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.

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!

Beale Street Video

Here's a new video that features Beale Street.

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!

 

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! :-)

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.

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!

Rich Chocolate Icecream

Today, I made up a batch of chocolate ice-cream.  It's my first try, but it came out nicely, so I wanted to share.  I completely changed the original recipe I used as reference, so this is my own recipe.

Ingredients:
2.5 ounces of semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
2.5 ounces of milk chocolate, finely chopped
2.5 cups heavy cream
1.5 cups milk (I only had 1%, so that's what I used, but I'd recommend whole milk ideally)
1/2 C + 1/6 C of raw sugar
2 Tablespoons of pure vanilla extract
2.5 ounces white chocolate chips, whole
1/2 C walnuts, broken into large pieces

Finely chop the semisweet and milk chocolate together in a food processor.

Combine cream, milk, and chocolate in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook until mixture almost boils and chocolate is melted. Reduce heat to low.

Add in sugar and vanilla extract. Cook over low heat until slightly thickened and mixture coats the back of a spoon.

Allow to cool on counter for around 20 minutes. Allow to cool in fridge for 30 minutes. Then, allow to cool in freezer for 30 minutes.

Stir gently and pour into frozen ice-cream maker freezer bowl.  I use a Cuisinart ice-cream maker.  Turn the machine ON and let mix until mixture thickens, about 30 minutes.

Add white chocolate chips and walnut pieces and continue to mix for 5 additional minutes.

Transfer ice-cream to an airtight container and place in freezer until firm, about 2 hours.

Here's a photo. Happy eating! 

Recap of my weekend in Upstate NY

My weekend in Upstate NY turned out to be very successful. I spent quality time with an old friend, saw part of NY I never had the time to see during college, and rested up on sleep. 

As I mentioned in my previous post, I flew in on Friday, saw RPI (my college), met the animals of Five Goats Farm, and had a wonderful steak dinner with Anthony and his summer roommate Tyler. Tyler is an art student who is working at BARD College this summer-- and helping Anthony to take care of the animals. 

Anthony has 5 goats, a dog, 2 llamas, 2 ponies, honey bees, and many chickens - plus a cat he's cat sitting. He rarely gets to go away, so I'm glad I could stop by for a few days. 

It should also be noted that this year is the year of the 17-year cicadas. This was something new that I learned. Apparently these flying bugs stay underground for 17 years and then come out and eventually die- once every 17 years. This phenomena is specific to the area of Upstate NY where Anthony lives. My guess is that there may be other areas that also experience something similar, but I don't know. 

Anyway... On Saturday, we drove to take a tour of a historic home called Olana. The house was very interesting and we had a wonderful tour guide who appeared to be in her late 70s or early 80s. For dinner, we had fresh oysters and a risotto made with homemade bacon, corn, and shrimp. Not only was this good, but it inspires me to want to learn to make bacon. 

On Sunday, we visited the town of Red Hook and another neighboring town. We went to the farmers market and ate tons of great food all day long. For lunch, I had mac and cheese at a gastro pub. Dinner was at an Italian place that served fresh pasta - one of my favorites - and bread with a homemade olive oil that was by far the best I've ever tasted. 

Yesterday (Monday), we took another driving tour and visited Woodstock and a few other places. I had seen the sign for Woodstock many times, but had never stopped by. It's just about what you might expect- a sleepy little alternative town. Last night, I participated in Mexican Monday with Anthony and Tyler, eating enchiladas in front of the TV. I may have to adopt this tradition as I've been making Mexican food quite a bit lately myself. 

Today, I slept in and after a nice breakfast of fresh eggs, Anthony dropped me at the Albany Airport for my flight. Luckily, I made both of my flights. I'm now heading back to Memphis from Charlotte. 

I am hoping that tonight I will get to spend time with my friend Dan W who is moving to DC tomorrow after being accepted into medical school (congrats!!). I will miss Dan W, but I'm happy for him. And I'm sure he's ready to get his life in motion after a long stay in Memphis for grad school. 

I'm a bit nervous to get back to it this week. There are so many things going on the next few days that its going to be a challenge to keep up. Hopefully, I will find a little time here and there to relax and check out my pool. It's a luxury I haven't been able to enjoy yet this summer. 

Last but not least, I will have information soon about an online auction for Memphis To Moore. A few of the items arrived after the event, so we will be using the opportunity to create an online sale. Stay tuned for more details and let me know if you have an item that you'd like to donate for the auction. 

