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A Fun Start On My Christmas Shopping


I have been looking forward to this week ever since I knew that we were moving back to Arkansas this year. Its the week of the War Eagle Fair in NW Arkansas!! Before I moved to Alabama for three years, I went every year. And how I have missed it. I haven't found anything to compare.
War Eagle is a tiny community near Fayetteville. You have to drive way off of the highway on this picturesque little road until you get to these huge cow pastures where you park:) There is an old grist mill there beside the river with an old bridge. It's gorgeous in the fall, with the leaves turning their many colors.

my sister & me

I have no idea how many vendors are at this fair each year, but there have to be hundreds. They have everything imaginable: decor, jewelry, pottery, antiques, gourmet foods (I think I hit every sample-heehee)... Its just so much fun! It always gets me in the holiday spirit and I even got a small start on my shopping for this year. I took my mom, sister and aunt with me and we had a total blast! Lots of laughter all day long!

my mom and aunt



Today I just wanted to share a few of the little treasures that I picked up. I won't mention if they're for a special person, just in case that special person is reading this. By the time Christmas rolls around, maybe they'll have forgotten. LOL




a handpainted Christmas frame



a handpainted Christmas plaque



an inspirational wall hanging



another plate for my collection



handmade burp cloths



the best spicy relish I've ever tasted!

I realize this is a very small start to the holiday shopping, but a start is a start, right?! Have you started shopping yet?

This post is linked to Show & Tell at My Romantic Home.

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Comments

Hootin Anni said…
I bet that relish is awesome in taste ---even the 'after taste'.

I too love Christmas. I shop early.

Mine's posted ---

Click Here * a Slideshow
October 16, 2009 at 5:16 AM
Sheila said…
Hello Lora, I see you are from Arkansas.. Me too. I live close to Searcy.. I have never been to War Eagle, but had some friends that use to set up and sell Jewelery they hand made , for years.. One day after the event was over they were traveling home to Mnt. View, Arkansas and had a blow out on their Truck.. She was hurt very bad and later died in the hospital.. If you have gone to War Eagle in the past 15 yreas you may have seen them there.. Mert and Nancy ... He has very long white whiskers and she had coal black hair.. He is a mountain man to say the least.. Very special people and friends.. Any way hello .. thanks for sharing your christmas shopping venture.. Wish i was started..
October 16, 2009 at 6:40 AM
Lisa said…
Kudos to you for starting your Christmas shopping so early! I always say I'm going to start early, and rarely do. However, this year I have gotten one present for Canaan...quite by accident. Two weeks ago I drove to Athens to attend class, only to realize that class was cancelled due to the Old Time Fiddler's Convention. So, I bought a ticket and wandered around. I ended up finding the coolest slingshot! It's handmade and has a deer whittled into it. Maybe I can take a picture of it and post it soon along w/ other pics from the convention....
October 16, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Carla said…
Ok, this is the SECOND War Eagle Post today!!! I am sssssooooo tempted!!
October 16, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Sandra said…
I just love fairs and events like this and who doesn't like to shop?
Sandra
October 16, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Miss Mustard Seed said…
I looks like you found some great things. I love Christmas shopping and this time of year. Thanks for sharing yous shopping day with us.
October 16, 2009 at 11:42 AM
The Watts Family said…
Wow some wonderful things you picked up!!~How amazing you were able to do some early Christmas shopping! Loved the pics, very cute blog~ Blessings Heather ;D
October 16, 2009 at 12:09 PM
The Old Parsonage said…
Started shopping? Why girl, I'm over half way there!! Love that you had a family outing in such a great place and that you had fun!

Enjoy!
Leann
October 16, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Betsy Brock said…
Seeing as there is only 70 some days until Christmas, it's really not too early to shop! I hate that stressful crunch at the end when I haven't prepared early enough. You are smart to do a little shopping at that fair...it looks like a great place to find special treats! I haven't started yet, but I need to!
October 16, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Kayren said…
It looks just like I remember, except for the sign. I don't remember the big sign. Still jealous...
October 16, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Michelle M. said…
That looks like so much fun! I especially love the burp cloths :)
October 16, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Susan B said…
It looks like you had a lot of fun! You got some nice items. Thank you for sharing your day!
October 17, 2009 at 1:45 AM
Unknown said…
First of all, I am amazed at how many followers you have!

You have a nice collection of gifts. Is the relish for me??? :P

You look like your aunt.

Your page looks great.
October 17, 2009 at 4:39 AM
Unknown said…
One more thing...

War Eagle??? I wonder if it has any ties to Auburn? (Serious question.)
October 17, 2009 at 4:40 AM
Lora @ my blessed life said…
Hi, Song!
Good to hear from you:) I have to say, that relish is all mine. lol Its too yummy to share!

And about War Eagle, I really don't know what the story is behind the name~but I seriously doubt that it has anything to do with Auburn. haha And speaking of Auburn: what in the world does *war eagle* have to do with Auburn Tigers anyway?? I've never gotten that:)
October 17, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said…
Hi Lora

It looks like a fun day out with your family! You picked up soem nice things.

I have so many family birhtdays in the couple months before Christmas that I have to buy gifts for that I run out of ideas after awhile and end up giving gift cards or money along with a book. I love going to craft fairs though as there is always soemthing unique to buy.
October 17, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Lora @ my blessed life said…
Kayren~
I don't remember seeing that sign before this year either. The part on it about *next 4 exits* cracked me up! Exits? Really? lol
October 18, 2009 at 5:05 PM
sez said…
looks like you had a lot of fun and got some great goodies there :)
October 18, 2009 at 7:41 PM
MidWifeMade said…
You just warmed my heart. My mother was a crafter at War Eagle for over a decade. That was the only show that was close enough to stay home. I practically grew up in those tents and at one time lived about a mile further down hw 12. These pictures brought back so many memories. How you had fun!
October 19, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Cindy said…
I have a souvenir plate collection also but not as many as you!!! I think I only have 3 or 4! Thanks for joining in on Show and Tell!
October 19, 2009 at 10:27 PM
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