This is a sponsored guest post written by Memphis Travel on behalf of Memphis CVB. Post powered by Sponzai.
More than just the home of the blues and barbeque, Memphis gives you plenty of ways to play around, with fun things to do no matter who you are or what you like. Of course, if you’re into Elvis, rock-and-roll and mouth-watering ribs, you’ve got to check out Graceland, Sun Studios, and the Rendezvous. But Memphis has much more to offer than this holy trinity of southern culture, with enough to see, do and eat to make it the perfect location for your next long weekend getaway.
The families out there (or the wild at heart) should be sure to check out the Memphis Zoo, one of only four U.S. zoos with giant pandas. Recently ranked the #1 zoo in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com, the Memphis Zoo lets you get up close and personal with the animal kingdom. And with the recent addition the Northwest Passage, home to Polar bears in a see-through underwater exhibit, and the zoo’s newest section, Teton Trek, kids and adults alike are certain to have a blast.
Don’t let your midtown experience stop at the zoo; the Cooper-Young and Overton Square neighborhoods are just down the street. Ask a local Memphian where to find a tasty bite to eat, great local music and ice cold beer, and they will probably direct you here. Speaking of beer … the environmentally conscious visitor can enjoy a locally brewed beer by Ghost River Brewing or walk through the natural landscape and educational facilities at the Lichterman Nature Center.
Memphis has museums for just about everything. From the Civil Rights Museum, Cotton Museum and Fire Museum in downtown to the Brooks Museum, Children’s Museum of Memphis and the Pink Palace Museum further east, the number of places to have fun while you learn are as bountiful as the barbeque restaurants. Families, friends, sports fans, history buffs, self-proclaimed food critics – Memphis has everything you need to keep everyone happy.
So when you visit Memphis, stay a few extra days. Even the locals don’t run out of things to do. And to make it easy, memphistravel.com is launching a new travel guide to help you plan your next vacation. Simply choose from a list of interests and you’ll be given a sample itinerary with lots of great ideas. You can also register for a chance to win one of twelve trip packages that include tours, gift certificates to Memphis’ favorite restaurants, hotel stays and more. Go to itinerary.memphistravel.com to get started.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Seriously, I Love This Website
A couple of weeks ago, I made meatloaf. I have been using the same canned meatloaf mix for a while now, but the past two times I have made it, it has been horrible. This last time, the texture was so bad, I had to throw every bit of it away. I can only assume they changed the ingredients in the canned mix, because I did nothing else different.
Since I will no longer use this mix, I need to find a new recipe. I was thinking of trying to make a meatloaf from scratch, so I went in search of an easy recipe to follow. I ended up finding a BBQ meatloaf recipe on FoodConnect.com that I can not wait to try. It sounds delicious, and I'm not just saying that because I have a slight addiction to BBQ sauce.
This is the first time I have been on FoodConnect, and I am seriously loving this site. Not only do they have a ton of recipes to look through, they also have a section called FoodConnect Events, where you can find out if there are any food related events going on in your area. It was through this site that I found out the is a Watermelon Festival in North Carolina this weekend that my kids would love going to. I am going to have to ask Junior if it is close enough for a road trip.
You can also find restaurants in your area, and read reviews written by people who have eaten there. You can also write about your own experience for other people to read.
I think this might be my new favorite website. In fact, I think I am going print out that meatloaf recipe and add this site to my favorites. I have to make it easy to find, because I have a feeling I will be spending a lot of time there.
Since I will no longer use this mix, I need to find a new recipe. I was thinking of trying to make a meatloaf from scratch, so I went in search of an easy recipe to follow. I ended up finding a BBQ meatloaf recipe on FoodConnect.com that I can not wait to try. It sounds delicious, and I'm not just saying that because I have a slight addiction to BBQ sauce.
You can also find restaurants in your area, and read reviews written by people who have eaten there. You can also write about your own experience for other people to read.
I think this might be my new favorite website. In fact, I think I am going print out that meatloaf recipe and add this site to my favorites. I have to make it easy to find, because I have a feeling I will be spending a lot of time there.
School Supplies
I also have to buy Ryan a scientific calculator, which is going to cost me $15 at registration, because they have to have a specific one. He also needs specific colored gym shorts and tshirts. I don't know how people who are on a stricter budget than us afford all this. Hell, I don't know how we are going to afford all this.
