Partly Cloudy   80.0F  |  Forecast »

Living in the Moment

Arts and Crafts Markets

11/16/12

Arts and Crafts Markets

Support the arts community by purchasing holiday gifts made by Memphis artists and craftsmen. Here’s a round-up of local holiday shows and artist markets. — Good art. Great prices. Keeping it local. WEEKEND ART SHOWS Friday, November 16-17 • MCA Holiday Bazaar. Memphis College of Art. A favorite holiday tradition includes original works by MCA students, faculty, and alumni. Friday, 6–9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. 272-5100. Friday, November 16–18 • Memphis Potters' Guild Holiday Show. Memphis Botanic Garden. The best clay artists from across the Mid-South showcase a diverse collection of ceramic works. Friday, 5–8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. 576-4699,...

Posted at 08:03 AM | Permalink | Comments

Tree Lightings & Pre-Holiday Family Events

11/13/12

Tree Lightings & Pre-Holiday Family Events

Bring the kids and light up this holiday season with these festive events. NOVEMBER 16 • Friday Flip-the-Switch Party. AutoZone Park. 5 p.m. Enter Rockeyfeller Plaza this holiday season, decorated with a 35-foot tree. Entertainment includes caroling by Downtown Elementary School and the River City Concert Band Brass Ensemble. Free hot chocolate and hot cider for attendees plus special guest appearances. downtownmemphis.com Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Memphis Zoo. 5:30 p.m. Live entertainment and WMC-TV’s Ron Childers joins Marvel’s Avengers characters on live TV as countdown begins for tree lighting. Free with SunTrust Zoo Lights admission. 333-6500. ZOOPER Hero Weekend featuring the Avengers. Memphis Zoo. Also on Saturday. Join Marvel’s...

Posted at 01:51 PM | Permalink | Comments

Fashionista of the Week: Sophia

11/02/12

Fashionista of the Week: Sophia

Who can resist dark, luminous eyes that dance in the sunshine? Certainly not me. That's why I had to introduce myself to this little fashionista, Sophia, last week. Her stylish outfit played up her dark beauty. Dressed in a hot pink owl T-shirt that reads "Whooo's the Cutest," it's paired with an acid-washed demin skirt and leopard-print leggings. Clearly, her dimpled smile answers the question. Don't you love the little flowers that decorate her Mary-Jane's? Several of these pieces come from The Children's Place. Her mother tells me that though she's the youngest of four, Sophia is all about being grown up. "When I pour juice she says, 'I will help you," says Laura, Though she's only 2, Sophia is starting to...

Posted at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments

Let's Go: The Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum in Jackson, Tennessee

10/31/12

Let's Go: The Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum in Jackson, Tennessee

Growing up in England during the 1960s, much of my TV viewing was black and white series from America, like Zorro, Lassie, and a show about the American folk hero, Casey Jones. Every schoolboy knew Casey’s train ran through prairie, deserts, and “Indian country.” After all, the dude had a cowcatcher — you never saw one of those on trains like The Flying Scotsman! So imagine my surprise — 20 years later — when I finally visited the Casey Jones museum, only to discover it's in Jackson, Tennessee. What’s more, Casey’s final ride didn’t take place out West at all, but rather on a run from Memphis to Canton, Mississippi. In fact, the fatal crash took place in Vaughan, Mississippi.  So last month, I drove my family to...

Posted at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Read This: The Hallo-wiener

10/26/12

Read This: The Hallo-wiener

O.K. let’s get one thing understood right away: Dads love hot dogs. That’s all there is to it. So it stands to reason that a Halloween book involving wiener dogs, bun costumes, and atrocious puns would be a sure-fire winner (Ha! I resisted that obvious pun, I do have some pride.). Add that it's written and illustrated by the genius that created such heroes as Dragon (see earlier blog posts) and Captain Underpants, and you have a tale that really cuts the mustard. (Sorry, I promise I will stop). The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey has been in my house for the past decade and despite being dog-eared, it gets read every October by the whole family, the 4-year-old, the 13-year-old, and — ahem — those a lot older. The hero is Oscar, a wiener dog who is...

