ValerieCalhoun's Blog

  I am looking for a freegan..someone who helps make ends meet by "salvaging" food from store's waste.  I understand these folks salvage produce,meat and other products that is deemed unsellable by stores.

  If you do this or know someone who does (and are willing to share your story with me on camera) call me: 901-320-1215. Or email at valerie.calhoun@foxtv.com

  Thank you!

Valerie

      okay. Here's what I want to know: How far are you willing to go to get your Christmas on???

  1. Do you spend more money on decorations than you do on gifts and/or food?

  2. Do you use a whole new new color/theme for your Christmas tree every year?

3.  Do you ever have "brown-outs" in your home because you have so many lights and decorations plugged in?

and...

4.  Do you have boxes of ornaments and decorations that you don't even use because you keep buying?

    Let me know where you stand when you deck the halls with boughs of holly and such. This is something I have been thinking about since I visited the holiday superstore Garden Ridge yesterday. I had some great conversations with other shoppers. We were all seeking ornaments, ribbons and such. One lady was looking for blue and silver ornaments for this year's theme tree. Another told me she spends more on decorations than gifts. And, I looked down in my cart and realized I was buying a bunch of stuff I don't need and might not even use.  I put most of it back. Most of it.

      And, I have been in a cutting-back phase.  I didn't really buy any decorations last year. Only put up one tree...with "some" of the ornaments I have gathered over the years. A few weeks ago, I was up in the attic and realized I have much more Christmas decor. stuff than I thought. Too much, perhaps. I have two trees up and still I'm not using all of my ornaments.

  So WHY did I go back to GR? Why am I shopping for anything? What is your story? And, why are we so into decorating? I was at a WAGS luncheon last week (Women Aging Gracefully) and the speaker was Marianne Macdonald, an organizer. After polling the women there, the consensus is that we decorate for our families. It makes us happy because it makes them happy. And, that is true. My son and my husband love the lights and love the festive atmosphere. So do I.

   What about you???

  I am noticing what seems to be a new trend. People who don't want to make a choice...or a commitment to a particular line at a restaurant or a retail store.  And in my humble opinion...it is gumming up the works. It drives me nuts!

  This is how it goes down. Say you're at Chik-Fil-A. There are three, maybe four, registers open. And, you notice a cluster of people standing about five feet away from the counter in no particular order. So you walk up and ask: Which line are you in?  The person responds...'whichever one opens first. '
What? Make a decision. Choose a line. You might choose the faster line, you might not.

   Why does it matter? Well, it slows things down. By the time you notice that it is your turn up, you pause, then walk up to the register. Frequently a new customer will come in and assume that since noone is at the register...all those people standing a few feet away are still trying to decide what they want.  So that person walks on up. I've done that. ANd, only when I hear the signs of irritation behind me realize that those folks milling around a few feet away may...just may...have been waiting for the fastest line.

 I say make a commitment. Choose a line. Do the right thing.

Where do you stand? In line or a few feet away...hoping that by not making a choice you will have chosen the right line.

   I really want to know where you stand....

     To borrow a line from the Watson's girl: "It's hot and you need a pool..."

But if you, like me, DON"T have a pool...you have to find other ways to beat the heat.  Have you noticed how grumpy and on edge you get when you are really hot? We were out Saturday morning to plant some greenery in urns at my husband's office. It was hot even before ten am. Really hot. I heard one of the dj's at a local radio station say the heat index was already 101degrees. After the plants were in and watered I noticed we were all grumbly.

  So we went indoors...to the air conditioning. What a relief. And, what a mood-changer. Suddenly, it was all sweetness and light.

 So what does this all have to do with fresh fish and movies? My husband and I had a date...a real one. Dinner and a movie.  We went to my new favorite restaurant for the BEST FISH I HAVE EVER HAD! Yeah, it's actually in Collierville. And, well-worth the drive. It is a newish restaurant: Caffe Italia. In the town square and absolutely phenomenal. Beg them to fix the red snapper. We had heard about this place and it's fancier sister: Pasta Italia, just down the square. So we dropped in two weeks ago with some friends and tried our luck. They managed to squeeze us in but there was a bit of a wait. Well worth it . The red snapper is divine. Topped with diced tomatoes and an array of spices that will  make you want to lick your plate and beg for more.

