It's December!?!

Where does the time go? Seems like just yesterday we were all making our New Years Resolutions, hoping for a Valentine or cheering for the Memphis Tigers in March when college basketball can’t be denied. Now, it is shopping time, party time and wrapping up the semester time. Basically, the year is almost over. 2010. Was it good for you?

This is a good time to assess what we did in the year. Sometimes it’s kind of hard to do unless something really big or important happened in your life. Did it? If not, what do you remember most about the year? Sometimes I go back and look at my “to-do” lists to help me remember. I guess in the end can you at least look back at the year and ask some questions.

Were you as nice as you could be?

Did you do some good things for other people?

Did you spend precious quality time with those you love or get bogged down with work that you were just grumpy all year?

Just a few of the questions you could ask….will the answers from 2010 be the same in your 2011?

Well, that does it. I am done with my deep thoughts for the day amongst all the shopping, decorating, planning, baking and wrapping.

Happy Holidays! :)

November 10th

It is a day of many birthdays and anniversaries …

First and foremost, let’s mention the The U-S Marine Corps….Semper Fi! and Happy 235th Birthday! Our Marine friend Ed visited the Conley and Karen Morning Show today at Classic Hits 94.1 KQK…..on this the birthday of the Marines he brought cake and wore this shirt……

“Days of Our Lives,” hit the airwaves 45 years ago in 1965.

“Sesame Street” premiered on PBS back in 1969….Kermit, Elmo and Grover…luv ya!

And the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald happened on this day during a storm on Lake Superior in 1975. Gordon Lightfoot went on to write a song about it.

What a day in history!

Dirty Laundry....part 2

(To read Dirty Laundry part 1, check out the bottom of this page or find the link to the right. )

So, to pick up where I left off in my quest for a new washing machine….it was time to shop. I knew I was going to go with a top loading washing machine. And to be honest, if I wasn’t going to select the front load set that was red and oh-so cute, I really just wanted the same washer I bought 18 years ago…just the newer version. Little did I know (but was about to find out) that washer doesn’t exist.

Many changes have been made in the last 18 years in the world of washing machines. I did the best I could and bought one I thought was pretty similar. So far, it has been okay. It washes just fine, agitates like crazy and seems to work well. However, if you haven’t purchased a new appliance in a while, you too will notices changes.

It is very difficult to find washing machine where you can select the water level. They all want to adjust that automatically. What? Am I 12? I know how much water I need per load. Yes, I know it’s a feature to help save water, but not being a water waster, I don’t prefer it.

Washers now want to have a lid lock. Why? Was there a rash of people opening the lid and falling in or something? I don’t want to have to press pause to throw in the sock I dropped. (But remember this is not even an option with a front loader as you can imagine the mess if you opened that door mid cycle, but why on a top loader?)

All these new high –efficiency washers don’t have the middle post that moves the clothes, the actual tub moves. However, my friends tell me you still have to situate the clothes as if it still had that agitator. And for all the models I saw, if you wanted a delicate cycle, you have to go with a HE washer. That is at least my situation. I have one speed…..no delicate clothes washing for me anytime soon….unless I do the clothes by hand in the sink.

So, what did I learn? My old washing machine does not exist at any price…ah, the wonderful world of technology. If you are looking for a new washer, there is more to the decision than color or front load or top load. Make a list of the features you want in a washer, the things you MUST have and the things you can compromise on. There is much to decide on. Now, here is where some might say, well it’s just a washer….it only has to clean clothes. And that would only be said by the non-laundry person in your home!! I spend quite a bit of time in the laundry room, washing, drying, sorting and folding. When I am not there, I am loading and unloading the dishwasher….. but that is another topic for another day. :)

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Dirty Laundry (part 1)

So, by now if you are my friend on Facebook or you listen to Classic Hits 94.1 KQK, you know that last week I found myself in the unenviable position of needing a new washing machine. Our washing machine was like a part of the family, 18 years old. I like to think it just got tired, still wanted to work…. just too tired to agitate or spin….we knew its days were numbered. So, what washing machine to buy? As a woman, my first thought was to get one of those gorgeous, front load washers and couple it with a matching dryer in a shiny red. (And, no we were not in the market for a new dryer, but I wanted my washer/dryer to coordinate…but that is another topic for another day.)

