Black Friday? Make that Razorback Red Friday!

Today is "Black Friday," the day notorious for 3 AM door-buster sales at big chain stores. I guess everyone needs an excuse to get out of the house and away from your family after spending all day with them on Thanksgiving :)

But, today, keep in mind that the LSU game is coming up tomorrow in Little Rock, so shop for red goodies on Black Friday! It's the perfect time to get something that might usually be out of your price range, like:

Banana Republic Heritage cashmere scarf, usually $198.  Now 25 percent off.  If shopping online, use code BRTHANKS.

Pig cutting boards would make a great Christmas gift

Christmas gift idea: your mother-in-law

I love this unique chrysanthemum vase.  For a gorgeous (and inexpensive) Christmas gift for your in-laws, plant it full of beautiful succulents like this:

Next time you're in a city with an IKEA

Do not pass by an IKEA without stopping in and stocking up on plenty of these cute red pots.  They're perfect to have on hand for game weekend hostess gifts - just fill with a small rosemary plant and tie a red and white ribbon around the pot.  They'd also work for Christmas gifts with a green plaid ribbon instead.  Keep a few packets of seeds or bulbs on hand in case you need to create a quick gift on short notice.  The best part is that they're only $2.99 each. 

WOW shoes

I am in love with these red suede peep-toe heels from Zara.  The gathered detail on the heel is both dramatic and yet not over the top (you could still wear these with jeans).  $89.90. 

Scarf included

This red knit top with attached scarf seems perfectly made for late-fall football games.  It would be simple and classic with jeans, but I'd probably wear it with a short wool skirt, black tights, and tall riding boots.  $49.50 from Banana Republic.

Easy game day centerpiece (and you can make it with inexpensive carnations from the grocery store)

These pretty red and white carnation balls would make a gorgeous centerpiece for your next watch party.  Simply get red and white carnations (the cheap ones from the grocery store will work just fine), cut the stems short (about 1-2 inches), and push them into a ball of florists foam that you've soaked in water.  Keeping adding flowers until the ball is covered, and perch it on a pretty ceramic or silver goblet, vase, or bowl. 

Go all out

This delicious and gorgeous-looking raspberry-filled red velvet cake with fluffy white chocolate icing isn't easy to make, but if you want an impressive dessert for your next watch party, pull out all the stops and take the time to make this.  Here's the recipe, courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens. I haven't tried it yet, but coming from BHG, it's got to be good!

ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 2 cups buttermilk or sour milk
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup shortening
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 1-ounce bottles red food coloring (1/4 cup)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• Fluffy White Chocolate Frosting
• 1/3 cup seedless red raspberry jam
• 3 ounces white chocolate baking squares (with cocoa butter), grated*
• Fresh raspberries
• White Chocolate Leaves

directions

1. Allow eggs and buttermilk to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grease and flour six 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 x 1-1/2-inch individual mini ball pans or 6-ounce custard cups, one 2-1/2-liter (10-cup) round oven-safe mixing bowl (the bowl should be 8 inches or less across), and one 8 x 1-1/2-inch round baking pan. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set pans and flour mixture aside.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a very large bowl, beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Gradually beat in sugar until well mixed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on medium speed after each addition until combined. Beat in food coloring and vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to egg mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.
3. Fill each individual ball pan or custard cup half full of batter (1/3 cup batter in each). Spoon 2-1/2 cups of the batter into the 8-inch round baking pan. Spoon remaining batter (about 5 cups) into the oven-safe mixing bowl.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes for ball pans or custard cups, 25 to 30 minutes for 8-inch round baking pan, and 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours for mixing bowl or until a toothpick inserted near the centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans. Cool on wire racks.
5. To assemble, place the 8-inch round cake on a pedestal cake plate. Spread about 1 cup of the Fluffy White Chocolate Frosting on top. In a small bowl, stir raspberry jam until smooth. Drizzle jam over frosted cake. Top with bowl cake (trim if necessary to make cake sit flat). Spread about 3 cups of the remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Spread remaining frosting over inverted ball cakes.
6. Generously sprinkle frosted cakes with grated white chocolate. Chill for up to 2 hours. To serve, garnish with fresh raspberries and/or White Chocolate Leaves.
7. Makes 24 servings
8. *Test Kitchen Tip: Use a food processor to grate chocolate.
9. Fluffy White Chocolate Frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup whipping cream and 2 tablespoons butter; heat over medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat. Add 9 ounces white chocolate baking squares (with cocoa butter), chopped; do not stir. Let stand, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir mixture until smooth. Cover and let stand at room temperature about 30 minutes or until cooled. In a chilled large bowl, beat 2-1/4 cups whipping cream with chilled beaters of an electric mixer on medium speed just until soft peaks form (tips curl). Add the cooled white chocolate mixture, one-third at a time, beating on low speed just until combined.
10. White Chocolate Leaves: Use nontoxic fresh leaves such as bay, rose, lemon, or ivy. Melted white chocolate baking squares (3 ounces makes enough to coat 10 to 12 small leaves). Dip underside (vein side) of each leaf in the melted white chocolate, being careful not to coat the topside of the leaf. (Or use a small paintbrush to brush several coats of the melted white chocolate on the underside of each leaf.) Wipe off any white chocolate on the top side of the leaf. Place the leaves, white chocolate sides up, on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper or a curved surface, such as a rolling pin or measuring cup; chill or freeze until hardened. Before using, peel the leaf away from the white chocolate; discard leaf.

