Lacy Ellinwood
Lacy Ellinwood, development director at the Mississippi Library Commission and bass guitarist for local band Kicking, says today's librarians are not the librarians of the past.
A Mile of Mississippi Celebration
To coincide with the opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and as a way to celebrate the state's bicentennial, Team JXN, the Greater Jackson Arts Council, and other organizations and businesses will partner together for the "Mississippi Mile" on Saturday, Dec. 9.
JXN Natural Hair Expo
Tameka Dyon saw a need for Jackson to have its own space for women with natural hair to come together and share their knowledge about the subject.
Chavakia Porter
Ever since Chavakia Porter was a little girl, she says she dreamed of being a wedding planner. However, when she later realized she wanted to work with a variety of events and clients, she decided to become an event planner.
Matthew Kajdan
Estelle Wine Bar & Bistro Executive Chef Matthew Kajdan says that his favorite dish to make at the bistro is the grilled redfish.
Sarah Stripp
Stripp knew she wanted to work at Springboard to Opportunities after she heard Chief Executive Officer Dr. Aisha Nyandoro speak about the nonprofit organization's mission to help families who live in low-income residences.
Angela Butler
Though Angela Butler is now a local entrepreneur and volunteer enthusiast, she says she had to "learn to fail forward toward success."
From Mother School to Museum
From the outside, one can't possibly see the beautiful and tragic history that the two-story gray building on Bloom Street holds.
Teaching Across America
Remember Forever will host five fun and interactive photography workshops in April. Amazon and B & H Camera store are supporting the weekend event as part of Remember Forever's Photographing America initiative.
Gig: Athletic Authority
What advice do you have for others who would like to become a fitness trainer? Become well educated on exercise science and nutrition. Have genuine compassion for people and concern for their well-being.
Melissa Edwards
Melissa Edwards grew up surrounded by the influence of architecture through her two uncles who work in design. She did not know of any female architects who could serve as role models, however, but that didn't stop her from entering the field.
Neesee Ray-Scott and Amanda Purvis
It's not particularly common for people to do what they love and be successful at it, but that's just what mother and daughter Neesee Ray-Scott and Amanda Purvis do. Both are hairstylists at Upscale Images Salon. The salon has been in the family for about 17 years.
Rochelle Culp
When Rochelle Culp couldn't walk a few miles in a walk for charity in her 20s, she felt it was time for a change. "I struggled to do the walk, but it should have been easy," she says. "I wanted to live a life of joy and be active. I knew if I didn't make a change, my health may affect that."
Andrea Lynn Phillips
Dr. Andrea Lynn Phillips does a lot with a little at her practice, Phillips Medical Services. She and her staff of seven provide medical care to mostly uninsured patients at a discounted price at the Westland Plaza Clinic (909 Ellis Ave., 601-948-8501).
So Much Tea
My sisters decided to start drinking tea in an attempt to stop drinking soda pop. We realized there were different types and flavors as we shopped for one that would be satisfying. Experimenting with something new doesn't always turn out so great, but finding out the differences and importance of this healthy alternative became a fun research project.
Fixing a Salty, Spicy Mess
Cooking with salt and other seasonings can be dangerous. Too much of certain seasonings can lead to health problems. Using the wrong amounts or eyeballing an amount can lead to over-salted, over-spiced and inedible food.
Cooking 101: A Glossary
Maybe, like me, you're not that great of a cook, but you want to improve your skills. As you watch cooking shows and read cooking magazines, you may found that some words are unfamiliar. Below are a few cooking terms that might be new to any novice in the kitchen, or they may be a refresher course for the foodie pro.
Alternative Weddings
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue just might be out the door as brides and grooms want their special day infused with creativity and personality. Couples pull their cultural trends into their weddings these days, aiming to make their special day exactly how they want it to be.
Melissa DiFatta
After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, lawyer Melissa DiFatta wanted to revaluate her priorities. Her brother lost his home and, a month later, lost his son. "I decided to change jobs and really make a difference in Mississippi," DiFatta says.
Don't Give a Dog a Bone
It is always tempting to throw the dog a bone off your plate, especially during the holidays, but some human foods are not safe for your pets.
Preparing for Success
Though most women may have the desire to be successful, some need a hand—and a suit. Dress for Success prepares disadvantaged women to enter or re-enter the work force. The international non-profit organization provides women with clothing, training and helps them maintain a positive attitude.
Help When You Need It
Are you jobless, or do you feel limited in your current job? Several local organizations can help you get the skills and assistance you need to move up in the working world.
Cookin' Up Christmas
The holidays don't necessarily mean you're relegated to spending long hours in the kitchen. Instead, take the time to relax with your family and friends and let a local restaurant do all or some of the cooking—from a cozy get together to Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Many local restaurants offer delicious and festive menus and catering services.
The Art of Giving
Shopping for artists can be fun because it allows the shopper to tap into his or her creative juices to find the perfect gift. Plenty of local shops make it easy to find gifts for the artist or art aficionado in your life. Treat them to something unique or an everyday item made in a creative way. Any of these thoughtful gifts should make your artist very happy.
Eat Right
It's hard sticking to health goals when the winter months and holidays roll around. With family gatherings and parties where food, often the unhealthy kind, is everywhere, it's easy to slip up. Though pre-diabetics and diabetics are especially challenged during this time of year, they can still enjoy the festivities by continuing to eat right and exercising.
Old Fannin Road Market Open For Winter
Shop locally and fresh at the Old Fannin Road Farmer's Market (307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon) all winter long. The Farmer's Market is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays. It is located between Lakeland Drive and Spillway Road.