Planning Next Year's Vacations
The kids have finally figured out that we won't be camping at all this Summer. As much as we wanted to, financially, we just can't do it. But, we are already planning next years family holiday, and it looks like we might be taking a few trips.
I really want to visit an aquarium. It has been too many years since I have been to one, and my kids have never been. There is a big one in Atlanta, and I think that is where we are going to go. Right now, we are planning a long weekend away in February, as long as it doesn't snow. Brandi also wants to go to the beach, so we are trying to figure out the best time to go there, too. I want to go in May, when it will be warm enough to swim, but too cold to be "in season", which means we should get a good deal on a hotel.
We are also going to book a week at our favorite campsite for next Summer. I figure if we book, and pay for, all of these trips in February when we get our tax refund, there will be no excuse not to go. For the rest of this Summer, though, we will just continue to enjoy my mom's pool, and maybe squeeze in another mountain trip.
We'll just have to wait and see.
I really want to visit an aquarium. It has been too many years since I have been to one, and my kids have never been. There is a big one in Atlanta, and I think that is where we are going to go. Right now, we are planning a long weekend away in February, as long as it doesn't snow. Brandi also wants to go to the beach, so we are trying to figure out the best time to go there, too. I want to go in May, when it will be warm enough to swim, but too cold to be "in season", which means we should get a good deal on a hotel.
We are also going to book a week at our favorite campsite for next Summer. I figure if we book, and pay for, all of these trips in February when we get our tax refund, there will be no excuse not to go. For the rest of this Summer, though, we will just continue to enjoy my mom's pool, and maybe squeeze in another mountain trip.
We'll just have to wait and see.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Water Was Off. Again. With No Warning.
One of the things I hate the most about living where we do is that they continually have trouble with the water lines. We don't pay a water bill, so I really shouldn't be complaining, but it seems like every other week they are turning off the water to fix some "problem", but they never give any warning. This happened the other day when I was sick, and it really ticked me off. I will be so happy when we can finally afford to by our own place, and not have to deal with landlords and maintenance people.
Now, don't get me wrong. I like where we live just fine. Granted, I can not do any bathroom shower remodeling on my own, or paint the walls, but I have found other ways to make this place our home. I have hung lots and lots of pictures, and for the girls room, I bought some of those giant wall stickers, which they absolutely love. I also have all my elephants and books on display, which always makes me feel at home. Weird, I know, but that's me.
Of course, there are benefits of renting, like not having to worry about fixing anything major if it breaks, like the a/c or the water heater. When we first moved in, one of the homes had the shower floor fall out, and the maintenance man had to fix it, not the tenant. I'm not sure if he used a Spokane Bathroom Remodel contractor, but I know the job was done in less than a day. I am sure that tenant is enjoying his or her new luxury bath, knowing it didn't cost them a thing.
I know I would be. At least until they turn the water off again without warning.
Now, don't get me wrong. I like where we live just fine. Granted, I can not do any bathroom shower remodeling on my own, or paint the walls, but I have found other ways to make this place our home. I have hung lots and lots of pictures, and for the girls room, I bought some of those giant wall stickers, which they absolutely love. I also have all my elephants and books on display, which always makes me feel at home. Weird, I know, but that's me.
Of course, there are benefits of renting, like not having to worry about fixing anything major if it breaks, like the a/c or the water heater. When we first moved in, one of the homes had the shower floor fall out, and the maintenance man had to fix it, not the tenant. I'm not sure if he used a Spokane Bathroom Remodel contractor, but I know the job was done in less than a day. I am sure that tenant is enjoying his or her new luxury bath, knowing it didn't cost them a thing.
I know I would be. At least until they turn the water off again without warning.
Elephant Wedding Cake Topper
This shop has so many different unique cake toppers, from dolphins to hamsters, and each one is cuter than the next. If you have a wedding coming up, and want something adorable to top your cake, check out this site.
In Fact, It Is Brain Surgery
Tuesday night, my girls watched Deadliest Catch with me. In that episode, the rest of the fleet found out about Captain Phil's death. As usual, I had tears running down my cheeks by the time it was over. It was especially hard for me to watch when Sig found out Phil had died. When it ended, Brandi asked me why I was crying. I told her it was because the show was so sad. She just shrugged and walked away.
