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