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Top tips for a Valentine's Day to remember

2012-01-23T13:07:00.000-08:00

Choosing the proper gift, card or sentiment during Valentine's Day is a challenge regardless of how long you've been one-half of a "couple." Marketers try to sell a concept and friends give (un)wanted advice while you rack your brain trying to figure out what to do.

But all is not lost.

Kendra Keller knows a thing or two about romance as she is the Head of Romance at Hallmark Cards in the UK. Keller reveals some romance tips which will take you to the top of the class come Valentine's Day:
Gifts:
A Valentine's card, whether it's cute, classy, traditional or tacky, is considered the most important item to receive on Valentine's Day - don't neglect such a simple touch! Upload photographs through an online service to make it extra special.
A home-made gift shows thought, consideration and creativity- think along the lines of home-made muffins, a personalized photo frame (so they can frame your thoughtful personalized Valentine's card of course!) or a delicious three course dinner for extra brownie points.
Messages:
What you write in your personalized Valentine's day card says way more about your relationship than what you buy.
Personalized messages and private jokes show openness and the ability to be honest about your feelings, but remember to keep it clean as other people may well end up reading it!
If you want to write a poem, avoid channeling your inner cheese and remember it doesn't have to rhyme to be romantic – so just give it a go.
Dates:
Dream dates are all about personal touches and don't just have to be about wining and dining, and splashing the cash!
Personal grooming should be a given- but a bit of effort (a nice new shirt/haircut/new underwear) will not go unnoticed and get you extra brownie points, boys and girls!
A home-cooked meal, foot massage, bubble bath or even agreeing to watch football/ Desperate Housewives are all activities that are easily achievable and just as effective as candy hearts and roses.
Why not create a personalized invitation for your date to make it really different?

Sad to say, there isn't a correct answer or cheat sheet for this major test. However, if you give yourself a little time before the big day and reflect, you'll definitely make this year's Valentine's Day one of the best.

2012-01-23T12:06:00.001-08:00

Don't be ripped off by a coupon store!

2012-01-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

Back in 2011, news that Target was accused of reneging on store coupons had many consumer groups up in arms. But whether they know it or not, consumers can take matters into their own hands and take these steps to make sure they get every last benefit from a store coupon.

TUTORIAL: Budgeting Basics
There's no doubt consumers love their coupons, and those coupons, whether they're of the paper or online variety, often drive consumers to make purchases they may not ordinarily make. (For related reading, see Coupon Shopping: Clip Your Way To Savings.)

According to a recent study from Forrester Research on behalf of Whaleshark Media, six in 10 survey recipients said they would be more likely to make a purchase when given a coupon, even after rejecting that purchase before receiving a coupon. And, around 80% said that receiving coupons brightens their outlook on the company providing that coupon.

But not all coupon programs are on the level. Fake coupons, coupons with too much "fine print," and coupons that are rejected at the point of purchase are just a few ways consumers can get the shaft in a coupon deal.

What are the most recognizable "red flags" that your coupon isn't on the up-and-up? Let's take a look:

Faked Coupons
With the development of computer graphics and scanners, any fly-by-night operation could make coupons, or even coupon books, and sell them to unsuspecting consumers. Or worse, the shoppers themselves would use the bogus coupons to get discounts to purchases. But retailers are wising up, using scannable bar codes on legitimate coupons -- and increasingly, leaving fraudsters to play catch up. (For more information, read Stop Scams In Their Tracks.)

Not Sure If Your Coupon Is Legit?

If you feel like your coupon may be suspect, or just want to be sure before you use it online or in a store, check out the consumer advocacy website Coupon Information Corporation (CIC). The fraud fighting firm has exposed more than $750 million in fraudulent coupons. The site has loads of data for consumers to use to make sure they know the difference between a real coupon and a fake one.

If a "Retailer" or Marketing Firm Asks You to Pay Money for a Coupon, Keep Walking

The CIC adds a good tip to the menu -- avoid shelling out cash for coupons. The group says that "buying coupons from companies/individuals who 'sell the service of clipping coupons' instead of the coupons themselves." The CIC says to be especially vigilant about handing over any personal financial information to companies looking to sell coupons. In other words, don't.

Bone up on Bar Codes
To really make sure you have a legit coupon, start by studying the coupon bar codes. Specifically, look at the bar code down at the bottom of the coupon (it's the same online or with a physical coupon). Always make sure the bar code has 12 digits -- if it doesn't, it's a fake. Also, the 10th and 11th digits on the bar code should correspond to the actual amount, or to at least two similar numbers (for example, 1 and 0 for $1.00, or 7 and 5 for 75 cents off).

Here's a bonus tip: to ensure you get the discount you have coming, always check your receipt before you leave the store, or just after making an online purchase. If the receipt doesn't have the discount included, double back and let the retailer know.

The Bottom Line
Making sure a coupon is legit isn't all that difficult. All it takes is a little due diligence and some sharp focus. Use both and you'll get the most from your coupon book. (For more information, read Why Do Companies Print Coupons?)

2012-01-17T09:03:00.001-08:00

Do you need to obtain a transcript of your past tax information?

2012-01-16T14:18:00.001-08:00

Taxpayers who need their past tax return information can obtain it from the IRS. Here are nine things to know if you need copies of your federal tax return information.

1) There are two easy and convenient options for obtaining free copies of your federal tax return information -- tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts.

2) The IRS does not charge a fee for transcripts, which are available for the current year as well as the past three years.

3) A tax return transcript shows most line items from your tax return as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. It does not reflect any changes you, your representative or the IRS made after the return was filed. In many cases, a return transcript will meet the requirements of lending institutions, such as those offering mortgages and student loans.

4) A tax account transcript shows any later adjustments either you or the IRS made after the tax return was filed. This transcript shows basic data -- including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income.

5) To request either transcript by phone, call 800-829-1040 and follow the prompts in the recorded message.

6) To request a tax return transcript through the mail, individual taxpayers should complete IRS Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript. Form 4506T-EZ is only for individuals who filed a Form 1040 series return. Businesses, partnerships and individuals who need transcript information from other forms or need a tax account transcript must use the Form 4506T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.

7) You should receive your tax return transcript within 10 working days from the time the IRS receives your request. Allow 30 calendar days for delivery of a tax account transcript.

8) If you still need an actual copy of a previously processed tax return, it will cost $57 per tax year and take much longer. Complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Form, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form for your area. Please allow 60 days for actual copies of your return. Copies are generally available for the current year as well as the past six years.

9) Visit the IRS Web site, IRS.gov, to determine which form will meet your needs. Forms 4506, 4506T and 4506T-EZ can be found at IRS.gov or by calling the IRS forms and publications order line at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

IRS offers top 10 tax-time tip

2012-01-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

The income tax filing season has begun and important tax documents should be arriving in your mailbox. Even though your return is not due until April, you can make tax time easier on yourself with an early start. Here are the Internal Revenue Service's top 10 tips to ensure a smooth tax-filing process.

1. Gather your records
Round up any documents you'll need when filing your taxes: receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support income or deductions you're claiming on your return.

2. Be on the lookout
W-2s and 1099s will be coming soon; you'll need these to file your tax return.

3. Have a question?
Use the Interactive Tax Assistant available on the IRS website to find answers to your tax questions about credits, deductions, general filing questions and more.

4. Use Free File
Let Free File do the hard work for you with brand-name tax software or online fillable forms. It's available exclusively at www.irs.gov. Everyone can find an option to prepare their tax return and e-file it for free. If you made $57,000 or less, you qualify to use free tax software offered through a private-public partnership with manufacturers. If you made more or are comfortable preparing your own tax return, there's Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic versions of IRS paper forms. Visit www.irs.gov/freefile to review your options.

5. Try IRS e-file
IRS e-file is the safe, easy and most common way to file a tax return. Last year, 79 percent of taxpayers -- 106 million people -- used IRS e-file. Many tax preparers are now required to use e-file. If you owe taxes, you have payment options to file immediately and pay by the tax deadline. Best of all, the IRS issues refunds to 98 percent of electronic filers by direct deposit within 14 days, if there are no problems, and some may be issued in as few as 10 days.

6. Consider other filing options
There are many options for filing your tax return. You can prepare it yourself or go to a tax preparer. You may be eligible for free face-to-face help at a volunteer site. Give yourself time to weigh all the options and find the one that best suits your needs.

7. Consider direct deposit
If you elect to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account, you'll receive it faster than a paper check in the mail.

8. Visit the official IRS website often
The IRS website at www.irs.gov is a great place to find everything you need to file your tax return: forms, publications, tips, answers to frequently asked questions and updates on tax law changes.

9. Remember this number: 17
Check out IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, on the IRS website. It's a comprehensive resource for taxpayers, highlighting everything you'll need to know when filing your return.

10. Review! Review! Review!
Don't rush. We all make mistakes when we rush. Mistakes slow down the processing of your return. Be sure to double check all the Social Security numbers and math calculations on your return as these are the most common errors. Don't panic! If you run into a problem, remember the IRS is here to help. Start with www.irs.gov.

ATTENTION RESIDENTS: ANNUAL INSPECTION NOTICE

2012-01-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

The Annual Backflow, Fire Extinguishers, Alarms & Sprinklers Inspection is set for January 23rd-27th.

All Fire Extinguishers should be placed outside your front door for pickup and will be re-distributed once inspected. This is an annual inspection required by the state of Georgia in order for our community to be in compliance with Multifamily Housing Laws.

Please Make sure pets & personal items are secured properly.

Tax Tip 2012: Tax Season Deadline Extended to April 17, 2012!!

2012-01-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

The Internal Revenue Service has opened the 2012 tax filing season by announcing that taxpayers have until April 17 to file their tax returns. The IRS encourages taxpayers to e-file as it is the best way to ensure accurate tax returns and get faster refunds.

The IRS also announced a number of improvements to help make this tax season easy for taxpayers. This includes new navigation features and helpful information on IRS.gov and a new pilot to allow taxpayers to use interactive video to get help with tax issues.

"At the IRS, we're working hard to make the process of filing your taxes as quick and easy as possible," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "Providing quality service is one of our top priorities. It not only reduces the burden on taxpayers, but also helps in filing an accurate return right from the start."

Taxpayers will have until Tuesday, April 17 to file their 2011 tax returns and pay any tax due because April 15 falls on a Sunday, and Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, falls this year on Monday, April 16. According to federal law, District of Columbia holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do; therefore, all taxpayers will have two extra days to file this year. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Oct. 15 to file their 2011 tax returns.

The IRS expects to receive more than 144 million individual tax returns this year, with most of those being filed by the April 17 deadline.

The IRS will begin accepting e-file and Free File returns on Jan. 17, 2012. Additional details about e-file and Free File will be announced later this month. IRS Free File provides options for free brand-name tax software or online fillable forms plus free electronic filing. Everyone can use Free File to prepare a federal tax return. Taxpayers who make $57,000 or less can choose from approximately 20 commercial software providers. There's no income limit for Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms, which also includes free e-filing.

The IRS also reminds paid tax return preparers they must have and include a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on all returns they prepare. All PTINs must be renewed for 2012. Tax return preparers can obtain or renew PTINs online.

Assistance Options

The IRS continues to focus on taxpayer service. The best way for taxpayers to get answers to their questions is by visiting the IRS website at IRS.gov. The IRS has updated the front page of the IRS website to make it easier for taxpayers to get key forms, information and file tax returns. The front page also has links to taxpayer-friendly videos on the IRS YouTube channel. More improvements are planned for IRS.gov in the months ahead.

Last year, the IRS unveiled IRS2Go, its first smartphone application that lets taxpayers check on the status of their tax refund and obtain helpful tax information. The IRS reminds Apple users that they can download the free IRS2Go application by visiting the Apple App Store and Android users can visit the Android Marketplace to download the free IRS2Go app.

Individuals making $50,000 or less can use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for free tax preparation and, in many cases, free electronic filing. Individuals age 60 and older can take advantage of free tax counseling and basic income tax preparation through Tax Counseling for the Elderly. Information on these programs can be found at IRS.gov.

For tax law questions or account inquiries, taxpayers can also call our toll-free number (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time) or visit a taxpayer assistance center, the locations of which are listed on IRS.gov.

Virtual Service

The IRS has begun a new pilot program where taxpayers can get assistance through two-way video conferencing. The IRS is conducting a limited roll out of this new video conferencing technology at 10 IRS offices and two other sites, and may expand to further sites in the future. A list of locations is available on IRS.gov.

Check for a Refund

Once taxpayers file their federal return, they can track the status of their refunds by using the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which taxpayers can get to using the IRS2Go phone app or from the front page of www.IRS.gov. By providing their Taxpayer Identification Numbers, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of their anticipated refund taxpayers can generally get information about their refund 72 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of their e-filed returns, or three to four weeks after mailing a paper return.

Like Babies, Dogs pick up on people's intent

2012-01-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

Man's beloved four-legged friends not only respond to the words and ministrations of humans, dogs can understand and anticipate the intentions of their people, researchers are reporting.

In a new study, dogs who were spoken to or who had direct eye contact with a person were more likely to follow that human's gaze as it moved across the room than if the person didn't make direct eye contact with them.

The skills are equivalent to what is seen in 6-month-old human infants, say researchers, who published their findings online Jan. 5 in Current Biology.

"These results support the notion that dogs are sensitive to the cues signaling humans' communicative intent in a way that is analogous to preverbal human infants," said study author Jozsef Topal.

"Dogs were domesticated for the purpose of working with people, so it's essential that the two species are able to communicate," said Adam Goldfarb, director of pet care issues at The Humane Society of the United States. "Even though most dogs have transitioned away from their work of herding or hunting, they've retained their communication tools."

More and more research is illuminating the uncanny human-like qualities ofCanis lupus familiaris, better known as the domestic dog.

One study in the July 2011 issue of Learning & Behavior found that domesticated dogs were more likely to beg food from a person looking at them as opposed to someone who wasn't paying attention.

And canine-intelligence expert Stanley Coren has found that dogs have the developmental abilities of a human 2-year-old, with the average dog capable of learning the meanings of 165 words.

In the new study, 16 pet dogs watched videos of female actors turning towards a plastic pot.

In the first experiment, the actor gazed directly at the dog and said in a high-pitched voice, "Hi dog!"

In the second experiment, the actor said "Hi dog" in a low-pitched voice but didn't make eye contact.

Using eye-tracking techniques, which are already commonly used to study infant behavior, the researchers determined that the dogs were more likely to follow the human turning toward the pot when they had both been spoken to and received direct eye contact. Saying "Hi dog" in a low-pitched voice without the direct gaze didn't cue the dogs in to the human's intent.

Eye-tracking techniques are also likely to be useful in studying other aspects of dogs' cognitive processing, such as memory skills and reasoning abilities, said Topal, who is an associate professor in the Comparative Behavior Research Group at the Institute for Psychological Researches, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, in Budapest.

"The [dog's] gaze was only triggered when preceded by communicating intent. It does seem to be that dogs do look at humans and follow gestures," said Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Mass. "This is intuitive to anyone who owns a dog, that dogs seem to be more in tune with us than some scientists believe."

"This should reinforce that if we want our dog's attention, we should be clear about it," Goldfarb said. "For those people who talk to their dog in a baby-talk voice, they should keep it up. Your dog knows that you're talking to him or her and will pay more attention."

7 Super Vitamins to help improve memory

2012-01-06T06:24:00.000-08:00

It starts one day, when you're sitting at your desk, and you suddenly think of the coffee maker on your kitchen counter. Then, you ask yourself whether you turned it off or not. You replay your entire morning in your mind, from your morning bathroom regiment to the toast with jam you had for breakfast. Or was it a bagel and cream cheese? Great, now you can't remember what you had for breakfast either. Then, it gets worse. You start misplacing things like your keys or your cell phone. You forget if you used the shampoo before applying the conditioner, and the list goes on.

Maybe it's time to invest in something that will help jog that memory of yours. No, it's not some expensive contraption or medical treatment. The answer to help you improve memory is quite simple, really - vitamins. Here are seven vitamins that can help cure your forgetful woes:

1. Vitamin E

Studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of vitamin E can help protect nerve cells in the brain from damage. There is also evidence that vitamin E can keep nerve cells in the brain from dying after suffering a stroke. Vitamin E has also been found to improve the memory function of the elderly. Check with your physician before considering vitamin E as a memory supplement, as high doses can have an effect on blood clotting medications.

2. Vitamin B6

Aside from maintaining numerous functions of the body, vitamin B6 has been shown to improve memory retention, while supporting brain health. Research shows that a daily intake of vitamin B6 resulted in improved memory over time, and the brain's ability to process information at a faster rate. Look to tuna,eggs, carrots and other vegetables for a good source of vitamin B6.

3. Vitamin B12

Research has shown that vitamin B12 can keep the blood levels of homocysteine at a healthy level. Homocysteine is an amino acid associated with decreased brain function if not managed properly. This vitamin also has the ability to repair the brain's nerve fibers, and is a great memory enhancer when paired with vitamin B6. Beef, liver, clams and trout contain significant amounts of vitamin B12.

4. Vitamin B9

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, helps in the production of red blood cells, which allows for more oxygen to the brain. This vitamin has been shown to reduce the rate of memory loss associated with aging. If you're looking for a good source of vitamin B9, try eating foods made from whole grains, or drinking juice made from oranges or tomatoes.

5. Vitamin C

The antioxidant properties of vitamin C are so beneficial to your health, they even help with your memory. A recent study has found a correlation between memory problems and babies who suffer a vitamin C deficiency. Another study found vitamin C to have protective properties against memory problems and a loss of mental alertness. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources for vitamin C, particularly citrus fruits like grapefruit.

6. Vitamin D

A lack of vitamin D has been shown to disrupt the brain's ability to plan, process and form new memories. One study suggests that the decreased level of vitamin D in the elderly is associated with the loss of memory due to aging. Look to eating more mackerel, tuna and foods fortified with vitamin D to increase your daily intake of this vitamin.

7. Vitamin B3

Nicotinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3, has been found, in recent studies, to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Since these tests were conducted on mice, further clinical testing is needed to determine the effects of vitamin B3 on humans. Aside from reducing the risk and effects of Alzheimer's disease, vitamin B3 also reduces the risk of heart disease and lowers LDL cholesterol. Tuna, chicken, turkey, salmon and asparagus provide a significant source of vitamin B3.