Yesterday, Junior asked about the show, and if I cried while watching. I told him I did, and then Brandi again asked why it was so sad, and when I told her, she wanted to know why Phil died. I told her, and we started talking about Phil's head in the last couple of episodes, because it was shaved, and kind of sunk in where they had removed his skull. I told her the next time she saw my dad, to ask to his scar.
I was trying to figure it out, and I think it was in 1994 that my dad had a brain aneurysm and had to have brain surgery. He didn't need gamma knife treatment; the doctors just went in and fixed the aneurysm. Thankfully, and luckily, he didn't have any permanent damage.
I know that most people have some kind of negative side effects after brain surgery, whether it be from tradition surgery or acoustic neuroma gamma knife surgery. Even brain tumors can cause all kinds of problems to a persons brain. There is memory loss, and loss of function to the body, just to name a couple. I remember an episode of ER where Dr. Greene went to a brain tumor clinic and they operated on his brain while he was still awake, to make sure he didn't lose any functions. I wonder if they do that in real life?
Yesterday, Junior asked about the show, and if I cried while watching. I told him I did, and then Brandi again asked why it was so sad, and when I told her, she wanted to know why Phil died. I told her, and we started talking about Phil's head in the last couple of episodes, because it was shaved, and kind of sunk in where they had removed his skull. I told her the next time she saw my dad, to ask to his scar.
I was trying to figure it out, and I think it was in 1994 that my dad had a brain aneurysm and had to have brain surgery. He didn't need gamma knife treatment; the doctors just went in and fixed the aneurysm. Thankfully, and luckily, he didn't have any permanent damage.
I know that most people have some kind of negative side effects after brain surgery, whether it be from tradition surgery or acoustic neuroma gamma knife surgery. Even brain tumors can cause all kinds of problems to a persons brain. There is memory loss, and loss of function to the body, just to name a couple. I remember an episode of ER where Dr. Greene went to a brain tumor clinic and they operated on his brain while he was still awake, to make sure he didn't lose any functions. I wonder if they do that in real life?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Brandi's 2010 Ornament
Feeling Better
Monday and Tuesday were rough days for me this week. I woke up feeling like I couldn't breathe on Monday, and it just got worse as the day went on. I ended up with a touch of a stomach virus, I think, and spent most of yesterday in bed. Thankfully, I am feeling better today. I have no idea how people who get sick all the time handle it. I know I am a baby when it comes to being sick, and I would hate to feel like that all the time.
I am hoping the kids and Junior don't get whatever it was that I had. It would be especially bad if Junior got sick, because when he is sick, he finds it hard to sleep using his bi-pap. He needs a new one, too, I think. I need to check out some medical equipment manufacturers and see if I can find a new one for a reasonable price. The one he has now cost about $2,000 about ten years ago, so I hate to think about how expensive new ones are now. Back then we had insurance, and they paid for the machine. We will have to pay full price for a replacement.
I don't know how other people pay for san diego medical equipment without the assistance of medical insurance. I am sure that even used ekg machines cost a small fortune. With a little luck, Junior may just need an adjustment to the settings on his machine, and not a new one. That will cost a good bit of money, too, but not as much as replacing it.
I am hoping the kids and Junior don't get whatever it was that I had. It would be especially bad if Junior got sick, because when he is sick, he finds it hard to sleep using his bi-pap. He needs a new one, too, I think. I need to check out some medical equipment manufacturers and see if I can find a new one for a reasonable price. The one he has now cost about $2,000 about ten years ago, so I hate to think about how expensive new ones are now. Back then we had insurance, and they paid for the machine. We will have to pay full price for a replacement.
I don't know how other people pay for san diego medical equipment without the assistance of medical insurance. I am sure that even used ekg machines cost a small fortune. With a little luck, Junior may just need an adjustment to the settings on his machine, and not a new one. That will cost a good bit of money, too, but not as much as replacing it.
Kasi's 2010 Ornament
My Boys Work Well Together
My son is just like my husband. They could both spend their days inside an Ace Hardware Superstore and never get bored. They love power tools and cars, and fixing anything they can get their hands on. In fact, my son will take something apart just to see how it fits backs together.