Art for AIDS
Mississippi HeARTS Against AIDS hosts its 20th anniversary benefit Feb. 11. The benefit, Mississippi's largest fundraiser for HIV and AIDS-related issues, is a live and silent art auction. Over 300 art donations given by well-known Mississippi artists are in the auction. Musicians, including Scott Albert Johnson, perform before and after the auction, and local restaurants cater the event.
Spicy for Good Health
Many spices used to season foods also have medicinal powers. Super spices, similar to super foods, are a group of spices that have higher concentrations of essential nutrients. The following is a list of five super spices that not only enhance foods' flavor but lower some health risks, too. Incorporating these and others into dishes can be simple yet satisfying.
‘Tis the Season
This is the season for giving—and shopping! With so many local shops and boutiques offering a little bit of everything, shopping for your loved ones will be a breeze, even if you never set foot in a big-box store. These stocking stuffers and gifts will make everyone on your list happy, even the more difficult ones.
Understanding Colors
As a new homeowner or someone looking for a new home project, painting and decorating can be fun but frustrating when trying to decide on the colors and schemes to use. Knowing the basics about colors and using the color wheel can help the process.
The Meanings Of Colors
Colors attract or give off certain energies. They have symbolism, can represent or follow a trend and even heal, according to chromotherapy. It is important to choose the right colors because colors are powerful and can help create the atmosphere you want to achieve. Below are some universal meanings of colors that can help in determining what mood you want to set within your home.
Color Me Bright
If you want to spark up your home or you're looking for the perfect housewarming gift, look to local businesses for bright and vibrant home accessories. Accenting neutral colors with a pop of red, yellow, turquiose or orange shifts your color scheme from boring to exciting without overdoing it.
Healthy Substitutes
Healthier alternatives to tasty but fattening ingredients in foods we eat every day are plentiful. You can make some substitutes to reduce risks for diseases and obesity.
The Neelys Return to Jackson
Pat and Gina Neely of the popular Food Network TV show, "Down Home With the Neelys," are coming to Lemuria Books to sign their latest cookbook, "The Neelys' Celebration Cookbook: Down-Home Meals for Every Occasion" (Knopf, 2011, $28.95).
Go Fruity
I can definitely see the appeal of being a fruitarian. Not only are fruit beautiful in color and texture, they taste great and are light and refreshing. They also provide us with nutrients we need to stay healthy and live longer. But why limit yourself to apples and oranges?
DIY: Healthy, Green Halloween
Hosting a healthy Halloween party for kids is a great way to have fun without inviting cavities, obesity and other health problems. TOPS Club Inc., a nonprofit weight-loss support organization, suggests limiting candy consumption by eating a nutritious meal before the treats and substituting fruit and nuts for sugary snacks.
Salad Bowl Diversity
A good salad can go far beyond the traditional iceberg-lettuce blend. You can mix together almost anything you have in your fridge and end up with a treat. Sometimes, however, unhealthy, fatty dressings and toppings can find its way into a bowl. Here are a few ingredients to keep your salad healthy but interesting.
Preventing Auto Theft
Auto thefts are usually crimes of opportunity, according to the University of Oakland Police Department's website. They can happen within seconds and are primarily a result of not being cautious and cognizant of the environment. You can decrease your chances of your car being burglarized or stolen by following these tips.
Avoiding Toddler Tragedy
An "adults only" ceremony sounds nice, but for many weddings, it's almost impossible to keep the little people away. So what's a couple-to-be to do? Here are a few tips to prevent a toddler tragedy on your wedding day.
Eating for Heart
Heart disease is the number-one killer in the U.S. You can reduce your risk of heart failure and coronary artery disease, which is the blockage of vessels that supply blood to the heart, by maintaining good cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and making healthy eating and exercising part of your lifestyle.
Eat Right for Nutrients
More than half of U.S. adults take dietary supplements, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Some consumers mistakenly think supplements give them a way out of eating healthy, making up for a nutrient-deficient diet. Supplements can't, however, substitute for eating well and having a healthy lifestyle.
Larry McNeil
Jackson State University Athletics Department has named Larry McNeil as its interim women's basketball coach for the upcoming basketball season. In 2012, Jackson State will begin a national search for a full-time basketball coach. In the meantime, McNeil will lead the team for the 2011-2012 season.
The Zoo Says ‘Thanks'
Do you think you have to be stuck in the house all day on Turkey Day? You may think that everything's closed on Thanksgiving, but no. If you and the kids get restless, go visit the animals on Thanksgiving Appreciation Day at the Jackson Zoo.
Cycling Safely
Instead of your kids watching television and playing videos games Saturday mornings, take them to be a part of the Youth Cycling Group. Personal trainer Tammy Thomas of MS Fitness Pro will lead the group every Saturday beginning Sept. 3 to teach the proper and safe way to ride a bike.
Urban Jazz at circa
If you're looking for a soothing and entertaining evening, enjoy the sounds of Pam Confer and Jazz Beautiful at circa's Jazz Night on the last Friday of every month. The smoke-free and "urban artisan" environment is the perfect substitute for any bar or club.
JFP Chick Ball Auction Guide
Shopping never felt so good! The JFP Chick Ball will feature a silent auction on donated items to raise money for the Center for Violence Prevention. A definite highlight of the evening, the silent auction features amazing donations from fellow Mississippians. View our silent auction guide to get a sneak peak of what will be featured 6 p.m to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 9.
Men of Character
The JFP's Chick Ball's Men of Character live auction gives bidders a chance to compete for Jackson's finest men while supporting a good cause. The men are donating the talents and services they are famous for, so expect high offers for these capable guys. The bidding begins at 7:55 p.m. July 9 at Hal & Mal's.
Keep Kids Safe in the Water
The American Red Cross says drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14. It is vital to always supervise your children while around or in water. Though swimming is fun and beneficial, it can be dangerous unless you take the proper precautions.