Rincon Dairy Queen Raises Money for the Davis Family

2012-01-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

One community is stepping up to help a family devastated by a fire. The Dairy Queen in Rincon is raising money for the Davis family after the mother, father, and two of their children were killed when their home caught fire last week. Russell Davis was the Dairy Queen Assistant Manager and is truly missed by everyone who worked along with him.

"It is still hard. We are missing a big piece of our family. With him not here it is still hard. I keep expecting him to come in any minute and relieve me off the shift," said Scott Ballard, Dairy Queen.

Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Jan 19, the Dairy Queen will donate 100 percent of their proceeds to help the Davis family.

Fit Club: Keep Your Calories in Check

2012-01-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

The holidays are a time to celebrate. We eat, we drink, we indulge then we end up feeling bloated, tired and lazy.

You don't have to let every holiday party become your own personal eating contest, and you don't have to let shopping take the place of your usual exercise routine.

Treating every party as an invitation to indulge is a sure way to add pounds. Here are some tips from the experts to keep calories in check.

"If you are going to a party, planning ahead," said Dr. Cindy Gleit. "Counting the number of cookies you are going to eat. Eat a lower calorie meal for lunch. Load up on vegetables during the party or your first trip to the serving trays, that way you will eat less for the bad for you foods as you go."

The holidays can cause an internal struggle between the desire to splurge on festive treats and the will to avoid the inevitable weight gain that ensues after overindulging.

Experts say the average person gain 6 to 8 pounds during holidays. This is an example of 5 pounds of fat. It would take you about 27 hours on treadmill to burn that off.

"During the holiday season, we really anticipate the weight gain the non activity. There are so many things we can keep in mind when looking at holiday parties and gatherings. Stick to the healthy stuff, it doesn't have to be all dessert, if it is moderation is the key. I know we say that all the time. It is really important to stick to that mind set," she said.

Make a decision to do everything you can to stay active and eat healthy while not depriving yourself of all the fun. Keeping in mind moderation will allow you to enjoy special holiday foods without having to go up a size by January.

Sober Ride Application- new for the android market!

2012-01-03T07:01:00.000-08:00

The Drive Sober GA smartphone application that helps drivers find a ride home in their area has been downloaded 1,000 from the Android Market less than a week after its launch, according to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

The app is also available for the iPhone. It's part of Georgia's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to reduce impaired driving-related crashes.

"To know that 1,000 people will have an alternative to drinking and driving at their fingertips is great news for Georgia. This is the first time we have developed a product for the smart phone market and we are delighted with the response," said Harris Blackwood, director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, in a statement. "I have had parents of college students tell me that their children have downloaded the app as a precaution. That's why we have it available."

The GOHS cautions against texting and using the Driver Sober GA app while driving, which is against the law in Georgia.

For more details about Drive Sober Georgia app, go to www.drivesobergeorgia.com

Beginner Actor's workshop set for Sunday

2012-01-03T06:57:00.000-08:00

Three films are coming to Savannah in the beginning of 2012, and a one-day class is being offered to help you prepare.

The class will be led by Chip Lane and Angelique Chase. It will prepare participants with proper etiquette and photos. It's open to those ages 14 and older. A childrens' workshop is coming soon.

The class runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 8 at 2 E. Henry St. The cost is $60.

The workshop will include:
How to properly submit for a Role or Extra Role
How to Slate: Format instruction and Practice time
Introduction to Cold Reading a script
What to wear and not wear to audition
Proper follow-up procedure
Proper on-set etiquette

A professional photo will be taken of participants, which will be added to the First City Films' Extras Database.

Office Closing Schedule

2011-12-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

Need to find a place to get rid of your Christmas Tree?

2011-12-27T13:39:00.000-08:00

Chatham County residents can drop off their Christmas trees so they can be recycled into mulch or used as a wildlife habitat.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 7, take your tree to Home Depot at 11180 Abercorn St.; Home Depot at 190 Pooler Parkway; Home Depot at 1901 Victory Dr.; and solid waste facilities Dean Forest Landfill at 1325 Dean Forest Rd.; Bacon Park Landfill at Shorty Cooper Rd.; Wilmington Island Landfill at 7022 Concord Rd.

All city and county disposal centers will take them at other times - just not for mulch. Both city and county normal trash pickup procedures apply.

The program is called the largest tree recycling program in the nation, and has been running in Georgia for 20 years.

For more details, call the city of Savannah Recycling Dept. at 912.651.1967.

-The city of Richmond Hill will hold its "Bring One for the Chipper" event on Jan. 7.

Dispose of your real Christmas tree properly and help make J.F. Gregory Park more beautiful at the same time.

Drop off Christmas trees from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at J. F. Gregory Park. The park's department will recycle it into mulch for the park’s grounds.

Troopers increased patrols starting this past Friday!

2011-12-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

The Georgia State Patrol has stepped up patrols during the upcoming Christmas and New Year's holiday travel periods. Troopers urge to have designated driver if alcohol consumption is part of the festivities.

Colonel Mark McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in a statement that troopers will enforcement will focus on impaired drivers, unrestrained drivers and passengers and drivers who are exceeding the speed limit.

The Christmas holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. Friday and ends the night of Dec. 26. The New Year's holiday period begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 30 and ends the night of Jan. 2, 2012. Both holiday periods are 78-hours long.

During last year Christmas holiday period, GSP investigated 351 traffic crashes which resulted in 280 injuries and three fatalities. During the New Year's holiday travel period, troopers investigated 320 traffic crashes in Georgia that resulted in 270 injuries and seven traffic deaths.

McDonough recommended drivers check the air pressure in the tires; make sure the windshield wiper blades are not cracked; checke that all headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and tag lights are working; and checke the vehicle's fluid levels, according to a news release.

2011-12-16T14:57:00.001-08:00

City of Savannah officials want to meet with Comcast

2011-12-16T14:17:00.000-08:00

Is the City of Savannah getting ready for a face off with the areas only cable provider? Earlier this week, city councilman Tony Thomas ripped into Comcast for what he called a "monopoly" on local cable service and questioned whether or not the city had prevented competition.

Since Tuesday, Thomas says he has received a staggering number of calls and concerns about Comcast, their customer service, their internet and cable service and overall displeasure.

The city now says they want to meet with the cable company.

Thomas says the city is ready to hold Comcast's feet to the fire, so to speak. They are asking for all Savannah residents who have any problems their cable service to call the city directly using the 311 system, so they can monitor and collect information on how many people really are having issues with Comcast.

Thomas has the support of other council members who say it's time to find some competition.

"That would give us a choice, and right now, we don't have a choice," Mary Osborne, District 2, said Thursday afternoon.

Osborne and others say they agree with Thomas on this issue and want the city to take a stand for their residents. We spoke to Comcast's local vice president, Mike Daves, this week. He said he had not heard from the city yet, but he should be expecting a call soon.

City leaders say they want to sit down and meet with Daves and others from Comcast to find out how they can fix the problems customers are having.

In a memo to Savannah City Council, city manager Rochelle Small-Toney said since 2008, two companies, Hargray and AT&T, have filed franchise applications with the State of Georgia to provide cable service in Savannah. Neither have followed through, as of yet.

In the memo, Hargray representatives responded to the city by saying their delay is based on demand.

The city said Comcast does not have a "granted monopoly."

Thomas says the feedback to the issue has been overwhelmingly negative in regards to Comcast's service.

"I've heard from a flood of people about problems they had experienced with Comcast. I'm seeing it on Facebook. I'm hearing it. These folks aren't answering and helping people like they should and we are going to hold them accountable," Thomas told WTOC.

Thomas says the city's goal is now to get Comcast to, as he calls it, clean up their act and find another cable company to come into Savannah to offer a choice.

Mike Daves with Comcast told me Thursday afternoon, despite all the publicity, Thomas nor the City of Savannah have not contacted Comcast but they are willing to sit down and talk. He says customer service is their first concern.

A Furry Christmas for All Event- Today

2011-12-16T11:54:00.000-08:00

Topsail Bar & Grill will host the first ever “A Furry Christmas For All” fund-raiser event on Friday, Dec. 16, to benefit the Humane Society for Greater Savannah.

The event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. and all pets are welcome. There will be pet Christmas costume contests with prizes for the top three winners, pet photos with Santa, silent auction, live music and plenty of drink specials.

Topsail Bar & Grill is located off of Hwy. 80 on Tybee Island.

For additional information, contact Richelle at 912.659.0677.

If your looking for a light show, this is the place to go!

2011-12-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

Everybody is getting in the holiday spirit these days including folks on Holiday Drive off Quacco Road. Folks who live on Holiday Drive display lights every year. The Gall family's display is even set to music.

"Christmas has always been our favorite holiday and it is more of a family tradition. We love to just go all the way with our lights," Betty Gall.

The lights will be up every night after the sun goes down through the holidays

10 days to go: Have a Jolly Christmas on the Fly

2011-12-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

With only 10 days left until Christmas, people across the country are scrambling for last-minute ideas to keep their friends and loved ones from thinking they had been forgotten. Hopefully that means a gift that doesn't look like a thrown together mess.

For those of us who don't want to pick through the last of the Barbie printable hairtastics or the array of cake pop makers at the local shop, there still is a plethora of quick, cheap gifts to get even the most outlandish procrastinators out of a bind.
Framed photos

Looking for a gift with minimum hassle? Have you considered framing a picture?

One of the best gifts my mother told me I ever got her was a giant photo collage-type frame filled with family photos. This was a last-minute gift borne of a frantic brainstorm between my sister and I.

There are plenty of ways to personalize this gift and make it more second-cousin-who-you-don't-want-to-have-a-picture-of-you friendly. A photographer friend of mine once gave me a framed copy of what he considered his "best picture" one holiday. If you don't live with the recipient of your gift, a photograph of your town - or theirs - could make a good, neutral gift.
Mason jar recipes

People love to be cooked for, and if the popularity of fast food joints has said anything it's that people don't like cooking for themselves nearly as much. Applying this idea to the holiday season, when everyone's cozying up with fresh-baked cookies and eggnog, you can make a simple Mason jar recipe kit to share the holiday warmth.

This gift is easy to make even if you don't want to share your secret family recipe for the most amazing M&M blondies on the planet.

Fill a Mason jar with the dry ingredients for your treat, attach a card with cooking instructions and a list of the wet ingredients needed. You can even jazz up the package by tying a festive bow around the neck of the bottle. These jars are an easy, quick, personal gift to share with your friends and loved ones. And you can buy Mason jars at most craft stores.

Crafted goods

If you've got a little more time on your hands and you're handy with a pair of knitting or crochet needles, there are a plethora of great, free patterns available online. A good starting place, even for the amateur knitter, is Ravelry, an online community with patterns from video game inspired scarves and easy hats to wedding dresses. With a free account on the site you can search through thousands of patterns. A simple search using the word "quick" yields more than 4,000 patterns on its own.

There are also other free places to get easy patterns, such as Lion Brand yarn's free pattern index. The site has crochet, knit, weaving loom and general craft patterns.
Personal coupons

By far the cheapest, easiest, quickest gift of all is the gift of personal coupons. Allowing someone to play boss is usually very well-received - and best of all, the personal nature of these "personal coupons" can easily be tailored to anyone's last minute gift needs.

For a significant other, you can make coupons for lovey-dovey things, like kisses or a foot rub, as well as utilitarian things like yard work and ironing. Coupons could be tailored to a child, to allow for computer time or control of the television. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

If you don't have the artistic skill to make coupons on your computer or by hand, Kodak has a quick and easy template available for free.

If you don't feel like throwing something together and would prefer to just pick something up from the store, keep in mind that most retailers will be closed on Christmas Day. Be a good little elf and get your gifts while the doors are still open. Many will be open on Christmas Eve until at least 6 p.m.

Tybee for the Holidays Upcoming Events

2011-12-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

Tybee Island Georgia hosts multiple events this Holiday Season- Here is a list of different events that are going on soon! For more information go to their website at http://tybeefortheholidays.com/

Remainder of December

14 Wed
Best Decorated Residential Judging EveningTime: 06:00pm | Place: Meet at the Post Office
more

17 Sat
7th Annual Christmas Caroling TrolleyTime: 05:00pm | Place: North Beach Grill & island ride
more

18 Sun
Holiday Market at the LighthouseTime: 09:00am | Place: Tybee Island Light Station & Museum
more

24 Sat
Chapel By the Sea Christmas Eve Service
more

24 Sat
St. Michael’s Catholic Church Christmas Eve ServiceTime: 05:30pm
more

24 Sat
Trinity Chapel United Methodist Christmas Eve ServiceTime: 06:30pm
more

24 Sat
All Saints’ Episcopal Church Christmas Eve ServiceTime: 07:00pm
more

31 Sat
American Legion’s New Year’s Eve DanceTime: 06:00pm
more

31 Sat
New Year’s Eve Fireworks CelebrationTime: 11:59pm | Place: South beach areas

January 2012

01 Sun
Polar PlungeTime: 12:00pm | Place: The base of the Pier and Pavilion

2nd Annual Reindeer Run/Walk draws runners to Savannah!!

2011-12-14T06:20:00.000-08:00

With just a few days left to register, more than 200 people will get on their marks, get set and go Saturday morning for the 2nd Annual 8k Reindeer Run/Walk at the International Trade and Convention Center on Hutchinson Island.

You can still sign up and register athttp://www.fleetfeetsavannah.com/reindeer-run.

The first 80 runners to pick up their packets will get a free fleece blanket from IKEA.

Proceeds from the run benefit the Rape Crisis Center. Participants are also asked to bring a canned good to be donated to America's Second Harvest.

At 8:45 a.m., the kids run around Bryan Square will kick off the event. The kids run is Free.

At 9:00 a.m., the Savannah Reindeer Run/Walk begins. Come dressed in your favorite holiday themed costume and win a prize. Winners will be judged on costume, not race results and must race in costume and finish the race.

WTOC's Don Logana and Lynda Figueredo will host the morning activities, which will also feature a Chili Cook Off pitting the talents of Savor Savannah, Hyatt Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Marriott Riverfront and the Westin against each other.

Celebrity Judges for the cook-off are Jamie Deen, South Magazine's Michael Brooks, movie producer and Leopold Ice Cream's Stratton Leopold and Savannah's tourism and social media guru, Amy Brock. Plus, special guest, the Ambassador of Laughter, from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.

Santa will be in town, plus a very special feature of the event focuses on the cause, which is rape crisis. Organizers have brought in a display of unique medallions made from shards of china plates thrown by victims, as they turn anger into art.

Be Aware of Surroundings this Time of Year

2011-12-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

Tis the SEASON…fun, joy and unfortunately CRIME:

As many of you know this is the time of year when crime rates rise. We hear about it on the news and through our friends and family who may have fallen victim. It is even more prevalent in these hard economic times.

Tips on crime prevention this holiday season:

Always contact your local police department for more detailed ways to avoid crime.

HOME
· Lock all windows and doors in your home at all times, even if you are stepping out for just a few minutes.

· Keep blinds closed when you are not home.

· Change your routine frequently by leaving and arriving at different times.

· Always set your intrusion alarms even when they are not monitored by the police.
When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.

VEHICLE

·Lock alls doors and keep windows completely closed at all times.

· Never leave your car running unattended while you make a quick stop or just want to warm it up from the cold temps.

· Never leave valuable items visible in your car (coats, handbags, wallets, CD’s, DVD’s, iPods, cell phones, jewelry or money). These are an INVITATION to become a victim.

· Avoid drive thru or walk up ATM machines when possible.

PERSON
· No matter where you are always pay attention to your surroundings.

· Trust you instinct if you have a bad feeling act on it.

· If you are going to be alone let someone know where you are headed, when you are leaving and that you arrived safely.

· Make copies of each of your credit cards front and back as well as your driver’s license and keep record in a safe place. This is extremely helpful in the event your purse or wallet is stolen.

· Never carry large amounts of cash or let others see you pulling it in and out of your purse or wallet.

· Try to travel in pairs or groups whenever possible.

SHOPPING
Shopping during the holiday season can present unique danger. Taking a few preventative measures can help keep your holiday season joyous. The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.
Avoid driving alone or at night.
Keep all vehicle doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your vehicle. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or vehicle with tinted windows.
Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your vehicle. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the vehicle, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight. However, keep in mind that especially this time of year thieves are watching parking areas of shopping centers and can still break into your trunk if they see you put valuables inside. It is always best to have the individual store hold your purchase until you have completed all of your shopping and are ready to leave.
Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your vehicle.
Never talk on your cell phone when walking to your vehicle; you must always pay attention to your surroundings.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
Do not approach your vehicle alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

12 ways to find extra cash for the holidays!

2011-12-11T11:57:00.001-08:00

The holidays are upon us. In addition to having enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast and ringing in the New Year, this means that many people are planning to buy gifts for their loved ones. Given the persistent negative state of the economy, however, some gift-giving budgets are stretched thin. If yours is among them, have hope. There are ways you can squeeze some extra holiday spirit out of your budget -- both now and over the next months.

1) Save your pennies (and nickels, dimes and quarters).

Buy with cash instead of credit. Then, at the end of the day, collect your change in a jar. Later, turn in the coins at a coin-counting machine. Either use the cash you've accumulated to buy holiday gifts or, if the machine offers gift cards instead of cash back, use those for holiday shopping. Paying in cash provides another benefit, too. Some studies show that people who pay in cash instead of with credit cards can spend up to 15 percent less.

2) Use office amenities.

Instead of buying coffee on the way to work, drink the coffee available at the office if that is available. Visit the water cooler instead of buying bottled water or soda. The measures may sound small, but try it between now and the end of year, and you'll be surprised at how the savings add up.

3) Bike, bus or carpool.

Save money on gas and parking and instead make a concerted effort to carpool, use public transit, or walk or bike to work.

4) Pare down TV costs.

Cancel cable or satellite television. It may not be as drastic as you think. If you have an HDTV, you probably receive several local channels in high definition without cable. Try Netflix (including streaming content if you have a game system with WiFi), rent DVDs at a Redbox or similar kiosk, or check out DVDs from the library.

5) Sell unneeded items.

Inventory your belongings and see if there is anything you no longer use or want. Items like bicycles and high-end toys, for instance, in good condition can bring a good return. Try selling locally on Craigslist (listings are free and you will not need to ship). Or advertise shippable items on eBay or Amazon.com. As with any online service, beware of scams. Use reputable payment and shipping methods to stay safe.

6) Try mystery shopping.

