5 Reasons You're Killing Your Indoor Plants

Are you having a little trouble developing your green thumb? If it seems like you've managed to kill a lot of your plants, don't worry, we're here to help out and tell you that it's not a curse. Check out 5 common mistakes that might be the cause below, and your house will be greener in no time!




Most people think that having a green thumb is just something you're born with. Little do they know all it takes to keep your household foliage alive is a little 411. Are you chronically killing your leafy friends? Here are a few reasons why another one might be biting the dust. 

Watering: Most folks tend to water their plants when they remember. The watering schedule you should stick to depends on your lighting and your humidity level. Just watering once a week and crossing your fingers just won't cut it. So what do you do? Google. Just make sure that when you do, you include your location and look at actual greenhouse or growers' websites. A general rule of thumb is that many plants like to go slightly dry to the touch before being watered again.

Humidity: For the most part, the water that is applied to the surface of your soil is only helping strengthen the roots and stems. The leaves, however, could really use a spritz or two of water every day or two. 

Drainage, Drainage Drainage: "But my pot has holes in the bottom! Isn't that good enough?" Not even a little bit! In addition to your container having holes, you need actual rocks or drainage material at the bottom. It gives water a place to go so it doesn't rot your roots. Remember, most plants prefer wet feet and dry ankles!

Know Your Windows: When you walk into a plant store, the little tags will usually tell you full sun, partial sun or shade. Full sun is only considered to be unblocked or unfiltered southern light, with western sunlight as a runner-up. If you have northern or eastern light, stick with things that like shade or partial sun. Remember, the light needs to be bright enough to read a book by with the lights off for a plant to survive. 

Shock: Although it's easy to rearrange your furniture on a whim, plants, for the most part would like a permanent home. You obviously have to move them when you switch living quarters, but to keep them happy, let them love the light they're in and stay put. 



Original Article here: http://bit.ly/11JtX59

Can You Avoid The Evils Of Aspartame?

In this age of processed food, artifical ingredients are everywhere, and some of them really aren’t good for you at all! Aspartame is a popular artificial sweetener, and many people consume a lot of it on a regular basis, but this article reviews the ‘evils of aspartame’. Check it out below.

Aspartame (sometimes sold under the names NutraSweet or Equal) is a very popular artificial sweetener used as a “healthier” substitute for sugar in food products today.

Saying that it's used in food products today is an understatement. This substance is used in FAR more items than you may think, which is where the charade begins.

Before I began my health and wellness journey, I used sweetener packets (aspartame) in my tea, coffee, smoothies, etc. My thought was that I’m not using more than 1-2 packs a day, so it’s no big deal.

But using even 1-2 packets per day of a product containing aspartame is problematic in itself. The problem gets worse when you look closely at the rest of the food items you’re ingesting. Why? Because aspartame... is. In. Everything! To be more specific, it's in over 5,000 products sold today. Some of them may be obvious to you, but others may take you by surprise.

First, I'm going to show you a list of food products that contain this deadly product. Then, I'll explain the effects it can cause you internally and externally. Last (here comes the fun part, when I stop crushing your dreams of eating tasty food), I'm going to give you some delicious, uber-healthy (internally and externally!) alternatives and recipes that you can make and eat instead!

Some of the products that contain aspartame are:

Sugar-free ice cream, Iced tea, Jams and jellies, Ice cream toppings, Fruit spreads, Sugar-free ketchup, Sugar-free cookies, Pudding, Nutritional bars, Non-carbonated diet soft drinks, No sugar added pies, Flavored water products, Chewing gum, Vitamins, Diet soda, Hard candies, Instant cocoa mix, Flavored syrups, Coffee, Cereals, Breath mints, Carbonated soft drinks, Meal replacements, Powdered soft drinks, Protein drinks, Tabletop sweeteners, Vegetable drinks, Drinkable yogurt, Fat-free yogurt, Sugar-free chocolate syrup, Sugar-free yogurt.

I used to opt for artificial sweetener as a way to keep my weight down, as many people do, but looking at anything artificial as the “healthier” option is where the real problem begins.

Eating foods in their natural state will always be healthier than something made in a lab.

However, not only does aspartame cause carbohydrate cravings (yep, you heard me!), it can actually cause you to GAIN weight rather than lose it. It can also cause a whole array of other problems; when I say “problems,” I mean "disasters."

These "disasters" may include:

Weight gain, Obesity, Diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ADHD, Formaldehyde buildup in the brain, Frontal lobe inflammation, Symptoms that mimic multiple sclerosis, Neurologic problems, Cognitive problems, Cancer, Headaches/migraines, Dizziness, Seizures, Nausea, Numbness, Muscle spasms, Rashes, Depression, Fatigue, Irritability, Insomnia, Vision problems, Hearing loss, Heart palpitations, Breathing difficulties, Anxiety attacks, Slurred speech, Loss of taste, Memory loss, Joint pain.

