Easter Shopping Guide
Springtime is the time for new beginnings, and fashion is one of them. But not only that, this is a time for gift-giving (be it for yourself or someone else). Take a look around Jackson and find your inspiration for style.
Work at Home Clinic
One of the greatest advantages to working from home is the opportunity to fully customize your home office to reflect your style. Gone are the days of corporate-office gray cubicles or cinder-block white walls.
All Hail the Queens
When I first moved back to Mississippi, I had no idea what a Sweet Potato Queen was. Then I attended the Mal's St. Paddy's Parade and received a front-row education to the world of the "queens."
St Paddy's Shopping Guide
Before you head out to strut your stuff at the Parade this Saturday, why not spend some green at some of Jackson's finest, and generate some green for the city?
Always a Bridesmaid ...
After choosing the wedding gown, selecting a bridesmaid's dress should rank high on a bride's to-do-list. Ideally, a bridesmaid dress complements the wedding gown, flowers and the women wearing them, and selecting one can be fun or stressful.
One Heart's Fasting
When my pastor invited our congregation to take part in a 21-day fast, I was thrilled with the idea. "What a great way to start the year off right," I thought. My zeal soon turned to frustration, however, as I began contemplating how I would fast successfully.
Celebrating the Motherland
From Morocco to Egypt, and from Ethiopia to Angola, Africa has long been a source of beauty, artistic creativity, and fashion. Whether it's a mud cloth shirt with a swirling pattern or intricately carved jewelry , the style is bold and beautiful. Do yourself a favor and check it out. You'll be glad you did.
From the Heart
Some men are wonderful gift-givers, while others need a little help. Women are complicated creatures and finding the right Valentine's gift for us can be challenging. We'll let you in on a little secret: The thought really does count. Some of the best gifts are not been expensive, but show that you really pay attention. Whether your sweetie is a lover of jewelry, flowers or chocolate, or could use a little pampering; you're sure to find the perfect something in the Jackson metro area to express your love and appreciation.
The Super Bowl Menu
Recipes by Tom Ramsey
I admit it: For me, the Super Bowl is all about the commercials and the food. Last year's singing E*Trade babies had me laughing for days.
Bridal 2011: The Trends
Fashion is an organic entity that changes from season to season and, sometimes, moment to moment. Bridal trends for 2011 will see lots of interesting and unique features. Here are the top looks you'll see.
Wedding Poll
What was the most unique or most memorable part of your wedding or wedding reception?
Recipe from the Heart
In October, my son's Cub Scout packmaster had a baby. Within a few days of her giving birth, I received an e-mail alerting me that a meal schedule had been set up to keep hot meals on her table as she adjusted to having a new little one in the house.
Take Them a Meal
Prior to October, I had never heard of Take Them A Meal. The free site provides sample schedules, schedule ideas, recipes and tips. It allows you to either create a meal schedule or search for existing ones. As the meal coordinator, you set up the account and choose the date range for the meals. From there, you can add information about the family: any likes, dislikes and allergies, the family's phone numbers, address and driving directions. Once completed, you enter the e-mail addresses of potential meal providers and that's it.
Techno FLY
Model: Shannon Sullivan
You may be a fashionista who is as opposed to technological advances as those rebels (or trailblazers, they fancy themselves) who dare to wear white after Labor Day, but technology simply cannot be avoided.
Psonya and Timothy Hackett
Newlyweds Psonya and Timothy Hackett have different accounts of their first encounter at the Jackson County Courthouse in Pascagoula in 2004.
Lace, Cake and Gowns
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. I know. I've been there. My husband and I ended up scratching the big wedding, and instead, took 20 family and friends to the beach in Santa Barbara.
Hometown Heroes
Like a proud parent showing off a scrapbook of your child's accolades, "Mississippians" (Nautilus Printing, 2010, $45) is a collection of photographs and vignettes of notable individuals from the state of Mississippi.