If you have some spare time and you are organized, legitimate mystery shopping companies can put some extra money in your wallet. Mystery shoppers visit or call a business and then report on the experience. Usually, shoppers must write a report on their experience to be paid. Note that while mystery shoppers sometimes must make a small purchase out of pocket as part of the shopping trip, and then be reimbursed, true mystery shopping companies are free to join.

7) Earn from your talents.

Do you have a creative hobby? Sell your items at a craft fair, or via online services such as Etsy, Artfire, Jewelry Wonder, eBay or Craigslist. For example, photographers can make 25 cents every time someone downloads their photographs from Shutterstock. Creative thinkers could also try a website like Fiverr, where people offer just about any service for $5.

8) Turn computer time into cash.

The Internet provides many legitimate opportunities to earn. Working with online survey sites can pay a few dollars, and Amazon's Mechanical Turk site has people complete simple tasks for a few cents at a time (which can add up quickly). If you have a habit of surfing the Net while your kids are watching TV, turn that time into income generation. As always, watch for scammers! Search a site's reputation before you give any personal information or download any files. Remember: Anything that sounds too good to be true probably is.

9) Sell back textbooks.

If you are a recent graduate, sell your unused textbooks before they get old. Newer books can generate a good return. Try sites like eCampus or textbooksrus.com, or sell directly to someone at your school.

10) Drum up extra work.

The workforce is tight these days, but opportunities remain. Try tutoring or teaching a language, if you have the skills. Or apply for work-from-home customer service jobs. During the holidays, neighbors and acquaintances might need help with house sitting, pet sitting, dog walking, house cleaning, hanging holiday lights or shoveling snow. If you are computer savvy, offer to help friends and family with website design, virus removal or cleaning up a hard drive.

11) Ask about price-matching.

Some merchants match or beat a competitor's prices. Others accept competitors' coupons. This is especially helpful if you find a good price online. Ask a local retailer if they can match or beat an online price -- you might get the great price and also cut out shipping costs.

12) Ship early.

If your holiday plans including sending gifts to far-away friends and family, remember shipping can add up, especially at the last minute. Save on shipping costs by shopping earlier so you can ship via economy services or take advantage of sites that offer free shipping with plenty of lead time.

Over the next weeks, extra income can help make the holidays a little brighter for you and your family, as well as the charitable causes you support. And after the holidays, try to keep up some of the above habits and use the extra dollars to help pay off debt or build a nest egg, and make the rest of the year less stressful.

11 Common Holiday Home Decor mistakes!

2011-12-11T11:51:00.001-08:00

Before you begin your holiday decorating this year, use this list of the top holiday decorating mistakes as a guide to prevent style and safety faux-pas.
1. Forgetting Children And Pets

When you start to decorate your home, remember your décor should be tailored to your lifestyle, as well as your personal style. Keep children and pets in mind when adding décor pieces to your seasonal displays.

-Fake snow spray for windows is often made of a toxic formula, and is harmful if consumed. If there are children in your home (or pets liable to give your windows a lick), do not use fake snow spray on your windows.

-Breakable ornaments should never be placed on the lower half of your Christmas tree, or anywhere else within reach of children or pets. To prevent keepsakes from being broken and prevent injuries from shattered ceramic or glass, store fragile pieces away entirely, or up high.

-Overloaded tables are a risk to your décor and your loved ones. While it may be tempting to design intricate, style-stuffed holiday scenes on coffee or side tables, keep in mind these items can easily be knocked over by a child or curious pet. Place décor pieces on fireplace mantels, countertops and high tables, well out of reach of inquisitive hands and paws.

-Poisonous berries are unfortunately a common addition to many holiday displays. If you plan to decorate with Holly, Mistletoe or Jerusalem Cherry, keep them as high off the ground as possible. As these décor pieces are typically only used for aesthetic appeal rather than scent or touch, faux craft versions may be the best option for homes with children and pets.
2. Forgetting To Water The Christmas Tree

Natural Christmas trees are a tradition in many homes, and are a great way to add the wonderful scent of a pine forest to your house. Unfortunately, having a real pine tree in your house can present real danger, and requires maintenance. Always be sure your tree has several inches of water in its tree-stand bowl. A dry tree can easily catch fire from overly hot light bulbs, fireplaces and heating vents.
3. Overloading Electrical Outlets

There's nothing wrong with enjoying a brightly lit Christmas display, but you must prevent electrical fires from overloaded outlets. Always use surge protecting power strips, and never attach more than one string light set into a single outlet (placing one string light into the back socket of another, which is placed in the wall socket). While this may be convenient, it's also dangerous. Purchasing extra power strips is an easy way to prevent electrical surge damage and potential fire risks.
4. Leaving Lit Candles Next To Décor Pieces

Candles are frequently included in holiday displays, and can add beautiful light and scent to any room with any holiday décor theme. When using your candles, do not ever place them directly beneath fabric, décor pieces or wood pieces. Plenty of space above and around your candles will prevent their heat or the flames themselves from catching anything on fire.
5. Going Too Far

Showing your holiday spirit doesn't mean buying as much décor as possible. When setting up interior and exterior displays, choose quality over quantity. Well made, stylish pieces give your home a distinctive and chic look, while piling on the Santa figurines, candy canes, ornaments and poinsettias wherever you can squeeze them will only do more harm than good.
6. Wrapping Presents Without Marking Them

If you prefer to wrap your holiday presents all at once, be sure to avoid this frustrating mistake. Immediately after wrapping each present, add the recipient's nametag. After two or more presents have been wrapped but not labeled, it can be easy to forget which package goes to whom. Rather than giving the wrong gift or unwrapping and subsequently re-wrapping gifts, make sure to take the time to write out nametags with every present.
7. Mixing Christmas Themes

Avoid awkwardly blending themes when decorating various rooms throughout your house, and outside. This can appear cluttered, kitschy and unstyled, leaving your home looking less decorated and more muddled. Select one of the following Christmas themes (or create one of your own) and stick to it.

Traditional

Elegant

Modern

Natural

Nautical

Rustic

Nordic

Colonial

Victorian
8. Forgetting Key Rooms

Many homes center their Christmas décor around the Christmas tree and outdoors. While these are important spaces, don't forget other frequently used areas of the home. A little can go a long way in unifying your seasonal décor scheme and greeting holiday guests wherever they venture within your home.

Foyers

Bathrooms

Kitchen

Dining Room

Guest bedrooms

Hallways

Patios
9. Using Outdated Electrical Decorations

While using your favorite string lights or vintage light up Santa is a heartwarming reminder of Christmases past, outdated electrical pieces are also a fire hazard. Only use certified, well constructed and undamaged lighting and electrical décor pieces around your home.
10. Overloading The Mantel

The fireplace mantel is often the heart of a home's Christmas décor, though safety and décor rules still apply here. When hanging stockings, garland, beads and other seasonal decorations from your mantel, be sure they do not come close enough to the fireplace's flames to pick up heat, let alone catch fire. Even if you do not use your fireplace, keep an eye out for candles placed too near flammable mantel décor pieces.
11. Leaving String Lights Tangled

After you decide to remove your string lights, always store them in a neat bundle. Leaving them knotted and tangled will create a chore for next year's decorating, and can damage the bulbs or string, leading to potential electrical issues.

Remember with the Holidays Coming up, Residents You Can Host a Party Here!

2011-12-09T08:27:00.001-08:00

Come & Join Us For Our Holiday Christmas Party!

2011-12-07T11:26:00.001-08:00

Moving Challenges during the Holiday Season

2011-12-06T08:38:00.001-08:00

Let’s face it: the holiday season is likely not the best time of the year to move. In many parts of the country, there is cold, snowy weather to contend with. You may have a lot going on besides your move, including holiday visits to family. And the sense of dislocation in moving may be particularly acute at this time of year.

Here are some tips to consider that might make moving during the holidays just a little easier for you.

Move in the off-season. Here’s a silver lining. Because the month of December is considered an off-season for moving in many parts of the country, you likely will be able to procure moving services of all kinds at a discount over spring and summer rates.

Get your schedule organized. You’ll want to plan your move around any religious or social obligations you traditionally have during the holidays. That means planning well in advance, especially if you’re hoping to host any holiday gatherings in your new home. (Remember to give yourself extra time for the move in case you hit any unexpected snags.) Or maybe you’ll want to be nice to yourself and spend the holidays with family and friends before you really settle in to your new home.

Get holiday contact info for your community manager. You’ll want to know the information to be able to get in touch with a contact at your new apartment community who has been designated to assist you with any move-in details.

Prepare for the weather. A winter move can be hazardous to your car and your belongings. Keep weather conditions in mind as you undertake your move in winter months.

Also, inquire about arrangements you can make in advance with your apartment community to assist with the details of getting moved in, such as reserving a freight elevator or securing parking for your moving truck. Planning ahead may help speed up the process.

And keep in mind that you’ll still be sweating even underneath a sweater or winter coat when you move your belongings, so you’ll need to stay hydrated even if you’re not feeling the heat.

Don’t move presents. Whenever possible, have gifts shipped directly to the recipient or to your new home. Any present you don’t have to move yourself is one less source of stress!

Take advantage of holiday celebrations. Tree lightings, tours of homes, ice rinks — lots of towns put on a show for the holidays. These can give you an opportunity to get out and see the sights of your new town. Similarly, some apartment communities host holiday events for residents, allowing you to meet your neighbors over eggnog.

Though moving at a busy time of year like the holidays may feel like an unwanted distraction, you can try turning your move into a fond memory to come. Whether it’s with holiday music in the car as you’re driving, a tree with a few of your favorite ornaments, or a menorah that plays host to the first fire you light in your new fireplace, taking a little time to acknowledge the holidays may boost your mood and make you feel more at home in your new apartment at holiday-time!

Hot n Healthy: One Leg Balancing Poses- Develops Balance, Strengthens Hips & Glutes

2011-12-06T06:17:00.001-08:00

As yogis, we believe that a strong and healthy body sets the foundation for a healthy mind. From there, the possibilities are limitless.

Today we are going to do some one leg standing balance poses. These poses target the hips and glutes. Let’s get started.

We’ll start in Mountain Pose

• Stand up straight with your big toes touching.

• Turn your palms to face forward and feel your shoulders press into the back of your body.

• Relax your shoulders away from your ears.

• Roll your inner thighs back and take a couple of breaths.

Next, we’ll take Hand to Knee or Big Toe Pose

• Bend your right knee and lift it to hip height. Grab the front of the knee or reach for the big toe with your first two fingers.

• Anchor your left hand on your hip.

• If you are holding your toe, extend your leg toward straight as long as you can keep your spine upright.

• Hold for five breaths. Switch sides and hold for five breaths.

From here let’s move right into Airplane Pose

• Release the knee or big toe and return to Mountain Pose with your hands by your sides.

• From your upright position shift your weight to the left leg and tilt at the hips, reaching the right leg straight back and bringing the upper body parallel to the floor.

• The front of both hips should face down, so roll your right hip down if it is opening to the side.

• Hold for five breaths then keep your leg lifted and reach both hands to the floor.

To come in to Half Moon Pose

• Place your right hand about a foot in front of your right pinkie toe and bring your left hand to your right hip. Place a yoga block or thick book under your right hand, if needed.

• Roll your left hip open toward the ceiling and reach the left hand up.

• Hold for five breaths, then release the upper hand and foot to the floor and take an easy forward fold for a few breaths

Repeat the entire sequence on the other side.

Anyone who is looking for a job..

2011-12-01T14:47:00.001-08:00

Great Dane Trailers will be hiring 400 workers in December to work at its new 450,000 square foot facility in Statesboro.

Great Dane is joining together with Ogeechee Technical College and Georgia Quick Start to launch a new workforce initiative program to bring jobs to Bulloch County.

"Well, I would hope it means a lot. One of the reasons why we chose this site was because there was a higher number of employee availability," said Kevin Black, Great Dane Trailers Plant Manager.

The company is looking to fill positions for painters, truck drivers, assembly workers, and a variety of other jobs during a recruitment fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at Ogeechee Technical College. Applications will only be accepted by Department of Labor representatives at the event. Applicants should not apply directly to the company for those positions.

Attention Resident's Macy's Family & Friends Deal is Almost Under Way

2011-11-29T07:39:00.001-08:00

Our Dear Friend with Macy's just delivered their very own Coupons (see below) here to the front office! We would like to share the gift to you so booklets are here for pick up at the front office :) Happy Shopping!

Shop Savvy for the Holidays: A dozen tips for Stress-Free Savings

2011-11-28T07:48:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving just passed and that means that Christmas is right around the corner. Have you started your shopping yet? Many of you ventured out for those Black Friday sales….. hoping to score a great deal. Deals are everywhere, not just on Black Friday. You just have to know where to find them. Follow my tips to shop Savvy and get ready for the holidays this year.

I encourage everyone to shop local when you can. It supports our friends and family members who are employed by local stores. Keeping the sales tax locally also helps support our schools.

Tip #1

Know your prices! Stores compete to have the best prices on electronic, toys and clothes. Prices can fluctuate greatly between stores. An easy way to compare prices at local stores is to go online towww.freepricealerts.com . This free tool allows you to search for the item you are looking for and compare it to all of the stores in the area. You do not have to complete the purchase online, simply shop locally at the store that has the best price.

Tip #2

Price Match! Wal-Mart and Target will match a competitors ad and so will many electronic and office supply stores. There are different reasons for price matching. Maybe the store is out of the item. In that case, simply price match that ad at another store. Another time when you may want to price match is if you have a coupon for a different store. Example Store A has a TV on sale for $1,000; Store B has the TV on sale for $800. You have a coupon for $20 off a $100.00 purchase for store A. Price matches the ad for Store B at Store A, and use the coupon.

Tip #3

Save Receipts! This is very important. If you have purchased an item and it has gone on sale w/in 30-60 days many stores will refund you the difference. Wal-Mart has announced that they will reimburse the difference in the form of Wal-Mart gift cards. To keep up with the changing prices you can use the website www.pricewatch.com. Another reason to save the receipt is you may need to return the item. Without the receipt the store will calculate the price based on the lowest price the item sold for. Without the receipt, you may lose money.

Tip #4

Think Outside of the Box! You found the perfect jeans but they only have a size 0. The sale ends today…. Go ahead and buy the size 0…. And exchange it for your size later. This allows you to take advantage of the sale price, just make sure you save the receipt.

Tip #5

Midweek Sales – Stores place sales ad in the weekly paper too. Be sure to check the paper daily for sales ads, retail coupons etc.

Tip #6

Watch for Coupons! Sign up for your favorite stores mailing list. Many stores will e-mail you sales ads, coupons, etc. JC Penny’s & Belk both send some awesome coupons via snail mail. You can also find printable coupons and online coupon codes for retail stores at www.retailmenot.com andwww.couponmountain.com

Tip #7

Facebook! Never shop at a store without checking their Facebook page for special offers, coupons and sales! To locate the stores Facebook page just type the name of the store in the search field on facebook or try typing the stores name after the /. Example: www.facebook.com/maybelline. Be sure to watch the Savvy Shopper Facebook for coupons etc. www.facebook.com/savannahsavvyshopper

Tip #8

Use Your Phone! If you have a smart phone use the aps on the phone to locate the best deals. “Check In” at various places and they will send coupons to your phone. The cashier simply scans your phone at the register. Shop Kick is a cool app that rewards you with points just for walking in the store. You can cash those points in for prizes. Shop Savvy allows you to scan a bar code to see which stores sell the item in the area, and it even gives you the prices at those stores.

Tip #9

Use the Gift Guide! Be sure to check out the gift guide at www.savannahgiftguide.com. You will find ideas for many people on your shopping list, and the stores are all local.

Tip #10

Daily Deals! Instead of giving “stuff” why not give gift certificates to your loved ones. You can find many great gifts to give on the daily deal site dailydeals.savannahnow.com. You will also find some great deals to snag for lunch or dinner while you are doing your holiday shopping.

Tip #11

Gift Cards: Purchase gift cards instead of clothing for your older children. This is a win/win. Your children will be able to pick out the clothes that they want, and prices drop significantly after Christmas, allowing them to get even more than they would have before.

Tip #12

Shop the After Christmas Sales! Start shopping right after Christmas for next year. The day after Christmas many things will be marked down. You will find all sorts of novelty items that will make good gifts for next year. Some of my favorites are the spa items…these would make great Valentines gifts too.

Make Memories this year…. not empty bank accounts. Years from now your children will not remember all of the toys they received at Christmas, but they will remember baking cookies, playing games etc. Please remember those who are less fortunate, perhaps you can snag a deal for them too.

Give the Gift of Giving this Holiday Season

2011-11-23T06:27:00.001-08:00

2011-11-23T06:12:00.001-08:00

November Challenge: Growing a Beard for Charity

2011-11-22T13:47:00.001-08:00

ABC News on Campus reporter Olivia Stacey blogs: Some call it No-Shave November. Others say Novembeard. For guys it means a one-month challenge to put away their shaving cream and razors. The rules are simple: don’t shave, trim or wax any facial hair for 30 days. Matt Stauffer, a campus minister at the University of Florida, is pictured above holding a sign that says "Look at that neck beard!" (Photo courtesy of Matt Stauffer) While many men are joining the competition for fun, others are doing it for a reason. Jesse Lash, a senior at the University of Florida, has been working with his brother, Jon, to give No-Shave November more meaning. They created their own fundraiser, “Grow a Beard, Free a Slave” to help oppressed children in India. They’re raising money for Dalites Freedom Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to end modern-day slavery in India. The Dalits, also called the “untouchables,” “outcastes,” or “slumdogs,” fall into the very lowest caste of the social hierarchy. They are shunned by those socially above them and live at risk of discrimination, child labor and human trafficking. The Dalit Freedom Network provides educational and financial resources for the Dalits. That's how the Novembeard competition can help. The Lashes created a site where men can sign-up to earn pledges for each day they don’t shave.

“Anyone can upload a picture of their clean-shaven face and start getting sponsors for their beard,” Lash told ABCNews.com. “All they have to do is not shave, it's ‘slacktivism’ at its best." A quarter every day adds up to $7.50 from one sponsor. Lash said that’s enough to pay for the food, education and health care of a Dalit child in an English-medium school for a week. The school uses English as the primary language for instruction to give students an equal opportunity to succeed.
Most desirable jobs in Indian society are offered to those who can understand English, as well as their own dialect. Most Dalits cannot afford English-medium schools, which widens the socio-economic gap between the castes.

