1 stick of butter, 6 tablespoons of sugar,  1/2 cup of packed brown sugar and the 1 teaspoon of baking soda in the mixer.    Add in the egg and continue to mix on low until blended.  Fold in the cup of dark chocolate chips.  Then add all your dry ingredients until blended well.   Place dough in refrigerator until your oven pre-heats.        Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.     Spray your pie plate with Pam spray.    Fold in dough and smooth evenly on to the the pie plate.    You will have some extra to make approx 3-5 cookies with.

Place pie plate in oven at 350 degrees for approx 18 minutes.   Remove from oven and add in your festive sprinkles and m & m's.    Place back in oven for approx 4-5 minutes until golden.   Take out and let cool.

I will be sharing the other dessert bar ideas over the next week.   I will share the mini pie recipe and other treat ideas.    Be sure and watch both segments of  the show to catch the big spread.

Happy 4th of July!   God Bless America!

XOXO - Pat

​

Casino Night and Texas Hold'em Tournament!  How fun does that sound?   

Youth Home presents their 9th annual Casino Night and Texas Hold'em Tournament.  The Casino features Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, and other classic games.   These games will be staffed by experienced dealers.  Players can cash in their chips for prize raffle tickets for a chance to win dozens of fantastic prizes.

Youth Home is a nonprofit, private psychiatric treatment facility in Arkansas, founded in 1966.  Youth Home strengthens the community by serving those affected by mental illness.  Their goal is to equip and empower youth, adults, and entire families to become healthier and better contributing members of society.

MISSION - VISION - VALUES

Their Mission is to be Arkansas's premier mental health treatment and professional training center.

Vision - Youth Home envisions an Arkansas where lives are changed and entire families are saved because individuals in need of mental health services receive those services without delay or stigma.

Values - Youth Home is guided by five core values:  compassion, dedication, professionalism, teamwork, and trust.

Ken Estes serves on the Board of Directors for Youth Home.   Ken got involved with this great Nonprofit over eight years ago when one of the original board members invited him to attend some events.  Later Ken along with his wife, toured the facility and saw firsthand the impact of the great work helped the kids and their families.

He began volunteering at events and being part of committees.  Today, Ken proudly has served on the Board for a little over five years.   I met Ken during some HR Seminars that BancCorp South Insurance heads up periodically.   Ken is a Sr. Vice President with BancCorp South and is a big supporter of NonProfit Organizations.   You may contact Ken at:  ken.estes@bxsi.com

Other Board Members for Youth Home are:  Chris Haynes, President, Elizabeth Anderson, Jena Compton, Terrance James, Michael Kirkpatrick, Mandy Knaack, Brendan Mongahan, Kaite Neibaum, Melody Piazza, Josha Price, Valerie Pruitt, Adam Wells, Lance West, and Karen Yezzi.   Lifetime Board Members are:  Sam Alley, Christie Bardwell, Beth Coulson, Tad Krug, and Carl Rosenbaum.

The Annual Casino Night will offer a VIP Lunch for $35.00.   Space is limited so be sure and get your tickets early!   Treat yourself to a full bar with 3 free drinks per person, drink service from your Poker Table and exclusive Hors D'oeuvres are included with the VIP Passes.

Event Details:

9th Annual Casino Night and Texas Hold'em Tournament 

Saturday, July 27th -  Doors open @ 3:00 for poker check-in
Pre-play reception begins at 4:00 PM
Tournament & Casino Play begins at 5:00 PM

All Casino Games will end at 9:00 PM

Location:   The Genesis Room at Next Level Events located at 1400 W. Markham, Suite #104 Little Rock, AR  72201.


TICKETS:   
Poker Entry $50 -- ($55 at DOOR)
Casino Entry $40 - ($45 at DOOR)
Add-Ons and Re-Buys Available

The Poker tournament is limited to 144 card players.  All Casino and Card Players must be 21 to play!