So what to choose…front load or top load? I had heard that when it comes to front load washers, some love them, some hate them. So we took calls and posts on Facebook…I asked front load or top load…sooo many responses, here are just a few…….

Peter: Karen, we have one of those high efficiency top-loading machines. They use less water and power, of course, but they really don’t do as good a job as the machines you and I grew up with. Dang the environment. I want clean clothes.

Theresa: Love my front load…hardly takes any water, cleanest clothes ever and can’t hardly hear it (the first few months I kept going into the laundry room to make sure it was working) LOVE IT!

Jan: get front load…much easier to load looks better too!

Rachel said: Love my front loader!

Kindy: there are some reports about the front loading machines. something about the smell. i guess the water can’t drain all the way out and gets funky….

Shirley voted: front loader

Sherry: Front have mildew problems BAD!

David: The front ones are nice and stackable also – but the mildew/mold can come if you do not wipe out the bottom after EVERY washing!!! For easy… stick with a top loader!!

Terri: I listened to all the comments this morning on the radio.. If you have to buy EXTRA stuff or DO something extra to keep a front loading washing machine free from mildew… why bother! It costs enough just for the machine. My vote… TOP LOAD!!! XO

Stephanie: TOP LOAD – and let me tell you why. I know several people with front loads who have complained about molding and musty smelling clothes/towels. Plus, a few months ago, a relative told me that they can’t leave the house without unplugging theirs as the manufacturer said it can spontaneously combust. Stick to what has worked for years and years. Top load. It’s not as pretty, but I’d rather have ordinary than mold on fire. Ha.

Michelle: Karen, our front-loading expensive ***** has been a pain with the mildew issues. You have to stay on top of it and we have had to wash everything in hot to really get it clean and prevent the smell and mildew. UGH! Maybe they are making them better now?

Vicky:I have a front loader and I love it mine and I have not had a problem with mold or mildew. They did tell me that if mine did start to smell there is some stuff you can run thru wash cycle and it would take care of it. My machine has a mildew and mold sensor on it if the light come-on I am to use this cleaner they gave me. I have had mine over year and light has never came on.

Lee: Yeah, but if you drop that ONE SOCK there is not opening the door to toss it in…

Shannon: TOP LOAD!!

Robert L.: take them to the creek and beat them on a rock

Robert F.: I like the cleaners.

So, armed with that information I headed to the store….leaning toward a top loader as I prefer low maintenance……. though my dream was the matching candy apple red front loader washer/dryer. But, let me tell you, there is more to washing machine selection than just top or front load.

Coming up next blog: Washing Machines 1992 vs 2010

Saturday Night Fun :)

It’s that time of year again for a cool night

under the stars in Collierville!

The 18th Annual

Partners in Preservation Party & Taste of the Town

this Saturday, October 9, 2010 on the Historic Town Square.

It's fun every year, this Saturday it’s a Boot Scootin night! :) This is the major fundraiser for Main Street Collierville. You’ll be able to sample specialties from over 25 area restaurants, bid on great silent and live auction items

and check out music from Van Gogh’s Ear.

Tickets are $50 to purchase and for more info, call 901-853-1666.

You can also check them out online at www.mainstreetcollierville.org

Happy Monday??????

I noticed someone today on Facebook commented that anyone who would wish you a “Happy Monday” is somehow demented and “off” as it is near impossible to have a happy Monday, Perhaps that FB friend of mine is onto something. Traditionally Mondays are not a favorite day of the week for anyone….unless it’s your birthday or you have a vacation day, right? So, I started thinking, what could make this a Happy Monday for me. I invite you to do the same. For me….I think the following good things from the weekend will help my Monday.