These things ACTUALLY happen to people. Millions of people consume aspartame every day. Scary as this is, there is a solution!

DITCH THE PROCESSED FOODS, SWITCH TO HEALTHY SWEETENERS.

Opt for homemade meals and always, always read the label. A good rule of thumb is to ditch any food products that contain more than five ingredients.

Choose healthy sweeteners, such as dried fruit, fruit, stevia leaf, raw honey. The only side effects these natural choices cause are health, wellness and satisfaction.

Delicious recipes (sweet AND savory!) can be found on my website, or have a look at some of my favorite sites. Your taste buds will not be disappointed!

Now that you have this information, you don’t have to be a part of the aspartame charade any longer. You have the facts. You know about the alternatives. Please don’t put yourself at risk any longer, or ever again. So go ahead; make the rest of your life the best of your life!

Full Article Here: http://bit.ly/XuyU6b

3 Quick Fixes for Scratched Tables

It’s hard to believe that an entire table can be aesthetically compromised by only a little scratch, but as we’re all too aware, it can. But lucky for us, often these scratches can be fixed almost as quickly as they were damaged! Check out the 3 methods below.

1. Decorative painter Ingrid Leess transformed this table with a paint comb and some creativity. See how to do it yourself at This Old House.
2. KerriAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farms used paint sticks and wood stain to craft a table that looks like a vintage find.
3. The bold floral pattern on this table was created with scrap wallpaper pieces. See the instructions on BHG.

Full Article here: http://bit.ly/14ZZ6YB

8 Ways to Rescue a Rental Bathroom

There’s always room for improvement, so if your bathroom is in need of an upgrade have no fear! We found 8 potential additions from apartment therapy that can help transform your lavatory from meh to magnificent! Check them out below.

1 - Organize the Vanity Most standard bathroom vanities are just one big open space. Make the most of it by installing one or more pull out organizers, like this White 2-Drawer Mesh Organizer from The Container Store. $24.99

2 - Add Some Hooks Towels, clothes, robes, bathing accessories - there's always a need for more hooks in the bathroom. Avoid marring the walls by using something like these Command Timeless Large Plastic Hook with Metallic Brushed Nickel Finish from Amazon. They apply easily, stay up really well and then remove when you're ready to move on. $7.99 each

3 - Corral the Essentials The shower caddy is one of the easiest ways to add some storage to the bathroom. I like this Adjustable Shower Caddy from Simple Human because it's a really nice design and hold a lot of bottles and other bathing essentials. $39.99

4 - Line the Medicine Cabinet Old built-in medicine cabinets can be a rusty, ugly, stained mess. Cover the walls and/or shelves of a medicine cabinet with contact paper, like this Gold Metal Foil from Interior Place, to transform it. $14.99 per roll. Or add metal to the back of your cabinet for extra storage.

5 - Create a Diversion One way to distract from ugly flooring is to use something like MOLGER Decking from IKEA. Each piece is about 15" x 15" - snap a few together to cover up old tile. $9.99 each. For a greener solution, you chould also check out decking from Eco Woods California.

6 - Switch Out the Shower Curtain Rod The person who invented the curved shower curtain rod, like the Vintage Hotel Satin Nickel Curved Shower Rod from Target, should be given sainthood. It's amazing how much roomier a shower can feel. $47.99

7 - Replace the Shower Head That tired old standard shower head in your apartment can be quickly and easily switched out. I like something like this Delta In2ition Shower Head from Home Depot because it's 2-in-1 — a rain shower head and a handheld. Here's a great how-to for replacing a shower head. $105

8 - Customize Your Throne Replacing the toilet seat is another one of those quick tasks that you'll appreciate. This Kohler Cachet Toilet Seat from Bed Bath & Beyond has a quiet closing mechanism. $42.99

Full article here: http://bit.ly/10AwmBX

Spring Cleaning: No Mops Required

Spring is finally here, and you know what that means! It’s time for you to clean out the cobwebs and break out the warm weather wardrobe. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by this task, relax, we’re here to help. Take a look at this short list of tasks that will get you well on your way to being ready for the season!

Organize and clean the refrigerator

Do you have three almost empty bottles of mustard and some long-expired eggs in your fridge? How about those Mexican leftovers from a month ago? Go through your fridge and toss what’s no longer edible. Then, if you want to go the extra mile (or if the fridge literally stinks) actually clean it. And don’t forget the freezer section while you’re at it.