When our water lines broke in the house we used to live it, Ryan was right up under Junior's skin, watching everything he did to fix the problem. They even shopped for Discount Plumbing Supplies together. I love that Junior is patient enough (most of the time) to let Ryan watch him fix things, and ask questions. It's a great way for him to learn. There was a saying I learned while working my first job as a teenager, and it was, "Tell me, I'll forget. Show me, I'll remember. Let me try, I'll understand.". Junior has no problem letting Ryan work right beside him, and help as much as he can. In fact, Ryan can now change brake pads and do other minor repairs on cars, all because Junior took the time to let him learn from him.
Ryan has also helped Junior do a lot of work around my mom's house. He has assisted in the cutting down of trees, the running of water lines and electrical outlets, and all kinds of other things. Last weekend, he cut my mom's grass for her. As a thank you, my mom is going to buy him the Wolverine Work Boots he has had his eye on.
I know that this time spent with his dad means a lot to Ryan, and I hope someday, if and when he has a son of his own, they will have the same kind of relationship.
When our water lines broke in the house we used to live it, Ryan was right up under Junior's skin, watching everything he did to fix the problem. They even shopped for Discount Plumbing Supplies together. I love that Junior is patient enough (most of the time) to let Ryan watch him fix things, and ask questions. It's a great way for him to learn. There was a saying I learned while working my first job as a teenager, and it was, "Tell me, I'll forget. Show me, I'll remember. Let me try, I'll understand.". Junior has no problem letting Ryan work right beside him, and help as much as he can. In fact, Ryan can now change brake pads and do other minor repairs on cars, all because Junior took the time to let him learn from him.
Ryan has also helped Junior do a lot of work around my mom's house. He has assisted in the cutting down of trees, the running of water lines and electrical outlets, and all kinds of other things. Last weekend, he cut my mom's grass for her. As a thank you, my mom is going to buy him the Wolverine Work Boots he has had his eye on.
I know that this time spent with his dad means a lot to Ryan, and I hope someday, if and when he has a son of his own, they will have the same kind of relationship.
Ryan's 2010 Ornament
I Miss Crafting
This is supposed to be my craft blog, but I have not been doing anything crafty lately. The other night, the kids and I sat and painted some Christmas ornaments, but that has been about it. I remember when I used to crochet all the time, and make my signs. In fact, I still have to make room name signs for three of my nieces, and for the baby my sister has in January. I just can not find the time lately to do any of it.
I think it was almost two years ago that I opened my etsy store. I closed it a month or two later, because I never did get the hang of it. I never needed product packaging services because I hardly sold anything. My store was filled with my "welcome" and "name" signs, and they were really cute. I just didn't know then that you shouldn't list everything at one time, and that you had to re-list every couple of days to stay current in the listings. I know these things now, but I don't have the time now. Or the product. I sold every last sign at a yard sale last summer. All of my signs were hand carved and painted, so making more would be very time consuming. It's not like I can hire a vietnam manufacturing company to make them for me.
I am hoping that once the kids go back to school, I will find the time to be crafty again. I miss it. It relaxes me. And maybe once I get a few made, I can order custom plastic printing shipping supplies to ship my signs in.
That's assuming, of course, that I sell some this time.
I think it was almost two years ago that I opened my etsy store. I closed it a month or two later, because I never did get the hang of it. I never needed product packaging services because I hardly sold anything. My store was filled with my "welcome" and "name" signs, and they were really cute. I just didn't know then that you shouldn't list everything at one time, and that you had to re-list every couple of days to stay current in the listings. I know these things now, but I don't have the time now. Or the product. I sold every last sign at a yard sale last summer. All of my signs were hand carved and painted, so making more would be very time consuming. It's not like I can hire a vietnam manufacturing company to make them for me.
I am hoping that once the kids go back to school, I will find the time to be crafty again. I miss it. It relaxes me. And maybe once I get a few made, I can order custom plastic printing shipping supplies to ship my signs in.
That's assuming, of course, that I sell some this time.
Kasi Painted These
Purple Plaid?
