Pretty pretty

Gold hoops with red beads by Max & Chloe, $80. 

PGD craft studio: rag wreath

This may be the easiest, fastest, cheapest craft project ever.  The only examples I have are in neutral colors, so you'll have to use your imagination to picture it in the colors you'd like, but I think it would be just gorgeous in shades of red, white, black and gray. 

Here's how to make it:

This rag wreath, from the blog High Heels and a Hammer, looks great in shades of white, cream and tan.

For the base, you will need either a wire frame (which you can get at any craft store) or simply bend a wire hanger into a big O shape.  Leave the hook at the top to hang the wreath by!  Keep in mind, though, that a wire wreath frame will give you a bigger, thicker-looking wreath, whereas the wire hanger kind will be a bit skinnier. 

You will also need a pile of 5 to 7 fabrics that you plan to use.  I recommend using several different weights, patterns, textures, and colors for interest.  For example, sheer tulle, burlap, grosgrain ribbon, polka dot and/or striped cotton, and any old red, gray, or white t-shirts that you were planning to throw out.

Cut the fabric into strips roughly 1 inch thick and between 5 and 8 inches long, depending on whether you are using a hanger or wire wreath form (and depending on how thick your particular form is).  Once you figure out how long to cut the strips, cut them all the same length.

The hardest part is cutting all the strips.  This photo gives you an idea of the huge pile of strips you'll need to cut.

Then simply tie the strips onto the wreath using a square knot so they'll stay.  Make the mix of colors and patterns random.  For a wreath frame that has multiple wire rings, like the one below, tie strips on every ring.

Keep adding fabric strips until you can't fit possibly fit any more on.

For a wreath made with a wire hanger, you may want to add a big fluffy bow on top to hide the wire hook.

Ta-da!  You're done!  Go hang your beautiful new wreath!!!

You can dress up your wreath for the holidays by securely hooking a few Christmas ornaments into it using normal wire ornament hooks.  If you have Razorback ornaments, those would be perfect!

Sausage Cheese Balls: insert your own dirty joke here

Sausage cheese balls are a Southern staple, found at almost every tailgate and watch party.  Maybe that's because they're so easy to make! 

1 pound sausage

4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

3 cups baking mix (Bisquick)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the sausage, cheese, and dry baking mix. Mix together, and shape mixture into walnut-sized balls. Place on a foil-lined cookie sheet.
3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Serve hot.

Keep your baby warm!!!

This "Sherpa cable knit one-piece" from Gap looks so soft and warm.  It's gotten great reviews on their website.  $34.50. 

Chilly dog

Keep your pup warm with this cute red dog sweater from Anthropologie, $38.  Now you just need to teach Fido how to call the hogs (it can be done, I've seen it)!

Heading to Columbia, South Carolina this weekend for the game?

Weather.com says it will be a beautiful game day - sunny and clear, high of 59, low of 34.  Enjoy! (And stay warm).

Chocolates and game day: a marriage made in hog heaven!

Fleurir Hand Grown Chocolates, a phenomenal artisan chocolate shop in Alexandria, Virginia, is run by a former classmate of mine from Hendrix College, Robert Ludlow, and his wife Ashley.  They use fresh, local, high-quality natural ingredients to craft some of the most delicious chocolates you can find anywhere.

Their flavors include Sesame Hazelnut, Pink Peppercorn, Brandy Alexander, Grand Marnier Orange Blossom, Coconut Lime, Irish Coffee, Peanut Butter Banana, Carrot Cake, Ginger Rogers, Lemon Honey, Raspberry, Spumoni, Almond Amaretto, Cheesecake, Lavender Shiraz, and several others. 

Standard and custom boxes are available, starting at $8 for a four-piece box.  Shipping available.

These chocolates are unbelievable, and I love that they are made by a cute young couple with deep Arkansas connections.  Send one to your hosts as a thank you gift after you stay with them for a game weekend.

Cheers!

This awesome frosted drinking glass is decorated with scenes from around The Natural State.  A set of two, especially when paired with ingredients for your host's favorite cocktial, would make a great hostess gift.  $12 each. 

Visiting friends in South Carolina this weekend?

Show up with a cute and creative hostess gift, like this set of four Arkansas magnets made from a vintage map.  The set is $12. 

Another cute Etsy find for babies

This cute onesie is perfect for the littlest Razorback fan.  The front has a patch of football-patterned fabric embroidered with "Go Hogs" and the back has a cute red Razorback ruffle.  All that's missing is a red hair bow, and baby is ready for her first game day!  $15

Inside outside upside-down

This adorable Razorbacks skirt is reversable to reveal a cute polka dot and floral pattern.  $32.  

Away games call for cute luggage

This cute vintage suitcase is hand painted with two white birds.  It's lined with pink and white polka dot fabric.  $68. 

Yes, we're old: our clothes from the 80's now qualify as "vintage"

This red dolman-sleeve dress is from the 80's, but looks fresh today.  It has an elastic waist, but I love it topped off with a cute belt.  $32, marked a size 3/4. 

Mad Men style on a dime

This vintage dress (yep, Etsy again!) is only $25.  It's washable and a size 10 (keep in mind that vintage sizes usually run a bit smaller than modern sizes of the same number).   

It's vintage day here at PGD

These vintage 1950s red and gold floral clip earrings are unique and surprisingly modern.  $30. 

Vintage rocks!

This vintage red silk scarf has a cute wicker pattern and is only $10. 

This vintage English wool cape jacket proves that Etsy is cooler than Anthropologie (and much cheaper!)

Vintage plaid cape jacket, $32 on Etsy.  Only one available, and it's a size small. 

Slightly off center

I love the asymmetrical zipper on this red wool cardigan from Anthropologie.  Originally $118, now $69.95. 

Keep warm

Wrap up at chilly games in a cute red and black buffalo plaid blanket like this one from Old Navy.  It's soft performance fleece.  $10. 

Vintage thermos set

This red plaid vintage thermos set is perfect for tailgating.  $32.