Edit your clothes

Even if it seems like you have the right amount of clothes, you may have much more than you think. In fact, it’s not uncommon for someone to give away 20 pounds of clothing after going through their closets. Get out all of your clothes and consider how long it’s been since you’ve worn each article. Often, items at the very bottom of your dresser or back of your closet haven’t been used in several seasons. If you haven’t missed these pieces yet, you likely never will. Give them away, or throw them out, as the case may be. By doing so, you’ll finally have room for the clothes you actually wear.

Get rid of ‘the pile’

Have a box or two that you never bothered unpacking after your last move, or a stack of “important papers” that is making a mess of your desk? How about a stash of old CDs or video games shoved under the bed? Go through them. Toss what you don’t need, save and organize what you do, and be glad to be done with it. Who knows, you might find something you’d been vaguely searching for but had given up as lost. As for those old video games: You might be able to convert them into a little bit of cash online.

Don’t be a product hoarder

Now, go through all the products and cosmetics in your medicine cabinet and bathroom shelves. Throw out everything that you are not currently using — even if it was expensive — or that is clearly past its “use by” date. And while you are in the bathroom, look at the shower curtain liner. Is it greenish? Then it’s time to get a new one.

Sprucing up your apartment doesn’t have to be painful. If you cannot do the entire cleanup in one day, tackle one or two things at a time. You’ll feel better about your place and ready for the new season.

Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/ZLj3fM

Case For A Small Place

Is bigger always better? Maybe not. You might want something a little bigger than a broom closet, but a smaller living area has some serious benefits! Apartment Therapy argues the case for a small place, so read on...

First, there's the obvious benefit of cleaning. Barring an actual lottery win, a cleaning crew doesn't make financial sense for me right now, and the few hours a week I already spend cleaning up my teeny tiny space is more than enough.

Second, I really enjoy the design challenge of a small space. It keeps me from hoarding a bunch of stuff I don't need. I have no choice but to consider every piece that I buy and how it will fit into my space. I save money by not buying things to fill space, and there's an environmental advantage. I contribute less to the pollution and waste that goes into the production of furniture and textiles (smaller space, smaller footprint). It also makes moving way easier.

If you're a small space convert, whether out of necessity or preference, here are some of our best tips for small space lovers/likers.

Here’s the original post: http://bit.ly/XEUa5v

DIY St. Patty's Day Crafts

Are you having a St. Patrick's Day Party, or are you attending one?  These DIY Crafts are super easy to make, and they will help you figure out whose drink is whose.  All you need is some different color card stock, scissors, and straws.   You can follow the directions below and make the straws in different colors.  This way you know what drink belongs to everyone.  For more great DIY St. Patty's Day crafts, you can click on Martha Stewart.



As a nod to Saint Patrick's Day, let your kids create their own luck with four-leaf-clover straw toppers. Shamrocks fashioned from green card stock make for an instantly festive table.

Tools and Materials

Card stock
Scissors
Bendable drinking straws, in green

Shamrock Straw Toppers How-To

1. Cut card stock into 5-inch squares.
2. Fold each square in half diagonally, creating a triangle, and then fold in half once more to make a smaller triangle. Trim off outer points as indicated.
3. Unfold paper halfway, as shown. Cut a small V at the bottom, in the center.
4. Unfold shamrock, and crease diagonally, reversing the direction of the fold; repeat to make another diagonal crease. Slide card-stock shamrock onto one end of a green straw. Make a wish, and have a sip!

Henry County Recognizes Their Star Students

Congratulations to the Henry County STAR students.  These students are recognized for their outstanding achievements in and out of the classroom.  Teachers who inspire these students are also recognized in this program.  Learn more about the STAR program in the Henry Daily Harold.

Congratulations to Henry County’s STAR students.

At the annual Student Teacher Achievement Recognition at Eagle’s Landing County Club, Thursday morning, the young men and young ladies were celebrated for their achievements.

The Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators recognize the students each year based on their testing scores and academic performance.

Teachers who inspire these students toward academic excellence are also recognized.
 
The Henry Daily Herald was proud to be part of the STAR student recognitions by highlighting the individual students in the Wednesday edition and providing coverage of the event in this edition.
Congratulations to Brittany Burdette, Christopher Campbell, Nash Van Zandvliet, Patrick Oney, Courtney Allen, Savannah Holcomb, Anthony Ciccarello, Collin Garnett, Ammad Ashraf, Cayla Doolittle, Sol Ah Jung, Sydney Wilson and Charlie Campbell.

We hope all of our students will be able to continue their education, pursue their dreams and hopefully many of them will choose to return to Henry County, make a living, and raise their own families here some day.

While these students are being spotlighted for the level of their achievements, they are a microcosm of the excellence than can be found in both public and private schools throughout Henry County.

