Sunday, July 28, 2013

Happy birthday Eric & Bar-B-Que Shop Commercial

Today was my friend Eric's birthday - happy birthday Eric!  In addition to being a great guy, Eric and his family own The Bar-B-Que Shop restaurant in Memphis.  If you haven't been, you should check it out.  They have fantastic food.

I came across this commercial for the shop today.  Thought I'd share.  If you look closely, you will spot Eric, me, and a few others.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Memphis To Moore Online Auction

If you haven't had a chance yet, please take a look at the Memphis To Moore online auction.  There are just a few days left and still a number of great items.

Here's one you should check out, a chocolate package - its a bit like chocolate of the month.  It includes one 6-piece designer chocolate gift box per month for 9 months.  The chocolates are made by Chef Rix.

Chef Phillip Ashley Rix is an award-winning chocolatier, was named one of America's Best Confectioners and Chocolatiers in 2013 by TasteTV for his dynamic ingredient combinations and unique designer chocolates.  A native Memphian, he began his journey in 2007, self-training in the difficult art of chocolate.  In 2012, he elected to exit a more than 10 year career in the creative marketing field with FedEx, UPS and Apple.  Inspired by the history, chemistry, artistry, and possibility of fine chocolate making, Chef Rix works countless hours developing the new and exciting flavors distinctive of his brand.  He incorporates fascinating ingredients like BBQ Sauce, Sweet Potato, Spanish Saffron, and Gorgonzola Dolce bleu cheese, just to name a few, with the finest Swiss chocolate to create a rare, sensory-provoking experience with every piece.

Here are a few photos.  To check out the item on the Memphis To Moore auction, click here. 100% of the money raised from the auction will go directly to the Moore Public Schools tornado relief fund.

Thanks!



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Shelton Clother Pink Pig Apparel Polo and Baseball Cap for Sale!

Big thank you to Shelton Clothiers and Tom Shelton for donating a polo shirt and a baseball cap to the Memphis To Moore online auction!

Check out the auction here: http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/moore-public-schools-disaster-relief/62088/. The winner will be able to pick the size and color that best suits them!

100% of proceeds for all items go directly to the Moore Public Schools Tornado Relief Fund.

Happy bidding!
 

Monday, July 22, 2013

Memphis To Moore - Online auction now open!

In order to continue our efforts to raise funds for the Moore Public Schools, we are hosting an online silent auction using eBay Giving Works. 100% of the purchase price will be donated to the Moore Public Schools.

Thank you to all of those who have generously donated for this cause. Auction items include a chocolate epicurean package, a dinner for two with a private chef, and OKC Thunder autographed photos just to name a few.


Check out the listings on eBay here.

The Memphis To Moore website is found here


Sponsors: AngelaCopeland.com, The Westin Memphis Beale Street, RedRover Sales & Marketing, Karen Wilder Fitness

Thank you for your support! :-)


Wednesday, July 03, 2013

James Lee House Bed and Breakfast

On Monday, I had the opportunity to see something really great happen here in Memphis.  There was a ground breaking for a new bed and breakfast on Adams: the James Lee House B&B. 

The James Lee House is located across the street from the Mollie Fontaine Lounge inside of the Victorian Village.

The house has been empty for around 50 years, and one family with a big idea was able to get this project moving.  With the help of the City of Memphis, the DMC, other community organizations, and generous donors - the ground breaking was able to happen.

It's the first step in what sounds like quite a journey to get the house ready for guests.  I had the opportunity to walk through the first floor of the home.  It's really incredible and I'm sure will make a wonderful B&B for Memphis.

Here are a few photos that I took during the ground breaking ceremony and of the James Lee House.










Fruit Leather Recipe

Today, I tried something new.  I made fruit leather using apricots.  Last week, I got a big box of apricots at Costco.  I wasn't sure of how I'd finish them all, so I started to think of ideas and came across the idea to make something similar to a Fruit Roll-up. 

First, I took the apricots out of the fridge, and left them on my kitchen counter for a few days until they were ripe.  This ensured that they really tasted like apricots, and were sweet.

I diced up around 2.5 cups of pitted apricots.  I placed them in a pan on the stove with about 3/4 cup of of raw sugar, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice

Once the sugar melted, I let the mixture cool a little before putting it into the blender.

I pureed the apricot mixture in the blender.  Then, I poured it out onto a cookie sheet covered with plastic wrap.

I placed the cookie sheet in the oven on 200 degrees for around 6 hours, propping the door open just slightly with a wooden spoon.
When the leather is finished, it will be dry and no longer sticky.  After it dries, you can cut it into strips and store in an airtight container.  I left the plastic wrap on the back of each piece, so that it doesn't end up sticking together in the box.




Monday, July 01, 2013

Veterans Memorial Park needs your help

As you know, Veterans Memorial Park in Moore, Oklahoma was destroyed during the recent tornado in May.  This park is located next to my junior high school and across the street from my parents neighborhood.

The good news is that Coke (the soft drink company) is having a contest to revamp a community park.  The winning park will be given $100,000 for park improvements.  In this case, it would be used to completely rebuild the Veterans Memorial Park.

Unfortunately, Moore is currently in 2nd place behind another park.  I have logged on and voted.  I believe as of this morning, the park in Moore was behind by about 5K votes.

It's easy to login and vote.  I hope you will take just a few minutes (maybe 3) and vote for this park in Moore.

Here's the website that you visit: www.coke.com/parks

This is what you do after you open the website:
1. Click the "Click" icon. 
2. Enter "Moore" and "OK" in the city and state fields. And, type in "Veterans Memorial Park" into the park name field. Entering in all 3 things will save you time because it will make it easier to find.



3. Scroll down and click the "Vote Now" link.
 4. You then click login and login with Facebook.  Then you click "Vote for this Park."

That's it!  It just takes a minute.  The park has come so far, and the money would go a long way. Please take the time to vote.  Thanks!