Thursday, May 23

Art Supplies Drive

As many of you know I am a huge fan of Art Feeds. Wren even dedicated her first birthday to them, collecting over $300. Not too shabby for a one year old! (click here to read a letter from Wren about Art Feeds)

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I've recently gotten a lot of questions on how people in NWA can help those who have been affected by the tornadoes in OK. While there are several options out there: donating to the Red Cross, donating to UW of Central OK Tornado Relief Fund, etc. this is the one that I'm personally getting behind  -- Art Feeds and Do Something have partnered together to send art packs to the children of Moore, OK to help start the healing process through creativity -- And I would LOVE your help in supporting them!

Kids are amazingly resilient. This is a very true statement. However, kids also have a totally different way of processing and dealing with grief, fear, and other emotions. That's where creativity comes in. Therapeutic art and creativity has been shown to have a major impact on helping kids overcome obstacles or recover from traumatic experiences. So, this is where you come in my friends.

I'm going to be sending a box (maybe several with your help) of art supplies to Art Feeds on Wednesday, May 29. My art supplies would love to be kept company by your art supplies! Here is the list:




Anything helps! Don't feel like you need to donate every supply on the list, but whatever you donate does need to be an unused supply.

Do you have a little artist? Have them draw a picture or send a word of encouragement for a kiddo in Moore!

Supplies and pictures can be dropped off at:
Chambers Bank locations (in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Johnson, Elkins and Goshen) Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am-5pm.

NWA Pilates Studio in Bentonville - Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30-7:30pm

Wednesday, May 22

The First Annual Petree Family Vacation

We are planning our first family vacation and are so excited about all the possibilities that we don't know what to do! So, I'm turning to you for any thoughts, suggestions, or tips! Here are our ideas so far:

You're the only Tennessee!
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 This trip would include going to Memphis and Nashville....with a possible stop in Chattanooga.


A Lone Star Adventure!
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This one would be staying in Austin, Houston, and possibly swinging over to New Orleans! Bonus on this trip is that our awesome buddy Al has offered to let us stay with her when we visit Houston!! That means more beer money. :)


Wild Wild West!
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To UTAH!!! I was lucky enough to visit SLC, Park City, and Zion one time and I'm not sure all of me came back. So, basically I've been trying to get back out there for 10 years.


A few things to keep in mind:
  • We have about a week-an-a-half for this trip.
  • We will be traveling with a 15 month old.
  • We will probably be driving wherever we go.(yikes!)

So experienced parents, vagabonds, and friends! What do you think? Any other locations we should think of? Lodging suggestions? Attractions? Restaurants?