While bad behavior sometimes gets the attention of the public and the media, the number of bad-behaving students is very small when compared to the thousands who go to school each day, do the things they are supposed to do and act responsibly.

Largely, those students who excel, both in the classroom and in life, have parents who are also on the job, who incubate a loving environment in the home, support the school system and celebrate successes.

While discipline and corrective action may be necessary in schools, and in life, it is equally important that whether it is a student, a friend, an employee, colleague or family member that we always try and take the time to give a pat on the back, a warm smile and say, “Job well done.”

In this case, to these classroom champions who have distinguished themselves as Henry County’s STAR students we say, job very well done.

28 and Counting

The Murphy's have been married for over 30 years.  They have four biological children and over 18 adopted children.  They have over 28 special needs children that they care for.  They care for each child as their own and bring them up in a great environment.  Keep reading to learn more about the Murphy's and their amazing life.

John Murphy and his wife of more than 30 years, Jeanette, not only share a long lasting love for one another, but a passion to care for children who are less fortunate than others.

The couple are proud parents of 28 special needs children, most of whom have cerebral palsy or various other physical aliments. And they love each and every one of them as if they were their own flesh and blood.
 
“Most of the kids were given away because their parents were either on drugs or they just could not handle the responsibility of caring for them,” Jeanette said.

Walking into the Murphy home was reminiscent of the 2003 movie “Cheaper by the Dozen,” an American comedy film about two divorcees who marry each other and face the daunting task of raising 12 rambunctious children. However, the Murphys have 17 children who can be boisterous occasionally, but for the most part they’re usually mild-tempered and well-behaved.

“They are all really great and loving children,” John said. “It can get crazy sometimes, but not too often.”

It was during the 1970s when John, a devout Catholic, and Jeanette, a hippie wanna-be, met at a home for special needs adults, fell in love and embarked on a journey to change and improve the lives of children who were discarded due to their special needs.

“We saw that the children were not being taught properly and we wanted to teach them to be self-sufficient,” said the frail, brown-haired woman.

“Most importantly, we wanted to show them love and compassion,” added John.

The duo said they had always had a yearning to work with special needs children. Their sentiment was if they could make such great strides with adults, teaching them basic hygiene skills and household tasks, then what more could they do to help children?

The Murphys attempted to open a foster home, renting a five-bedroom house. But after only a year, they ran out of funds and went back to working at group homes.

“We just found out we got approved for a child, we swallowed our pride, but we never gave up on our dreams,” Jeanette said. After several attempts of applying at foster homes for special needs children, Jeanette said one day she had an epiphany from God and told John, “Maybe God wants us to adopt a special needs child.”

They couple immediately got to work and visited a private adoption agency. The application process, the couple said, was challenging.

“The application included a checklist of various disabilities, mental and physical handicaps both mild and severe,” Jeanette said.

She added they were instructed to check the disabilities they felt they could handle.

“As I skimmed through them, I felt in my heart that it would be wrong to check a single box, so we left it blank,” she said. “We wanted to trust that any child sent to us was meant to be a part of our family, no matter what their disability.”

Shannon was the first child to be adopted by the couple.

“After this, we never sought out children,” she said. “We always trusted God would present to us every child who belonged in our family. Boy, did He ever!”

In three decades, the couple have four biological children — Shawn, 36, Christan, 33, Josh, 27, and Bethany, 25 — and adopted 18 more — Angela, 44, Shannon, 36, Angel, 29, Josiah, 28, Jimmy, 27, Jeremy, 27, Brandon, 27, Julia, 26, Amy, 26, Lindsey, 25, Cody, 22, Callie, 22, Noah, 20, Emily, 18, Nathan, 17, Mia, 17, Nicholas, 11 and Kristina, 10.

Except for Brandon, all the Murphys’ adoptive children suffer from acute neurological damage, Down Syndrome, and autism. Six of their adoptive kids passed away, due to medical complications. That includes Jon Boy, who they describe as their “little piglet,” who died of leukemia at 8 years old and Nikki, their golden haired blue-eye angel, who died from complications of a staph infection. She was 9 years old.

“While I can’t say that we conquered every medical and emotional challenge laid before us, with God’s help we have survived them all,” said the couple.

“I like to think that God blesses special needs children to special people and if we didn’t have them this would be a miserable world to live in,” Jeanette said.

You can follow the Murphy family on their blog at www.28blessings.blogspot.com.

For more information see the Henry Herald.

Apartment Organization Tips and Tricks

Your apartment can be tough to organize when you have a lot of stuff.  Here are some great tips to on how to organize your apartment with what you have to work with.  

Tip #1 Since the floor plan may seem small, the best way to add storage as well as décor to your apartment is through wall shelving. By adding shelves, you're able to make use of wall space by storing CD's, books, videos or any other collections on the shelves and off the floor. Wall shelves are also a great way to display framed photographs or other knick-knacks.