Alabama beat Arkansas (the hogs played great) but I graduated from Bama so they got my vote.

My boys like to (for entertainment purposes only) pick which teams will win or lose. This week my youngest Walker, picked UTEP, Bama and Tennessee to win….he got them all, went 3 for 3.

I met Will Coleman, Will Barton and Charles Carmouche from the University of Memphis Mens Basketball team….the bad news….my camera phone is broken. At least I know, right!

I watched two movies…Up in the Air and The Terminal…..as well as many DVR’d shows this weekend.

I got to judge Taste of the Town Sunday night the big Germantown Chamber of Commerce event that also helps Make A Wish. Very full from judging and glad to finally meet (in person) Jennifer Biggs from the Commercial Appeal. Also, it was sooooo nice to meet so many people who enjoy the radio station.

So what now to look forward to this week….Tuesday on Classic Hits 94.1 KQK…it’s Taste Test Tuesday…..looking ahead to Saturday it’s the Pink Tie Event t from 2-4 at the Avenue Carriage Crossing in Collierville. I am hosting the 3pm fashion show. Plus more great college football on tap and week two of the new Fall TV season.

It’s a Monday….happy or not…..try and have a great day.

Lots To Do This Weekend :)

Meet Classic Hits 94.1 KQK guest/author/food stylist Jennifer Chandler. She will be at Babcock Gifts Saturday (9/25) from 1-3pm signing her latest book “Simply Suppers.” It’s a delightful cookbook full of great recipes and pictures too. More details on the book, Jennifer and her appearances at www.cookwithjennifer.com

Sunday night (9/26) it’s the Taste of the Town with the Germantown Chamber of Commerce with silent/live auction proceeds to benefit Make A Wish. It is a premier food, beverage & wine tasting featuring 40 outstanding restaurants, caterers and beverage distributors in the Mid- South. It is always a fun night, a culinary adventure they like to say :) a sampling of the finest food and beverage around. You can get tickets at the door, however I am thinking it may have sold out in years past . So for advance ticket info and prices, check out the Germantown Chamber link of www.germantownchamber.com

If you have kids who like to roller skate, they might like to play inline hockey!! Check out the Collierville Hockey In-Line League Learn to Play Clinic. It’s Sunday afternoon (9/26) from 4:30 to 6pm at Funquest Skate (on Hwy 72, off Poplar) It’s only $10 for the this session and there are more events planned for the Fall/Winter months…..details at www.eteamz.com/chill/ or you can follow them on Facebook. They are always looking to introduce new kids to the sport and unlike ice hockey in Memphis, you can play all year…even outside. :) My kids LOVE it. It’s fun and great exercise. Oh and for all you adults who might be interested, the CHILL adult inline league has really expanded this year in all skill levels.

Have a great weekend!

Fall TV is here!!

Fall TV season…..it is here…..in full force this week!!! What to watch….what to watch?!?! Well, on Monday nights, NBC is back with one of my favorite shows “Chuck” I love that one, then we finally get to see the show they have been promoting like CRAZY….."The Event" and “Chase." Over on CBS, speaking of highly promoted, it’s the all new "Hawaii Five-O" and a show with Sookie from “Gilmore Girls” called "Mike & Molly." Fox has “House” and a new show called "Lone Star." And if watching celebs is more your thing, ABC has "Dancing With The Stars" (two hours of it!) then "Castle." I also like “90210” now on Monday.

Other shows this season I personally hope to catch are……that new FOX show with Will Arnett and Kerri Russell “Running Wilde" I think that is on Tuesday.

That new NBC show looks it has potential to me is "Undercovers" and I am already a "Modern Family" and “Cougartown” fan on my Wednesday nights.

Thursdays may bring some new options, but I am sticking with my favs……”The Office” and "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice."