  It was so good that we went back Saturday. We got there before six...to make sure we got in. I may have to go back this weekend. It's that good. Google this place and read all about it. I'm no restaurant critic but our friends who live in Midtown were amazed by the food and totally agreed:Best Fish Ever.

  To complete the perfect beat-the-heat date night, we went to the movies. Biggest crowd I have ever seen at our little theater. We opted to dodge the crowds seeing the Bourne Ultimatum in favor of the Catherine Zeta-Jones' movie, "No Reservations." Good Movie and a perfect end to an air-conditioned date night.

  Wow. When I came in this morning and got the briefing on what happened overnight, I knew it was going to be an interesting newscast.  Most great news writers tell you that you have to find the "Man Bites Dog" story and tease it well. Why? Because that gets the public's attention and they are more likely to stay tuned to find out more.

  This morning a Dog Shoots Man story right here in Memphis. Sadly, the man was injured pretty badly.  But what a tail, oops, tale.

  The big, friendly Great Dane puppy wags his tail furiously when he is happy or just glad to see someone. Somebody left a pistol on a table. And when King George the Great Dane (or Great Danger as some would say) started wagging his tail...it hit the gun and a man got shot.

  You can't make this stuff up, folks.  Add to that the Cross-dressing, vodka-drinking preacher who pulled up his skirt and wee-weed in front of a bunch of kids at a car wash in East Tennessee.  Seriously, what was he thinking?  And the 7-year-old kid who swallowed his grill.  Doctor says it'll come out on it's own. That's nature's way. Ouch. Smile for me Daddy. (with apologies to Nelly)  Mom says she bought the $10 metal tooth grill as a joke.  Poor kid.

 There are other stories that certainly make you go "hmmm" today but those three top the list. Reality is certainly stranger than fiction. That's why I love what I do. We hear it first. Then we get to tell you.

  Lock up your guns and keep the safety lock on. And, beware the cheap grills. I don't want to do one of these stories on you.

  See you in the morning! 

    It is a Dollar store...what can I say? Except that if you are in Holly Springs you should stop by. Don't be fooled by the rough-looking exterior. When I was there there was no sign other than the handwritten one pasted to the window.

  But the people who shop there absolutely love this place.  They do.    And, here's why: it has some incredible brands.   But I would not make a special trip to Marshall County for it.
  If you do go, or are in the area, you should plan to have lunch at Granny Walnuts on the Town Square.  Two ladies run this Holly Springs staple...it's open for lunch...and it has the most scrumptious desserts around. You will also be tempted by their lunch specials, like lasagna.

   This was fun and I would recommend it for a family trip. It is a state park and there is camping. There is also a water park within walking distance from the diamond mine field.  There is also an Indian park nearby that claims to let you dig for arrowheads and keep them. Same deal, with arrowheads. Check the links on the Crater of Diamonds website. I was intrigued by a nearby campsite/lodge that offers TeePees you can rent overnight. Very kid friendly.

  I didn't find a diamond, but I was working and really didn't get to dig much. Do I really think you can find something there? Possibly. People find diamonds every day. Most are relatively small. Occaisionally someone will find a two-carat stone or bigger. That is what we all want!

  It's fun, though. We (my husband and I ) are considering a weekend trip to Murfreesboro, Arkansas for the "getaway, " "fun, " and "educational" value. My 5-year-old is/was absolutely mesmerized by my story of people digging for treasure. I brought home some rocks and showed him (with a colander) how to sluice (separate the mud and dirt from the stones) and he is ready to go.

   My colleague, Alistair, and I stayed at the Queen of Diamonds in Murfreesboro. There's not a lot of lodging in the town. But The Queen was clean and had new carpet. It was basic and nice with a corporate rate of less than $60 a night...with a continental breakfast.

 Nice people in the town.We drove to nearby Nashville (Arkansas) for dinner at a Fish place recommended by the lady at our motel. It was good and inexpensive. Friday nights they have a catfish buffet. (or maybe Thursday nights?)