Christmas gift ideas: your niece

Be the cool aunt and get her a pair of adorable and comfy J.Crew red ribbon flats, $62. 

In razorback country, red sweaters are always in style

We all have several red sweaters for game day, but in case you're in the market for a new one, this J.Crew Strata Ruffled Cardigan is unique and interesting.  $89.50.  It would make a fail-proof gift for just about any woman in Arkansas!

Southern style

These pretty gold dogwood earrings are so sweet and feminine.  The dangly red beads make them great for game day, and the dogwood flowers are a subtle nod to the South.  Pretty pretty!  $42. 

Funky and festive

Feeling a little bored with classic red?  Change things up a little with this pretty "Merry Me" nail polish from Sephora by OPI.  It's an opaque deep cranberry polish with splarkly red and silver glitter.  $9. 

Christmas gift idea: your sister

These adorable Vintage India Tin Earrings from Etsy would be perfect for game day with a red sweater, but would also look great during the holidays (red and green!).  Bonus - they're only $34, so you make a big impression with a sweet thoughtful gift without breaking the bank. 

We wish you a merry Christmas!

Stock up on lots of these $7 ornaments for the holiday season.  They are perfect to give friends, neighbors, teachers, and family.  To round out the gift, add the ornament to a plate of freshly baked cookies (for neighbors), a bottle of champagne (for girlfriends), or cute framed game day photo (for family).  They are completely customizable, so specify that you want the reverse side to say something like "Happy Holidays from the Smiths" or just add the year.

Start planning for Christmas

These pretty Fayetteville photos would make a nice gift for a current student or alum of the U of A.  $50 each, 18x24, matted. 

Turkeyball

Perfect for watching the LSU game after Thanksgiving, this "turkeyball" onesie is definitely a conversation starter.  $10. 

This is guaranteed to make you smile

This cute knit football hat would be so darling on your little one on game day along with a warm red jacket and baby blue jeans.  It would also make a unique gift for a football fan with a new baby.  $10.  

Icing on the cake

This cute "Frosting Cookies Dress" from Mod Cloth is putting me in the holiday spirit! It is would be great for holiday parties, all dressed up with black heels, but it would also be wonderful for a watch party.  Just layer it over black tights and a long-sleeved black t-shirt, topped off with flat boots and a jacket.  $52.99

Dress up your jeans

Red suede heels from Urban Outfitters, $58. 

Cozy and cute

This cute striped tunic is made of warm sweatshirt material and has a hood.  I love how it's styled in this photo with leggings and Uggs.  $38 from Boden. 

Next time you're at Target

Stock up on a few of these super soft red throw blankets.  They're great for tailgating or curling up on the couch to watch the game.  And they're only $9.99. 

I love ikat

This pretty red ikat scarf would be great with jeans and a red sweater.  $34.50 at Loft. 

Cook like Betty Crocker, look like Betty Draper

Whether you're frosting sugar cookies or grilling burgers, cooking for a watch party can get messy.  Protect your game day outfit by covering it with this pretty apron.  $28 on Etsy. 

Touchdown!