The Lash brothers set a goal to sponsor 15 Dalit children for a full year through their fundraiser. That adds up to about $5,000, Lash said. Twenty-five guys are in the running along with an entire class of high school seniors. The site shows each contestant’s weekly progress in beard growth and fundraising total. Matt Stauffer (right), 26, a campus minister at the University of Florida has earned the most money so far. He's raised a total of $75 and counting. Stauffer had heard of Novembeard before, but it never piqued his curiosity. He thought it seemed like something funny to do, but was never interested until he got the Facebook invite from the Lash brothers. Once he got permission from his wife and boss, he gave it a go. “Now I’ll do that goofy thing because it has significance and meaning,” said Stauffer. He even created his own website, http://beard.thisenddown.com/ to document his experience and gain more support. Since the launch of his site on November 1st, he's had 264 people visit. Stauffer is keeping donors updated on his progress and as an incentive, posts their quotes on his site. Emilio DeSilvo, a senior at Calvary Chistian High in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., convinced his school to change some of their rules in honor of Novembeard. The private school gave permission for the underclassmen to participate, who normally are not allowed to grow facial hair. The only condition: they must have sponsors and donate to a good cause. DeSilvo motivated 15 of his classmates to sign-up and four teachers. “The guys love to grow their hair, especially the younger ones,” he said. “They think it’s manly.” “It’s so easy to raise money and 25 cents a day for not shaving can go a long way.” Josh Frank, a senior at the University of South Florida, is unofficially participating to promote awareness for prostate cancer. He said he isn’t participating to raise money. “Just showing my support and man, is it itchy and annoying,” said Frank. “From what I know, you're supposed to go full beard for Novembeard and Decembeard, then just the mustache for Manuary,” he said. “That may be pushing it for me.” Signs of No-shave November are not only visible on guys’ faces. Jamie Wilson, a freshman at UF said her friends are constantly using social media to give updates on their progress. “This year, more than ever, I’ve seen Tweets, Facebook groups, and posts about No-Shave November,” said Wilson. However, she noticed they aren’t talking about the cause. Megan Haney, a junior at UF said she knows several guys who are growing beards for the month, although she doesn’t know their motivation. “If it’s for a good cause, it’s good. But if they’re doing it just to do it, that’s strange,” said Haney. “Either way, it’s a competition so of course guys are going to do it.” “Many of them probably don’t realize that they can raise money or don’t know where to get started," she said. That’s what Jesse Lash says he and his brother are hoping to change. Lash said a lot of people have heard of No-Shave November and they’ll do it without knowing the full story. "Sometimes, it's just a competition among friends, who has the best facial hair, who has the manliest beard,” said Lash. “I think it’s fun, but if there's no purpose behind it, are you just trying to clamor for attention?” “Not to be too harsh-sounding, but the whole point is to help people while having fun,” said Lash.

A little brief history lesson on Thanksgiving Day.

2011-11-22T06:55:00.001-08:00

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a bill officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.

The tradition of celebrating the holiday on Thursday dates back to the early history of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies, when post-harvest holidays were celebrated on the weekday regularly set aside as "Lecture Day," a midweek church meeting where topical sermons were presented. A famous Thanksgiving observance occurred in the autumn of 1621, when Plymouth governor William Bradford invited local Indians to join the Pilgrims in a three-day festival held in gratitude for the bounty of the season.

Thanksgiving became an annual custom throughout New England in the 17th century, and in 1777 the Continental Congress declared the first national American Thanksgiving following the Patriot victory at Saratoga. In 1789, President George Washington became the first president to proclaim a Thanksgiving holiday, when, at the request of Congress, he proclaimed November 26, a Tuesday, as a day of national thanksgiving for the U.S. Constitution. However, it was not until 1863, when PresidentAbraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to fall on the last Thursday of November, that the modern holiday was celebrated nationally.

With a few deviations, Lincoln's precedent was followed annually by every subsequent president--until 1939. In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt departed from tradition by declaring November 23, the next to last Thursday that year, as Thanksgiving Day. Considerable controversy surrounded this deviation, and some Americans refused to honor Roosevelt's declaration. For the next two years, Roosevelt repeated the unpopular proclamation, but on November 26, 1941, he admitted his mistake and signed a bill into law officially making the fourth Thursday in November the national holiday of Thanksgiving Day.

Legendary Broadcaster was Voice of Georgia Football to Generations of Fans

2011-11-22T06:39:00.001-08:00

ATHENS —

Friends of Larry Munson, the players whose games he called and people who never met the man in person recalled the legendary radio broadcaster with tears and laughter Monday.

They shed tears because Munson died Sunday at the age of 89, and they laughed when they recalled the good times they’d shared with him in person or over the radio waves.

Munson was the play-by-play broadcaster for Georgia football for four decades, and tens of thousands of Georgia football fans grew up experiencing Georgia football through Munson’s voice.

He’d tell fans the weather conditions and invite them to imagine they were looking at the football field, left to right, recalled his longtime broadcast partner, Loran Smith.

“He made you feel like you were there. He was the ultimate radio guy. He had the sense for it, and he knew how to describe the action for the listener,” said Smith, who responded to Munson’s “Whaddaya got, Loran?” for more than 30 years as sideline reporter.

Even that simple little phrase demonstrates Munson’s verbal gifts, Smith said.

Today’s top-drawer play-by-play broadcasters are likely to say, “Let’s go to Julie on the sidelines.”

But with “Whaddaya got, Loran?” Munson made a bland, routine question into a beloved Bulldog mantra.

The right words

“He just had a gift for saying the right thing, the interesting thing,” Smith said.

“He made you feel like you were down there on the sideline sweating it out and gritting your teeth,” said lifelong Bulldog fan and UGA graduate Reed Holden of Athens.

“That’s how you related to Georgia football,” said another Munson fan, University of Georgia Foundation president Bill Young.

Dating from the first time a 6-year-old Holden sneaked a radio under the covers to listen to Georgia play Notre Dame for the national championship — past his bedtime — Munson was almost like another family member.

“I grew up in a family of Bulldog fans,” said Holden, owner of the Athens-based audiovisual systems company Aurora Systems. “It was a fact of life at any family function on a fall Saturday: We were watching TV and listening to Munson.”

Like countless other Bulldog families, they listened to Munson even if the game was televised, turning down the TV volume and turning on the radio.

Munson was a gifted painter with words who could make you feel like you could see what you were hearing, agreed C.B. “Scooter” Grubbs of Tifton, another lifelong Georgia fan.

“He had the ability to say exactly what he saw and what was happening on the field, and he gave you the ability to see it on the radio, as well,” Grubbs said. “He’d say, ‘He twisted and turned for two more yards,’ and you’d watch the replay and that’s exactly what he did. It just came naturally, phrases just rolled out of his mouth. It was just his personality, and we all hung on all of his words.”

“It was just as good as going to the game, almost,” said longtime UGA sports information director and tennis coach Dan Magill, who worked with Munson for more than 40 years. “There was nobody better. He’s one of the greatest, no doubt about it.”

‘Bigger than life’

Former Georgia kicker Allan Leavitt said he was glad he never got to hear Munson’s broadcasts during the games he played at Georgia from 1973 to 1976.

“He always made everything bigger than life,” Leavitt said.

Leavitt is probably best known for his end-of-the game field goal against Georgia Tech on a wet field in 1976, preserving a spot for 10-1 Georgia against top-ranked Pittsburgh in the Sugar Bowl.

“If I’d been listening to Munson, I’d have missed it,” said Leavitt, now retired from business and coaching high school football in Jacksonville, Fla.

Leavitt said Munson clearly rooted for Georgia, but at the same time, he showed respect for Georgia’s opponents.

“He was extremely positive to both the opponent and for our team,” Leavitt said. “It’s class and character.”

No one doubted that Munson rooted for the home team. He seemed to live and die with every pass or run of the ball during close Georgia games and conveyed that emotion not with volume but by changing the pitch of his voice.

“I think what made Munson so special. He became an unabashed homer, but it was not offensive,” Smith said. “And Munson became a great cheerleader.”

Nowadays, almost all of Georgia’s football games are televised. However, in the 1960s, ’70s and early 1980s before a lawsuit broke the NCAA TV monopoly, Georgia might only be on television once or twice a year, so Munson’s voice was the game for many in the Bulldog Nation, noted longtime UGA football coach Vince Dooley.

“He would reach into every crack and corner of the state that had a radio, and they became part of it through him,” Dooley said. “He was a real folk hero to the Bulldog Nation. Regardless of your background or ability to pay money, everybody had a 50-yard seat at their home following Georgia through Larry Munson.”

REGISTRY BOOK AT FOX & WEEKS

Fox & Weeks Funeral directors have put out a registry book for Larry Munson at the Fox & Weeks location on Hodgson Memorial Drive.

At the end of this week, Fox & Weeks will send the book to Larry Munson’s family.

The community is invited to visit the funeral home to sign the registry and offer well wishes, condolences and memories for Larry Munson’s family.

For more information, call 352-7200.

Black Friday App Puts the Deals on Your Phone!

2011-11-21T06:43:00.001-08:00

In the information age, you don't have to wait for the crashing thud of the annual deal-heavy Thanksgiving Day newspaper to start the holiday shopping season. Now, those ads are on your phone.

The free TGI Black Friday smartphone app returns for a third year to help cash-strapped consumers navigate the door-busting deals of the official start of the holiday shopping season.

"Things are happening a lot faster this year," said Kevin Kahn, chief operating officer of DealCatcher.com. "We're seeing a lot of the ads coming out earlier this year."

Whether they're published or leaked, Kahn and a small team of workers take these ads from the paper and publish them to the web and to your smartphone through their TGI Black Friday app.

"They are really trying to get the information out there early," Kahn said.

Kahn says you don't have to wait for Black Friday to take advantage of the app and the deals his team has published.

Many retailers have begun introducing early specials to attract buyers.

"They're throwing out these really good prices," Kahn said.

As early as the first weekend in November, BestBuy offered a 32-inch Westinghouse 1080p LCD HDTV for $200, a $149 discount off its normal price. Target offered a 12-inch Acer laptop for $197, more than a $130 discount.

Consumers can browse the deals on the app or visit tgiblackfriday.com. There, products can be found separated into categories or by the store offering the sale.

On both the site and the app, users are presented with similar deals and price comparisons to see how good the deal actually is.

But if you're wary of the authenticity of a low price, Kahn's team also offers PDFs of the originating ads - one of the two options added to last year's app, along with support for push notifications.

The app allows users to make lists of their favorite things to save for later or to email to friends and family members. The third integration of the app now includes support for sharing with friends through Twitter and Facebook.

"We kept it pretty much the same because that's been working pretty good for us," Kahn said.

With millions of annual users and high rankings in the Apple App Store, the formula seems to be working.

The TGI Black Friday app can be downloaded for iPhone in the Apple App Store and the Android Market for smartphones running the Android platform.

Sense of Fashion: Black Friday deals at local shops!

2011-11-21T06:40:00.001-08:00

Saving big for your closet or for your holiday gifts can be done with fresh air and without crowds.

Black Friday is almost upon us, and all you shoppers are eagerly making plans to save big.

For those smart shoppers who know their fashion, know their friends, and don’t love mall crowds we sent our scouts to seek out some of the best local Black Friday sales.

Bleu Belle Boutique

First, pick up your toasted caramel cocoa at Twelve Oaks and walk over to Bleu Belle to learn all about the rage in this month’s Lucky Magazine. Bleu Belle is the only boutique offering the Shawlsmith London scarf, and to highlight this fashionable item all scarves will be 20 percent off. Regularly $95 the SeaBreeze style scarf is the perfect compliment to your outfit all winter long in our Savannah climate. For Black Friday, these will be only $76.

Petite Feet

For the little ones in your life, Petite Feet is offering 20 percent off all in-stock booties. This includes their new shipment off UGG’s, North Face boots, Pedipeds boot and more. They will stomp through our tough winter weather with the adorable John Deere cowboy boots (in pink or tan), or the sassy Georgia Boot. Add to their accessories with additional savings on Kidorable items including scarves, hats and mitten sets, each featuring an adorable theme. These savings will be offered both Friday and Saturday the weekend of Thanksgiving.

The Pink Closet

Everything in the store is 50 percent off at this Richmond Hill store, with an additional $10 shopping pass. The sale runs Black Friday through Monday. Keep an eye out for a Louis Vuitton handbag.

Custard boutique

Custard’s got a surprise in store for this upcoming weekend. Browse the fine lines of great prices and enjoy a free gift with any purchase.

Or dig in and take advantage of the super savings on sale items. All sale items will be 60 percent off from Black Friday through Sunday until they are all gone. Items include fall fashion hits like Silver Jeans Brown boot cut cords, regularly $82, sale priced at $32.80 with the weekend offer. These have a terrific fit with just the right stretch to look great on most body types.

Cherry Picked

Oh the fun of the holidays starts at Cherry Picked. Black Friday only pick up your sweet deal at this consignment shop, as all items in the store will be 50 percent off. Make it easy to pick up holiday gifts for them and one for you with awesome designer selections like a brand new Tory Burch navy butterfly tunic. Originally retailed at $295, for sale at $100 and Friday only will be just $50.

Zia Boutique

Earrings are a girl’s best friend, and always the perfect gift for the holidays. Starting Black Friday
and going through the weekend, Zia will offer
25 percent off any purchases totaling $200 or more. For those under $200 you can still save 15 percent. Great gifts like the Tree of Life Necklace, available in 10 different birthstones for your favorite family friends. Offered in sterling silver or 14k gold fill, this is a beautiful look for anyone. The necklace is normally $89 and will be $75.65 at 15 percent off, or only $71.20 if you stock up to take advantage of the 25 percent off offer. This offer is good in person that weekend, or online with in-store pick-up.

Fab’rik

Fine fashion is a deal
at Fab’rik where there will be storewide savings of
30 percent off. Enjoy a complimentary Starbucks while you shop and save from Friday through the weekend. From party dresses to tall boots, this is a sale sensation that can’t be missed.

Satchel

Easy gifts are a cinch if you save at Satchel, which will be offering 20 percent off all trendy cuffs and clutches. Also enjoy 10 percent off the rest of the in-store merchandise, excluding custom orders, the entire weekend.

Birkenstock

Worn out those summer Birkenstocks, but waiting for a price to drop? This is the weekend to get that new pair. Birkenstock Savannah will offer a buy one, get one half off on all full price in-stock shoes, including the Birkenstock line and hot Five Finger footwear.

James Gunn

James Gunn is jumping into the fun with storewide savings of 20 percent off. This savings is good Friday, Saturday and Sunday so make sure you stop by and build your look. Ask your fashion specialist for help at either location, downtown or Sandfly, and set your holidays up to look great and save for more. Remember the man in your life this holiday with a wool coat detailed with angora and rabbit hair to keep him safe and warm. Save that weekend so you can treat yourself to a vibrant Dakota collarless peacoat in this season’s hot color marigold. Originally $295, that weekend only will be just $236.

Half Moon Outfitters

Don’t miss everyone’s favorite gift of the ever popular North Face Denali jacket, available in adult sizes at Half Moon Outfitters for $165. They have stocked their shelves full of colors, new brands and lots of warm and dry options for everyone in the family. Remember if you don’t see the right color or size, Half Moon has access to each of their vendors and can order it in time for your holiday gift needs, no need for added shipping cost. As you stop by, you may notice their broader selection of cowboy boots, expanded apparel and more into the store that used to just be for that outdoor girl.

Gigi’s Cupcakes

Opening at 8 a.m. Black Friday, you can start the day off with a kick. Sip a free coffee with any cupcake purchase from 8 to 10 a.m. Mid-morning snackers can snag a deal on a set of six cupcakes for $14, regularly almost $20. From noon to 2 p.m., all cupcakes in the store are just $2.50. Recharge from 2 to 4 p.m. with a happy dozen at just $25. And top off your day with cupcake happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. with buy 3 get 1 free. If you aren’t in the mood or are watching that waistline, consider this super stocking stuffer for each of your friends. For every $100 total in gift cards (remember $20 gets them 6) you’ll earn one $20 gift card back for yourself!

Glow Medspa & Beauty Boutique

Glow Medspa & Beauty Boutique is offering an early bird gift certificate special — all gift certificates purchased online on Black Friday get an additional 20 percent of credit. Visitwww.glowsavannah.com to buy the gift certificates. Remember, Glow also offers terrific lines of beauty products, so she can use this gift for fabulous name brand products or services.

Savannah Day Spa

Savannah Day Spa has created special holiday spa package. The “Girls Holly Day Special” includes a massage, spa manicure and pedicure for the packaged price of $150.

One Fish, Two Fish

Enjoy savings on Black Friday at One Fish, Two Fish on all Christmas décor – just in time for the holidays. Each item, excluding candles, will be discounted. Handcrafted glass ornaments come in a lovely acrylic box to show off their design, regularly priced at $15 each will be just $12 to make them the perfect gift.

See Jane

For that fortunate family or friend who has a new baby in their life, See Jane has lovely, safe baby items at 50 percent off, including bath bubbles and lotions. Home fragrances can make the holidays merry, and these will all be 50 percent off the entire holiday weekend. Voluspa Diffusers come beautifully packaged, and provide you with the ultimate fragrance luxury. The high-quality ingredients create the purest fragrance that is clean and refreshing that is long-lasting. Originally marked at $28 they will be just $14.

Paris Market

Decorative designer pillows by Jamie Young will be 20 percent off. Add a little spice to that room that needs holiday cheer, or find one for your friend to tuck into her favorite reading chair.

Savannah lands another film, City leaders consider studio investment!!

2011-11-17T18:08:00.001-08:00

Savannah once again will welcome a film production next month, a psychological thriller called “When the Bough Breaks.”

Filming should continue into early January on the project, which has a budget of more than $1 million.

That may be the least of Savannah’s movie news to come.

The steady stream of feature films, independent projects and commercial shoots, paired with a renewed recognition of economic development potential, is bringing together city leaders, private interests and the Savannah Economic Development Authority to explore developing a film studio in Savannah.

SEDA stepped up its efforts to work with local film advocates after an independent study, the results of which came back earlier this year, showed that film and digital entertainment was an emerging technology Savannah should pursue.

“I think that validated what we’ve been trying to say all along,” said Dana Braun, a member of Savannah’s Film Commission. “This industry spends so much money. Every day there are new avenues of content. It’s not just one guy with a camera trying to make a movie.”

Jay Self, the city’s director of Film Services, said a soundstage and production facilities capable of handling feature films or a TV series, “would increase tenfold” the type of projects Savannah would be able to recruit.