Tom Selleck has a new show I might watch…if I can find the time….and I love “Friday Night Lights” whenever that might return. But always with my luck I start watching a show, like it and it gets canned 3 or 4 episodes into the thing. grrrrrr. And I haven’t even mentioned daytime TV….I never watched “Gilmore Girls” when it was first on, but I found it in reruns and LOVE it!! I get my gross out fix when I happen to catch Dr. Oz. And don’t forget it’s Oprah’s last season, so watch her in this format while you can.

Hmmm…I swear I do more than watch TV, but after reading this blog, I wouldn’t believe me either!! lol

The Newest Things

If you haven’t heard yet, you can listen to Classic Hits 94.1 KQK on your iphone. How? Check out the details on our website www.941kqk.com or just go to the app store and type in our name. Voila…a new app for your phone!! Isn’t technology amazing??? Just think, it’s 2010…remember what you couldn’t do ten years ago??!?!? You couldn’t watch a video on You Tube. You didn’t Facebook or Twitter. You had a camera…..but it was not in your phone. And texting….none of that, we all talked more. Heck, there was no American Idol! And a Croc….you never thought you would wear one on your foot!! :) And that is just scratching the surface. I am sure you can think of plenty of other things too.


Sometimes I am tired by technology. No time to getaway from anyone. By choice, I do not have email on my phone. I like to be disconnected sometimes. However, I will admit that I forgot my cell phone the other night when I went out and I was a bit out of sorts. Not that was expecting an important call, but I keep thinking of people to call or text. Not to mention I had no idea what time it was!! (Like many, I stopped wearing my watch once I could check the time on my phone.) But, you know what I survived. Now that I know I can do without a cell phone for a while, I need to convince my oldest son. Technology aside, one of the biggest changes in my life since 2000 was the birth of my first son. He is ten now. He wants a cell phone. He has never even seen a rotary phone. He has never known a life without the internet, cable or cordless phones. He thinks there has always been a Walgreens on every corner and that McDonalds is a way of life. The same goes for my 7 year old. No more are the days where you share time on a landline house phone with your kids. So while I download the latest app on my cell phone, like many other parents I must decide when to let my son get HIS own phone. I guess I should change the lyrics to a famous song and say, “the times they are a changed.”

school time

Back to School time again…..my boys are back in school…going into the second week. Where did the summer go???? I know they want to get the kids back at it so they can start prepping for the TCAP test…..that happens in late Spring. Get them back to school, then right when they are getting the hang of things, they will get a Fall Break. As you can perhaps tell by my tone, I am not really a fan of the Fall Break. Not that they asked me, but I would have preferred more summer….at least this year.


Both of my sons are in elementary school…but this will be the last year for them to be in the same school for quite some time. Where did the time go? Seems like they were just born!!! Nothing like feeling time is passing you by and then sending your 5th grader off to school and having a birthday the same week! Sigh. :) And let me disclaim myself and mention I have not been blogging as much as of late since I joined Facebook. Feel free to friend me there and to “like” our Classic Hits 94.1 KQK page.

ahhhh....doughnuts.......

Ahhhh……donuts……I feel like Homer Simpson when I say it. Then to spell it…..is it DONUT or DOUGHNUT….we’ll go on the assumption that both are acceptable. :)

So, why the blog about donuts?


Well, today, Steve announced he wanted a bear claw and wondered how long it would take round trip to get from our east Memphis studio to Gibson’s Donuts. (It was 15 minutes in case you are curious!) He returned with not 1, not 2, but 3 boxes of donuts. One was specially marked for me. I expected it would be a cake donut as he knows that is my favorite. Inside that box, not 1, not 2, but EIGHT cake donuts. (As pictured above!) One of every variety they offer!

So, early on at 6:45am the willpower was on. I selected the cinnamon sugar cake donut as my lone choice. And being so smug that I had my willpower on, I stated teasing Steve that he had almost 2 entire bear claws…. around 45 grams of fat the best we can figure. Well, as fate has it, every time I tease anyone it comes back on me. My willpower faded close to 9:00am, I had the blueberry cake donut and now Steve and I are coming down off our sugar high. We are getting tired and grumpy right about now, but for those glorious moments as we indulged in our tasty treats, we were happy…and would still be if we believed in moderation!!!! Oh, well lesson learned. We will do better next time.

