The Cap'n Crunch Corn Dog

The Oklahoma State Fair is looking for a wildcard judge for the Great Taste of a Fair! I could sample all of the state fair food and crown the winner (if I am lucky enough to get picked). Umm hello, this is a dream! Last week I made my Top 10 Foods to Eat at the Oklahoma State Fair list. Let's just say that inspired me to recreate my favorite, The Cap'n Crunch Corn Dog.

Before I made my trip to Target for ingredients, I did some research. Guys, I google things way more than what I would like to admit (Google + Lindsey = BFF's forever and ever amen).  I came across The Pioneer Woman's Clasic Corn Dog recipe. I figured that would be a great base for my corn dog. I just needed to grab some of the sugary cereal to add a coating. I have never deep-fried anything in my kitchen. I am trying so darn hard to be healthy. Well...that went out the window last night around 5:00 p.m. and I documented the whole thing via Snapchat.

Real talk,  this recipe makes a lot of batter. For two people, it's way too much! I cut the recipe in half, and it worked just fine. I added the cereal into a large freezer zip-top bag. After I had sealed the bag, I smashed the cereal with a rolling pin until it was like a fine dust. Smashing things is a great way to relieve stress; you go girl--pound away all of your frustrations! I poured the mixture into a bread pan and set up my work station.

After I dipped the hot dog into the batter, I immediately coated it with the crushed cereal and placed it into the fryer. Be sure to test the oil before you toss a hot dog into it. To do this, I coated a spoon in the mixture. I dropped a few dots into the hot oil. You can tell that the oil hot enough if the batter starts to bubble and turn a golden color. The best part about this whole recipe? It goes fast--set your timer and don't crowd your pot. Just follow the recipe from PW, make my little addition, and you can have an Oklahoma State Fair fan-favorite anytime you want.

I will not guarantee this is how the professionals do it, but hey--it tasted pretty delicious to me. The Cap'n Crunch Corn Dog is like a regular corn dog with a hint of sweetness and a MEGA crunch!

The great debate, what is your condiment of choice when it comes to corn dogs? I wanna know! My pick is mustard, all the way!

Great Taste of a Fair

As of today, we are 33 days away from the Oklahoma State Fair! This time of year makes me giddy. I have had so many wonderful memories that revolve around the fair. Growing up in Pawhuska, each fall I participated in the Osage County Free Fair with livestock and non-livestock exhibits. I worked all summer on different arts and crafts projects with the goal of a blue ribbon. If my items were lucky enough to get a blue ribbon, they went on to compete at the Tulsa State Fair. Imagine this, a nine-year-old little girl seeing her hard work pay off with a blue ribbon at the state fair. I jumped for joy when I realized that I had won. My prized homemade milkshake candle had a special place on my dresser until I graduated from high school. Prized possession? I think so!

It was not until I was a teenager until I got the chance to experience the Oklahoma State Fair. There were a few times a year that I had the opportunity to visit Oklahoma City, and this was one of them. I showed my breeding ewes and market wethers at the Oklahoma State Fair. After running on little sleep and smelling like a sheep, there was nothing better than visiting the Cookie Time stand. I patiently waited for this moment all week! You could smell the freshly baked cookies throughout the barn. A chocolate chip cookie that was bigger than my face was calling my name. I remember my first bite like it was yesterday. I walked back to my sheep pen and enjoyed the rest but not before one of my show lambs helped himself to a bite. Who knew lambs like cookies? You have been warned 4-H and FFA exhibitors, guard your cookies!

Even though my livestock showing days are behind me, I still visit the Oklahoma State Fair. However, my agenda looks a little different. Now when I visit, I am in search of the best food around. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! Let's be real, my gym sessions are about to amp it up a notch, so I don't feel so guilty when I am chowing down on a massive cinnamon roll.

My Top 10 State Fair Foods

1. Captain Crunch Corn Dog
2. Funnel Cake
3. Deep-Fried Oreos
4. Indian Taco
5. Cinnamon Roll
6. Roasted Corn on the Cob
7. Cookie Time Cookie
8. Pork Chop Sandwich
9. Cotton Candy
10. Cheese-on-a-Stick

Obviously, I am not going to eat all ten items, but a girl can dream! This weekend I am going to try to recreate the famous Captain Crunch Corn Dog. I am up for the challenge and love a good experiment in the kitchen.

What's your favorite State Fair food?