From the Artist's Hands
The Jackson area is filled with tons of creative folks offering handmade items that would make wonderful holiday gifts. Each item carries the essence of the person who made it. What a wonderful way to connect with community. Each piece is a labor of love that you can pass on to a special person in your life. Jingle your way over to this week's JFP Issuu for more merry fun.
Spiritual Exploration
Check out these titles to learn how different people worship (or don't) and how to co-exist harmoniously with your newfound knowledge. All books available at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55, Suite 202, 601-366-7619)
Gifts of the Spirit
Looking to seek the inner within? Or perhaps a journey to Nirvana? Each of us seek to to find the peace within ourselves. Or at least enjoy the road trip. Light some candles and head over to the latest JFP Issuu for gift ideas and some spiritual enlightenment.
Church Lady
In times past, tradition dictated that a woman of a certain age cover her head when entering a church on Sunday mornings. It all started with the biblical apostle Paul. In a letter he wrote to the Corinthians, he said women should cover their heads during worship service. It's a commandment many women, especially black women, have taken to heart.
JFP Persons of the Day: Jan Finney and Liz Carmouche
Since its inception, men have predominately ruled the sport of mixed martial arts. Recently, however, a crop of rough and tough female fighters has stepped up to the plate. On the fight card for this Friday's Strikeforce event in Jackson, female fighters Jan Finney and Liz Carmouche will square off in a 135-pound bantamweight bout.
Kevin Hart
Get ready to laugh out loud with comedian Kevin Hart as he rolls into Jackson during his "Laugh At My Pain" tour Oct. 23 at Thalia Mara Hall.
Sizzlin' Hot
Sense of style shouldn't stop after you've dressed. In fact, true style extends beyond closet doors and dressing for special occasions to your home, even your kitchen. When you're playing hostess, make everything about your soiree say, "I mean chic."
One Less Knight
When I brought "Glubbery Gray" (Pelican Publishing, 2010, $16.99) home, my 8-year-old son, Mateo, couldn't wait to take a look. If it's a story about space, superheroes or knights, he's all over it. "That was a really funny book," he concluded, after we'd read it together.
Camping At JA
The first time I saw Jeremy Camp in concert was in 2008. Although he's released countless songs featuring hard-hitting guitar riffs and upbeat tempos, the slower worship songs have really stuck with me over the years. Many have brought comfort during rough patches in my life and helped me keep hope in the midst of unrelenting darkness. It's a combination of the lyrics and the passion with which he sings them that allows a listener to center herself and focus her thoughts on God.
Sharing Food
I love to eat. I like old favorites and new culinary adventures, but it's not just the eating I enjoy: It's the sharing. Something special happens when you sit down with family and friends—or even strangers—to share a meal. At that moment, you have a commonality through food, regardless of age, race or gender.
It's an Outdoor Thang
Organizing an outdoor movie night at your house is easy. It's a great way to bring together neighbors, community, friends and family. You'll need just a few items and a little time to make it a great evening that can be duplicated again and again.
Walking for Pierce
Pierce lay motionless in her arms, with his little Mohawk hair, dark brown and full. "I got to see his face," says Leah Helms, 33, about what she remembers most vividly in the final moments of her son's life. "I'm glad that we got to have that moment. ... (My husband, BJ, and I) were both just speechless ... how pretty to see his nose and mouth and face."
Taco Nirvana
Who doesn't like a good taco? Whether it's a 69-cent American version or an authentic Mexican taqueria-style, tacos are good any way you eat them.
Lost in Translation
If Spanish is not your first language, you may find it intimidating to stand in line at your local taqueria or taco truck and order off the menu. Here are some typical taco fillings you might encounter.
Feliz Cumpleaños
Parties are nice, but a themed party will have your guests talking for a long time coming, if you do it right.
FASHION PROFILE: Mae
If you perused the silent-auction tables at the 2010 Chick Ball in July, you had the opportunity to bid on Jewels by Mae pieces by local jewelry designer Myrtlena Alice Ertle Hankins: Mae for short.