If you're feeling creative, decorate a batch of cupcakes with this cute football field theme.  Display them along with other cupcakes frosted in red and white.

I love Etsy for cute baby stuff

Razorback onesie, $15.

For a baby shower, get a few of these (there are several Arkansas styles) and package with a little stuffed razorback toy or hair bow. 

Cute and easy decorating idea

If you're hosting a razorback-themed wedding or baby shower, these cute decorations would be perfect!  You need small terracotta pots filled with grass (you can easily grow it from seed if you plan ahead).  Then top them off with small plastic footballs. Done! 

The photo is courtesy of one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple. 

Make your own potato chips (in the microwave)!

1. Cut the potatoes (the thinner the better, for people who like measurements: 1/16 of an inch is good. Stay under 1/8 of an inch. Use a mandoline if you can).
2. Put in the microwave on double layered paper towels for 3 minutes, full power.
3. Flip the chips, drop the power to about 60% and cook again. Repeat this step until they start to look golden. Some may cook faster than others–take those out first.
4. Let them sit 20 seconds or so, they will crisp up a bit more on their own. Enjoy!

Experiment with adding olive oil, garlic, sea salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you want!

Cloche call

Vibrant scarlett wool felted cloche hat, $89.

The cutest little razorback in the whole wide world!

Seriously, how cute is he?!   Tucker Sims, all dressed up in his hog outfit, is just adorable!  His mama Natalie says the razorback suit is from Wal-Mart.

Splish splash

These red rubber rain boots from Target would be great over skinny jeans on a cold and dreary game day.  Luckily, they won't break the bank - they're under $25. 

Sleep over

If you're spending the night at a friend's house for game day, lounge around in style in these red plaid flannel PJ pants paired with your favorite Arkansas T-shirt.  $12.99 at Target. 

My all-time favorite cocktail: the dark and stormy

• Ice
• 2 ounces dark rum
• 8 ounces good-quality ginger ale (it should have a strong ginger taste)

Fill a glass with ice; add rum and ginger beer. Stir to combine and serve immediately.

For the game day girl that has everything

Red GHD straightening iron, $230.  Don't buy it just for game day, but if you're in the market for a new straightener anyway, why not get a cute red one?  It'll make you happy while you get ready, even for those super early games.

Alcohol, berries, and sugar - sounds like my kind of breakfast!!!

This Drunken Winterberry Jam is pretty and sounds delicious.  Serve it at a game day brunch with toast and bacon.  Or give it as a hostess gift, along with a loaf of artisan bread, a bottle of OJ, and some vodka or champagne.  A houseguest that shows up with breakfast is always welcome!  $7. 

A hostess gift . . . for the hostess you don't know that well

This pretty ruby red glass candle is classic and safe.  It's eco-friendly soy and the glass is 40% recycled.  You can choose from a variety of scents (I'd go for Sweet Bourbon - yum!).  $14

Good Will Bunting

Decorate for game day with this cute red and white bunting by Good Will Bunting (cute name, right?).  It's only $10 for 4.6 feet of bunting.  Buy several of them, keep them rolled up in a closet, and use them easily and quickly decorate for watch parties and tailgating.  Best of all, they're reusable for years to come. 

Cake truffles

These cake truffles (yep, cake mixed with rich icing, rolled into balls, and dipped in chocolate to make decadent truffles) would be a very welcome hostess gift for the next watch party you attend.  A box of 12 is $17 (so they aren't cheap), but you can choose up to 4 of the following flavors:
Mint Chocolate
Chocolate
Chocolate Strawberry
Red Velvet
Pink Champagne
Turtle
Coconut
White Chocolate Cranberry
Lemon
Mayan
Peanut Butter
Vanilla Bean
If you'd like to save a little cash, you can pretty easily make these yourself.  In a food processor, crumble up cake (your choice of flavor) or cookies (oreos work great) and then mix them with enough softened cream cheese to form a soft dough.  Roll into balls and set on a cookie sheet.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set up.  Melt chocolate (dark, milk, or white) in the microwave and coat each cake ball with chocolate.  Decorate with drizzles of colored icing, nuts, or sprinkles. 

