October 2012
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11/02/12Fashionista of the Week: SophiaWho can resist dark, luminous eyes that dance in the sunshine? Certainly not me. That's why I had to introduce myself to this little fashionista, Sophia, last week. Her stylish outfit played up her dark beauty. Dressed in a hot pink owl T-shirt that reads "Whooo's the Cutest," it's paired with an acid-washed demin skirt and leopard-print leggings. Clearly, her dimpled smile answers the question. Don't you love the little flowers that decorate her Mary-Jane's? Several of these pieces come from The Children's Place. Her mother tells me that though she's the youngest of four, Sophia is all about being grown up. "When I pour juice she says, 'I will help you," says Laura, Though she's only 2, Sophia is starting to... |
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10/31/12Let's Go: The Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum in Jackson, TennesseeGrowing up in England during the 1960s, much of my TV viewing was black and white series from America, like Zorro, Lassie, and a show about the American folk hero, Casey Jones. Every schoolboy knew Casey’s train ran through prairie, deserts, and “Indian country.” After all, the dude had a cowcatcher — you never saw one of those on trains like The Flying Scotsman! So imagine my surprise — 20 years later — when I finally visited the Casey Jones museum, only to discover it's in Jackson, Tennessee. What’s more, Casey’s final ride didn’t take place out West at all, but rather on a run from Memphis to Canton, Mississippi. In fact, the fatal crash took place in Vaughan, Mississippi. So last month, I drove my family to... |
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10/26/12Read This: The Hallo-wienerO.K. let’s get one thing understood right away: Dads love hot dogs. That’s all there is to it. So it stands to reason that a Halloween book involving wiener dogs, bun costumes, and atrocious puns would be a sure-fire winner (Ha! I resisted that obvious pun, I do have some pride.). Add that it's written and illustrated by the genius that created such heroes as Dragon (see earlier blog posts) and Captain Underpants, and you have a tale that really cuts the mustard. (Sorry, I promise I will stop). The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey has been in my house for the past decade and despite being dog-eared, it gets read every October by the whole family, the 4-year-old, the 13-year-old, and — ahem — those a lot older. The hero is Oscar, a wiener dog who is... |
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10/23/12Just Say No to Kids and CaffeineAn alarming story is making headlines today: The death of a 14-year-old after consuming two Monster energy drinks in 24 hours. This is the latest of five deaths associated with the popular energy drink. The FDA is currently investigating the deaths as well as a non-fatal heart attack to determine cause. According to an AP report, the teen died of "cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity. She had an inherited disorder that can weaken blood vessels." Monster is one of a host of energy drinks that are popular among teens and tweens. These products, which represent the fastest growing U.S. beverage market, are super-charged with caffeine and sugar. While they may bring a brief spike in energy and alertness, young bodies can also suffer serious consequences.... |
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10/23/12Come Celebrate India Fest 2012Interested in experiencing what it means to be a part of the diverse culture and traditions of India? Then head to the Agricenter International on Saturday, November 3rd, when the India Association of Memphis presents the 10th Annual India Fest. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. “The theme is Past, Present, and Future,” notes Huzefa Mamoola, marketing director of India Fest 2012. “It focuses not only on giving a glimpse of the past but also the current India with its rapid growth and development, as well as showcasing the future of India with economic and social prosperity.” The festival opens up with band performances by Germantown Middle School and White Station High School. Singing the American and Indian national... |
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10/20/12Farewell to Pinocchio's BookstoreEditor's Note: After more than 35 years as independent booksellers, the ladies at Pinocchio's: The Children's Bookplace are writing the final chapter to their storied career. Earlier this month, I learned that owners Judy Korones and Miriam Epstein had decided to retire and close their popular shop on Brookhaven Circle. To many families across Memphis, their's was a book lover's refuge, a magical place perfect for browsing or being guided to that just right right book for a young reader. As an editor, I often relied on their expertise for book recommendations and knowledge of children's literature, and for that, I will miss them. Moms like Kimberly Baker, who has had a long and personal relationship with the booksellers, will miss them for other... Posted at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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10/19/12Fashionista of the Week: RebekahRebekah is one of life's little miracles. After having one child (her now 15-year-old son), mom Shay had been told she might never become pregnant again. Patiently, she waited. For eight long years. Rebekah was the answer to the family's prayers. We had a chance to meet on a beautiful October afternoon, the bright colors of autumn providing a perfect backdrop for Rebekah's fall-like outfit. Sporting a coffeebean-colored dress finished with a colorful flounce of flowers and her favorite cowgirl boots, this ensemble reminded me of something a young senorita from Texas might wear. And don't you love how her pigtails are dressed up with bright fushia bows. They pick up the color of this ribbon flower at her waist. Rebekah is taking... |
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10/18/12What's Happening for HalloweenFrom Zoo Boo to Playhouse's costume sale, Broad Avenue's Art Walk and more, the days leading up to Halloween are brimming with family fun. 19 • Friday Le Bonheur Zoo Boo opens. Memphis Zoo. Through October 28. Oct. 19 & 20, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 26, 27, & 28, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Come in costumes and enjoy candy stations, the straw maze, Dracula’s Disco, and a visit from prehistoric animals on a Haunted Hayride. $15. Advance discounts available. 333-6500. Cedar Hill Farm. 8 Love Road, Hernando, MS. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10-5, Sunday noon-5 p.m. Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay rides, plus kids can pick a pumpkin out of the patch. $8.50/per person. 20 • Saturday Costume Shop Yard Sale. Circuit Playhouse, 51 S.... |
