Tailgating punch - yay or nay?

So, this "Gridiron Punch" recipe from http://www.chow.com/ looks extremely simple to make (only three ingredients) . . .  but, I've never even heard of some of the ingredients!

The recipe is:

INGREDIENTS

• 18 ounces (2 1/4 cups) naturally sweetened pineapple juice, chilled
• 6 ounces Yellow Chartreuse, chilled
• 6 (12-ounce) bottles amber ale, such as Fat Tire, chilled

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the pineapple juice and Chartreuse in a 3-quart container or punch bowl and stir to combine. Add the beer and gently stir to combine.

So, does anybody out there reading PGD know what Yellow Chartreuse is?  Is anyone willing to test out this recipe and report back?

Toasty, comfy, and cute!

I love these boots!!! But the real secret to this look isn't the adorable boots, it's the mix of boots, slouchy wool socks, and black tights.  I can just imagine that this look is topped with an adorable red wool Mad Men style fitted dress or maybe a striped sweater dress.  So cute and extremely practical for football season!

PGD is back, and we're looking for blog contributors!

Hi y'all, PGD is back again after a much-too-long absence.  It's hard to blog without a working computer!  And sometimes blogging just has to fall to the wayside when life gets hectic. 

So, all apologies for disappearing for a while.  Now that football season is in full swing, I'll try to keep up with regular posting.

On a related note, I'm looking for PGD contributors!  If you'd like to become a PGD poster, just submit a sample post by emailing it to projectgameday@gmail.com.  Your post can be on game day fashion, cocktails, a great recipe, crafts, hostess gifts, decorating, or anything else related to football season in Arkansas!  A few people will be chosen to become contributors to PGD, so we can keep the posts coming nonstop!

Send in your game day photos

Email your photos to projectgameday@gmail.com!  I love posting inspiration photos, recipes, and ideas, but nothing compares to real Arkansas game day photos.  Please help me keep PGD full of the real thing by sending in your photos, whether they be pics of you game day outfit, cute little ones, tailgating snacks, watch party, or anything else PGD-related.

Get ready for game day

If you aren't already jumping out of your skin with anticipation for football season, just click on this awesome video put together by John Whiteside (who is clearly as talented as he is obsessesed).  If this doesn't get you fired up for football, then you probably should have gone to Hendrix.

Arkansas game day fashion - my definition

I've always thought that Arkansas girls have a definable and unique sense of game day style, separate from other SEC schools. While Ole Miss girls tailgate in full-on evening wear, and Florida girls tend towards itty bitty tank tops and flip flops, hog fans usually rock something feminine, flattering, and classy. Our game day looks tend to play up tradition - we like looking classic, polished, and pretty. It's more about style and grace than about showing tons of skin or wearing your fanciest and most expensive dress. We tend to pick flattering classic shapes that we can wear year after year rather than trendy pieces. So, while there are always plenty of exceptions, for the most part Arkansas girls show up on game day in well thought out outfits that our mamas and grandmothers can be proud of.

It's finally here! Razorback Football Season - Wooo Pig!

This weekend officially kicks off the best time of year for Arkansas Razorbacks fans - football season!  I won't be there in person (we are heading to Philadelphia for a wedding, and you better believe I'll be wearing Razorback red!), but I will definitely be there in spirit.

On a related note, sorry for the lack of activity on PGD recently -  moving has kept me busy - but I promise to pick it up.  Keep checking in!

A little classier than spiking your lemon-berry slush from Sonic

These strawberry champagne slushies would be perfect for game day - cold, sweet, tipsy, and red!

Game pumpkins

Tired of carving the same boring snaggle-toothed jack-o-lanterns every year?  This year, get creative and whip up a few game day pumpkins to decorate your tailgate.  Cute!

Inspiration photo

So, major disclaimer here - this look isn't going to work for 99% of us.  But even for those of us who won't be rocking a pair of skintight white jeans anytime soon, this photo is great inspiration for a unique color combo on game day.  We are so used to pairing red and white with black, the tan tank top looks fresh and different. 

By the way, leave the heels at home on game day. 

Inspiration photo

I think I'm sensing a theme here.  A cropped black jacket may be my new game day essential.  I love this look.  The red shorts and black jacket are simple wardrobe staples, and you can mix in any interesting white top. 

Inspiration photo

If I were trying to put an outfit together with red pants, I'd never imagine adding even more red with a striped top, red belt, and red lipstick.  But this photo shows that an almost-over-the-top look like this can work - just keep the shapes and fabric classic. 

Hmm . . . I'm undecided

I can't tell if this dress would be cute for game day - or make you look like you are trying a bit too hard.  It's your call.  At only $65, it may be worth a shot.  If it's as short and low cut as it looks, play it down with flat sandals and small jewelry.

There's an app for that

If you can't wait until football season, now you can play classic tailgating games on your iPhone with this app. It has corn hole, washers, ladder golf, and horseshoes. 