My friend Mark

Just posting a quick hello to my friend Mark. He has been going through chemo in Memphis and now he's in Nashville, fighting even more. 

While I was traveling, he followed my blog. And in turn I followed his blog on Caring Bridge. When I was in Sydney, I picked up the little guy below for Mark. It seems fitting. I hope that Mark is staying strong on his journey to Nashville and that he will be back to Memphis very soon. 

Here's Mark's blog: www.caringbridge.org/visit/markduncan/journal. I commend him for sharing his experience with everyone. 

Change of scenary - my trip to New York

Just after I knew what the date of the Memphis To Moore fundraiser was, I booked a flight.  I knew that after two and a half intense weeks, I would want to take a break for a few days.  Yesterday morning, I headed to Upstate New York to visit my friend Anthony.

I was scheduled to fly on US Airways.  I woke up yesterday morning to two voicemails from US Airways saying that my first flight to Charlotte was cancelled and that I would miss my flight to Albany.  My first thought was that the entire day was about to become a disaster.  (My college roommate Adam used to always say that he hated to travel with me because something would always go wrong on my trips.  He joked that I had bad travel luck.) 

Fortunately, just the opposite happened.  US Airways booked me onto two Delta flights.  When I got to the Memphis airport, I approached the priority counter to ask that they add my frequent flier number to my tickets.  This was the best decision I made all day because it resulted in me being upgraded on both of my flights to Albany.  Delta is no longer serving meals in first class for the flights I was on, but they kept my wine glass full and brought me wonderful shortbread chocolate chip cookies all day. 

On my second flight, I sat next to a man who had to be in his 90s.  He was mentally very sharp and shared his entire life story with me.  He had been married twice and both of his wives died.  His first wife had breast cancer in the 70s before there was advanced technology.  They had 5 children before she died and he was left to raise them all.  In the 90s, he finally remarried to a woman who eventually developed dementia.  He was left to care for her for 7 years before she past away 2 years ago.  He not only has a lot of grandchildren, but he also has great grandchildren and was on his way to one of their high school graduations.  He lived his entire life in New York state, but recently relocated to Nashville to be near one of his children.  The thing that struck me as a bit funny was that he was very unsure about my age.  He would say things like "I'm not sure if you are old enough to remember this movie..." (and I would think to myself "I'm not as young as I look") ..."it starred Clark Gable."  But of course, I'm not that old.  Clark Gable died almost 20 years before I was born. :-)

There was also a terribly cute family on one of my flights.  The parents had four small children.  The mother obviously liked to sew because they were all wearing outfits made with the same fabric.  Here's a photo:

I made it to Albany safely and on time.  We drove through the RPI campus and past my old house in Troy where I used to live with Adam.  It looked very much the same, although different at the same time.  The school has built a new digital technology building that looks very modern compared to the rest of the landscape.  The house I lived in looks about the same too.

After our tour of Troy, we headed an hour away to Red Hook, NY where Anthony lives and maintains his Five Goats Farm.  We had a great steak dinner last night with the intern who helping out with the farm.  This morning, I got to meet the animals which included 5 goats, 2 llamas, chickens, and bees.  Here's a photo that I took of one of the goats.

As you can see, it's been a total change of scenery.  What a nice way to unplug for a few days!

My first post on Vine

Lauren Squires has inspired me to finally try out Vine.  Here's my first (test) video.

Alright, I promise to stop posting about the Memphis To Moore event very soon. But, tonight I sat down for the first time since the event and saw all the amazing posts on social media.

So many friends, supporters, and Memphis news reporters posted great things about the event everywhere from Facebook to Twitter to Vine to their personal blogs. I'm so impressed and feel gratitude toward everyone for getting on board. Yet another reason why I love Memphis.

Here is a Twitter feed of some of the nice things people were posting during the event with the hashtag #MemphisToMoore.

Here are two videos that Lauren Squires shot during the event. For each one, if you click on it, you can activate the sound.

Enjoy! :-)

Here's the crowd at the event chanting "We love Moore." (yes, chanting).


Here's The Super 5 in action.

Memphis To Moore Slideshow

RedRover put together a great slide presentation that was shown at the fundraiser on Friday night.  I wanted to share for those who couldn't make the event.

Memphis To Moore - Thanks from Moore

Moore, Oklahoma sends this message back to Memphis.  It's a thank you to everyone for all of the hard work that went into the event, resulting in $34,000 of donations.