A hostess gift she'll actually use

This set of dip seasonings is like an entertaining emergency kit.  The spice powders can be mixed with sour cream, mayo, or cream cheese to make delicious dips in seconds.  The flavors include:
1)French Onion
2)Chili Con Queso
3)Crab Dip
4)Sweatin' Bullets
5)Dill and Spice
6)Peppercorn
7)Jalapeno Spinach
8)Lime Cilantro

You get all eight for $15, along with recipe cards.  Just wrap a pretty red bow around the box and it's the perfect hostess gift for game day weekends.

Like buttah

These pretty red flats, made of buttery soft leather with red trim, are perfect to throw in your purse for game day.  $55. 

Ahhhmazing!!!!

This incredibly gorgeous Razorback birthday cake was made (from scratch) by the supremely-talented Lauren Holt Matthews.  You'll be even more impressed that Lauren isn't a professional baker . . . she's a PhD candidate at Emory (and huge hog fan)! She definitely ups the ante for all of us mere mortals by proving that the pros aren't the only ones capable of making knock-your-socks-off desserts like this one. 

Thanks, Lauren!  And keep posting all the great game day goodies you make!  Maybe one day you'll even share your recipes with us (hint, hint).

Spicy sweet chipotle caramel popcorn balls

20 cups freshly popped corn (from 3/4 cup popping corn)
4 cups sweetened puffed-corn cereal, such as Corn Pops
1 1/2 cups salted roasted peanuts
3 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup water
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder

1. In a very large, lightly oiled bowl, toss the popped corn with the corn cereal and peanuts.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar with the corn syrup, butter, water, vanilla bean and seeds. Cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the syrup registers 295° (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer, about 18 minutes. Stir in the salt and chipotle powder.
3. Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popcorn mix. Using a lightly oiled wooden spoon, stir to coat. Working quickly, scrape the popcorn onto a large sheet of lightly oiled parchment paper. Discard the vanilla bean. Wearing lightly oiled sturdy rubber gloves and using a very large, lightly oiled ice cream scoop (1/4 cup), form thirty-six 2-inch-wide balls, pressing lightly without compacting. Transfer the balls to a lightly oiled baking sheet. Let cool completely before serving.

The popcorn balls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Cute as a button!

This pretty red and gray striped wool dress from Boden will keep your little girl warm and comfy on game day (and still allow her to show off her own sense of style).  It has a pretty ruffle at the neck.  It would look great with tights or leggings, thick fleece-lined boots, and a red knit scarf and hat.  $38.

Pretty velvet flower necklace

This gorgeous velvet flower necklace would look great on game day with a black sweater, jeans and a deep red coat.  You could also use it to add a festive holiday touch to your LBD.  Black cocktail dress, this necklace, gold heels and red lipstick, and you're set for any Christmas party.  $95. 

"The course of true love never did run smooth"

This great quote, from William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," could just as easily describe a true fan's devotion to a team that breaks their heart year after year (ahem . . .  not naming any names). 

This beautiful cuff is inscribed with that quote. It will look just as cute with a little black dress as it will on game day.  $38. 

Thank you boxes

These cute thank you boxes from etsy are perfect for leaving on the bedside table when you stay with friends for a game weekend.  Fill them with chocolates or a sweet-smelling candle.  $22.50 for a set of 25 boxes. 

Red and chalkboard serving tray

This great serving tray is perfect for game day. It has a chalkboard base - personalize it with "I heart Ryan Mallett" or "No more Tejada!!!" and use it to serve cookies or cocktails.  Best of all, it's only $10. 

Football fondue!

When I think of fondue, I generally think girl food.  Chocolate.  But fondue can be perfect for game day, if you make it man-friendly.  Here's my idea for delicious "Football Fondue" for your next watch party:


Beer Cheese Fondue -

• 1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp. flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• Dash cayenne (or add a dash of hot sauce to the melted mixture)
• 3/4 c. beer
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

In bowl, combine cheese, flour, mustard and ground cayenne; mix to blend well. In fondue pot, combine beer and Worcestershire sauce. Set temperature at 375° and heat until bubbling. Gradually add cheese mixture and stir constantly until cheese melts and mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Reduce temperature to 200°

And, to make it perfect for game day, serve with soft pretzels, like these from Super Pretzel, that you can find frozen at the grocery store.  Prepare them according to package directions and cut them into bite-sized pieces for dipping.

Also serve with sliced smoked sausage.