Footworks
When you're looking for shoes for the fall season this year, whether you're at Maison Weiss, Material Girls or Lipstick Lounge (just a few of FLY's favorite places to shop), there are a few things you must look for: booties, boots and what we like to call razzle dazzle.
Bloody Good Time
The fictional world of Sookie Stackhouse is a chaotic, bizarre, and dangerous place filled with vampires, werewolves and fairies. Sookie, the protagonist in the Southern Vampire Series and the Emmy Award-winning HBO drama "True Blood," is a telepathic waitress who falls in love with Bill Compton, a 173-year-old vampire.
Back-to-school Shopping Guide
Man, did this summer go by fast! It's hard to believe it's time for kids to go back to school already. Check this week's JFP Issuu for a few things to help your child go back in style. Whether headed to preschool or high school, the right accessory will help him or her jump to the head of the class.
Childhood Classics That Changed Us
When I think back to books of my youth, "Dear Mr. Henshaw" by Beverly Cleary stands out. I could relate to the main character, Leigh Botts, because at times I felt lonely as a child because I had to change schools a lot.
Christmas Every Day
On a cold November morning, you see a teenager walking in nothing but shorts and a T-shirt––no coat. He is visibly cold and doesn't "belong" in your neighborhood.
Father's Day
The proud papa is a guy who has snapshots of his kids in his wallet where his money used to be. Humorous to some, true for others. This year, give your father a gift thoughtfully chosen for him, based on his personality or hobbies. Head on over to This week's JFP Issuu and check out the deals!
Fun, Jackson Style
Don't waste all your summer hours indoors in front of the TV, get out and enjoy Jackson. The metro area holds a variety of activities suited for all ages. Try some of these local fun spots.
Books for Mom
Getting any gift for Mom is always a daunting task. It's either classy or sassy, depending on her style. So why not get her a book? It can appeal to both sides, and do and learn something new on her special day.
Minnie's Shopping Guide
Mother knows best, right? She always was a classy lady with good fashion taste. Head over to the JFP Flip Book to become the fashonista that Mom wanted you to be. Tell 'em Minnie sent ya.
Oleta's Gifts, Greeks and Baskets
In a gray two-story building off Highway 51 in Ridgeland just below a comic book store sits a shop that celebrates the history of African American fraternities and sororities.
The Siren Song of Food
The world first met the vivacious Mandisa, with her powerful voice and mega-watt smile, during the fifth season of "American Idol" in 2006. Unfortunately, she also became known for Simon Cowell's negative comment at her audition: "Are we going to have a bigger stage this year?"
Easter Shopping Guide
Photos by Wrijoya Roy
Like an Easter egg, the JFP Flip book has your needs to bring the spring in your step. Open it up, and see what's inside!
Alt.Bride
Chrissy Valentine, 31, grew up in south Jackson and graduated from Wingfield High School in 1996. Valentine was a serious tomboy growing up, and her grandfather was her best friend in the world.
Valentine's Shopping Guide
For all your lovey-dovey needs, be sure and check out this week's JFP flip book for a complete listing of where to find all that smells like chocolate in Jackson.
For the Love of Tea
I am a lifelong tea lover. My love affair with tea started when I was a child with sweet sun tea, and as an adult I love the way a cup of tea warms my entire body on cold winter days or soothes me when I'm sick.
Build a Cozy Nest
In their new book, "The Comfortable Home: How to Invest in Your Nest and Live Well for Less" (Clarkson Potter, 2009, $35), co-authors Bob Williams and Mitchell Gold, business partners and owners of the home-furnishing company Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, give easy-to-follow ideas on how to decorate or redecorate your home. They place a lot of focus on the planning that goes into creating functional, comfortable and budget-friendly rooms. According to Gold and Williams, before you can decorate a room appropriately you need to know the function of that room and how it is going to be used. Once you know that, decorating becomes much easier.
JFP Cocktail Hour
The Jackson Free Press is a great place to work for so many reasons. One especially fun reason came last Wednesday before we shut down for the holidays when we had an impromptu JFP cocktail hour as we opened presents.