5 Favorite Finds for October Surprises

Little Rock Soirée explores Central Arkansas to find our 5 Favorite Finds for October:

1. DECORATE – Plush Pumpkins

We’re all about decorating for fall. In fact, our box of Halloween decorations almost rivals the one containing the Christmas decorations. So we were excited to learn about a new item we can add to our ever-growing collection.

Sold locally at Green Tree on Rodney Parham Road and Park Hill Home in North Little Rock, Plush Pumpkins are handmade in Minnesota. Each velvet pumpkin has a real pumpkin, gourd or squash stem attached. The creations come in a wide array of rich colors and sizes. Retail prices range from $9 for the 2-inch pumpkins to $114 for the jumbo size. We think they look best when grouped with fresh flowers as a centerpiece.

2. SEE – Paul Caldwell’s Buffalo River Exhibit at Cantrell Gallery

In celebration of the Buffalo National River’s 40th anniversary, Cantrell Gallery is hosting an exhibit of artist Paul Caldwell’s stunning photography of the Buffalo River region.

“I have spent over 40 years hiking along the Buffalo and its surrounding mountains and valleys,” Caldwell says. “I have enjoyed this part of Arkansas probably more than any other part of the state. With these photographs, I hope to share my vision of the different areas within the Buffalo National River.” Each photo is accompanied by a short narrative about Caldwell’s unique experiences in that particular area.

The exhibit will be on display through Saturday, Oct. 20. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Visit CantrellGallery.com for more information and to see images from the exhibit.

3. WEAR – Broken China Jewelry

On a recent visit to the THEA Foundation in Argenta, we spied these pendants on a table up front. We wanted to know the story behind them.

A group of dedicated volunteers coordinated by Linda Fullerton of Conway meets regularly to create and package each piece by hand. The pendants are then sold at local retailers, with proceeds donated to the Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas.

“I was the first volunteer five years ago,” said Linda. “Now we have at least 30 women (and a few husbands) who come from all over central Arkansas. It’s wonderful to me how these women who were once strangers have bonded over this project.”

According to Linda, the project was developed to mirror the path a domestic violence victim walks to become a survivor. “Victims of domestic abuse often feel broken and used,” reads a statement on the shelter’s website. “However, we believe that victims can transition to survivors, and that they can be independent and beautiful. The process of making the jewelry changes broken dishes, broken china, into independent, beautiful pieces of jewelry that have a new purpose in life.”

The pendants retail for $10 at Beyond Cotton on Rodney Parham Road, Catering to You on Cantrell Road, and, of course, at the THEA Foundation on Main Street in Argenta.

4. SHOP – Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary Partners Card

We love to shop. And when our dollars support a good cause and local retailers at the same time, it makes us very happy. That’s why we’re big fans of the UAMS Partners Card.

From Friday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Nov. 4, shoppers who purchase a $50 Partners Card will receive a 20 percent discount at more than 130 local stores. All proceeds from the sale of the Partners Cards will go to the Cancer Institute’s volunteer auxiliary to fund projects that directly benefit cancer patients in Arkansas.

The annual fundraiser has raised more than $556,000 in central Arkansas over the last nine years. To purchase a card and view a list of the local retailers participating this year, click here.

5. SUPPORT – Hydrate for Hope

In observation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Glo Ltd. in Pleasant Ridge Town Center is partnering with Murad, Inc. to feature the limited edition Hydrate for Hope set featuring Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture and Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture for eyes. Murad will donate 10 percent from the sale of each set to City of Hope’s breast and women’s cancers research, treatment and education programs. City of Hope is one of the nation’s leading research, treatment and education centers for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

The Hydrate for Hope set includes one 1.7-ounce jar of Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture, an all-purpose moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration, and one 0.12-ounce jar of Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture for eyes, a specially formulated eye moisturizer that firms and awakens the eye area. The set includes a pink polka dot makeup bag and retails for $49.50 (a $79 value). For more info, drop by Glo Ltd. or give them a call at 224-8222.