A New Blog

You know it’s been a long time since you blogged when you get an email that says “Hey love your radio show, but how about an updated blog!?” Yeah, I am sorry for the delay. Why the huge chasm in blog time?


First, I finally joined Facebook which has taken me to a new level of "use of computer time" in my life. I am now somewhat addicted to it, thus, my hesitation to ever “get on” Facebook in the first place. But now that I am on, I will henceforth refer to Facebook as fb. :) Second, my computer at home crashed, down with a sickness. I usually do all my blogging in the afternoon at home. I no longer have that luxury (for now anyway) as I am blogging today at work.


So, what to blog about?

Steve (Conley my morning show co-host) is sitting across from me right now. He is friending even more on Facebook …..oh yeah….fb. :) Last week he hit 2000 friends, now he already has 2130 (give or take) he is just so popular. After being on one month now, I have just over 600. I find the whole concept a bit fascinating. It is fun to catch up with people, but at the same time, do I really care that “Zena” just had a great sandwich? I’ll fb later.


I could blog about the fact that the musical MEMPHIS won the Tony Award for best musical this week. And how much Green Day rocked the award show. And how I saw the Orpheum’s Pat Halloran there on national TV sitting in like the third row!


Or I could blog about the Memphis heat.


Or I could blog about how I enjoy watching Friday Night Lights on NBC or how I like watching reruns of Gilmore Girls. (Gilmore Girls I have just discovered and I really like it so far! Sure, I am a few years behind on this one, but the shows are all new to me. : )


I could blog about my boys….they are growing up so fast…..they are 7 and 10 years old. WOW. Where did the time go and why does my 10 year old act like he’s a teenager.


Or instead of blogging (or Facebooking) I could just do laundry, clean out a closet or actually attempt to purge some kid items out of my house that we haven’t used in years. Ugh! I guess I have inadvertently just typed what I need to go do.



Have a happy day online. I am off to do laundry. Then I’ll come back and blog about how much I detest folding clothes. :)

KP

Summer is here...now it's time for live music!!

If this poster is too small to see,

go to www.mainstreetcollierville.org

for more details.

The Cute of the Boot!

Went to Memphis in May Beale Street Music Fest Friday night….. Steve and I got on stage after Al Kapone (good show!) and before the B-52’s (my third time to see them…love them!) We managed to avoid the rain when we were there. Whew! You know, it’s always fun once you get down there. For many though, I know it’s the dragging yourself downtown and finding a parking space that is a big deterrent….Oh, yeah and the now traditional threat of rain.

Of course, it’s one big band party and it’s all about the music, but I think they could change the name. (And no, not to Memphis In Mud!) They should change the name because even with everyone donning appropriate “outdoor festival with a threat of rain” attire, this is a see and be seen event. Friday night it was all about the boots! How about we call it the Beale Street BOOT festival…… or maybe the BOOT Street Music Festival. It was obvious that for days, weeks, even months prior to the BSMF, females begin the search for cute rain boots. And I never knew so many styles, colors and patterns of boot even existed!!! Stripes, polka dots, oriental, toile, solid color, checks, animals, and peace signs just to name a few. This year, most did not just stop at a store on the way, there was some serious on line searching for these boots. And no matter if it was with shorts, pants, capri’s or even a skirt, there was some boot flaunting going on. I even had a little boot envy! :)

Again, while I was there, no rain had fallen. You could still see every cute new boot…..but after Friday night….probably not so much. As the Music Fest progressed, all the boots, no matter the pattern, were caked in mud and that’s when it comes down to simple usefulness of a boot. Or does it? Functionality or the “cute of your boot”……which is more important? I guess it all boils down to the person wearing that boot. :)

(Pictured above is the boot I almost got from Piperlime.com! )

Downtown fun for Make A Wish!