One aspect of the discussion centers around developing a public/private partnership for the studio. Steve Weathers, SEDA president and CEO, said a studio project is one more way Savannah could diversify its economy and attract higher-paying jobs.

One of the companies SEDA has been talking with is The Forum Group, a locally based company. Officials with that company could not be reached Tuesday.

Another local firm trying to capitalize on Savannah’s film possibilities is Meddin Studios, which last year opened a 22,000-square-foot digital studio on Louisville Road. In the last 18 months, Meddin has produced seven films and is looking to quadruple its production facilities, said Nick Gant, the studio’s co-founder and creative director.

Meddin has been talking with city officials and SEDA about what incentives might be available for such an expansion, Gant said.

State tax incentives up to 30 percent for film companies that shoot in Georgia in recent years have brought in an almost constant flow of production work, and have helped grow Savannah’s available crew and production staff. A locally based studio would further fuel that growth, Gant agreed.

“If we could get five movies a year with budgets of
$5 million to $10 million, the Savannah area could add 120 to 125 jobs,” Gant said. “And these would be really good-paying jobs.”

Other ancillary jobs would follow, he said.

Not to be overlooked is the Savannah College of Art and Design, which not only provides a pool of interns but also graduates film students eager to return on larger films.

Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney and Alderman Van Johnson have been part of initial discussions for a studio. Alderman Johnson believes the city should entertain folding the city’s film office into the larger studio concept as part of the partnership. Being able to offer studio space is another enticement for producers considering locations, he said.

“I think it’s something that needs to be explored,” he said. “We can make ourselves much more attractive. It makes us more of a film market.”

Memorial University Medical Center Number 1 in neuroscience care!

2011-11-15T11:43:00.001-08:00

Memorial University Medical Center has been rated the number one hospital in Georgia for overall neuroscience services by a national source of physician and hospital quality outcomes information.

HealthGrades also listed Memorial in the top 10 percent nationally for stroke care and over all neuroscience services

Neuroscience services include stoke care, neurosurgery, back and neck surgery, including spinal fusion and overall spine surgery with Memorial achieving a five-star rating in each category.

“We go to great lengths to provide the best care for our patients,’’ said Maggie Gill. president and CEO at Memorial Health, parent corporation for Memorial University Medical Center. “Being recognized as the No. 1 hospital in Georgia for overall neuroscience services is a tremendous honor and a tribute to our hard-working team.”

Kerry Hicks, HeathGrades CEO, adds, “We commend Memorial University Medical Center for its superior quality and support of consumerism and transparency in the Savannah market area.”

HealthGrades provides objective clinical outcomes and access to actionable quality measures to empower patient choice, Hicks added..

Made here at home: Daniel Defense

2011-11-14T13:51:00.001-08:00

BRYAN CO., GA (WTOC) -

It was 10 years ago when Marty Daniel, by chance, turned his hobby for building guns into a worldwide small arms manufacturing business known as Daniel Defense.

"There were some components I wanted for my own weapons that weren't available," said Daniel. "I talked another manufacturer into building a hundred. I only needed 4, so I had to sell the other 96 of them. We set up a website. It was alot of fun. From there, we have grown into a firearms manufacturer that manufactures from raw material to finished guns."

The business has developed over the years from component sales in the commercial market to rifle sales.

"I think we are unique because we found a niche in the market where we want to built the absolute best firearms in the world. We are accomplishing that and continuing to raise the bar on that and doing it with people we found right here at home. We are having great success," said Daniel.

Each day, 50 rifles are manufactured at their plant in Black Creek and distributed across the world.

"These guns were built yesterday and they will be out the door today," said Daniel. "They are all pre-sold and we are sold out for about three to four months right now. We have a high demand product and we are continually stepped up production," said Daniel.

Daniel Defense also provides military firearms. They won a contract in 2003 to upgrade all m4's for the Special Forces.

"We love working for them and being a part of giving them the best tools they need to get the job done," said Daniel. "We are proud of the work they do and we support them."

Daniel Defense provides protection that is made here locally and used to defend people all across the world.

The company hopes to expand their rifle selection in the years to come and move into the handgun business by 2015.

Their long term goal is to capture 10 percent of the gun market.

For information on the company and to apply for a position visitwww.danieldefense.com/.

Nearly 4 out of 5 burglars use social networks!

2011-11-12T08:14:00.001-08:00

According to a study out of the United Kingdom from Credit Sesame, approximately 78 percent of ex-burglars use Twitter, Foursquare and Facebook to identify properties with absent homeowners. This includes people that use location-enabled status updates or pictures to identify when they are at work or on an extended vacation. In addition, nearly three out of four ex-burglars use Google Street View to check out the quality of the home in addition to various escape routes within a neighborhood. The typical home invasion costs the homeowner just over $2,000 in the United States and robbery that occurs during the day usually yields higher losses than burglars that break in during the night.

The demographic most likely to tweet a location are Americans between 18 to 34 years old and approximately 15 percent of Americans regularly use social networks to state when they have left the home. According to the ex-burglars, 80 percent of first attempts to break into a home are typically unsuccessful and 78 percent would be driven off by a simple alarm system. On average, it takes a burglar about two minutes to break into a home and the average amount of time spent within the home is about ten minutes. Some of the the most common mistakes that homeowners make besides social updates include hiding a key near the front entrance, leaving UPS or Fedex deliveries on the front porch, leaving windows open and leaving valuables out in plain view of people walking through the neighborhood.

The ex-burglars also recommended steps to ensure greater social security including altering Facebook privacy settings to make sure the public can't see location updates and restricting friend list additions to actual friends. Other steps include refraining from updates about extended vacations and avoiding posting photos of expensive items taken within the home or photos that list the location of the home.

Courtney Station Proudly Supports the Toys for Tots Foundation.

2011-11-11T06:53:00.001-08:00

We are officially a local drop off location for the Toys for Tots Foundation. Please bring gently used toys, brand new toys or toy's that your children have grown out of & donate them to a child in need of a furry little friend.

Savannah Georgia Marine Toys For Tots Foundation

2011-11-11T06:28:00.001-08:00

2011 Toys for Tots Events:

- November 18th: Fairway Lincoln Mazda @ 10101 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA; Time: 0900 - 1900

- November 26th: The Black Marlin Bayside Grill @ 86 Helmsman Way, Suite 103, Hilton Head, SC; Time: 1600 - 2200

- November 28th - October 2nd: 1st Annual Stuff a Bus Toy Drive @ Oglethorpe Mall, Savannah, GA; Time: 0800 - 1800

- December 2nd: Lights on for Tybee @ Tybee Island, GA

- December 2nd: Holiday Stop & Shop @ 111 Birch Dr., Beaufort, SC; Time: 1100-1800

- December 2nd: Enmark Savannah Bridge Run Expo @ Savannah Civic Center; Time: 0900-1900

- December 3rd: Enmark Savannah Bridge Run @ Savannah Civic Center; Time: 0600-1200

- December 7th: Martinis At the Mansion @ 700 Drayton St., Savannah, GA; Time: 1700-2000

- December 9th: Indigo Run Golf Club Toy Drive @101 Berwick Dr, Hilton Head, SC; Time: 1730 - 1930

- December 9th: 2011 YMCA Angel Tree @ 6400 Habersham St., Savannah, GA; Time: 1800-1930

- December 10th: Military Appreciation Day @ Hilton Head, SC; Time: 1000-1400

- December 10th: Breakfast with Santa @ 2 Grass Lawn Ave, Hilton Head, SC; Time: 1200 - 1700

- December 10th: Lady's Island Country Club @ 139 Francis Marion Circle; Time: 1200 - 1700

- December 16th: Antique Automobile Club of America Christmas Party @ Carey Hillards, 11111 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA,Time: 1830 - TBD

- December 17th: Warren Christmas Party @ 7 Amarella Lane, Savannah, GA; Time: 1700-TBD

- December 18th: Landings Christmas Parade @ The Landings; Time: TB

Military service members honored on Veterans Day - WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports |

2011-11-11T06:23:00.000-08:00

Military service members honored on Veterans Day - WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports |

Streets to Close This Morning for Veterans Day Parade

2011-11-11T06:08:00.001-08:00

The Veterans Day Parade will begin at Abercorn and Gwinnett streets at 10:50 a.m. Friday.

It will proceed north on Abercorn to Oglethorpe Avenue, where it will continue west to Montgomery Street. The parade will then move north on Montgomery to Broughton Street where it will proceed east until its end at East Broad Street.
Several streets will close Friday morning for Savannah’s annual Veterans Day Parade.

The intersections will be closed from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. for the parade. Before the parade begins the staging area is expected to impact three blocks from Gwinnett Street south to Henry Street, Drayton Street, Abercorn Street and Lincoln Street.

There will be NO PARKING signs clearly posted along the staging area and parade route. SCMPD is asking for the public’s assistance by finding alternate parking between the hours from 7 a.m., until after the parade.

The parade begins at Abercorn and Gwinnett streets and travels north to Liberty Street, west to Montgomery, north to Broughton Street, east to East Broad Street, and south on East Broad Street, where it will disband. We expect the parade to be finished by 1 p.m.

Drivers should look for alternate routes.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner.. serve fresh cranberry relish on your menu

2011-11-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again ... the time when bags of cranberries arrive on the shelves of our markets produce sections.

Prior to refrigerated trucking, you could not find cranberries if you lived too far from a grower.

In 1912, the United Cape Cod Cranberry Company was formed and began the commercial process of canning a cooked cranberry and sugar sauce.

The canned sauce could be shipped anywhere and became so popular that it evolved into a national traditional favorite to accompany roasted turkey.

But nowadays fresh cranberries are available nationwide, and the chefs of the Culinary Institute of America encourage you to try making your own cranberry relish this holiday season.

“Fresh cranberries are round like large marbles with a deep red color and a very tart flavor,” says CIA chef Robert Mullooly.

“They should be plump and bright and are excellent when paired with sweeter fruits to balance their tartness,” said Mullooly.

“If you prefer to make this dish without alcohol, you can substitute additional orange juice for the triple sec or Grand Marnier.”

The cranberry is one of two berries — along with the blueberry — native to North America. It’s an unusual fruit in that it grows in wet bogs primarily in the American North.

Wisconsin is the heaviest producer, followed by Massachusetts, but cranberries are also grown in New Jersey and the Pacific Northwest.

So go grab a bag of those beautiful fresh cranberries, and with just a few ingredients, you can make and serve this quick and delicious recipe for your guests this holiday season.

ON THE WEB

Go to savannahnow.com/accent to watch CIA’s Chef Robert Mullooly demonstrate how to prepare Fresh Cranberry Relish.

FRESH CRANBERRY RELISH

One 12-ounce bag of fresh or frozen cranberries

1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup orange juice

1/4 cup orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Triple Sec

2 to 3 tablespoons orange marmalade

1. If using fresh cranberries, wash, pick through, and dry them thoroughly.

2. In a medium saucepan, mix 1/3 cup of sugar with the cranberries and the remaining ingredients. Taste to adjust sweetness and add more sugar if desired.

3. Place over medium-high heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until the berries pop.

4. You may serve hot or cold.

Makes 6 servings

Nutrition Analysis per 1-ounce serving: 40 calories, 0 g protein, 9 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol, less than 1 g dietary fiber.

Georgia Suspends Three Running Backs...

2011-11-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

ATHENS -- Georgia star freshman Isaiah Crowell and two other tailbacks are suspended for Saturday's game against New Mexico State, the school confirmed this afternoon, leaving the Bulldogs with two former walk-ons available at the position.

Crowell, Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcome are suspended for one game for a "violation of team policies," the school said in a statement released this afternoon.

Second-leading rusher Richard Samuel is already out a minimum of four weeks after undergoing surgery on his left ankle this morning, according to coach Mark Richt.

That leaves redshirt sophomore Brandon Harton and senior Wes Van Dyk as tailbacks available. Both are former walk-ons. Harton has rushed for 33 yards on 11 carries, all against Coastal Carolina. Van Dyk had one carry for one yard also in that game.

Richt did not mention the impending suspensions when he held his regular noon news conference today. He answered questions about the backup tailbacks with brief answers.

Crowell is fifth in the SEC with 689 rushing yards. Samuel has 240 yards rushing and Thomas 200.

Courtney Station's Halloween Bash Costume Contest Winners are....

2011-11-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

1st Place - Family

Tim Connelly, Agnes Connelly & their two beautiful little girls Alexandra & Isabel Connelly

2nd Place- Father & Son

Brandon & Sebastian Setzer

3rd Place- Family

Philippe Beaulieu-Thibault, Marie Berube & Raphael Beaulieu & Baby

Thank you to everyone who participated & We hope you enjoyed this year's Halloween Bash!

To Do List

2011-10-28T11:49:00.001-07:00

Children can trick or treat in Savannah on Monday, Oct. 31. Effingham County also is celebrating Halloween on that day. The Chatham County Commission has designated 6 p.m. as the time for youngsters to start trick-or-treating.

5 p.m. Oct. 31, SCAD Museum of Art, 601 Turner Blvd. “Extinction,” a narrative short by Savannah College of Art and Design film and television professor Kevin McCarey, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, will be screened. McCarey will lead a question-and-answer session after the screening. The screening is free and open to the public with paid admission to the museum, which ranges from $5 to $10. The 30-minute film was shot locally, but is set on the coast of South Africa. About 100 SCAD students and professors assisted on the film. For information, go to extinctionfilm.com or call 912-525-7191.

8 p.m. Oct. 28, Muse Arts Warehouse, 703 Louisville Road. The 1979 film is one of the most influential zombie movies ever made. Tickets are $10, which includes candy. Suitable for mature audiences only. For more information and to see a trailer of the film, go to MuseSavannah.org.

8 p.m. Nov. 2, Sentient Bean Coffeehouse, 13 E. Park Ave. The Psychotronic Film Society will present the Euro crime epic “Milano Trema” (“The Violent Professionals”). The 1973 Italian film is an homage to “Dirty Harry” and is in Italian with English subtitles. It is suitable for ages 15 and older. Tickets are $6. Seating will begin at 7 p.m. For info and the trailer, go to sentientbean.com/events.

9-11 a.m. Oct. 29, Barnes & Noble, Oglethorpe Mall, 7804 Abercorn Extension. Enjoy activities such as face painting, story time, music and more. There will be special displays of books, toys and other resources for parents, teachers and friends of disabled children and adults. A percentage of purchases will benefit the Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund, a local nonprofit organization committed to inclusion at the college or vocational school level.

5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Mansion on Forsyth Park, 700 Drayton St. The “Fall Tour of New Works” by acclaimed artist Jean Claude Roy will be presented by The Kessler Collection’s Grand Bohemian Gallery. Sixty original oil paintings will be featured, and an artist’s reception will be held. Call 912-721-5007 for information.

Oct. 27. Chatham Area Transit is offering free rides to individuals who have scheduled a mammogram on Thursday at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Candler Hospital and the Telfair Breast Imaging Center as part of Paint the Town Pink’s fourth annual Mammogram Day. Mammograms will be offered 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at Telfair Pavilion at Candler Hospital, 5353 Reynolds St.; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Telfair Breast Imaging Center, 527 Eisenhower Drive; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Hospital, 11705 Mercy Blvd.; and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Mobile Mammography at the St. Joseph’s/Candler Medical Group-Pooler, 105 Grand Central Blvd. To schedule a mammogram, call 912-819-6800. The mammograms are not free, but funding is available through the Telfair Mammography Fund for women who don’t have insurance. Ask about it when you call for an appointment or call 912-819-7055.

7 p.m. Nov. 12, Tybee Post Theater, 10 Van Horn, Tybee Island. Enter today to win the top cash prize of $300, or come to the show and cheer on your favorite contestant. Admission is $10. Bring a small canned ham or other non-perishable item to the show and receive a free Tybee Post Theater koozie. Food will be donated as a special Thanksgiving food drive for Tybee’s Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry. Go to TybeePostTheater.org or TybeeArts.org, or call 912-596-4992 or 912-228-0357 for information.

Pet Events Around the Area

2011-10-28T10:19:00.001-07:00

PET EVENTS

Second Annual Savannah PAWrade

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 29, Lamara Street, adjacent to Habersham Village. Hosted by Jacob G. Smith Elementary and TailsSpin. Events include pet costume parade and contest, celebrity judges, music and food, children’s carnival, local artists, dog wash, pet nail trimming and TailsSpin’s signature low-cost pet microchipping and vaccine clinic. Fourteen of the Greater Savannah Pet Rescue Agencies are scheduled to participate. For information, call 691-8799 or emailinfo@TailsSpin.com.

Halloween Dog Costume Contest

Noon-1 p.m. registration, 1-2 p.m. contest, 2-5 p.m. match, Oct. 30, Daffin Park. The Savannah Kennel Club will be hosting their Annual Halloween Doggie Costume Contest and a Match Competition in Breed, Obedience, and Rally. Costume contest: $5 per dog; Match competition: $10 per dog. All proceeds from costume contest go to a rescue group. For information, call 912-508-4585 or 912-238-3170 or go to savannahkennelclub.org.

PetSmart Charities Weekend Adoption Event

2-6 p.m. Nov. 11; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13. PetSmart, 11132 Abercorn St. Looking for the perfect pet? Local animal welfare agencies will have their loving pets in the tent and the store. Find the perfect match for your family and bring home a forever friend in time for the holiday season. For information, call 912-598-7729 or email CONTACT@SaveALifePets.org.

4th Annual Save The Animals “Sock Hop”

7-11 p.m. Nov. 19. Tybee Island American Legion. Event features live DJ and show from “Girlfriends” featuring songs from 40s, 50s, 60s girl groups. Delicious food, catered by North Beach Grill, silent auction items — just in time to pick out your holiday gifts at great prices. Tickets are $25. All proceeds benefit The Milton Project to help abandoned animals. For information call 912-484-7355 or 912-695-0724.

Dog walks

ST. ALMO holds informal dog walks at 5 p.m. Sundays, weather permitting. Meet at Canine Palace, 612 Abercorn St. For information, call 912-234-3336.

Dog Days

4 p.m. Wednesdays, Islands Branch Library, 125 Wilmington Road. Practice your reading skills with one of our furry friends. Ages five and older. For information, call 912-897-6233.