Tip #2 As an avid shoe collector, I know that small closet space can be a problem in most apartments. A great way to get shoes off the floor and allow space for other items is to purchase a shoe organizer. They can be found just about anywhere, and are a great low cost alternative to closet clutter. The best ones hang right over your closet door, allowing easy access to your favorite pair of shoes. By organizing your shoes, it also cuts down on time spent looking for them, especially when you're in a hurry!

Tip #3 Another great way to make the most of limited closet space is to buy adding an additional closet rod. This apparatus is simply hung from both sides of your original rod by 'hangers', allowing for a second row of clothing to be added below the first. A great space-saver, this item can be found at Bed, Bath and Beyond for a low price.

Tip #4 Depending on available floor space, a common storage unit can come from the form of a trunk, or chest. These are good for putting away seasonal items or even extra towels for the guests. They're also a great additive to room décor, and can also provide additional seating in a bedroom or be used as a table for pictures or flowers.

Tip #5 In the living room, store books or games in storage furniture like Ottomans or coffee tables with drawers and shelves. Ottomans are essential for living rooms in that they provide a leg rest instead of the coffee table, and they can store things away from sight. You can also use them to store everyday items like the remote controls, or a TV Guide to reduce clutter in the living space.

Tip #6 Another good space for storing items is under the bed. While most people do hide things under the bed, most often they're not stored properly and items can get dusty and sometimes damaged. Plastic bins are an easy way to store winter sweaters, extra bedding or items you just don't know what to do with. There are specially sized plastic bins that are made thin enough to fit right under the bed, allowing for easy accessibility and freshness when particular items are needed.

Tip #7 If you have extra space on your closet floor, adding plastic drawers can organize and reduce clutter from other areas of the house. Organize belts, scarves, ties or anything else in the plastic drawers to make room in your regular drawers for clothing or undergarments. You can also use these drawers to hold gym clothing, extra shoes or slippers, or laundry supplies to keep with the laundry pile. These drawers, as with any size or type of plastic bin, can be found at discount retailers like Target or Wal-Mart for a low price.

Tip #8 Cut down on clutter by adding hanging hooks to the living room, kitchen or bathrooms. These inexpensive items allow for usable wall space to be turned into a storage area for day-to-day items like your cell phone, keys or hats. Use hooks in the bathroom to hang bathrobes or wet towels, or even decorative towels can be used for both display and practicality. In the kitchen, hang dishtowels or spare keys for easy accessibility or organization.

Tip #9 An easy way to store a lot of items is to have a TV entertainment center with lots of drawers and shelves. Since they are usually large, make the most of the space it takes up by storing DVDs, CDs, books or video games. Try to find enough shelves to fit the electronics, and when you're all finished setting everything up, clip together the electrical cords to make it look more neat and clean. By clipping all the cords together, it's also easier to vacuum and reduce the amount of dust buildup behind the furniture.

Tip #10 The last tip is to shop around for furniture that has multiple uses. You have a limited amount of space to work with, so make the most of it. Most bedroom sets offer beds with drawers, so this is a great way to attain additional storage. Ikea is a great store to shop for storage solutions for affordable apartment settings. Coffee tables, end tables, and even miniature bars all have shelves or storage space, so use it wisely!

For more information see yahoo.

Mardi Gras Party in Your Apartment

Mardi Gras parties are great for friends to get together and enjoy some great food.  Here are some great tips on how to prepare your apartment for the best Mardi Gras party of the year.  Make sure to use purple, gold, and green throughout the apartment and to make a King Cake for all of the authentic Mardi Gras themes.

Krewes: The fixture of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parades since the mid-1800s, each krewe has its own unique history and theme. Dedicate your party to your favorite krewe – like Rex, which is credited with introducing the official colors of purple, green and gold – or have each guest come dressed as their favorite. Making up your own krewe and backstory can also be a creative and humorous ice breaker.

King Cake: In addition to being delicious, this dessert dates back to the 1700s in New Orleans and even further back in Europe. It has also taken many forms, but King Cake usually consists of a twisted cinnamon roll with icing died purple, green and gold. As for the plastic baby inside (or bean in some cultures), whoever finds it is crowned king or queen for the day. Buy a crown and sash for your lucky party guest.

Beads: Although these colorful necklaces have come to be associated with some R-rated behavior, it is by no means a requirement to getting them, and can in fact lead to an arrest in New Orleans. Keep your party clean and give a string or two of beads to everyone who comes in; the Rex krewe also gets the credit for starting this tradition.