Dishes for Wishes

Sunday, April 25, 2010

at Felicia Suzanne’s Downtown

5 - 8 p.m.

This spring will mark the 5th annual Dishes for Wishes downtown food event at Felicia Suzanne’s restaurant to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-South. The event celebrates downtown Memphis’ finest chefs’ latest culinary creations, along with a one-of-a kind live auction and much more!

The wonderful restaurants taking part

Automatic Slims
Bangkok Alley
Blue Monkey
Felicia Suzanne’s
Itta Bena
Majestic Grille
McEwen’s on Monroe
Mesquite Chop House
Rendezvous
Sole

For more information on tickets, call 680-WISH.

Go Red!

Find your favorite red outfit or jewelry;
it’s time once again to GO RED with

the American Heart Association
and Classic Hits 94.1 KQK.

This year Debbi Fields Rose is the chairperson of the 7th annual Go Red For Women campaign. Go Red is a national movement to motivate and inspire women to prevent heart disease. There are two special events are scheduled for this week.

Tuesday, April 20th……“Art for the Heart” from 5-9 p.m.

“Art for the Heart” Support the American Heart Association and our Artist Community…. with Food and Wine while showcasing “Art for the Heart” from highly acclaimed and up and coming talent from all mediums. Featuring: Kenneth Lecco, Matthew Hasty, Paul Edelstein, Tom Clifton, Warren Greene, and from California - Victoria Miller’s photographic art plus over 30 more gifted and talented midsouth area artists. Sponsors include Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Amy Howard Designs. Come Sip, Savor and Buy!… direct from the Artist. It will do your heart good! Entertainment provided. Tickets are $50 each.

Thursday, April 22nd ......the Go Red for Women “Girls Night Out” Symposium from 5-10p.m.

♥A Woman’s Guide to “Mind, Body and Spirit

♥Emphasizing “Heart Healthy and Heart Happy” for Life!

♥Featuring the first ever “Memphis Top Chef’s Cook Off” with healthy heart cooking demonstrations with Chefs.

Chef Erling’s Jensen - Erling Jensen the Restaurant

Chef Jeffrey Dunham - The Grove Grill
Chef Wally Joe - The Benchmark

Chef Ben Vaughn - Grace Restaurant
Chef Bill Kloos - Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Chef Carl Jones - Premier Place
Chef John Bragg – Circa

Chef Daniel John – Harrah’s
Chef Renaldo Alfonso – Chez Philippe

Chef Mac Edwards
Appetizers also provided by: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Plus, wine, up to date trends in Beauty, Health, Fitness, and Fashion. Breakout Sessions, Q & A with physicians, dinner and speeches from Heart Survivors.

Keynote: Her First Secret Recipe: Making it Against All Odds! By Debbi Fields Rose – Founder Mrs. Fields Cookies.

Tax Deductable Tickets are: $100 Monies raised will go to Education, Detection, Prevention & Action… So act TODAY and buy tickets!

For advance ticket sales on both events or for corporate table sales or booth/sponsorship participation in the “Girls Night Out” please call the American Heart Association at 901.383.5411

Both events will take place at the Harrah’s Entertainment Corporate Building, located at 1023 Cherry Rd. (behind the Dixon.)

What's for dinner?

I am a working mom who doesn’t always enjoy cooking. That being said, I appreciate Super Suppers. You may have heard of it. Some years ago, I read about the concept and not too much later Super Suppers came to the Memphis area.

The idea has always been to make the life of the cook in the house easier. They started out with assembly meals and take and bake “to go” options. Now, they have evolved and still remain a one stop shop for all your dinner needs. Meals that have an “out to eat” flavor but that you can eat at your own dinner table. I have been going to the Super Suppers in Collierville since they opened. On a recent visit I found they are even better than ever. You can take advantage of their grab and go menu. You’ll find ready to heat meals that are always favorites, plus each month they feature over 10 special dishes. I noticed this month there is even collaboration with Rachel Ray. The point is that you can stop by on your way home, pick up a meal to throw in the oven for that night. Or you can preorder meals you want from that month’s selection. Do you have a picky eater in your house? No problem. Pre-order your meals…tell them Little Kaitlyn doesn’t eat onions…they will leave them out if they are included in that dish! I served up one of their breakfast offerings, a strata, at a recent bunco. It (I!) got rave reviews.