More Breast Cancer Awareness Events Starting Today Around the Area

2011-10-26T11:21:00.001-07:00

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENTS

OCT. 26

Charity Wine Dinner

6:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Ruth’s Chris Steak House. 111 W. Bay St. Enjoy an evening tasting selections from the Rodney Strong wine portfolio paired with an elegant five course dinner. $100++. Profits from the Rodney Strong dinner will benefit the Nancy Lewis Cancer Research Center for Breast Cancer. For information, call 912-721-4800.

OCT. 29

2nd Annual Pink Honda-ween Spooktacular

10 a.m. Oct. 29. Southern Motors Honda, 10300 Abercorn St. Costume contest to be held at 2 p.m. Free food, drinks, moon bounces, face painting, a raffle. Raffle tickets $1 each with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer research. For information, go to southernmotorshonda.net.

Paint the Pier Pink

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Oct. 29. Tybee Island pier. Sponsored by the Tybee Island YMCA. Events include Pink Paddle Out (bring your surfboard, paddle board or kayak), Zumba party on the pier, yoga on the beach, live DJ, raffle, pink fire truck and cruiser and more. Hot Headz Salon will be putting pink strips in hair. Donations accepted. Proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure Coastal Georgia. For information, call 786-9622 or emailleah.sparks@ymcaofcoastalga.org.

Mammograms Available

SouthCoast Imaging Center, 1326 Eisenhower Drive, Building One. Saturday, October 29th: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Walk-ins welcome throughout the month of October. For information, call 912-691-4200. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays:
7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wednesdays: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Savannah State Homecoming/Survivor Recognition Event

2 p.m. Oct. 29. Savannah State is going pink. Susan G. Komen for the Cure Coastal Georgia Affiliate will have a booth where they will give out educational materials and sell merchandise. Savannah State will be doing a fundraiser for the day (selling pink ribbon cut-outs) and will host a survivor recognition event either pre-game or at half-time.

NOV. 13

5th Annual Joyce Harrison Memorial Bicycle Poker Run

Noon Nov. 13, Doc’s Bar,
10 16th St., Tybee Island. Tybee’s largest bicycle poker run (scooters, golf carts, etc. are okay, too) to raise awareness for cancer screening and a joy ride to celebrate the memories of loved ones lost to cancer. All proceeds from event are donated to The Anderson Cancer Institute (donations are used toward patient care). Tickets are $25 per rider. For information, call 912-227-4229.

ONGOING

Take the ‘Pink Pledge’

Throughout October, dressbarn seeks to attract a minimum of 261,000 “Pink Pledges” from women who will commit themselves to getting a mammogram, eating healthier or taking bold steps to ward off breast cancer or catch it at an early stage. A dedicated website —www.yourdressbarn.com/mypinkpledge — will urge women to take the ‘Pink Pledge,’ a public promise to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle. The site will also share stories of breast cancer survivors, and invite users to add their own stories of inspiration. In addition, they will once again raise funds by selling a stuffed plush dog named Lilac, with all net profits donated to the American Cancer Society.

Photography proceeds to benefit Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia

Lizard Eye Photo will be donating 20 percent of all portrait sitting fees and wedding package prices to Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia from now until Nov. 30. To receive the 20 percent discount, portraits and wedding packages must be booked between now and Nov. 30 but does not have to happen during that time. For information, call 912-604-5857 or go to lizardeyephoto.com.

Bark Back Against Breast Cancer

In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Oliver Bentleys announces its Bark Back Against Breast Cancer™ campaign. Special edition pink labeled tins of the artisanal Ollie B. Dog Biscuits® are available at OliverBentleys.com. One dollar from the sale of each tin will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Oliver Bentleys Ltd® will then match the donation for each special edition tin sold from the company’s website, making the total contribution two dollars per tin.

Get A Mammogram on Thursday

2011-10-26T11:20:00.001-07:00

Chatham Area Transit is offering free rides to individuals who have scheduled a mammogram on Thursday at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Candler Hospital and the Telfair Breast Imaging Center as part of Paint the Town Pink’s 4th Annual Mammogram Day.

Mammograms will be offered at:

• Telfair Pavilion - Candler Hospital, 5353 Reynold St., 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Telfair Breast Imaging Center - Eisenhower,
527 Eisernhower Drive,
8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• St. Joseph’s Hospital, 11705 Mercy Blvd., 8 a.m.-
5 p.m.

• Mobile Mammography - at the St. Joseph’s/Candler Medical Group - Pooler,
105 Grand Central Blvd.,
9 a.m.-4 p.m.

If you want to book a mammogram, call 912-819-6800.

The mammograms are not free, but funding is available through the Telfair Mammography Fund for women who don’t have insurance. Ask about it when you call for an appointment or call 912-819-7055.

Attention All Residents...

2011-10-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday picked for Trick-or-Treating in Chatham County

2011-10-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

Chatham County and municipal leaders demonstrated on Monday a united front against Halloween confusion.

During an early evening press conference, Chatham Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis and the county's mayors endorsed Saturday as the day for trick-or-treaters to hit the streets, since the holiday falls on Sunday this year.

Go to savannahnow.com/contests to enter for your chance to win cool prizes by uploading a Halloween costume photo of you, your pets or children.

"We're interested in the safety of our children," Liakakis said. "The police will be out in force."

Liakakis said the change is meant to address the concerns some parents had about celebrating Halloween on their day of worship. And, while the public schools will be closed for a planning day on Monday, many private school students will still need to get up early for their classes, Liakakis said.

Acknowledging the members of Chatham's Jewish community, Mayor Otis Johnson noted their Saturday Sabbath ends at sunset, which allows for trick-or-treating that night.

"I think we will all have a safe and happy Halloween," Johnson said.

Sunday Halloweens have traditionally led to uncertainty.

The last time it occurred was in 2004. That year, Tybee Island celebrated on a Saturday, while children in Savannah and the unincorporated county collected candy on Sunday.

Parents and government officials will get a bit of a reprieve after this year's holiday; the next time Halloween falls on Sunday will not be until 2021.

Told of the plan while visiting Oglethorpe Mall on Monday, mother Shauna Butler did not really care which day the holiday was celebrated. She was just excited about taking her 13-month-old son on his first Halloween outing.

"He's going to enjoy it either way," Butler said.

The cities of Richmond Hill and Pembroke in Bryan County, as well as unincorporated Bryan County, have also announced their intentions for children to celebrate Halloween on Oct. 30. In addition, Rincon, Springfield and Guyton in Effingham County all have scheduled trick-or-treating for Oct. 30.

Halloween Festivals Occuring this Month in and Around Savannah!

2011-10-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is a list of 2011 Halloween events and fall festivals going on around the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. The list is being updated regularly as we get the events in. To submit your event for this list, email us atnewsrelease@wtoc.com.

SAVANNAH AREA - CHATHAM COUNTY

Savannah Halloween
Date: Oct. 31
Details: The city of Savannah says Halloween will be observed on Monday.

Sixth Annual Wag o Ween
12-4 p.m.
Date: Oct. 22
Details: Trick or treat event for dogs. Raffle tickets also on sale for two prizes: a night at the Mansion or a night at the Hyatt.
Contact: For more details call 912.508.3336 or go to the group's website.

Halloween Dog Costume Contest
Time: 12-5 p.m.
Date: Oct. 30
Details: Savannah Kennel Club hosts its annual Halloween Doggie Costume Contest and a Match Competition. Registration noon to 1 p.m.; Contest 1 to 2 p.m.; Match 2 to 5 p.m. Costume contest $5 per dog; match competition $10 per dog. Proceeds from costume contest go to rescue group.
Contact: Eduardo Rivas at 912.508.4585 or Kelly Meyer at 912.238.3170.

Fall Festival
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Date: Oct. 8
Details: Face and pumpking painting, bounce houses, corn stalks, wheat straw. Old Savannah Garden & Produce at the corner of Montgomery Crossroads and Marcus Place.
Contact: 912.355.1986.

Fall Festival
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Date: Oct. 27
Details: West Broad Street YMCA at the gym at the 1110 May St. Volunteers from Savannah State, Armstrong, FedEx, Junior League, South University, and dozens of other community organizations will be present to help put on children's games and activities.

Fall Fun Fair
Time: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Date: Oct. 29
Details: At Kicklighter Academy. Gnate the Sand Gnat will be there at 11 a.m. Bounce houses, fire trucks, police cars, and carnival booths. Wear a costume and participate in the parade of costumes. Thrift sale opens at 8 a.m. Bake sale, hamburgers and hotdogs.
Contact: 912.355.7633

Garden City Fall Festival
Time: 3-8 p.m.
Date: Oct. 22
Details: Garden City Town Center at 100 Central Ave. The Garden City Fall Festival Hog Chop features children's games and activities, live Southern rock, military, police and fire displays, the Midway Lemonade Girls and more. The evening ends with a fireworks display.
Contact: 912.966.7777 or go to www.gardencity-ga.gov

Superhero and Princess Halloween Carnival
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Date: Oct. 28.
Details: Don Logana hosts the carnival at Leoci's Trattoria. All proceeds benefit the Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. Admission $30 per family up to 4 children. Each additional child is $5. Admission includes pizza, soda, candy. Activities: Face painting, artists, karaoke and more. Spiderman, Captain America, Wonder Woman, Batman and other characters will greet the kids. Savannah-Chatham Metro Police will be doing free fingerprinting and McGruff the Crime Dog will be there and will lead the Halloween Costume parade around the neighborhood at 7:30 p.m.

All Souls Night
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Oct. 15
Details: Savannah Danse Theatre presents. Show takes place at Trustees Theater. Fabulously frightening benefit and silent auction. Tickets $30 per person; $50 per couple; $15 child. Preshow bash 6 p.m. Bites and bubbly. Sweet Treats Barre & Witches Brew. Winner of $300 in IDA money is announced. Taste many different dishes and vote in the recipe contest.
Contact: www.savannahdance.com or call 912.897.2102.

Corn Maze
Time: Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 1-10 p.m.; Sun. 2-7 p.m.
Date: Oct. 15-Nov. 20
Details: Ottawa Farms at 702 Bloomingdale Rd. in Bloomingdale. Hayrides, inflatables, maze, and more. $8 ages 6 and older. Price does not include corn cannon, refreshments or items bought in the story. Last tickets sold 30 minutes before closing. Contact: 912.748.3035 or see the Ottawa Farms website.

Rotary Trick or Trot 10k, 5k
Time: Race day registration 6:30-7:30 a.m.; Race time 8 a.m.; Raffle 7 a.m. to the end of the race, Face painting 8 -9 a.m., and the costume contest is judged at 9 a.m.
Date: Oct. 29
Details: Savannah Sunrise Club Rotarians host annual charity race at Wilmington Island's May Howard School. Event raises funds for Midtown Community Center, West Broad Street YMCA, and SAFE Shelter. Participants are encourage to dress in costume. Prizes awarded for outstanding costumes. Face painting, raffle, displays of other Rotary sponsored projects. Early registrants get $5 discount.
Contact: Register online at www.TrickorTrot.net.

Fall Family Festival
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 11 a.m. Bamboo Artifacts Museum Opening Ceremony.
Date: Oct. 22
Details: Facepainting, pony rides, mini train ride, plant vendors, arts and crafts vendors and more. Ronald McDonald will be in the Cottage Garden at 11 a.m. Visit with firefighters and their fire engines. Meet the Mosquito Control crew. Growing bananas lectures at 9:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the banana patch.
Contact: For details, call 912.921.5460 or go to www.ugaextension.com/bamboo.

Savannah PAWrade
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Date: Oct. 29
Details: Pet parade and contest. Music, food, children's carnival, dog wag, low-cost microchipping and vaccine clinic. Takes place on Lamara Street next to Habersham Village. Hosted by Jacob G. Smith Elementary and TailsSpin.

"Hag Hunt" Guided Ghost Investigations
Time: Varies
Date: Oct. 1-31
Details: 21 and older only. All equipment and tutorial provided. Limited to 14 guests per investigation. Cost $100. Investigations are approximately 4 hours long.
Contact: 912.344.0864 or go to Blue Orb Tours website.

St. James School Fall Festival
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Date: Oct. 22
Details: Takes place at 8412 Whitfield Ave. at Montgomery Crossroads.Games, inflatable bounce houses & slides, face painting, a rock climbing wall, jousting, a hay ride, horse rides, a boat pond, bake sale, cake walk, craft market, karaoke, a dunk tank, food & drinks & so much more! Tickets will be available at the fesitval. Chicken dinners will be available for pick up the day of the festival but orders must be place by Oct. 14. Chicken dinners $7, which includes grilled chicken, potato salad, green beans, a roll & iced tea.
Contact: For more information, contact Angie Beck at 912.354.9456 or Carlyle Dorroh at 912.349.2766.

Trunk-or-Treat
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Date: Oct. 29
Details: It will be held at Canaan Community Church located at 2401 Elgin St. in Savannah. There will be games, food, prizes for best costume, and face painting.
Contact: For more details, call Linda Loadholt at 912.604.9865 or Brenda Hall at 912.920.0600.

Corn Maze
Time: Times vary. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri. school field trips only. 5-10 p.m. Fridays corn maze and play area; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sat. hayride and farm activities close at 5 p.m.
Date: Oct. 1-30.
Details: Poppell Farms at 1765 Hyma Poppell Loop. Admission varies. New this year is a hop-a-long rodeo; petting farm; 10-acre corn maze; cow train; duck races; crop hopper and more.
Contact: Call for details 912.586.2215 or 912.586.6380 or go to PoppellFarms.com.

A-MAIZE-ing Race 5K & Pumpkin Patch Trot
Time: Pumpkin Patch Trot 8 a.m., A-Maize-ing Race 5K 8:30 a.m.
Date: Oct. 15
Details: Race registration closes Oct. 5 at 11:59 PM PST. Event takes place at Poppell Farms at
1765 Hyma Poppell Loop.
Contact: Call Kathy Broadhead at 912.427.4707 or Tanya Poppell at 912.586.2215. See active.com website to register.

Festive Fall Fund-raiser
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Oct. 15
Details: Savannah Danse Theatre hosts fund-raiser at Trustees Theatre. Includes performance, silent auction and more.
Contact: For tickets call 912.525.5050 or http://tickets.scadboxoffice.com/.

Stockade Storage 2nd Annual Halloween Bash
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Date: Oct. 28
Details: At 782 King George Blvd. Trick or Treating for the kids, Kid's costume contest, haunted house Bring a can food item for the Second Harvest Food Bank.
Contact: 912.925.2003.

2^nd Annual Pink Honda-week Spooktacular
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Oct. 29
Details: Southern Motors Honda at 10300 Abercorn St. Costume party. Costume contest at 2 p.m. Winners announced at 3 p.m. Free food, drinks, moon bounces, face painting. A $300 raffle. Raffle tickets are $1 each and proceeds go to breast cancer research. Raffle tickets are available starting Oct. 10. Must be present at the Pink Honda-ween Spooktacular to win.

Trick or Treat
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Date: Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Oct. 31
Details: Bass Pro Shops at Savannah Mall will offer Trick or Treating throughout the stores. Look for the orange and black balloons to mark in-store locations that are passing out treats.

Habersham YMCA Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Date: Oct. 28
Details: Moonbounces, games, crafts, a hayride and a cakewalk. Come dressed as your favorite costume (please, no scary or violent costumes) and Trunk or Treat.
Contact: For questions call 912.354.6223.

Talahi Island Fall Festval
Time: 2-6 p.m.
Date: Oct. 23
Details: 532 Quarterman Dr.
Contact: Talahicc@gmail.com

Islands Family YMCA Pumpkin Patch
Time: 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Date: Weekdays Oct. 3-14
Details: Pumpkin Patch at the Islands YMCA begins Oct. 3. The is available for children in kindergarten- 2nd grade, daycare and church groups.
Contact: For more information or to make reservations call 912.897.1192.

Islands Family YMCA Fall Festival
Time: 11 a.m. -3 p.m.
Date: Oct. 22
Details: This event is open to the public and will include fall fun and activities for all ages.
Contact: For more information call 912.897.1192.

West Chatham YMCA Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Date: Oct. 21
Details: Donate a canned good item for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. There will be more than 20 trunks filled with treats for the kids, pumpkin decorating, snacks, games, costume contests.
Contact: 912.748.9622

TYBEE ISLAND

Fall Festival
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Date: Oct. 15
Details: Hayrides, dunking booth, food, rides and more. Tybee Lighthouse Grounds 30 Meddin Dr.
Contact: 912.786.5801 or see the city of Tybee website.

Tybee Island YMCA Pumpkin Patch/Spooky Skate
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Date: Oct. 21
Details: The Pumpkin Patch will run from 6-7 p.m. Enjoy a snack while painting a free pumpkin. The Spooky Skate runs from 7- 9 p.m. Skate the night away dressed in your costume. There will be a costume contest, glow sticks and more. Please bring a food item to donate to Rising TYde Community Food Pantry.
Contact: For more information call 912.786.9622.

BRYAN COUNTY

MIDWAY

Haunted Schoolhouse
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29
Details: Admission $5. Recommended for ages 7 and older. Dorchester Village Civic Center at 1804 Islands Highway.
Contact: For more details call 912.884.3342 or go to www.dorchesterciviccenter.com.

RICHMOND HILL

Candle Lantern Tour of Ft. McAllister
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Date: Oct. 22
Details: $3.50 - $5. Tour the grounds by candlelight. Soldiers go through their nightly duties and chores.
Contact: 912.727.2339 or see the park's website.

BULLOCH COUNTY

Bulloch County Fall Festival
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Oct. 28
Details: Mill Creek Park. Free event. Costume registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Wear your Halloween costume. Large candy trail, play games, bring your pet to enter them into the costume contest too. Festival food from vendors.
Contact: Shelley Salter at 912.764-5637. See schedule here.

STATESBORO

Scare on the Square
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: Oct. 29
Details: Costume contest, thriller dance and more.
Contact: 912.764.7227 or email mainstreet@statesborodowntown.com.

Scare in the Boro
Time/Date: Oct. 28 6:30-10 pm; Oct. 29 7:30-10; Oct. 31
Details: $3 per person, per entry into the River of Screams. Lazy River will not have water in it during event. Ages 13 and older. On Oct. 28, the event will host a younger crowd from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tame Hour. River of Screams will then reopen on that day at 8:30 for ages 13 and older.
Contact: 912.764.5637 or see the event website.

EFFINGHAM COUNTY

Effingham County
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Oct. 31
Details: The county has designated these hours for trick-or-treat ing and there will be additional deputies patrolling neighborhoods, according ot the Effingham County Sheriff's Office.