It is a dry county so you won't find any TGIFridays or Chili's or local pubs. And the town pretty much rolls up the sidewalks at nightfall, which is fine if you are traveling with kids and/or get worn out at the Mine during the day.

  It took us about 4 1/2 to 5 hours to get to the site. Drive to Little Rock then southwest toward Texarkana. The slow part is the last 40 miles, or so, on a  pretty two-lane road. It is nicely paved and scenic.

 Too good to be true? That's the reaction I get when I tell people about this program.  It IS true. Just ask the thousands of  Mid-southerners who pay their $25 and get their groceries from Angel Food each month.

  Here is what is included in your $25 order for May:

4 (5 oz) NY Strip Steaks

4lb Chicken Thighs

40 oz Beef and Bean Burritos

28 oz Banquet Beef and Noodle dinner

2 lb Popcorn Chicken

2 lb Breaded Frying Chicken

12 oz Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

1 lb Ground Beef

26 oz  Pasta Sauce--16 oz Pasta

24 oz Hash Brown Potatoes

16 oz mixed vegetables...1 lb Bean Soup mix

8 oz Bixcuit Mix

7.5 oz Mac and Cheese

12 ct. Corn Tortillas

one dessert item

   Incredible, huh??  Then, of course, there are the extras. Check the website for more info. You have to order by a certain day every month. Then you show up at your assigned pick up area on a certain Saturday to pick up your goods. Here's the thing: You should take a cooler with you because you want to keep the meats cold as long as possible. Most of the products are frozen. However, there were some canned veggies and the rice was bagged.

 Also, you may want to ask what time *exactly* you should be there to pick up. The Millington site we documented had a pick-up time of between 11 and noon. That was pretty fair, although they did start a little earlier because they were ready to go and people were already waiting. From what we could tell, getting there a little later might mean less wait time. Next month's pickup may be a bit hectic though...because we anticipate a huge response to this Bargain segment.

  I have to tell you. The food quality really looked great. I was particularly impressed with the meat. Guess you could tell that from the stand-up. My colleague and videographer, Joe Hollingsworth,  is ready to sign up right now.  A former FOX13 producer and her young daughter were there volunteering. They buy the food every month. She says it gives them more money to spend on other things...because they are saving so much on food. Again, I heard from Stacy about the quality. Good food. Not seconds, not old food.First quality food bought for less...because it is bought in bulk. This is how Sam's and Walmart offer good prices: bulk buying. And, remember, Angel Food is a nationwide ministry. It is not local. Therefore,the more people who buy ...the more power this national Food Co-op has when buying next month's food.

 This is not charity. It's not a hand-out. As Cheryl Bone describes it: "it's a hand up!" Angel Food helps people help themselves. You don't have to be poor...or low-income.  We saw some fancy cars in the parking lot and folks from all walks of life.

 I did the math: April's basic $25 grocery list would have cost me $60.95 at Schnucks if I was buying the cheapest version of everything on the list. I would have paid only $25 for the Angel Food. I did not add up the cost of the Big Grill box with all the steaks and such. But, I bet it is even more dramatic.

April's list is as follows: 6 hamburger steaks with bacon, 4 6-oz pork chops, 2 lb. breaded chicken breast filets, 1 lb ground beef, 16 oz. fully-cooked meatballs, 2 lb. breaded chicken tenders, 1 12-inch supreme pizza, 16-oz corn dogs, 20-oz french fries, 16-oz. corn, 15 oz pork and beans, 16 oz pinto beans, 10 oz gravy, 16 oz rice, 6 oz pancake miz, 1 apple pie, 16 oz green beans.

  Some of the bags substituted pizza rolls for the pizza. The cost would have been the same at the store  where I was pricing things. So, you would have saved at least $35 dollars. Incredible.  Would I do the Angel Food thing? Certainly. And, I may sign up for May. Check their website for the location nearest you. Sign up someone you love or worry about. Order an extra bag, or two. You can help someone for far less than you would have believed prior to learning about Angel Food.