Summer Essentials: Pom Poms

|| Dress: J. Crew Factory (it comes in two colors and is on mega sale, use coupon code SHOPBETTER) || Kimono: Boutique in Pawhuska (it's a few years old) || Necklace: Kendra Scott (a few years old, but here's one similar) || Earrings: Kendra Scott (sold out) || Bracelets: Accessory Concierge (multiple colors available) Kendra Scott (multiple colors available), and Lauren Hope (multiple colors available) || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Shoes: MIA (they only have a few sizes left) || Clutch: Accessory Concierge (this color is sold out but other colors are available) || Photos: Post Grad Kate ||

We still have a little time before fall arrives. Heck, here in Oklahoma it feels like summertime until October! Those early home football games are so unbearably hot, I am sweating just thinking about it. Speaking of the heat, I am taking full advantage of the hottest trend of the summer, pom poms! Everywhere you look, tassels and pom poms have been added to everything from clothing, shoes, handbags, and even jewelry. At first, I was a little hesitant to adopt this trend, but it seems to have some staying power. I always tend to look for cheaper items when it comes to trends. I like to splurge on my closet essentials.

A few years ago, I was the Chickasaw Country travel blogger. During my travels (when I was not stuffing my face with festival food) I would find some of the cutest little boutiques around. There are still a few boutiques that I keep up with on social media. One of them is 3rd & Broadway in Sulphur, Oklahoma. A few weeks ago, they posted a photo of these sandals on Instagram. The moment I saw them, I knew they had to be mine! I called up the owner and a few days later they arrived on my doorstep with a sweet little note. Y'all, I love mega stores, but there is something about supporting a small mom and pop shop that does the heart good. 3rd and Broadway sold out of these sandals, but you can purchase them online. These funky sandals inspired my entire outfit!

This straw pom pom trim clutch is sold-out (there are a few other colors still available, I linked to them at the beginning of the post). I have seen everyone from The College Prepster to Miss Retail Therapist carrying it all summer long. I am giving away one to a lucky reader. Enter below for your chance to win. This giveaway will end Friday, and I'll contact the random winner. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I have paired up with a few other bloggers. Make sure to check out their Summer Essentials post. Who knows, maybe you will find a few items to add to your to-do list before pumpkin spice everything takes over! What is your summer must-have?

An InLinkz Link-up

Flair for the Hair

Dress: Kate Spade (you can rent it on Rent the Runway and save) || Hair barrette: Elizabeth Heard [c/o] || Necklace: Kate Spade (a few years old, but here's one similar) || Earrings: Kate Spade || Bracelets: Kate Spade (sold out, similar one and similar two) || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Shoes: Kate Spade (a few years old, but here is a pair with the cork look) || Photos: Post Grad Kate ||

Growing up in Oklahoma, your outfit wasn't complete without a matching bow. Can you say, tiny human diva? I remember my mom putting the finishing touches on my outfit before we went to school or church. My younger sister and I had a rather large bow collection featuring all colors of the rainbow (but mostly pink). I gave up on the hairbows until I made the high school cheerleading squad, go Huskies! My mom and I made some outrageous and sometimes ridiculous bows for football season. Now wouldn't that make for a great TBT post? I'll spare your eyes from having to see that.

I went off to college at Oklahoma State University in the fall of 2007. Before Nike shorts and oversized t-shirts took over college campus everywhere, bows were the hottest accessory for sorority girls. Each day, I channeled my inner seven-year-old and had a matching tiny bow that clipped on my side bangs. I must say, I am not proud of this--but it totally happened y'all. You live and you learn!

Clearly, I am not in college anymore. Grownup life can seem a little bit drab and dull sometimes, everything is black, white or gray. I don't know about you, but this girl needs color! I have found a fun way to make your outfit pop and stand out from the crowd. And no, you will not look like Honey Boo Boo (not gonna lie, I totally watched that show #NoShame). I am a 100% fan girl for Elizabeth Heard! Let me tell you a little bit more about her and her business.

Elizabeth Heard is a southern girl, from Georgia. She has had a life-long obsession with hair barrettes! In the spring of 2015, she created Elizabeth Heard, making carefully crafted hair accessories. She is the definition of a boss babe, right? I have been following along her journey via Instagram. I am so impressed with her creativity and passion! 

I want you to find a piece that takes your outfit to the next level. You have got to check her stuff out! Let's be real; it's fun to be a little different. Elizabeth Heard just launched a new product line, "Hair Juice." Heck, I am thinking about getting the orange hair band for Oklahoma State University gameday! We have partnered up to bring you savings, use coupon code: EHxLD for 15% off any order! So go head girl, click "add to cart" because savings, duh! What barrette is on your wish list? I will leave you with a few of my favorites, happy shopping!