Two locations, one in Bartlett/ Wolfchase at 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy and the Collierville store at the corner of Houston Levee and Poplar. You can get info on the take-n-bake menu, specials and more online. Follow them on line at www.supersuppers.com or each location has a Facebook page. You can get on the email lists too. I just got word from the Collierville location they are having a 15% off special on tax day (April 15th you see!) on most items in the store. Take the pressure off yourself when it comes to providing a hot meal at home tonight! :)

It's all about the Pets! :)

To Find out more, go to their website at www.desotopetlovers.org


I read on the website that the Desoto Animal Rescue Society (DARS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care, rehabilitation, and placement of unwanted, abandoned, and abused pets. All animals taken in get medical care, and if needed and routine vaccinations. All animals are spayed or neutered prior to adoption.


But I did not realize that they are not a shelter with a facility where you can visit the pets. All rescued pets live in foster homes, where they are evaluated and cared for until they find their ideal adoptive family. They are not affiliated any governmental agency. They do not receive any taxpayer funds…so it’s all about donations and the revenue they generate from fundraising events.


It all happens this Friday night (4/9) at 5pm. Eat in or get it to go!

Hello...do you like my hat?

There is an article in the Tuesday Commercial Appeal (Memphis newspaper) about hats.

Hats.

It seems to me either you are a hat person or not. Sure, I’ve thrown on a baseball cap as needed on a rainy or bad hair day. But I have never worn a hat for fashion. The hats in today’s paper make me want to rethink that.

Sure, back in the day Princess Di could wear a hat like no other. These hats (like the one picture above) evoke that same classiness. I own cute hats…..a black one for winter….a floppy one for beachwear….a rhinestone studded ball cap so I can look like a stylish stay at home mom…..even thought I’m not.:) But I never seem to find the appropriate time to wear said hats.

Am I too chicken? Am I over thinking? Am I just not that kind of attention attracting person? While I don’t claim to be the most fashion forward person around, I should wear a hat if I feel so inclined. I should mention that it would be hard for me wear a brimmed hat to work…….wearing headphones everyday makes that a little more difficult. :)

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ...my thoughts

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame….the big induction for this years latest inductees was Monday night. I could blog for hours pondering the question of just why the Hall of Fame is in Cleveland and not Memphis…but don’t get me started!! :)

Instead, I looked at this year’s list and selected my favorite. For me, it is The Stooges. No, no the 3 Stooges….Iggy and the Stooges. Yes, the band predates me but when I was in college a fellow by the name of Blake (we were bartenders together) made a mix tape (yeah, a mix TAPE) of classics, then currents and lots of alternative music. It was on that tape I had my first experience with the Stooges and the song I Wanna Be Your Dog. That song rocked!!! And it still does. Later I head other Stooges songs like 1969 and No Fun. Again, both rocked!

I have always loved music. As a kid here in Memphis, my parents took me to see Elvis as my first concert. Later, I wanted to be a Pat Benatar….the Police and Blondie were staples of my music collection. I always watched as much MTV as I could. Seeing Missing Persons at Auditorium South (or North?) Hall was a musical highlight for me. When I went to college at the University of Alabama I found Alternative music and that led me to a career radio. In fact, I started out an Advertising major. I didn’t really gel with my advisor…but I did like the music the college radio station played so I switched my major to broadcasting. When I heard bands like Lone Justice, The Replacements, Husker Du, the HooDoo Gurus and so many others….I knew I found my music. Then I began to learn about the bands that inspired them. One has to imagine that all that that punk/new wave music I liked in the 80’s was probably, in some way, influenced by Iggy. And it is interesting that while the Stooges made their first mark on music in the 60’s, over 20 years later I would be playing some solo Iggy Pop music at the college station. Today we even still hear much of that music in movies and commercials. .