Effingham County Farmers Market & Fall Harvest Festival
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Date: Oct. 22
Details: The Effingham County Farmers Market will kick off its inaugural market with The Fall Harvest Festival in downtown Springfield at the Methodist Campground across from the fairgrounds.
Contact: 912.704.7651 or 912.754.6666 or email melissa@madracfarms.com, bbennett@cityofspringfield.com.

Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Date: Oct. 29
Details: Hosted by Power's Baptist Church at 1104 Hwy. 80 in Eden.
Contact: Call Kaye Cooper at 912.433.4118 or Olivia Coleman at 912.748.3974.

LIBERTY COUNTY

FLEMING

Fleming Baptist Church Fall Festival
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Date: Oct. 31
Details: Free fun including games, hay ride, a chili cookoff and make candy apples. Event takes place at 3526 N. Coastal Highway 17 in Fleming.
Contact: Call for details 912.884.5759.

HINESVILLE

Scarecrow Stroll and Beggars Night
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Date: Oct. 28
Details: The event includes giveaways, scarecrow displays, a "Not So Haunted" tour of the old jail, a free movie in the park and more.
Contact: 912.876.3564

LONG COUNTY

10th Annual Long County Volunteer Fire Department Station 4 Haunted House
Date: Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
Time: 8 - 11:30 p.m.Details: Come and enjoy a full filled night with all the ghosts and goblins in the haunted houses and forest. Visit the dead in the dreaded cemetery and watch out while on the hay ride for what lurks in the night.
Price: Adults $5 and children under 12 $3. Adult supervised play area with toys and games for the little ones.
Contact: Margie Deloach 912.237.1309.

APPLING COUNTY

Appling County Trick or Treat
Date: Oct. 31
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

TATTNALL COUNTY

Tattnall County Trick or Treat
Date: Oct. 31
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

TOOMBS COUNTY

Trick or Treat
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Date: Oct. 31
Details: According to the chamber of commerce, Halloween trick-or-treat for the cities of Vidalia, Lyons and Mount Vernon will be Monday.

SOUTH CAROLINA

BEAUFORT

Trick or Treat
Time: 5–6:30 p.m.
Date: Oct. 27
Details: Bay Street and beyond in downtown Beaufort. Presented by Main Street Beaufort, Co-sponsored by The Beaufort Police Department and the merchants of downtown Beaufort. 843.525.6644.

BLUFFTON

Blufton Zombie Mile Run
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Oct. 28
Details: Promenade in downtown Bluffton. Fees vary. Registration ends Oct. 26.
Contact: See the event website. Or register for the race here.

Trick or Treat TangerStyle
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Date: Oct. 29
Details: Halloween/Harvest Festival and Trick-Or-Treat at Tanger Center 2 Hilton Head. Geared toward children 12 and younger. It will be held in the courtyard near shopper services at the Tanger 2 center.
Contact: For more details call 843.837.4339 or go to the Tanger Outlet website.

Kids College Fall Festival
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Oct. 14
Details: at 17 Goeth Rd. Facepainting, hayrides, games, pumpkin decorating, costume contests and more. $2 per child. Food, games and other activities require tickets. 25 tickets for $10. 10 tickets for $5.
Contact: For details, call 843.757.9150.

BEAUFORT

The Exchange Club of Beaufort's Ghost Tours
Time: Times vary
Date: Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 & 30
Details: Carriage ride or walking tours through Beaufort's historic district. Storytellers tell haunting tales of the area. Proceeds benefit Child Abuse Prevention Association.
Carriage tours are $20 for adults; $10 per child ages 3-11. Walking tours: $12 all ages.
Contact: For reservation and times call 843.524.4678 or go to their website.

Third Annual Habersham Harvest Festival
Time: 12-6 p.m.
Date: Oct. 22
Details: At Habersham Marketplace off of Joe Frazier Road in Beaufort. Regionally expanded farmer's market and a celebration of food, fun, art, music and entertainment. Live music by Lowcountry Boil, crafts fair, hay rides, outdoor sports and games, a dog agility course, costume contest and games offered by Beaufort Dog. See website for more details.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Annual Harvest Festival
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Date: Oct. 29
Details: Hosted by Hilton Head Presbyterian Church. Parade of costumes; pie eating contest, cake walk, chili cookoff, Hilton Head Fire Dept. fire truck. Hot dogs, chips and drinks $2. Admission is 1 canned good per child.
Contact: 843.689.6362 or go to the church's website.

Fall Festival
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Date: Nov. 12
Details: Hosted by St. Andrew By-The-Sea on Hilton Head Island. All festival proceeds support the outreach and mission projects of the church. Food, live music, bazaar, baked goods, garden shop, used books, electronics, furniture, collectibles. Silent auction.
Contact: 843.785.4711.

OUTSIDE THE COASTAL EMPIRE & LOWCOUNTRY:

Fright Fest
Time: Times vary
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday in October; Friday evenings on Oct. 21, Oct. 28.
Details: Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Ga. Kids costume contest; Looney Tunes After Dark, McBoogles Hanson Cars; Bad Bob the Bone Butcher; Mr. Six's Spooktacular Dance Party; Percy Proton's Mad Science; Terror Train and more.
Contact: Park hours and more at sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

Halloween Horror Nights
Time: Times vary
Dates: Sept. 23-Oct. 31
Details: Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. Eight new haunted houses, six scare zones, two live shows and more.
Contact: Prices vary. See the park's website for more details.

Deciding on what to be this year for Halloween.

2011-10-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Seeing that Lady Gaga is among the most well-known singers in this new generation together with her matchless style, it has now created best for Halloween Costume Events. In reality, there’s a wide choice of Lady Gaga Halloween Costume obtainable in the market right now, however it is does not mean that it can be for you to pick which will be the very best dress the suits and looks greatest for you. So, to create issues easy for you to choose from hundreds of lady gaga halloween costumes you will find beneficial points that you have to take into account so you are able to comfortably and will look-like Lady Gaga.The quite very first thing which you have to keep in mind whenever you begin looking for the best dress would be to look for the style that match to your interest and will appear impressive as soon as you wear it with all additional accessories, makeups and sandals. This indicates that you simply need to figure out the most effective outfit for your personality, so it is possible to comfortably wear it with confidence. The next factor that you have to think about is the size of the dress you select. It means which you need to make certain that the chosen dress suits perfectly within your shape. Do not just select and get the desire dress without fitting it. The truth that you can find a good deal of dresses/costumes that you can select from, it is extremely essential that you are lady gaga halloween costume 2011 comfortable to what you wear. The last factor that you should remember would be to ensure that the chosen dresses go with your budget and taste. This indicates which you need to take into account the necessary accessories that you need to add and/or put to create a lot more impressive and stunning towards the eyes. With Lady Gaga Halloween Costume 2011, you are going to not just look various but you will able to encounter being Lady Gaga by wearing the dress from Lady Gaga’s idea, style and talent.
Aside from which you can also choose jessica rabbit costume, if you would like to appear sexy using the red dress. Jessica rabbit costume is just a straightforward red dress with red shoes and gloves that could make you look sexy and hot in the course of Halloween. The style of the dress was developed to have lengthy split in each sides of the dress to be able to show very good and firm legs. So, regardless of what you select as long as you are comfy and will look distinct from what you wear for the past Halloween Parties!

How to Set Up Your Wedding Registry

2011-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

You’ve picked a date and booked a venue. Now it’s time to get your wedding registry set up! Pre-selecting wedding gifts makes shopping easier for your wedding guests and will ensure you get exactly what you want and need. From traditional place settings to honeymoon room service, you can register for nearly anything these days. Read on to find out more about how to set up your bridal registry for in-store and online shopping.

Perfect your plan
Before you grab the scanner gun at the local department store, make a plan for your wedding registry. If you aren’t sure how to set up a registry, visit a neighborhood store and get advice from the clerks. They can advise you on which gifts to select so in-town and out-of-town guests will have an easy time shopping either in person at the store or online. Even if you plan to create your registry online, it’s smart to look at the products in the store so you can make sure the colors and sizes are exactly what you want.

When you give your wedding guests a wide range of options, you have a better chance of getting great gifts and fewer duplicates. Choose a mix of affordable and expensive items so individuals can pick up something small, like towels, while groups can pool their money for a bigger-ticket item, like a grill. If you want a set of items, such as cookware or knives, register for the entire set, as well as for individual items. Then, if you don’t receive the entire set, you can fill in the gaps with cash gifts or exchanges.

Be sure to set up your registry three to six months before your wedding so guests have plenty of time to shop. This time frame also allows you to include registry information in your invitation. You might also set up a custom wedding Web site and direct guests there for additional details about your different registries.

Provide creative choices
Wedding registries have traditionally been all about china patterns, crystal and flatware. Now the options have expanded to honeymoon packages, charitable donations and travel gear. Get creative with your gift selection and give your wedding guests a special way to buy unique wedding gifts that reflect their personal style and their good wishes for you.

Couples who have fully-furnished homes may not need as many household items, but might appreciate help paying for their honeymoon. Sites like Honeymoon Wishes invite guests to donate a dollar amount towards the honeymoon costs, or buy specific items like a bottle of wine in Italy or a massage at a Caribbean spa. Be sure to put some fun activities on the list like a scooter rental or breakfast in bed so shoppers can select a more personal gift.

You can also mix things up by registering at non-traditional stores. Of course, it’s great to have a least one registry at a large retailer likeTarget, Macy’s or Crate and Barrel. After that, try breaking the mold and registering at shops that suit you and your partner’s specific interests. If you just bought a home or are renovating, set up a wish list at Home Depot. Couples who enjoy the great outdoors can ask forcamping gear at REI. Philanthropic folks might want to share their big day with a favorite charity and select a donation registry.

Before you nail down your plan, brainstorm wedding registry ideas with your fiancé and surprise your wedding guests with a variety of places to shop.

Share your shopping
One final thought on how to set up a wedding gift registry — be sure to share the responsibilities. Sometimes one partner is more excited than the other about picking out patterns and finessing their flatware choices. Make an effort to get both of you involved in choosing the gifts and memories that will commemorate your wedding. If you and your partner have different styles, make sure that you both pick out items that you really want. And when you schedule a day of shopping, make sure to build in a reward at the end, like a nice dinner or a fun activity.

Getting married is a big step in life. Be prepared, take your time and have fun picking out a mix of traditional and non-traditional gifts to place in your registry so that, as a couple, you’ll get everything you want and need for a bright future together!

Finding the Right Athletic Shoe for Your Workout

2011-10-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re changing the way you exercise or just looking to buy new athletic shoes, you might need a little guidance in finding the right shoes for your workout. Here are some tips to make sure you get the best athletic shoes for your exercise situation (and for your feet.)

Different types of athletic shoes

Walking shoes should have good flexibility and support the foot’s natural motion. Running or jogging shoes are not quite the same: runners and joggers put more pressure on their feet, so running shoes need more cushioning.
There are also trail runners, designed for people who do a lot of running outdoors.
Hiking boots are different from trail runners. Your hiking-boot selection will vary depending on the grade of your typical hike and the amount of gear you plan to carry.
A new trend in running shoes are “minimalist” shoes, which emulate running barefoot. Barefoot runners use their feet differently than do runners in shoes with stronger soles, so expect some muscle soreness if you move to running in a minimalist shoe. Also, some people with flatter feet should not wear minimalist shoes.
Tennis shoes come in different varieties: a harder court demands a sole with greater tread. You’ll need a shoe that’s flexible, yet supportive, for moving quickly back and forth on the tennis court.
Basketball shoes usually have a stiff sole and a broad heel; a high-top shoe can help support your ankles during jumping.

Finding the right shoe

Look for specialists for your type of workout. If you run regularly, for example, find a local running store, or see if running associations in your area can make recommendations. If you’re just getting started with a workout style or sport, you can ask an instructor or personal trainer for store recommendations.
When you go to get your shoes, be honest and descriptive about what you need. If you go to a store that specializes in shoes for a particular sport, odds are they’ll have heard about every possible foot problem under the sun, and your feet will not be the widest, strangest, or weakest they have ever seen.
Make sure to wear good socks when you try shoes on.
Don’t expect a “break-in” period — if the shoe doesn’t feel right in the store, it still won’t after a few hours or days of wear. You should be able to move your toes in the shoe as soon as you put it on, for instance.
Don’t use your athletic shoe as a casual, everyday shoe; it will wear out faster and not give you the support you expect.

Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival Going until October 23rd

2011-10-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

The seventh annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival will be held in the charming and eclectic historic district of Bluffton, well known for its quirky art community and natural river beauty. The festival is a week-long event, Sunday through Oct. 23, offering a myriad of activities, showcasing the locally harvested seafood, delicious Lowcountry cuisine, rich history, culture and art of the area and Southern hospitality found only in Bluffton.

The highlight of the festival is the Streetfest which includes a juried fine art show featuring more than 90 artists from 10 different states displaying and selling their art, delicious food provided by the area’s premier restaurants and caterers and great music and entertainment on Oct. 22 and 23.

There will be no parking in downtown Bluffton. Free shuttles will be offered Saturday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

For more information, call 757-2583.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SUNDAY

Boat parade on the May — Blessing of the Fleet

Gospel music — Church of the Cross, 2 p.m.

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a special treat with Kim Pelote, a gospel singer who will be accompanied by Lavon Stevens on the bluff or join the parade in your own boat. Make plans now to gather at the sandbar before 1 p.m. and process to the Church of the Cross.

MONDAY

Tour & Oyster Roast at Waddell Mariculture Center, 5:30 p.m.

Reservations are required. $25 per person. Call Mary at 815-2472 or 815-2474.

Al Stokes, Manager/Wildlife Biologist IV, presents a tour of the Waddell Mariculture Center followed by a dinner buffet provided by The Bluffton Oyster Company. Dinner includes oysters, chili, cornbread, tea. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

TUESDAY

Kayak tours on
the May River

There will be two tours available: An “early bird” tour at 8 a,m, for $20 and a 10 a.m. tour for $25 per person. Price includes kayak and 1 1/2 hour tour around the May River. Anyone who has a kayak and wants to “tag along” can do so for free. There is a 17-person maximum for each tour, so be sure and call 843-684-3296 for reservations.

WEDNESDAY

Author Night with Mary Kay Andrews and Karen White at 6–8 p.m. at Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park.

Two best-selling Southern authors are highlights on Author Night.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & beverages provided; book sale and signing. $5 donation to Port Royal Sound Foundation (formerly Friends of the River) is requested per attendee. Reservations are required: call Mary at 843-815-2472 or 843-815-2474.

THURSDAY

Bluffton 5K Oyster Run kick-off party at the Rotary Community Center, Oscar Frazier Park - 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Race Packet Pick Up

FRIDAY

Family Night at The Promenade 6-9 p.m.

This festival event offers fun, food, storytelling, movies and activities for the whole family.

$5 donation per family to the Port Royal Foundation (formerly Friends of the Rivers) is requested.

Under Sea books will be read and stories told at Booksdelicious. Sidewalk Chalk Art; Environmental Activities and more for everyone’s enjoyment. Food and drink will be available for purchase at Parrot Cove Ice Cream Café. The featured movie will be shown in the park in front of Parrot Cove Ice Cream Café; BYO lawn chairs or blanket. Sponsored by Port Royal Foundation (formerly Friends of the Rivers), Booksdelicious and Parrot Cove Ice Cream Cafe

SATURDAY

Bluffton 5K Oyster Run — 8:30-10 a.m.

Children’s fishing tournament, Bluffton Oyster Co. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Register between 10-10:30 a.m. at The Oyster Factory. Weigh-In at 2 p.m. at the public dock at Calhoun Street. There is no fee. Prizes will be awarded.

Boat tours on the May River: Interpretive one-hour nature tours at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Cost is $20 per person; reservations recommended, call 800-686-6996 or book online at reservations.outsidehiltonhead.com/Info.aspx?ActivityID=428, Outside Hilton Head/Outside Palmetto Bluff

Art & Seafood Streetfest — 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Historic District Bluffton

Enjoy our juried art show featuring over 90 local and regional artists from 10 different states, displaying an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, water color and much, much more. Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. Cherish our Waterways and Low Country Environmental Exhibits. History of Bluffton at The Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center.

Roaming performers throughout the day:

• 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Carolina Clowns

• Noon-5 p.m. Yostie the Clown

• 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Gary Maurer

1-4 p.m. - Ben Matthews, juggler

MUSIC

Favorite local bands will entertain on two stages throughout the day

Main Stage:

• 10-11 a.m. Julie Gribble

• 1:30-3 p.m. Julie Gribble

• 3-5 p.m. Spike Ivory Band

Stage 2:

• 10 a.m.- Noon Alan Stockard

• Noon- 3 p.m. Lee Tyler Post

• 3-5 p.m. Jeff Beasley

Stage 3:

10 a.m. - Noon Mike Gabriel

Noon - 3 p.m. Richard Steven Midnight Blues

3 - 5 p.m. John Emil

The “Art of Cuisine” Iron Chef Challenge in Neptune’s Galley: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Join the fun and watch top chefs from the area compete to create the best seafood dishes.

Rockin’ on the Dock: 6 p.m.-dusk Bluffton Oyster Co.

Seafood Extravaganza Tasting — Music by Whitley Deputy

Fireworks at dusk

End the full day of activities with a grand finale.

Eat great local seafood and watch the fireworks for a night to remember.

SUNDAY

Art & Seafood StreetFest: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Historic District Bluffton

Enjoy the juried art show featuring more than 90 local and regional artists from 10 different states, displaying an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, water color and much, much more. Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. Cherish our Waterways and Low Country Environmental Exhibits. History of Bluffton at the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center

Roaming performers throughout the day:

• Noon - 4:30 p.m. Carolina Clowns

• 1-3 p.m. Gary Maurer

• 1-4 p.m. Fred Reisz, magician

• 1-4 p.m. Ben Matthews, juggler

MUSIC

Favorite local bands will entertain on the main stage throughout the day

Main Stage:

• Noon-3 p.m. Bam Jazz

• 3-5 p.m. The Trainwrecks

Stage 2:

• Noon-3 p.m. GT Summerlin & Misti Franklin

• 3-5 p.m. La Junta Jazz Collaborative

Stage 3:

• Noon - 3 p.m. Mike Korbar

• 3-5 p.m. Uncle Mike

Themed Recipes For Halloween Festivities

2011-10-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
Gummy Candy (Eyeballs, worms, spiders, frog legs, etc.)
Bamboo Skewers
Halloween style bowl or clear plastic bags

Directions:
Place Gummies onto the skewer, alternating from one style to the next. Insert the first gummy only half way through the top of the skewer, so the sharp point is not sticking out. From the bottom end, place Gummies onto the skewer, alternating from one style to the next. Serve Skewers in a Halloween style bowl or wrap in clear plastic bags for an easy party favor.