  Downside? Uhm, you do have to pay and order in advance. So make the phone call today. And, you do have to show up one Saturday a month to pick up your groceries. Will you have to wait in line when you get there? I don't  know. But, I expect the May pickup will be busier than usual because of the power of FOX13 and our loyal Bargain Thursday viewers. But you are going to have to go to the grocery store anyway at some point and wait in line so what's the difference??

  One more thing. This "shoot" brought tears to my eyes several times while I was there Saturday. Cheryl Bone did it first. She told me she is inspired to help others with the Angel Food program because she watched her family go hungry ...a hunger so intense that when a loaf of bread was acquired the children grabbed handfulls just to get the food into their mouths.. Cheryl works tirelessly for this program.  She and a lady by the name of Sharon have made this "their" mission. I feel honored to help spread the word.

  Another lady I met Saturday nearly broke down when I asked her if this had changed her life. It had...and is. Her husband left her and the two kids. She couldn't ,or didn't ,have food stamps. She truly did not know howshe was going to feed her family last month. Then someone told her about Angel Food. Her family survived and enjoyed wonderful food. And, this month they were back for more.

the Giant???

 Hulk Hogan is old school...he's been around for a while but is hoping to put the beatdown on the Giant, formerly known as The Big Show.

 Both guys are supposed to join us LIVE on Good Morning Memphis tomorrow morning...Friday April 27th. Should be a fun time...if noone gets hurt.

 Ernie and I are going to tag team the two. They will be with us live at Southaven's Snowden Grove Park so you can come out and join us!

 I've met both guys. They are both BIG. But the Giant is bigger...and younger. Does he have the eye of the Tiger? Who knows. But it should be a good show.

  But what I want to know :is this stuff real? I tend to think not. Seriously, these guys have a great time and put on a great show. THat's what is is...a great show. Or , is it? You tell me. I am really a skeptic when it comes to wrasslin (as we say in East Tennessee). 
   This show is being billed as one of the biggest nights in wrestling in years...It's at the FedEx Forum Friday night April 27th.

  Is it real...or not??? You tell me.

For this month...and perhaps beyond...I will be blogging about my Bargains. The things I didn't have enough time to tell you about in my on-air story.

  I'll kick it off with the Hallmark Flower Outlet. I discovered this place while headed south on I-55. I saw a banner that said "Hallmark Flower Outlet: Open Today" in front of this non-descript warehouse. It was just north of the Desoto Civic Center and the American Home Store. 

  You wouldn't believe what a time I had tracking down their number. I finally found out through the Southaven Chamber of Commerce and the lady I talked to there was a bargain shopper and loved the warehouse.

  Janis Hailey is the General Manager of the warehouse. She was great to work with and very likeable. Oh, and did I mention she is a Big U-T fan? Go Vols. The other head hauncho we met is Ken Akin. He rolls Rebel Red-Ole Miss is well represented at Hallmark.

 This is the main warehouse for all of the flowers...if you call or order any bouquet...it is packed up in Southaven.

  So I finally get there with one of my favorite photogs, Alistair Clark. It wasn't what we expected at all. That's not a bad thing either. We walked in and found ourselves in a small corner of the warehouse...with boxes of flowers set up on the floor. There are also some tables where various merchandise and 'happy's" are set up for sale.  So you just slow it down and start looking. First, the prices are great. Take a good look at the flowers. We found them to be extremely fresh. We showed up on a Tuesday and they were packed with tulips. Now, I love tulips and $5 for 25 stems is incredible. I bought some. They lasted from Tuesday until Monday with no more care than fresh,cold water one time. Glorious.

  I also bought two really cool Christmas stockings for $2 each and a vase for $3.

  They also had bouquets of lilies, mixed roses, bunches of pre-arranged smaller roses and other mixed floral bouquets.There is no art to it. Everything is pre-arranged so all you have to do is trim the stems and put them in water. You may want to buy two bunches for a fuller look.

  Downside?? Certainly the fact that this place is only open for two hours on Tuesday and two hours on Friday. That's it.Why? Why not? These folks don't have to sell their overages to us. Of course it makes sense for them to do so and it is a great boon for churches, offices and all of us who love the look of fresh flowers.