Drinks: One of the biggest parts of any Mardi Gras celebration are the tasty cocktails. Use New Orleans as your inspiration and mix up some Hurricanes (Emeril’s recipe calls for light and dark rum, passion fruit liqueur, orange juice, sour mix and sugar) and Sazeracs (rye whiskey, Herbsaint, bitters, lemon peel and a sugar cube), and check your local liquor store for some Louisiana-brewed Abita Beer.

Pre-Lenten Celebration: A party is that much better when you know it’s the last time you can truly let loose for a while. Even if you’re not giving anything up for the next 40 days or going to church on Ash Wednesday, think of Mardi Gras as incentive for doing some good in the coming month, whether for yourself or others in your community.

For more information see Living Apartments.

Congratulations to these Local Wrestlers!

Congratulations to these local wrestlers!  These are doing great in tournaments, and over 70 local wrestlers have qualified for state sectionals. Come support these local teens and schools!

Henry County had three wrestling teams win traditional area tournaments and over 70 wrestlers qualify for the state sectionals Saturday.

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (5-A), Locust Grove (4-AAAA) and Ola (4-AAAAA) each won their respective area tournament Saturday.

Here’s a list of the 76 wrestlers who qualified for state sectionals which start Friday. The top eight wrestlers in each weight classification advance to the state tournament in Macon on Feb. 14-16.
Dutchtown’s Lewis Howard (182) qualified for the Class AAAA state sectional at the Area 4-AAAA tournament on Saturday.

Eagle’s Landing had nine wrestlers qualify for the Class AAAA state sectional at the Area 4-AAAA tournament on Saturday: Louis White (106), Richard Parker (113), Mark Tran (120), Howard Edwards (132), Sherrad Gordon (145), Stephen Maynard (152), Quinn Thomas (170), Xavier Fye (182) and Shawanye Lawrence (285).

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy had 11 wrestlers qualify for the Class A state sectional at the Area 5-A tournament on Saturday: individual champions Trent Johnson, Josh Palmer, Morgan Alexander, Josh Garcia, Dalton Hardeman, Griffin Alexander, Christian Spencer and Chase Burdette, and Bryce Rush (2nd), Matthew Cathy (3rd), Nick Partain (3rd) and Las Cho (5th).

Locust Grove won the Area 4-AAAA tournament and qualified 11 wrestlers for the Class AAAA sectional: individual champions Peter Baus (132), Brandon Benson (145), Emilio Conde (152), Chaz Brown (160), Jacob Austin (170) and Tyler Rapes (220) as well as Alex Upchurch (106), Monye Tucker (120), Jacob O’Neal (126), Joseph Farrell (182) and Andrew Turner (285).

Luella had six wrestlers qualify for the Class AAAAAA state sectional at the Area 2-AAAAAA tournament on Saturday: Daniel Williams (106), James Sweatman (132), Chase Kourjian (138), Travis Smith (182), Ryan Trussell (195) and Trevor Mickles (220).

Ola had 13 wrestlers qualify for the Class AAAAA state sectional at the Area 4-AAAAA tournament on Saturday: Seth Osborne (106), Jett Joyner (113), C.J. Collier (120), Hunter Hogan (132), Jordan Germany (138), Ean Wilson (145), Blake Meadows (152), Brandon Beasley (160), Aaron Branch (170), Jaden Smith (182), Jimmy Carman (195), Hunter Watkins (220) and Aaron Thomas (285).

Stockbridge had four wrestlers qualify for the Class AAAA state sectional at the Area 4-AAAA tournament on Saturday: Jonathan Simmons (106), Ian Weiss (126), Landon Haralson (220) and Kwasi Murphy (285).

Union Grove had nine wrestlers qualify for the Class AAAAA state sectional at the Area 4-AAAAA tournament on Saturday: Tyler Mosely (113), Noah Craft (120), Griffin Higginbotham (126), Tyler Patterson (132), Luke Parker (138), Kai Kizzie (152), Hunter Fleming, A.J. Spencer (182) and Tyler Cooley (195). The Wolverines finished third in the team standings.

Woodland had 10 wrestlers qualify for the Class AAAA state sectional at the Area 4-AAAA tournament on Saturday: Gabriel Gray (120), Josh Shelton (126), Chad McGraw (138), Kyle Haney (145), Colby Shropshire (160), Austin Hudson (170), Mark Hall (182), Ryan Thompkins (195), Cody Brown (220) and Ryan Rasar (285).

For more information see the Henry Herald.