I am trying to find a way to exercise that I will enjoy. That is the key for me; if I don't enjoy doing something, I just flat out won't do it. That is how exercise and I have gotten along for my entire life so far. That is also why I am overweight.
One of the best ways to get exercise, without actually exercising, is to play golf. Or so I've been told. All the walking and swinging of clubs is supposed to be a good workout. I like mini-golf, but it doesn't seem relaxing to me to try and get a little ball in a little hole from so far away. But, I am thinking about giving it a try.
I am not going to invest in any ladies golf clothing just yet, though. I never understood the outfits some guys golf in. Plaid from head to toe? Why? I mean, if there is a reason for it, then that's one thing. But I don't think I would willingly wear plaid, unless maybe it was cute little golf skorts. Or maybe, just maybe, I'd wear a pair of plaid ladies golf shorts. But it would have to be purple plaid, and I wouldn't wear a matching shirt. Or socks. I mean, I have my limits.
One of the best ways to get exercise, without actually exercising, is to play golf. Or so I've been told. All the walking and swinging of clubs is supposed to be a good workout. I like mini-golf, but it doesn't seem relaxing to me to try and get a little ball in a little hole from so far away. But, I am thinking about giving it a try.
I am not going to invest in any ladies golf clothing just yet, though. I never understood the outfits some guys golf in. Plaid from head to toe? Why? I mean, if there is a reason for it, then that's one thing. But I don't think I would willingly wear plaid, unless maybe it was cute little golf skorts. Or maybe, just maybe, I'd wear a pair of plaid ladies golf shorts. But it would have to be purple plaid, and I wouldn't wear a matching shirt. Or socks. I mean, I have my limits.
Santa Mask
If I Owned My Own Home, It Would Be Purple
I hate renting. I really do. There is so much I would do to make this house more "me" if I was allowed to paint the walls. My husband is going to be in for a surprise if we are ever able to buy our own place someday. I will start in one room, and make it my own. Then I will move on to the next room. I will do the entire house, even if I have to hire a San Diego Painting Contractor to help me.
I love painting, but I am sure by the third or fourth room, I will be looking to San Diego Painting Companies for some assistance. The first room I tackle would probably be the kitchen. I can see it so clearly in my head, too. I want white cabinets, with black handles. The walls will be white, with some kind of black accent. The counter top will be black marble, and the appliances will be black, too. The floor will be a black and white checkerboard, and all the accents will be silver. Sounds cool, right?
The second room would be the living room, and this is where Junior and I will disagree. I want a purple color, and I know he is going to hate it. But, I'm the girl, so I usually get my way. He should just be happy that I'm not going to search for "House Painting San Diego" and then hire someone to paint the outside of the house purple.
I love painting, but I am sure by the third or fourth room, I will be looking to San Diego Painting Companies for some assistance. The first room I tackle would probably be the kitchen. I can see it so clearly in my head, too. I want white cabinets, with black handles. The walls will be white, with some kind of black accent. The counter top will be black marble, and the appliances will be black, too. The floor will be a black and white checkerboard, and all the accents will be silver. Sounds cool, right?
The second room would be the living room, and this is where Junior and I will disagree. I want a purple color, and I know he is going to hate it. But, I'm the girl, so I usually get my way. He should just be happy that I'm not going to search for "House Painting San Diego" and then hire someone to paint the outside of the house purple.
Brandi Painted These
A Dog Litter Box? Why Not.
My husband and I have tried a couple of times to have a dog, but I just don't have the patience for it. Or I should say, I didn't have the patience required to housebreak a puppy. I could not stand having pee and poop on my carpet. We always found good homes for the dogs we had, and sometimes Junior talks about getting another dog. Brandi is afraid of dogs, which makes it even more difficult now, but he seems to think that if she is around dogs enough, she'll get over her fear. I'm not sure I agree, which means for now, we are not getting a dog.
But, for future reference, how did you go about housebreaking your puppy? There is so much information on this subject out there, and sometimes it is hard to know what works and what doesn't. I mean, I was reading about a dog litter box, and was a little skeptical, but then I realized that it probably works just like those training pads do. It's just a matter of teaching the dog to use it. I was reading Dog Toilet Testimonials, and people really seem to like this.
I guess if a cat can use a litter box, so can a dog.
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