Posted at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments

Just Say No to Kids and Caffeine

10/23/12

Just Say No to Kids and Caffeine

An alarming story is making headlines today: The death of a 14-year-old after consuming two Monster energy drinks in 24 hours. This is the latest of five deaths associated with the popular energy drink. The FDA is currently investigating the deaths as well as a non-fatal heart attack to determine cause. According to an AP report, the teen died of "cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity. She had an inherited disorder that can weaken blood vessels." Monster is one of a host of energy drinks that are popular among teens and tweens. These products, which represent the fastest growing U.S. beverage market, are super-charged with caffeine and sugar. While they may bring a brief spike in energy and alertness, young bodies can also suffer serious consequences....

Posted at 08:20 AM | Permalink | Comments

Come Celebrate India Fest 2012

10/23/12

Come Celebrate India Fest 2012

Interested in experiencing what it means to be a part of the diverse culture and traditions of India? Then head to the Agricenter International on Saturday, November 3rd, when the India Association of Memphis presents the 10th Annual India Fest. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.   “The theme is Past, Present, and Future,” notes Huzefa Mamoola, marketing director of India Fest 2012.  “It focuses not only on giving a glimpse of the past but also the current India with its rapid growth and development, as well as showcasing the future of India with economic and social prosperity.” The festival opens up with band performances by Germantown Middle School and White Station High School. Singing the American and Indian national...

Posted at 07:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Farewell to Pinocchio's Bookstore

10/20/12

Farewell to Pinocchio's Bookstore

Editor's Note: After more than 35 years as independent booksellers, the ladies at Pinocchio's: The Children's Bookplace are writing the final chapter to their storied career. Earlier this month, I learned that owners Judy Korones and Miriam Epstein had decided to retire and close their popular shop on Brookhaven Circle. To many families across Memphis, their's was a book lover's refuge, a magical place perfect for browsing or being guided to that just right right book for a young reader. As an editor, I often relied on their expertise for book recommendations and knowledge of children's literature, and for that, I will miss them. Moms like Kimberly Baker, who has had a long and personal relationship with the booksellers, will miss them for other...

Posted at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1

Fashionista of the Week: Rebekah

10/19/12

Fashionista of the Week: Rebekah

Rebekah is one of life's little miracles. After having one child (her now 15-year-old son), mom Shay had been told she might never become pregnant again. Patiently, she waited. For eight long years. Rebekah was the answer to the family's prayers. We had a chance to meet on a beautiful October afternoon, the bright colors of autumn providing a perfect backdrop for Rebekah's fall-like outfit. Sporting a coffeebean-colored dress finished with a colorful flounce of flowers and her favorite cowgirl boots, this ensemble reminded me of something a young senorita from Texas might wear.   And don't you love how her pigtails are dressed up with bright fushia bows. They pick up the color of this ribbon flower at her waist. Rebekah is taking...

Posted at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments

What's Happening for Halloween

10/18/12

What's Happening for Halloween

From Zoo Boo to Playhouse's costume sale, Broad Avenue's Art Walk and more, the days leading up to Halloween are brimming with family fun. 19 • Friday Le Bonheur Zoo Boo opens. Memphis Zoo. Through October 28. Oct. 19 & 20, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 26, 27, & 28, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Come in costumes and enjoy candy stations, the straw maze, Dracula’s Disco, and a visit from prehistoric animals on a Haunted Hayride. $15. Advance discounts available. 333-6500. Cedar Hill Farm. 8 Love Road, Hernando, MS. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10-5, Sunday noon-5 p.m. Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay rides, plus kids can pick a pumpkin out of the patch. $8.50/per person. 20 • Saturday Costume Shop Yard Sale. Circuit Playhouse, 51 S....

Posted at 07:00 AM | Permalink | Comments