A Great Chili Recipe

How to Make a Very Good Chili

Makes 8-10 servings
What You Need

Ingredients:
1 - 1 1/2 pounds ground meat or chuck roast (beef, buffalo, turkey or other) or vegetarian protein (tofu, Boca crumbles, or other) — slice roasts into cubes
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1-2 other vegetables (like celery, carrots or zucchini), diced (optional)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings (choose 2-3): 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 tablespoon ground chipotle peppers, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
1 cup amber or brown ale or red wine
3 cups chicken, vegetable, or beef broth
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
3 cups (2 16-oz cans) cooked black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (optional)
To serve: Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocados, chopped scallions, hot sauce, chopped cilantro

Equipment:
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Large Dutch oven or soup pot
Instructions

1. Brown the meat. If using meat, warm a teaspoon of oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and brown the meat. Break up ground meat as it browns, leaving pieces as large or small as you like them. If you're using chuck roast, make sure all sides of the beef cubes are seared dark brown. Transfer the browned meat from the pot to a clean dish.

If you're making a vegetarian chili with tofu or other protein, add it along with the beans in Step 6. Reduce the amount of stock and the cooking time by half.

2. Cook the vegetables. In the same pot used to brown the meat, warm a tablespoon of oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the other vegetables and continue to cook until softened, another 5-8 minutes. Clear a space in the middle of the pan and add the garlic. Cook the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir into the vegetables. It's normal for a dark sticky crust to start forming on the bottom of the pan.

3. Add the seasonings. Add the seasonings and 2 teaspoons of salt to the pan. Stir until the vegetables are coated and the spices are fragrant, another 30 seconds.

4. Deglaze the pan. Pour the beer or wine into the hot pan. Scrape up the dark sticky crust as the liquid bubbles. Continue scraping and stirring until the beer or wine has almost evaporated.

5. Add the broth and simmer. Add the browned meat back into the pan. Pour in the broth. Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat has is very tender (cubes of chuck roast may take a bit longer). The chili will still look soupy.

6. Add the tomatoes and beans to the chili. Add the tomatoes, beans, corn (if using), and vegetarian protein (if using) to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Taste and add more seasonings or salt to taste.

7. Serve with garnishes. Chili is often best the day after it's been cooked. It will also keep for up to a week and freezes well for up to three months. Serve with cheese and other garnishes.

 

For more information see The Kitchn.

Hollywood is in McDonough

Hollywood is moving into McDonough again for Tyler Perry’s new Holiday movie.  The movie is wrapping up today on the square.   The movie filmed in the downtown square, and they have also filmed outdoor shots at the Welcome Center.

McDonough native Beau Kelley was filled with a sense of pride as he snapped photos of filmmaker Tyler Perry’s crew at work Tuesday. Kelley said he was able to get closer to Perry than many others during the filming.

“I was actually an extra in a few scenes and got to read lines in front of Tyler Perry,” said Kelley. “It was intimidating but it was also exciting.”

Perry is expected to wrap up scenes for his movie, “A Madea Christmas,” Wednesday on the Square.

Kelley said the film has shined a spotlight on the city he calls home.

“I think we take for granted how charming it is,” he said. “It speaks to how special this town is for Tyler Perry to want to use it as the backdrop for a major motion picture.”

The movie has been a hot topic of conversation at downtown businesses this week.

Bob Knowles, owner of Blumen Trio, said he is looking forward to seeing the impact the film will have on the city.

“It’s great for McDonough,” he said. “The fact that they chose us, I’m thrilled.”

Knowles said business at his flower shop is typically slower in January. He hopes tourism in McDonough will get a boost from the movie.

“People will come to see where the movie was made,” said Knowles.

Several businesses on the Square got a facelift Tuesday as movie crews worked to transform the area for the movie. Knowles said the look of his business has remained intact.

“They don’t have to do anything with our windows,” he said. “They’re changing everybody else’s. They’re either putting in window displays or tweaking the others.”

Frank Leo owns of Mr. Leo’s Wonder Emporium, which shares space with Blumen Trio at 19 Griffin St. Leo said the movie is exciting for McDonough and that it will likely bring more business to the area in time.

“Everybody thinks that because they’re bringing a movie here, it’s going to bring business in that day, but it should bring it in the future,” said Leo. “It can put McDonough on the map.”

Jennifer Price, tourism director for the McDonough Hospitality and Tourism Board, agrees.

“This is huge,” said Price. “A great deal of visitors from all over the U.S. will want to visit McDonough to see where the movie was filmed.”

Earlier versions of the movie script called for scenes to be filmed at the McDonough Welcome Center. However, Price said that has changed.

“They are no longer going to be filming at the actual Welcome Center,” she said. “They’ll be filming on the downtown Square and there will be shots of the exterior of the Welcome Center. Beyond that, I’m not sure because the script is continuing to change.”

Greg Berkes, owner of Gritz Family Restaurant, welcomed the film’s location manager, Jason Underwood, into his eatery for lunch Tuesday. Berkes said the movie will give exposure to McDonough, while helping Tyler Perry Studios at the same time.