 Would I drive there specifically for the flowers? Depends. If I was having a party or something where I needed bunches of blooms-you bet. Otherwise, it  might be something cool to do if I happened to be in Southaven on a Tuesday midday or a Friday afternoon.

  Check this place out...I think you'll like it.

Oh, and the people who work there are fantastic!!!

Operation Thin MInt.

  FOX13 security Chief Melvin Malunda has obtained surveillance photos of  The Cookie Bandit and his presumed accomplice. The thin-mint-loving Ernie Freeman was found guilty by a judge and jury of his esteemed colleagues in the FOX newsroom. Ernie was seen chomping down on multiple Thin Mints...trying desperately to get someone to join him in the cookiefest around my desk. While  I was out shooting a Bargain Thursday, Ern was pilfering the cookies.
  Now this is a guy who loooves his sweets. And, Girl Scout Thin Mints are to Ernie what water is to a fish. Air to an astronaut. Butter on a hot roll. Ernie is actually a pretty disciplined guy. Except around the thin mints. He loses all control. I guess I am partly to blame. I knew that and left 2/3rds of  the box unattended. Still ..this is the dude who busted me out ON AIR when I offered to buy him a coffee at Starbucks and he said
"Get me Whatever...it doesn't matter." Then, he proceeded to taunt me ON AIR for buying him a small cup of joe.

That's why the following pictures are so important!  (see 'my photos' to the right)

 The surveillance photos show Ernie may have had a rather unlikely accomplice in Curtis Jay. Now, I don't believe Curtis actually got to eat any cookies..perhaps he had a weak moment and succumbed to Ernie's plea. It may have gone something like this:

"Hey Curtis...hold this box for a minute. Want a cookie?"

Anyway...there are three thin mints left. Should I just give Ernie the rest of them or pass them on to others? What do you think?

 Let's talk....

Val 

    You know that rush you get when you find a bargain so good you just have to share it???

  I actually broke out into a sweat yesterday...so hyped about the Bargain Thursday I was shooting for next week.  I mean this is GOOOD!

  All I'm saying is this: I have been eyeing this antiqued, mirrored chest in the Neiman-Marcus catalog for two years now. I absolutely refuse to buy it because I KNOW I can find one cheaper...much cheaper.

  And, I have. From $1500-plus in the catalog. Try $250 here in Memphis...without the shipping. Same chest. In fact, this joint supplies NM with the chests...and many of their other decorative tables and fixtures.

That's all I can tell you now. February 22nd...you will see what I mean.

Until then...

I think I just broke out into a mild sweat again...just thinking about it.

Gotta go...

Val

   ...is alive and well in the FOX 13 newsroom. This gremlin has a face..and a name. Tell me if you can figure out who he is. Okay, now you know it's a guy.

   Girl Scout Cookies are here...Mine were delivered this morning right after Good Morning Memphis. Let's see, I ordered 3 Thin Mints (trans-fat free and still tasting fantastic), 2 Samoas, 1low-sugar brownie, and a box of Trefoils.

 Here's what I do...I open a box at work. And, I take the rest home to my boys. I open one box at home then I hide the rest in the freezer. I do mean "hide." In fact, I have just come upon TWO boxes of  last year's cookies in the outside freezer.

  Back to the "CM"...so I open the box of Thin Mints here in the newsroom and offer them around. You know, "have a Trans-Fat-Free Thin Mint...let's see if they are as good as they were WITH the Trans-fats."

    Anyway....one greedy co-worker didn't stop at two. He kept coming back for more. I actually gave him seconds, then thirds...then I cut him off. Can you guess who it was?

Yes, the man who makes the dry mac-n-cheese...

Should I:

a. offer him the rest of the box?

b. Call Security?

or, c. hide the few crumbs left in the box and pretend I don't understand what he's asking?

  There is definitely something about Thin Mints that make us go to great lengths to get our hands on them!

By the way, the new Thin Mints are just as good as the trans-fatty ones!