How do I submit ideas to Project Game Day?

It's easy to send your photos, tips, recipes, fashion finds, and other suggestions to PGD by simply emailing projectgameday@gmail.com!

If you are out shopping and see a cute game day dress, snap a photo with your camera phone and email it in!

If you have a killer recipe for red margaritas or razorback burgers, email it in!

If you have suggestions on how we can improve the PGD site, please email it in!

Not for the kiddos

For your next watch party, whip up a batch of these BOURBON CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKES.  Yes, you read that correctly, bourbon and chocolate and ice cream in a delicious alcoholic milkshake.  Booze dessert.  Delicious!

Cute hostess gift idea

Buy a new baking pan and little hammer, and whip of a batch of peanut brittle in the pan, then wrap the whole thing up in a pretty ribbon (red and white for game day).  Your host can whack the brittle with the hammer to break it up and eat it, then reuse the tray.  Extra points if you print out the brittle recipe on a cute tag and attach it to the ribbon.

Recipe here. 

Tomato bread

Yum! Recipe here. 

Inspiration photo - casual, comfy, and completely stylish

In my book, this look is a perfect 10.  I love the unique red striped jacket, perfectly broke- in boots, and the interesting details on her blouse and necklace.  And love that haircut!  Sundresses and skimpy skirts are a dime a dozen on game day.  Turn some heads with great personal style instead. 

At your local Old Navy . . .

Old Navy is currently selling college game tees.  Get this Arkansas tee for less than $20.  To avoid the frumphy t-shirt and jeans trap, pair it with short black shorts on a hot game day and keep your hair and makeup looking polished. 

Hot chocolate stir sticks

These would make plain hot chocolate really special on game day.  You know what else makes hot chocolate special?  Peppermint schnapps!

Get instructions to make the stir sticks here. 

Fall football fashion - inspiration photo

I love the fact that this cute outfit looks warm and comfy, while still being stylish.  Yet another reason to buy a red skirt this season.

Another way to style a red skirt

This one looks cool and quirky with a chambray shirt, bold blue necklace, and brown accessories.  The red lipstick really pulls the look together. 

Use Arkansas strawberries!

I am dying to try this - strawberry goat cheese bruschetta drizzled with balsamic vinegar and topped with chopped basil.  Yum!  Get the recipe here. 

It's in the details: red buttons and bows

Sometimes, when coming up with ideas for this blog, I get so caught up in the newest, biggest, brightest, cleverest things I find, that I forget how charming simple classic details can be.  These cute pigtails with red ribbon bows are perfect.  Keep this in mind this football season, whether you are dressing your baby girl for game day or setting a pretty table for a watch party.  Simple traditional ideas aren't boring - they're timeless.

Eclectic game day look

When most girls are tailgating in sundresses and sandals, stand out in a slightly off-kilter look that shows off your Razorback spirit and your personal style.  Get the entire look at Polyvore, or create your own.  Keys here are the rugged and masculine shirt paired with skinny jeans and ladylike accessories.  The messy bun topped with a double red headband finishes the look. 

Salted caramel and whiskey truffles - grown up game day candy

Booze and chocolate, yum!  Get the recipe here. 

Easy and ladylike game day look

This inspiration photo proves that sometimes a long skirt and sleeves can be just as intriguing as a short flirty dress.  While her white shirt and pleated silk skirt are classic, her hair, makeup and accessories are young and fresh.  Here's a tip if you're looking for a skirt like this - ask your mom!  You're probably more likely to find one in her closet than in any store in the mall. 

Dot dot dot

These red and white polka dot (piggie dot?) nails would be a cute finishing touch for your game day look.  I'd probably stick to one design rather than alternating red and white nails, but whatever floats your boat . . .

Get the info here - the dots are made with a tiny brush, or you could use a toothpick. 

Photo inspiration: build a fall game day outfit around a frilly summer top

Your favorite ruffled tank top can be the foundation of a cute game day outfit.  Just add a belted red cardigan and jeans (maybe switch the heels for flats if you'll be tailgating all day).  Cute! 

Easy centerpiece

Simply place a smaller vase within a larger one.  Put flowers and water in the smaller vase, and fill the space between the two vases with anything decorative you'd like.  For game day, red tulips and red candy (jellybeans or redhots) would look great.

Good news, bad news

So, the good news is that this shirt is absolutely adorable and is apparently available for sale on Etsy (according to Pinterest).  The bad news:  I can't find it!  But it is too cute not to post, so if you can find it on Etsy (or anywhere else), post a comment and fill us in on where to find it.

Red and white twine - great to have on hand for football season

This cute red and white twine from Etsy seller WhiskerGraphics would be perfect to wrap up hostess gifts, decorate a tailgate table, or or pack a game day picnic.  720 feet for $15.

I love Etsy!

Always good advice, especially on game day.

This little piggy . . .

