Our Favorite Finds: 6 To Savor in January

1.

“Arkansas Pie” by Kat Robinson

We recently saw a sign at a local restaurant that read, “Pie fixes everything.” We couldn’t agree more! In the book “Arkansas Pie,” travel and food writer Kat Robinson takes us to all four corners of the state to explore our deep love for this old-fashioned dessert. Robinson sampled more than 400 different varieties of pie, learning interesting histories and traditions along the way.

From fried pies and fruit pies, to cream pies, chocolate pies and even possum pies, this book covers it all. Plus, it’s also chock full of stories, photographs and recipes (like Ashley’s Brown Sugar Pie and Brown Sugar Custard) and a directory of “Great Arkansas Pie Places.”

It’s a must-read for any true Southerner or pie lover. Available locally at Wordsworth & Co. and other booksellers.

2.

Art Classes at the Arkansas Arts Center

Does your New Year’s resolution involve learning to do something new? You’re in luck. The winter semester of the Arkansas Arts Center Museum School begins Jan. 7.

Those not familiar with the Museum School may be surprised by these facts: the school offers 85 classes and serves approximately 650 students (children, young adult and adults) each quarter. Classes for adults range from drawing, painting and pottery to fused glass, digital photography and jewelry making. There’s also an 8-week yoga class for all levels. All new students receive a $25 discount, plus AAC members receive 20 percent off all classes.

For info: 372-4000 or ArkArts.com.

3.

Argus Hard Cider

The holidays may be over, but there are still plenty of reasons to celebrate. Our new favorite way to toast success is with Argus Cidery’s sparkling hard cider.

Made in Austin, Tex., by native Arkansan Wes Mickel, this bubbly uses Texas apples aged in oak casks to create a smooth, champagne-like cider. There are two varieties, Lady Goldsmith and Malus Opus, shown here. Malus Opus is made with a blend of three different apples aged in French and American oak. We’re just smitten with the crisp, slightly sweet and spicy flavor.

Argus Cidery products can be purchased or enjoyed locally at Colonial Liquor, Springhill Liquor, Terry’s Finer Wines, Cheers in The Heights and Maumelle and The Capital Hotel. For info: ArgusCidery.com.

4.

Jane Iredale Bitty Brow Kit

While we’re making resolutions, now is the perfect time to give your same-old, same-old beauty regimen a makeover. The often-neglected eyebrows are a great place to start, and Jane Iredale takes the mystery out of making them look fab.

The line’s new Bitty Brow Kit includes everything you need — brushes, brow powder and botanical brow wax — to tidy up your brows. Available in blonde and brunette, the palm-sized kit fits easily in your makeup bag or purse. Jane Iredale’s complete line is available at Advanced Aesthetics. We’re giving away two Bitty Brow kits. Click here to enter to win.

5.

Lambrecht Gourmet Toffee

Our Owner/CEO Olivia Farrell has fallen in love with this Arkansas-made toffee – so much so that she’s been bringing it to meetings for the last few months (makes for a very happy work environment!).

Our favorite is the signature Southern Pecan, with a layer of roasted pecan halves covered in buttery toffee and chocolate. The newest addition — the Fleur de Sel — is covered in dark chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. It took the Gold Medal for Top Artisinal Toffee at the 2012 Salon International Chocolate competition.

You can purchase Lambrecht toffee locally at Tipton & Hurst, Diane’s Gourmet Foods, Catering to You and Boulevard Bread, or online at www.LambrechtGourmet.com.

6.

West Side Story at Robinson Center Music Hall

There’s nothing better than a tragic story of star-crossed lovers, except maybe a dance fight between two rival street gangs. Thankfully, West Side Story has both.

Even though the hit Broadway musical debuted more than 50 years ago, the story remains just as powerful and poignant today. The soundtrack, written by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest. Plus, the new Broadway cast album won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. This production is sure to wow.

There will be three Little Rock performances Jan. 29-31. Tickets go on sale Sunday, Jan. 6. For info: 244-8800 or www.CelebrityAttractions.com.