Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Check Out the Classifieds on Pages 6 - 7 Thank you for picking up MyConnection. Look for your copy delivered free to your home from The Newnan Times-Herald each Wednesday. You’ll find entertainment and travel news, as well as upcoming events, easy-to-make recipes, and things that matter to you and your family.
T Family Features
here’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh berries and crisp, juicy apples. And when those mouthwatering flavors get paired with just the right spices in some delicious dessert favorites, it’s even better. You can enjoy fresh fruit flavors any time when you preserve your favorite fruits. With the perfect blend of allnatural spices, you can cook, then freeze or can your favorite fruits and they’ll be ready for baking any time you’re ready — it’s like having a dessert in a jar. The recipes listed on page 6 for Spiced Applesauce Cake and Forest Berry Cobbler get their great taste from spiced fruit mixes — use them right after cooking, or can them so you can make these blue ribbonworthy desserts long after fruit season is over.
inside Mouthwatering Desserts ➤
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DESSERTS
Yes, You Can Home canning is a great way to preserve your favorite fruit, whether it’s from the farmers market or your own back yard. Just about any fruit can be canned. Here are some tips to help you make your can ning experience successful: n
Choose fresh, ripe, firm fruits. Underripe apples, for example, will make hard sour slices, while overripe apples will be mushy and bland.
n To
ensure even cooking, sort fruits for size and ripeness. If slicing fruits, slice evenly.
n Rinse
and clean fruit thoroughly — dirt can harbor bacteria.
n To
take the skin off peaches, dip them in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and immediately dip into cold water. Slip off the skins.
n To
keep apple slices from browning, put them into water containing ascorbic acid until you’re ready to use them.
What To Consider When Deciding Where To Move StatePoint
In spite of an uncertain economy, America is a country on the move. In fact, nearly 12 percent of Americans changed their place of residence between 2010 and 2011, according to U.S. Census data.
But where is everyone going? A newly released list of the Top 10 Moving Destinations sheds some light on where people are relocating within the U.S., based on data gleaned from its online consumer truck rental reservations and call centers. According to these moving experts, the most popular U.S. cities to relocate to in 2011 were: 1. Atlanta 2. Phoenix 3. Orlando, Fla. 4. Dallas/Fort Worth 5. Chicago 6. Houston 7. Denver 8. Seattle 9. Sarasota, Fla. 10. Charlotte, N.C. “As this list indicates, U.S. residents
continue migrating primarily toward warm weather areas,” noted Don Mikes. If you’re thinking of following suit, be sure to research your destination options before packing up the truck, as there are a lot of factors to weigh. You can start by checking school rankings and local crime reports of your potential new home. Reading the want ads in the community newspapers and online classifieds, is a great way to determine what the local job market will be like when you arrive. You may find the industry you work in guides you most in your decisionmaking. If possible, plan a trip to your intended destination, but don’t spend your time solely on the tourist traps. Instead, put yourself in the shoes of a resident. Drive the streets at rush hour. Visit the grocery store and talk to the locals. Visit the residential neighborhoods and try to imagine what it would be like to really live there. Once you know where you want to go, it’s simply a matter of doing it. However, a big move can be stressful. You can make the process easier by reserving your truck online ahead of time. Whether you’re seeking sunshine, better job opportunities, affordable real estate or you simply have the moving bug, relocating is a great way to get a fresh start.
There’s a good chance a carnival will be rolling into town this summer.
Summer Fun Close to Home Summer revelers often take to the skies, rails and waves to embark on a vacation adventure. With the kids out of school and relaxed hours at the workplace, individuals and families generally find that summer is the ideal time to plan a getaway. For those who find they don’t have the funds this year, or simply prefer to stay closer to home, there are likely many different local events to enjoy instead. Many people will be making this summer the year of the staycation. With the average price of gasoline hovering around the $4 mark, you may be among the individuals planning to keep vacation and weekend activities limited to a certain radius around your house. What many people seldom realize is that the warm-weather season is a prime time for local offerings from different organizations in the community — many of which are low-cost and nearby. Oftentimes, all it takes is thumbing through the “Where to Go” section of the newspaper to find a host of different community offerings happening in the weeks to come. Chances are your neighborhood is hosting one or more of these different types of community events.
Fireworks display: Whether for Independence Day or just to mark the start of a summer weekend, towns often host vibrant fireworks displays. Coastal towns may have them at the beach or boardwalk area, while inland areas may have a specific field or town center location where they can be observed. Carnival: You need not travel to the theme park several miles away to enjoy a bit of chills and thrills. There may be one or several carnivals taking place nearby this year. Many churches host a carnival to raise funds. There also may be county fairs that feature their share of thrill rides and carnival test-ofskill games. Of course, the carnival food that goes with the event is also something to look forward to. Park activities: From hiking excursions to garden tours, the private or government-subsidized parks may issue an events schedule with many different activities. Some have theater under the stars or campout movie nights. Others may have wine- and cheese-tasting soirees. These parks may have exhibition centers that can be visited any time of the year. Summer camps: Many childcare centers and other organiza-
tions offer summer camp programs. Research this option early on so you can ensure a place for your child should you choose to sign up. Food festivals: Towns often host different food festivals where local vendors can put their wares on display and happy residents can sample to their hearts’ delight. Concerts: The summer season is certainly one for concerts. If you don’t happen to live right near a sports arena or another music venue, you may be able to enjoy local bands at clubs and restaurants. Some towns also have a performance stage where they invite performers to play week after week. Who knows, your favorite musician may show up for an acoustic or intimate performance night.
Breakfasts and brunches: Different organizations host fundraising food events. The entire family can eat out at a fraction of the cost of going to a restaurant and benefit a good cause in the process.
Street fairs and block parties: Part of the fun of summer is getting outdoors and socializing in the community. Street fairs
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