So congratulations to all the deserving Inductees…I read Iggy never thought he and the Stooges would get voted in……proving once again to never say never. :)

The Mid-South is Cooking on the Food Network!

With the Neely’s, Claire Robinson and countless features on various Food Network programs, Memphis and the Mid-South have been represented well on the Food Network. Now, we salute the appearance of Gail Churinetz of Germantown this Sunday on the Ultimate Recipe Showdown. She will be on this Sunday night (3/14) with her Crawfish Andouille Sausage Pizza recipe. Gail, Guy and the other contestants are pictured above, Gail is on the far left. She is our special guest on the Conley and Karen Morning Show on Classic Hits 94.1 KQK.


Find out more about the show and see the fun Guy and Gail had together on the Food network website at www.foodnetwork.com/videos/gail-gets-the-guy/48679.html

Gail ready to cook on the Food Network…will she win? Watch Sunday, 3/14/2010.


Have a great day and happy cooking with Conley and Karen!

over and over again.....

We talked about the Cottonelle’s “Roll Poll” today and it seems our Memphis poll mirrors that of the national preference when it comes to how the toilet paper roll rolls. :) Over. That’s how the majority of Americans roll. Nationwide ,72-percent like their toilet paper to go over the roll, while just 28-percent prefer the under roll. In our unscientific 94.1 KQK poll, 80% of our listeners prefer over, 20% under.


What we also found is that people are passionate about the over….in fact it seems Cottonelle found the same thing. Metro news reports that they found “overs” also tend to be more picky about how the roll rolls. Nearly 75-percent of “overs” say they notice when the toilet paper is hung “wrong.” Psychotherapist and relationship expert Dr. Gilda Carle says people’s rolling preferences says something about their personality. She notes, quote, “People who roll over like taking charge, crave organization and are likely to overachieve. It seems to me that Americans are passionate about rolling over due to the sense of control that it gives them.”

It's March....already??

March is here and we embark on Spring. February went by very quickly, next thing you know it’s spring break, basketball tourney time and allergy season. :)Coming off one of the most “wintery” winters we’ve had in Memphis in a while, that seems only fitting.

Here at Classic Hits 94.1 we are lucky to have many of the artists we play coming to our area in concert. The casinos always offer up some great acts, but the Beale Street Music Festival that kicks off Memphis in May has plenty of classic hit bands as well. All the details on all the Memphis in May events at www.memphisinmay.org or you can link to that site through our home page.

As always, have a great day!

New Thoughts for the New Year

New thoughts for the new year….

Okay..... let me change that from “new thoughts” for the new year to just “ thoughts’ for the new year. I think sometimes as we embark on a new year my thinking is the same….new start, new beginning, fresh outlook, correct the wrongs of the year gone by and make this year better, etc, etc. I had a pretty rough 2008, but 2009 was much better….now, what can we do with 2010 to make it extra good.

Here are some things I will do this year, many items were certainly on my list from last year….and the year before that and the year that. :) So, without referring to last years list (which I could probably cut and paste) here is my list of “things” for 2010.

I plan to………

…..blog more often

…..eat more fruits and vegetables…shop on the outer perimeter of the store…avoiding the many processed foods you find in the middle. FYI...I love processed food and it seems to love me back…. haha.

……be more patient with my children.

…..actually find 3 to 4 times a week to exercise.

……read 3 books this year….non-self help books for a change.

……clean out my closet and either fit into the skinny clothes or finally get rid of them once and for all.

……get through the kids clothes and toys that they have outgrown and neither boy can fit into.

Oh yeah, I also plan to be a better person, save more money and drink less soda in 2010. :)

NOTE: If organizing is on your list of things for the new year, we interviewed the author of the book pictured above, it’s a good guide to get organized, ORGANIZE NOW by Jennifer Ford Berry. Her website is www.jenniferfordberry.com