Fore more information regarding this wonderful event and Youth Home please contact:  stephanie.jonasson@youthhome.org     Please visit https://www.youthhome.org/ for more information regarding Youth Home.


Sponsorship Opportunities are available and are much appreciated!    See attached PDF Flyers for breakdown of Sponsorship Opportunities.   

Who doesn't love Chocolate?   

However, make it dark chocolate to get some skin benefits!

​Dark chocolate is my favorite!  I use it in a variety of my cakes, cookies and my granola!  The rich taste is so good!   I love it plain as well!   

If you like Dark Chocolate it is a #winwin for you!   Do you know that cocoa has some pretty great effects on your skincare?  Now you really have a reason to eat more chocolate!   But, make sure it is the high antioxidant dark chocolate.   Eating 20 grams of the high-antioxidant dark chocolate per day could allow your skin to withstand over twice as much UV radiation before burning versus eating low-antioxidant chocolate.

Participants in a recent study that consumed cocoa powder high in antioxidants each day,  experienced thicker, more hydrated skin over a 6-12 week period.    The skin was less rough, less sensitive to sunburn and had better blood flow.

Make sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa in order to maximize the benefits and keep added sugar to a minimum.   Give it a try!   The more you start eating dark chocolate, you might find yourself weaning off the fatty milk chocolate all together!

Did you know that Pineapple is good for the skin?

Rich in Vitamin C, this wonder fruit works wonders for your skin.   You can apply the juice from the pineapple directly to your face for about 10 minutes.   It will help with blemishes and skin warts.  The Vitamin C in the pineapple juice will give your skin a soft healing touch.  

Pineapple will reduce the sight of wrinkles due to the large amounts of Bromelain in the pineapple.  Bromelain is an enzyme extract derived from the stems of pineapples, although it exists in all parts of the fresh plant and fruit. 

Pineapples are tropical fruit that are rich in vitamins, enzymes and antioxidents. They may help boost the immune system, build strong bones and aid indigestion. Also, despite their sweetness, pineapples are low in calories.

Other great Health Benefits this wonder fruit gives are:

Immune system support
Pineapple contains all of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, according to the FDA.

Bone strength
Pineapple may help you keep standing tall and strong. The fruit contains nearly 75 percent of the daily-recommended value of the mineral manganese, which is essential in developing strong bones and connective tissue.

Eye health
Research shows that pineapples can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a disease that affects the eyes as people age, due in part to its high amount of vitamin C and the antioxidants it contains.

Digestion
Pineapple contains dietary fiber, which is essential in keeping you regular and in keeping your intestines healthy, according to research from the Mayo Clinic. 

HOWEVER,  Studies have also shown that consuming large quantities of pineapples & the raw juice may induce diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and heartburn.    This is because of the high levels of Vitamin C that is in this wonder fruit.  

Pineapples are also fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in sodium. Not surprisingly, they do contain sugar, with 16 grams per cup.  For all its sweetness, one cup of pineapple chunks contains only 82 calories.

Rub it on your face & skin and get the benefits of the Vitamin C.   Don't over indulge in the raw juice.   Be sure and try out my recipe for our favorite Pineapple Casserole.   It is one of my favorite side dishes!

DIY Pineapple/Avocado Oil scrub recipe for your face/skin:

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup cane sugar
½ cup avocado oil
¼ – ½ pineapple (1/2 cup puree)

TO MAKE:

Depending on the size of your pineapple you may need ¼ to ½ of the pineapple meat (edible fruit) cut out of the pineapple to create a ½ cup of puree. Take cut pieces of the pineapple and place in a blender or food processor.  Puree until a smooth consistency and then place in a mixing bowl. Add the cane sugar and avocado oil into the bowl.   Mix with a spoon thoroughly and for your next shower or bath, scrub the mixture onto your body, taking extra time at your knees and elbows. Rinse with warm water.

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."
​
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!