Chocolate Cauldron Fondue

Ingredients:
2 cups of semi sweet chocolate
¼ cup of butter
2 (14 ounce) cans of sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup water
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Suggested Dippables:
Halloween Peeps
Halloween Gummies
Salted Pretzel Sticks
Graham Crackers
Rice Crispy Treats
Fresh Fruit

Directions:
In a heavy saucepan, melt chocolate, butter, sweetened condensed milk and water over medium heat. Cook and stir constantly until thick. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the vanilla extract to the chocolate mix. Pour the complete fondue mixture into a warmed ceramic bowl placed in cauldron. Serve with your favorite Halloween sweets.

For More Themed Treats go to :

http://coastalmommies.com/page/2011/10/seasonal-themed-recipes?index=4&npid=668

Breast Cancer Awareness Events Happening All Around Savannah

2011-10-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENTS

OCT. 8

BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS — INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO HEALING

10 a.m.-noon Oct. 8, Mercer Auditorium in the Hoskins Center, Memorial Health Campus. A day of healing and celebration in which Memorial will host a breakfast, guest speakers and opportunities for you to try Integrative Medicine practices such as chair yoga, mediation, massage, reflexology, acupuncture and time to talk with a dietitian about healthy eating habits and much more. For information, call Sue Adler 912-350-8527.

Visit savannahnow.com/pink for latest news and more.

OCT. 11

CURVES OFFERS FREE LIVAID BREAST SELF-EXAM (BSE) KITS

Oct. 11 and Oct. 25, Curves of Savannah, 7720 Waters Ave. $5000 in LivAid Breast Self-Exam (BSE) kits will be donated to women in the community at two “birthday” parties being held during October. The kits will be demonstrated and the video with Olivia Newton-John will play during the party. These parties are free and open to the public but registration is required. For information, call 355-5562.

ILLUMINATE BREAST CANCER

6-8 p.m. Oct. 11, Held in the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion’s gardens, show your support by lighting a luminary in honor of a breast cancer survivor. Refreshments will be served. Donations can be made to the Mary Telfair Mammography Fund.

OCT. 20

TELFAIR PAVILION’S WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTION & EDUCATION SESSION ON SELF-BREAST EXAM

3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 20, Located inside Candler Hospital. We will be hosting a wine and cheese reception and educating the public on self-breast exams to promote breast cancer awareness.

OCT. 22

AWWIN PINK Benefit Walk

12 p.m. Oct. 22, Savannah Mall, 14045 Abercorn St. Join the fight with your team and/or sponsorship as AWWIN Inc. proudly presents the AWWIN PINK Walking with a Purpose Breast Cancer Walk. Proceeds will be used to assist low income women who are taking chemotherapy and preventative education. A portion of the proceeds will also be awarded to two institutions that assist low income women with mammography. For information, call 912-659-0241 or go to awwinpink.org.

OCT. 24

Habersham Y Goes Pink

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 24, Habersham YMCA 6400 Habersham St. The Habersham “Y Goes Pink” in honor of breast cancer awareness month. The St. Joseph’s/Candler Mobile Mammography Unit will be providing on-site mammograms (appointment required). A $10 donation will go to the Telfair Pavilion Mammography Fund. For information or to make your screening appointment, call Dede Roberts at 354-6223.

Y ‘Zumba in the Parking Lot’

4:15 p.m. Oct. 24, Habersham YMCA 6400 Habersham St. Join us in your pink attire at the Habersham YMCA for an afternoon of Zumba in the “Park”-ing lot. This fun filled evening will include various raffle prizes, giveaways, and recognize a Breast Cancer Survivor as she shares her experience with her battle against breast cancer. Donations will go to the Telfair Pavilion Mammography Fund. For information, call Dede Roberts at 354-6223.

OCT. 27

4th Annual Mammogram Day

Oct. 27. Call 912-819-PINK to schedule a mammogram. Chatham Area Transit is offering free rides to anyone scheduled to have a mammogram on this day. Chatham Area Transit (CAT) has partnered with St. Joseph’s/Candler and the Savannah Morning News’s Paint the Town Pink to help you take charge of your breast health by getting screened.

ONGOING

Savannah Tech Liberty Campus supports Breast Cancer Awareness by collecting bras

Through Oct. 21, the Savannah Technical College Liberty Campus is collecting new and clean used bras that will hang in the administration building through mid-October. The bras will be given to O.C. Welch Ford Lincoln, who has promised to donate $1 per bra to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. There will be collection boxes at all of the Savannah Technical College campuses in support of the effort, though Liberty will be the only one to display the bras.

Photography proceeds to benefit Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia

Lizard Eye Photo will be donating 20 percent of all portrait sitting fees and wedding package prices to Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia from now until Nov. 30. To receive the 20 percent discount, portraits and wedding packages must be booked between now and Nov. 30 but does not have to happen during that time. For information, call 912-604-5857 or go to lizardeyephoto.com.

Take the ‘Pink Pledge’

Throughout October, Dressbarn seeks to attract a minimum of 261,000 “Pink Pledges” from women who will commit themselves to getting a mammogram, a healthier diet or taking bold steps to ward off breast cancer or catch it at an early stage. Go to yourdressbarn.com/mypinkpledge to take the ‘Pink Pledge,’ a public promise to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle. They will raise funds by selling a stuffed plush dog named Lilac, with all net profits donated to the American Cancer Society.

Extreme Couponing: Are You in the Loop?

2011-10-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

Extreme Couponing is an extreme sport that combines savvy shopping skills with couponing in an attempt to save as much money as possible while accumulating the most groceries. The concept of “Extreme Couponers” was first mentioned by The Wall Street Journal on March 8, 2010 in an article entitled “Hard Times Turn Coupon Clipping Into the Newest Extreme Sport“. ABC Nightline followed with a March 25, 2010 segment of “Extreme Couponing Competition: How Far Can $50 Go?“. One contestant paid $50.61 for groceries that retailed for $118.84. Another spent $30 on groceries that retail for $500.

According to Inmar, in 2009, more than 367 billion coupons were distributed and 3.3 billion redeemed across the nation with an average face value of $1.44. This translates to a less than 1% redemption rate of more than $528 trillion dollars worth of coupon savings. The grocery coupons you need are out there, you just need to connect with people who have them.

Here’s are some Extreme Couponing techniques to help you save money:

Clip ALL the coupons from your weekly circulars and Sunday newspaper. It’s always a good policy to clip all coupons because an item may go on sale in the future and you can trade your coupons with other couponers for the ones you do want. eCoupons.com plans to launch an Extreme Couponing grocery coupon trading service next week to help shoppers connect with each other and swap coupons.

Study the weekly supermarket sales and compare this to your coupon inventory.
Know your supermarket’s coupon policy:
1. Are expired coupons accepted?
2. Can you use 10 coupons for 10 of the same items?
3. Can you stack a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon?
4. Are there double and triple coupon days?
5. Does your store accept competitors coupons?
6. How are coupon overages applied to the final bill?
These are the most frequently used techniques for reducing a grocery bill significantly and how some shoppers are even entitled to cash! Since supermarket policies are constantly changing, call before you shop and ask the questions above. Make sure you write down the name of the person at the supermarket who gave you the information.
The local Sunday newspaper is an excellent source for grocery coupons. Save 50% or more on local newspaper home delivery. Apparently, Extreme Couponing led to to increased thefts of newspapers simply for its coupons.
Coupons, individual or booklets from Red Plum, Smart Source and P&G, can be bought on eBay. Although coupon manufacturers place restrictions on coupons limiting their transferability to ensure the coupons stay within the targeted market, these restrictions are not universal and are difficult and/or costly to enforce. Since most coupons are not allowed to be sold, the fee is considered to be for the time and effort put into cutting out the coupons. Do not pay for electronic coupons. See below:
Watch for new electronic printable coupons on websites like:
eCoupons.com From Grocery Coupons to Coupon Codes, eCoupons.com is one of largest electronic coupon websites.
Kellogg’s Sign up now for $5 in exclusive coupons.
Coupons.com Printable Coupons.
Coupon Network Printable Catalina Coupons.
Redplum Coupons Printable Coupons from Redplum.
Cellfire Coupons available at Kroger and Kroger subsidiaries, Safeway subsidiaries (not including Dominick’s), and Shop ‘n Save.
SavingStar – Grocery eCoupons. Sign up for SavingStar to save digital grocery coupons directly to your store loyalty cards.
1. Manufacturer websites sometimes have exclusive coupons.
2. Apply for your supermarket’s loyalty card. The supermarket’s web page may have additional coupons and savings that can be loaded onto your loyalty card. These discounts are taken directly at checkout.
3. When in the supermarket, watch for coupons in aisles right in front of the product. Remember to use them at checkout. Coupons are also printed right after checkout based on your purchase. Save them for your next trip.
4. Understand the supermarket’s BOGO (Buy-one-get-one) policy. Sometimes you can get the same deal with buying just one item.
5. The New 2012 Entertainment Book is Now Available.
6. Restaurant.com One Day Sale – Most $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates for $2.00 Coupon Code: FALLSeptember 28 Only.

Safety Issues for Cats at Home

2011-10-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations on bringing a cat home! Whether it’s a kitten or an older cat, black or striped, purebred or mixed, shy or affectionate, you’ll want to provide it with the best possible home –which means making sure things are safe for it in your apartment. Here are some tips to help you understand safety issues for cats at home.

Protect the places they play
First, keep an eye on your furniture, especially your plants — yesterday it was just furniture, but now it’s all a potential scratching post or food source for a curious cat. Certain popular indoor plants, including aloe, Chinese evergreens, and golden pothos, can be very dangerous, if not fatal, in a cat’s digestive system. The ASPCA keeps a list of plants toxic to cats, or you can search Cornell University’s database of poisonous plants.

Your furniture and appliances also pose a threat to your new cat. If it can leap onto the kitchen stove, you’ll need to keep the burners covered, especially if you have electric burners that will stay hot for a few minutes after you turn them off. And don’t run your oven, dishwasher, or clothes washer or dryer without checking to make sure the cat hasn’t snuck in first!

Keep vases and other breakable objects either high up or secure; not only would it be an expensive mess if the cat were to knock it over, it would also leave broken glass or clay on the floor for the cat to walk on or even swallow.

Curious kitties need protection
You absolutely do not want your cat taking your medicine. Make sure all pills are in secure containers, preferably on a high shelf to which the cat can’t jump. Don’t leave medicines out. The same goes for needles and thread, and even yarn — it’s cute to see a cat playing with a ball of yarn, but if the cat were to swallow any of the yarn, it would be at risk of intestinal damage, so keep any yarn-play supervised!

If your cat has regular access to the outdoors, look into getting it a “breakaway” collar which can snap open if the cat gets caught in a fence or tree. You may also want to have your vet implant a microchip so that if your cat got lost and lost its collar, a finder or shelter would still have a way to identify you as the owner.

If your cat doesn’t get to go outside regularly, you might be able to take it for a walk — but use a harness designed for cat walks, not a collar. Some cats, particularly those with pink noses and lighter skin, may be prone to sunburn; check your local pet store or vet to find cat-friendly sunscreen.

A busy cat is a happy cat
Finally, a bored cat will be an unhappy, and potentially unhealthy, cat. Make sure to provide plenty of toys for your cat, and food hidden (in safe places) so the cat can exercise its natural inclination to hunt for prey. Scratching posts should be as tall as possible so the cat can stretch.

The Feline Advisory Bureau has a number of other tips for making your home or apartment as “cat-friendly” as possible.

Finding Great Grooming Services for Your Pet

2011-10-12T07:48:00.001-07:00

You may be well-equipped to take care of your pet’s basic grooming needs, but everyone can use an extra hand for big jobs like haircuts and nail trimming. The trick is to find pet grooming services that both you and your pet can trust.

Determine your needs
Before you start searching for the perfect pet groomer for your dog or cat, make a list of your requirements so you’ll know where to search and which questions to ask. Is it important that you find the location nearest your home? Will you stay while your pet is being groomed, or do you want to be able to drop them off? Do you need mobile grooming services to make a house call? You should also think about what specific pet grooming services you need, from nail trimming to flea and tick treatments. Once you know exactly what you are looking for, you can start asking for recommendations.

Shop around
Your furry friend deserves a good grooming experience from caring professionals. To make sure you find the right groomer for your pet’s needs and temperament, try shopping around before you make a decision. Friends are a great resource for advice, so get referrals from your buddies who have well-groomed dogs or cats. You can also find local groomer listings on sites like Find A Groomer. Once you get a few suggestions, do some investigation of your own. Visit sites like Angie’s List, Kudzu and Yelp to read reviews from other users who have tried local pet groomers.

Once you’ve narrowed your choices to a couple of groomers, call and ask about their services. Be sure to talk to the person who is actually doing the grooming, not just the owner. Then, schedule a visit so you can see how clean the grooming facility is and what the staff is like in person.

Another option is to visit pet stores in your neighborhood and observe their services on-site. Larger stores like PetSmart and Petco typically have open grooming areas where you can see the grooming experience in action.

Give it a go
Once you’ve chosen a groomer that you want to try, schedule an appointment for a trial run. Once the pet grooming service is complete, make note of how your pet looks and behaves. Did the groomer do a good job with your pet? Did your pet seem relaxed after the experience, or stressed out and unhappy? If the experience is less than perfect, try the next groomer on your list.

Taking care of your pet is important, so keep testing out groomers until you find the right fit. Finding great grooming services for your pet may take a little legwork, but a happy, well-groomed pet is well worth the effort!

Be Apart of the Stand- Help Find A Cure for Breast Cancer

2011-10-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Children of mothers who have breast cancer are likely to experience long-term psychological affects. These affects include fear, insecurity, anger, sadness, isolation, and curiosity. Perhaps the strongest of these emotions is fear. Children fear that their parent is going to die or that the cancer is contagious and they will get it. Perhaps this is because the only exposure they have had with cancer is that people who have had cancer have died. Therefore cancer means death to them. “Because our society frequently hides the diagnosis of cancer, often a child's or teens only exposure to cancer is people who have died.” (Brazy 2) They also may have fear because they can sense that their parents are afraid. They may fear separation, especially when their mother is hospitalized. They may also fear that cancer is contagious. It is extremely important as a parent to assure them that cancer is not contagious. Also, children will have the fear that they caused the cancer. “Magical thinking is normal in children. Magical thinking is the idea that they can make their thoughts and wishes come true. Last week they may have been mad at you and thought, “I'm mad at Mommy; I want to hurt her.” Now you have cancer and you hurt, more than they ever thought possible. They fear they caused the cancer and the impact of their wishes is now beyond their control. They feel very guilty and afraid.” Brazy 3)Anger is also one of the many feelings children will experience. Their reaction to feeling angry may be to act out, such as failing in school or become demanding and disobey their parents, especially the mother. Children may isolate themselves from everyone as a way of coping. "Children are acutely aware that the mother is sick and know when secrets are being kept from them. They are more frightened by what they imagine than the truth." (From Psychological Impact on the Family, page 1). Sadness is also an overwhelming feeling that they will encounter. Some children may cry with their mother because she is crying. Others may pretend to ignore it and not express their sadness. Parents are very careful about telling their children that they have the disease. “I didn't want to lie. Part of my job is to teach (my children) the importance of honesty, but it is also my job to protect them, and by telling them I had cancer, I would be admitting that the world is a scary and dangerous place that's largely out of our control.” (Nash 40) Parents feel that by telling their children, they are subjecting them to depression and pain. This is not true! You are better off telling them the truth then keeping the truth from them! Adolescent children have more problems dealing with the reality than younger kids. They are more likely to become clinically depressed and become suicidal if not cared for properly. "Adolescent children are trying to break away and become individuals and severe illness forces them back to the family unit." (From Psychological Impact on the Family, page 1). Adolescent daughters especially suffer from this. They sometimes feel like they are expected to take over the mother role in the family. Some teenage girls don't want to accept the fact that they are becoming a woman. They are too afraid of contracting the disease themselves. There is also a lingering fear that they will get breast cancer themselves, as you can see in this exert from My Mother's Breast (page 68) about a girl who's mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn't want boobs, plain and simple. They were for everybody else, but I didn't need them. I didn't want them, but I got them anyway, and they kept growing. They grew to be extremely big. I would deliberately buy bras that were too small, as a way of denying how big they were. You couldn't get me to dress like a female either. I was very much into pants and things that looked more masculine. A lot of big sweat shirts. I was hiding my body. I remember that I was only fourteen when I considered having surgery to get them made smaller or nonexistent.

Curves Breast Cancer Awareness Birthday Party

2011-10-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Curves of Savannah is hosting a "Birthday Party" to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness. Curves is donating free LivAid Breast Self Exam Kits that retail for $20.00 to all registered participants. This is free and open to the public but registration is required and quantities are limited to 250.
Contact: (912) 355-5562

Help Savannah Fight Breast Cancer & Walk for a Cure

2011-10-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

AWWIN, Inc (Assisting Working Women In Need) joins the fight against breast cancer in Savannah and the Coastal Empire. Please join the fight by 'walking with a purpose'.

Help us 'Walk With a Purpose' this October!

AWWIN PINK is calling for the support of all breast cancer survivors, overcomers, caregivers, etc.

Join the fight with your team and/or sponsorship as AWWIN, Inc. proudly presents the AWWIN PINK Walking with a Purpose Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, October 22 at the Savannah Mall at noon.

We incorporated AWWIN PINK in October of 2009 due to the plight Sarahlyn U. Argrow, (Founder) went through with breast cancer.

As a cancer survivor she understands the needs of the under-insured and persons with no insurance.

Proceeds will be used to assist low income women by providing lodging, clothing, financial stipends for utilities, food for women who are taking chemotherapy and preventative education. A portion of the proceeds will also be awarded to two institutions that assist low income women with mammography.

For information in participating in this event: http://awwinpink.org/node/5

Today's Radar Hot Spot in Savannah

2011-10-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

Savannah-Chatham Metro police will be operating radar hot spots along Whitfield Avenue today.

Police remind drivers there is zero tolerance for speeding in school zones.

Ladies Check Your Ta-Tas

2011-10-04T09:39:00.000-07:00