Thank you to Chris Newsom from Oklahoma for shooting, editing, and sending this video of Moore residents.

I feel especially happy because the new Moore Public Schools superintendent, Robert Romines, gives thanks to Memphis on the video. Hether Little (our Moore teacher who visited Memphis) and Rebecca Baisden also say a few words, along with Coach Mancillas' grandchildren who went to Plaza Towers Elementary. 

Check it out. Thanks Memphis!

Mempis To Moore Program Video

For those who missed it, Kim Garmon put together a little recap of the Memphis To Moore fundraiser.  Thank you Kim!

Check it out below, and if you feel compelled to donate, we are still taking donations at www.MemphisToMoore.org.

Thanks!

Memphis To Moore results in the Memphis Business Journal

Big thanks to the Memphis Business Journal for highlighting the results of the Memphis To Moore fundraiser.  Click here to read the entire article.


Memphis to Moore fundraiser pulls in cash for tornado victims
By Michael Sheffield 

The Memphis to Moore fundraiser that was held June 14 raised $34,000, more than doubling the goal of $15,000 organizers set when they put the event together.

Memphis to Moore was organized through a collaboration between Angela Copeland, who grew up in Moore, but lives in Memphis, The Westin Beale Street Memphis, which hosted the event and Red Rover Sales & Marketing.

The Westin donated food, drinks and parking, and the event sold 200 tickets, with all of the money raised from ticket sales going to the Moore Public Schools District’s tornado relief fund. Local businesses also provided items for a silent auction and sponsorships. The district, which is the third largest in Oklahoma with 23,000 students, saw 20 of its 36 public schools destroyed when a tornado hit the area in May.

In addition to the money raised from the fundraiser, Karen Wilder, a local fitness coach donated $18,000 worth of gym equipment to Highland East Junior High. The school’s gym was completely destroyed. However, the event’s organizers are looking for shipping and delivery assistance to move the equipment.

“The spirit of giving in Memphis is nothing short of extraordinary,” Lori Turner-Wilson, CEO of RedRover, said in a statement. “With the help of countless residents from across the city, a mere 17 days from when Angela Copeland conceptualized the idea, the Westin Memphis ballroom filled with supporters rallying for the teachers and kids of Moore. It reminded us all just exactly why we love our city.”

Adventures in Pesto

Now that things are starting to get back to normal, I went to my garden for the first time in three weeks.  There were a ton of weeds to pull and plants to cut back.  But, best of all, there was a lot of basil that had grown in while I was working on the fundraiser.

Today, I harvested my first batch of fresh basil.  It was a small grocery bag full.  I then headed home to turn the fresh basil into pesto. 

You may not know, but cooking is one of my favorite hobbies.  While I'm growing my garden this year, I will try to post more often about what I'm making. This is my favorite pesto recipe:

Ingredient
Fresh basil, stems removed                   4 oz.
Pine nuts (not toasted)                           1/2 cup
Garlic gloves                                          6
Freshly ground black pepper                 To taste
Extra virgin olive oil                              1/2 cup
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese            2/3 cup
Salt                                                         To taste 

Steps:
1. Place basil, pine nuts, garlic, and pepper in food processor.

2. Turn on the food processor and add olive oil in a thin stream. Process until a puree has been obtained.

3. Remove the mixture from the food processor and combine with cheese in a mixing bowl. Taste before adding the salt.

4. Store in a refrigerator or freezer.  Serve on pasta or as a dip or spread.

Below is a photo of the pesto afterward.  This is two recipes worth of pesto.  I put a tiny bit of olive oil in the top of each container before sealing it and freezing it.  It will last quite a long time and is easy to thaw out when you're ready to use it.

Hopefully, the basil will grow back in just a few weeks, so I can make a second batch. 

Thank you again for making Memphis To Moore a huge success!

Dear Memphis, Moore, & friends from around the world who supported "Memphis To Moore",

The final tally is in! 200 Memphians rallied at the Memphis to Moore event (raising money to help rebuild the Moore Public Schools damaged so badly from the May 20th tornado) and raised $34,000 in cash and in-kind contributions!!! The generosity of this great city we call home is remarkable. Big thanks to you, The Westin Memphis, RedRover, and our other sponsors and donors who worked together with me to pull together the event in just 17 short days. What an incredible journey.

Our post-event press release, and interviews about the fundraiser can be found here.

Videos about the event can be found here.

Photos from the event can be found here. 

THANK YOU!! :)


Here are a few of my favorite photos from the event.