Underwood said Wednesday will be the studio’s last day of filming in Henry County and that the project has been a positive experience.

“Everybody’s been pretty great,” said Underwood. “It does, to some degree, energize the commerce center where filming is taking place. Especially in small towns, there’s a lot of local pride and it’s a talking point for the community.”

While most downtown merchants have spoken well of the film’s effect on business, the same is not true for Katherine Yancey, co-owner of Party Time. She said customers have not been coming to her store as regularly this week as they normally do.

Brandon McKeown helps with inventory and merchandise at Party Time. He agreed with Yancey about a decline in business during filming.

“The first two days, that’s when we saw the traffic,” said McKeown. “After that, it’s been few and far apart.”

McDonough Police Chief Preston Dorsey said Perry’s team will shoot scenes Wednesday at a house on Griffin Street and behind Gritz. The chief said traffic won’t be as bad as originally thought.

“We redesigned the traffic plan to make it more friendly to the businesses downtown,” said Dorsey.

For more information see Henry Herald.

Are you a Josh Groban Fan?

Josh Groban is releasing a new album, and he wants fans from all over the country to see his preview concert.  You have the exclusive opportunity to visit any of the below theaters and see a live Josh Groban performance.  You can also enter to win two tickets to the live show in New York City. 

Josh Groban is giving a live preview concert of his new album in New York City, but local fans won't have to travel far to watch the performance.

Josh Groban Live: All That Echoes will be screened at several theaters across metro Atlanta.

The concert will be broadcast live on Monday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. Groban will perform some of the biggest hits from his 12-year career, as well as songs from his sixth studio album, All That Echoes, which hits shelves Feb. 5. He will also answer fans' questions submitted via Twitter and text message.

"To have the chance to perform songs new and old and interact with Q&A with fans across the country is truly awesome," Groban said in a statement. "Fathom (Events) gives me that reach using state-of-the-art visual and sound at your local movie theater to experience a concert experience unique to any other. What a great way to kick off the album release!"

Groban's diehard fans can enter for a chance to win two tickets to see the Feb. 4 concert live at New York's Allen Room. Visit joshgroban.com for details.

Those who don't win can still watch the concert at:

Alpharetta
UA North Point Market 8
6500 North Point Parkway

Athens
Beechwood Stadium Cinemas 11
196 Alps Road

Atlanta
Regal Hollywood 24
3265 Northeast Expressway NE

Fayetteville
Cinemark Tinseltown 17
134 Pavilion Parkway

Gainesville
Hollywood Stadium Cinemas
120 Green Hill Circle NW

Kennesaw
AMC Barrett Commons 14
2600 Cobb Place Lane NW

Lawrenceville
AMC Sugarloaf Mills 18
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway

Marietta
Merchant's Walk Stadium Cinemas 14
1301 Johnson Ferry Road

McDonough
Regal McDonough Stadium 16
115 Foster Drive

Sandy Springs
UA Perimeter Pointe 10
1155 Mount Vernon Highway

Head to Mcdonough.11alive for more information.

Cleaning and Organizing for the New Year

It is time for the New Year and new projects to start in your home.  If you are not ready to take on a big project, here are some little projects that can you can start with.  Did you have a New Year's Resolution that involved your home?  Break it down into smaller projects that way it is easier to tackle.  Here are some great projects you can start on today.

Clean Out Your Closet(s)
My predilection for post-holiday sales-shopping means this is second nature to me. After all, you've got to have somewhere to put your new stuff! Spring will be here before you know it, so you might as well make room for new things now.

January also feels like a natural halfway point in the season; I find that if I haven't worn something so far this winter, I'm unlikely to. Alter, donate or pass on as necessary, and check out this post for more closet-clearing inspiration.

Lighten Your Digital Load
This one's easy to do from the comfort of your sofa (providing you have a laptop; otherwise you'll have to move to your desk). A lot of junk can build up on your computer over the year, and now is the time to clear it out. Delete that which you don't need, and store what you do (January is a great time to go buy that external hard drive you've been meaning to pick up).

Also take the time to unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read, delete old email and store accounts you no longer use, and make sure all your software is up to date. You'll feel better for it, and your computer will thank you.

Organize (and Display!) Your Photos
Sometime this month, I'll sit down and create a 2012 photo book of my holidays, events and get-togethers from the past year. This gets the photos off of my computer and into a tangible form that I and others can actually enjoy (not to mention it's super-fun reliving all the great moments). I've also chosen a few of my favorite snaps to print and frame, since I've made it a personal intention to display more personal photos around my home.

What do you think of these bite-sized projects? Do you prefer them to a full-fledged Cure, or are you more of an all-or-nothing type? Have any other manageable home-improvement ideas to share?

For more information see Apartment Therapy.