This little red and white frame is a cute way to bring a touch of Razorback spirit to any nursery or kid's room.  It would also be a great gift for a grandparent who loves the hogs. 

Unfortunately, these frames are no longer on sale on the blog (they may be back soon), but this could be great inspirition for you to make your own with a little craft paint. 

Free printable cupcake wrappers

These cute football-themed cupcake wrappers can be made using this free printable template.  They also have a set of Fourth of July cupcake wrappers that include two red designs that would be cute for a game day table. 

Sausage dip - good enough to post twice

So . . . I can't remember if I've already posted this.  But I'd rather post it twice than not at all, so here you go.

Sausage Dip - yep, rather than than serving cheese dip with sausage, whip up this extra-thick dip that lets the star ingredient take center stage.  Get the easy recipe (only three ingredients!) here. 

 

To me, this just seems like football food

Mexican Stuffed Cornbread, recipe available here - just ignore the fact that it's a blog intended for Aggie fans :)

Easiest party dessert ever

Short of serving a bowl of red and white M&M's (and I'm not knocking that option - it's easy and cute), things don't get much easier than this impressive party dessert.  Simply thread strawberries and chunks of angel food cake on wooden skewers, and drizzle with chocolate sauce.  Yum!

This clever idea comes courtesy of http://www.jensownroad.blogspot.com/.

Hey dogs, let's call those hogs!

Another reader tip!  This is a great one from Jessica McNeil.  She says that their adorable dogg Sophie has learned to call the hogs for treats! Unfortunately, my 8+-yr-old dog is still working on "sit,"  so I don't she'll be calling the hogs this football season.  But, Jessica, please send us training instructions so we can all try this with our pups!

And check out the cute doggie dress her pooch has on in these photos - Jessica says it is from Just Dogs! Gourmet, which at the Promenade at Chenal, in Little Rock.  Just Dogs! Gourmet carries incredible dog treats, toys, and a great selection of Razorback gear for dogs.

Thanks for the tips, Jessica!  And Sophie is so precious we may just have to make her the official PGD mascot.

Readers:  Keep sending in your tips - they're great!

Reader tip: Target has cute game day dresses right now!

PGD reader (and good friend) Brooke Wilson sent in a great tip:  Target has lots of adorable black and white dresses right now, which would be perfect for game day with a few red accessories.

THANKS, BROOKE!

Something a bit different - chicken caesar sandwiches

These chicken caesar sandwiches would make a great meal option for your next watch party.  You can make it ahead in the slow cooker, to free you up to get ready for the party.  Get the recipe here. 

Pea perfection

 

This incredibly cute red pea coat is perfect for pulling off a classic game day look.  And, believe it or not, it's under $100.  Get it at Delia's. 

Blackberry Mojito Punch

This beautiful red punch could easily be renamed for game day.  Recipe from Southern Living. 

Baked smores, otherwise known as heaven on a plate

This recipe from Lovin in the Oven is simply genius.  You could make an even easier version by taking store-bought cookie dough and pressing half in a pan, building smores on top, and then pressing the other half over the top.  Bake according to cookie package directions.  Yum!

It's a bit pricey

But this picnic blanket bag may be worth the investment.  This machine washable bag has it's own built-in, fold-out picnic blanket and a large storage area for food, drinks, and other necessities (it fits two wine bottles). It's $99.  Find it here. 

Advanced placement cocktails

These gorgeous cocktails, called "the red and the black," aren't exactly as simple to prepare as, say, a gin and tonic (you have to make black pepper simple syrup), but they are definitely achievable, and so perfect for game day.  Get the recipe from Food and Wine Magazine. 

Bacon jam

Yep, bacon jam.  As in, spread it on bread and devour it.  Best part: it looks really easy to make in the slow cooker.  And it would make a fabulous hostess gift.  Your hosts may have already gotten wine or flowers, but I can guarantee that you'll be the first to gift them with bacon jam.  Get the recipe  from Martha Stewart. 

Simple perfection

These red knot earrings are the perfect finishing touch on game day.  They are $35, available here. 

Pillow talk

While we don't recommend decorating your entire house in Razorback gear, this Pig Sooie Pillow from Etsy ($35) would be cute to bring out during football season or to send with a freshman starting at the U of A this fall. 

A recipe, snack, and gift in one

Who doesn't love a crispy salty cold pickle?  And if your garden (or local farmers' market) is overflowing with ripe cucumbers this time of year, why don't you whip up a few jars of homemade pickles?  Perfect for topping burgers on game day, and even better to give as a hostess gift.  Learn how here. 

Cherry almond crumble

As Arkansas Razorback fans, we are pretty lucky - for many reasons.  Not least of which is the prevelance and deliciousness of red food.  Seriously, thank your lucky stars that you aren't a Tennessee fan, because it has got to get old serving Cheetos and Sunkist. 

This cherry almond crumble looks really tasty, and is a nice nod to your red theme on game day.  Get the recipe here.