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10/17/12Catch Me If You Can (The Musical) Plays at The OrpheumCatch Me If You Can is one of those stories you find yourself thinking, "I couldn't make this stuff up." The Orpheum's latest musical is loosely based on the true life story of con artist Frank Abagnale Jr., who, at age 16, runs away from home in search of the glamorous life and quickly became an expert forger. Before long, he's cashing bad checks around New York City and forging ID badges, successfully passing himself off as a Pan Am airline pilot (yes, this is the late 1960s, long before before 9/11). He later impersonates a doctor and a lawyer with Harvard credentials, no less (at least he has the good sense to go top drawer). If this premise sounds vaguely familiar, it's because Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks starred in Steven... |
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10/12/12Fashionister of the Week: ColeLittle boys love discovering their world. I found this handsome explorer on safari at the zoo recently; his mix-and-match outfit totally caught my eye. Six-year-old Cole looked quite dapper in his madras plaid shirt, layered over a bright red T-shirt, and topped with stripped vest — all from Monsoon. Add them to these acid wash jeans and you've got a great look. Mom Laura says she loves Monsoon's quality, plus, they carry interesting fashion for boys. Look for them at The Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown. Cole enjoys being active, whether its climbing onto hippos or hitting home runs in baseball. But he is also a reader and likes to play video games as well as hang out with his older brother. Life is good for this little explorer. Do you have... |
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10/11/12Special Anniversary Screening of The Sandlot at AutoZone ParkDo you remember the movie, The Sandlot? It's about a group of kids who gather for a summer-long game of sandlot baseball. This month, filmmakers are celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special screening at AutoZone Park. The film's screenwriter and director, David Mickey Evans, will be on-hand after the screening for a Q and A session. When I got wind of this, I quickly texted my teenaged son to share the news. When he was around 10 or so, my kid was thoroughly caught up in the magic of this tale. We would watch it together from time to time and never fail to laugh at the boys and their antics, particularly the scene where they get chased through the neighborhood by the crazy dog. It seemed to touch on the many challenges of childhood: fitting in,... |
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10/10/12Let's Go: Climb the Wall at BridgesIf you've toyed with the idea of climbing a rock wall but haven't quite summoned the courage, now's your chance. On Friday, October 19th, ClimBRIDGES opens their climbing gym to kids of all ages. Located at 477 North Fifth Street, the BRIDGES facility is open climbing nights from 6 to 9 p.m. Additional dates are Friday, November 2nd and 30th; and December 14; $15/adults, $10/children. While scaling a 30-foot wall might sound scary, it's actually a lot of fun, not to mention a good workout. Rock climbing tests your strength and endurance as you scramble up to the top of the gym. The climbing wall is a popular destination for families. Kids as young as 7 can become proficient climbers. We wrote about our experience here. The wall sports nine different... |
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10/09/12Read This: Daddy Calls Me DoodlebugThere seem to be plenty of “Mommy and me” board books out there for young readers, but relatively fewer “Daddy and me” books. So as a father, I was pleased to find Daddy Calls Me Doodlebug by J. D. Lester, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata (Robin Corey Books). Lester’s previous book was Mommy Calls Me Monkeypants, so this is the companion book for dads. These make popular baby shower gifts, and I can see why; the bright illustrations and cadence of the rhymes will interest younger children just as much as the details will interest older ones. The book opens as a father plays with his child, balancing it on his knee and doing “airplane.” I say “it” because the illustrator has cunningly made Daddy’s child a generic... Posted at 07:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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10/06/12Fashionista of the Week: MorganFashionistas are always stylish. But they also exude a certain sparkle that makes them stand out from the crowd. I saw that sparkle in Morgan, a fashionable 4-year-old I had the pleasure of meeting one day last week at the zoo. She loves the outdoors and was eager to see the animals. But she graciously struck a pose before dashing off. She was suitably dressed for her afternoon outing, with a ruffled denim shirt and bright red jeans from The Children's Place, accented with leopard print accessories. Don't you love her pig tails? She was most proud of her purse, brimming with pockets for carrying treasures. Morgan recently became a big sister. In fact, she was so excited when she heard the news she immediately began calling her brother Jason. "But we convinced... |
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10/04/12The Bodine School Celebrates Its 40th AnniversaryIt was a day of celebration for faculty, families, students, and friends who gathered to commemorate The Bodine School's 40th anniversary. Under a bright blue sky, a 200-plus crowd spilled out from under a white tent as they applauded the visionary work of Bodine's founders, Richard and Virginia Bodine, who started the school in memory of their only son, Rick. Bodine's student ambassadors greeted visitors. Some, like eighth-grader Rachel Robertson & fourth-grader Magen Sauer, served cake. The celebration ushers in a new era at the school, one that Head of School Josh Clark anticiaptes will "shine a light" on teaching those with learning disabilities. When Bodine first opened its doors in 1972, there was no other school... |
