Leisure Lifestyle Memphis Magazine

MEMPHIS EDITION | MARCH 20132

MEMPHIS EDITION | MARCH 2013 3



INSIDE THIS ISSUE

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

HEALTH & WELLNESSGet Happy Now...........................................................6Workout Classes............................................................810 Reasons to Eat Organic........................................11HOME & GARDENLet’s Talk About Grass................................................13Creating that Perfect Gated Entrance...................14“Do It Yourself” Light Fixtures.....................................16Stylish Bathroom Storage Ideas.................................17KIDS & FAMILYObesity in Children.....................................................18FINANCIAL GUIDEMoney Saving Tips.....................................................20FASHIONStyle on a Dime..........................................................26Fashion Trends for 2013.............................................27GOLFMy simple tips to play your best...............................28PGA Tournament Schedule......................................30REAL ESTATEFind Opportunity this Year.........................................34TRAVEL GUIDE..............................................................36ADVERTISERS INDEX.....................................................37CALENDAR OF EVENTS...............................................38

Editor in Chief Kenea BrittleDesign Director Sandra Miranda

Deputy Editors Lauren Kern, Joel LovellManaging Editor Joe D. McLendon Jr.Story Editors Sheila Glaser, Jonathan Kelly, Dean Robinson, Ileana Silverman.

LEISURE LIFESTYLELL

Art Director Jesse SchwartzDesign Assistant Maria Alexandra RodriguezDeputy Photo Editor Joanna MilterPhoto Editors Stacey Baker, Clinton Cargill, Amy Kellner, Luise Stauss.Photo Assistant Gabrielle PlucknetteCustomer Service Chris Hartmann

Happy New Year!! Wow, 2012 is behind us and has vanished just as fast as it appeared. Are you as excited about the endless possibilities in store for you this year as I am? If not, then let’s get you there; in a mode of gratitude and fresh beginnings. You can start by staying positive. I know as a new business owner that you can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can know that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible. This year is your year, claim it! As we here at Leisure Lifestyle Magazine have done issue after issue and guess what? It works as we are here in our third year with new readers growing throughout the states. This isn’t your typical magazine and we will forever strive towards our ultimate goal to be the publication that has a firm place in your communities and in your hearts. Let’s all take charge this year and instead of being disappointed about where you were or even where you are, think optimistically about where

March 2013. Memphis Edition

you are going. Remember that adversity is not a dead-end but a detour to a better outcome. I have learned through professional as well as personal challenges in life that everything really does happen for a reason, so expect only good things to come out of challenging experiences. We’ve received tons of good suggestions, feedback, emails, and comments, and from that, we’ve done some adjustments and made some new features available. Our number one priority is focused on providing a top-quality publication dedicated to becoming a key partner in our clients success. As always, no detail large or small has been or will be overlooked and it is due to the professionalism and determination of the Leisure Lifestyle staff that has made 2012 an amazing year. We welcome 2013 with these words; The Best is Yet to Come! P.S. Live, Laugh, LoveKenea Brittle. Editor-in- Chief

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One morning no different from any other, I had a sudden realization that made me question: Am I in danger of wasting my life? I stared out at the hustle and bustle of the street traffic, watching people come and go and thought to myself that the years are slipping by. “What do I really want from life?” I asked myself and my answer was simple; I want to be happy.

I had many reasons to be happy at this time of reflection. My husband was a successful business and family man and truly the love of my life; we had two talented teenage boys excited about the endless possibilities of life and the smartest and most delightful 5 year old daughter any one could ever imagine. I just received a dream promotion and life couldn’t get any better.

I have an awesome family and great friends, good health and have been blessed to have traveled abroad but too often I sniped at my husband or the drive-thru cashier or even the kids. I noticed these days that it doesn’t take much for me to lose my temper; why? Is that how a happy person would act?

HEALTH & WELLNESS

GET HAPPY NOW!

I could dig deep to try and uncover some unconscious reason for it all but it wasn’t hard to decide ultimately that whatever the reason for my negative changes, its time to make some positive changes in my life.


I decided right then and there that I will be happy…no matter what. I was okay with not knowing what it would take to get to a happy place and I was willing to study happiness to find out. I researched current scientific studies, read a few blogs, interviewed coworkers and strangers and read up on tips from popular culture. It has been about 90 days since my journey to happiness began and here are a few lessons I have learned along the way thus far.

Don’t start with complexities. When I began my Happiness Project, I realized pretty quickly that, rather than jumping in with lengthy daily meditation or answering deep questions of self-identity, I should just start with the basics, like going to sleep at a decent hour and not letting myself get too hungry. It’s actually a scientific fact that these two factors have a big impact on happiness.

Do go to bed angry, although contrary to the myth. I had always scrupulously aired every irritation as soon as possible, to make sure I vented all bad feelings and got my point across to the entire universe before bedtime. Studies show that expressing anger related to minor annoyances just amplifies bad feelings, while not expressing anger often allows it to dissipate. You wake up feeling silly for getting so angry.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Fake it till you feel it; Feelings follow actions. If I’m feeling low, I deliberately act cheery, and I find myself actually feeling happier. If I’m feeling angry at someone, I do something thoughtful for him/her and my feelings toward them soften. This strategy is uncannily effective as these small, helpful gestures have a big impact on getting happy.

Do not fight every battle; some are just not worth your time. Realize that the empty juice container in the fridge or the missing toothpaste cap really isn’t a big deal.

Know that these nuances aren’t done just to annoy you; it’s a simple and honest mistake. Count your blessings if this is the only thing you have to complain about; it could be much worse.

I must say that it works and I really am a happier person now and feel confident that it will only get better. I am constantly on the lookout for new tips and ideas on how to make the most out of life as this road to destination happy is a lifelong voyage. If you are like me, and the stress of the daily humdrum has you struggling to get happy now, just know that happiness is achievable for all of us; Happiness is determined more by our minds than by our circumstances. Now go get happy…NOW!! -- Kenea Brittle


HEALTH & WELLNESS

THE HOTTEST NEW WORKOUT CLASSES IN THE U.S.

NEW YORKSOUL-CYCLE. A unique indoor cycling strategy that’s superfast pacing and push-ups off the handlebars to the beat of bass-thumping music. Diehards equate it to “dancing on a bike.” Just when you think you can’t pedal another second, catch your breath with a bout of hammer curls and shoulder presses in the saddle using 2-pound hand weights. You may also notice familiar faces in your row.

HIP-HOP/FUNK. Booty pop, hip shaking and b-boying (you know, break-dance moves where you’re spinning like crazy on your hands and butt on the floor). And worry not, no-rhythm newbies: Vivacious instructors will baby-step you into the 90-minute routine so you never feel lost.

HOT FIGURE 4. Creators of this experience will crank up the thermostat to a sweltering 105 degrees for this barre class (named for the four areas it targets: abs, arms, butt, thighs) so muscles loosen and you can go deeper into the leg lifts, squats and arm raises.

METCON 3. Smarty-pants training with Metabolic Conditioning. You’ll do all-out bouts designed to increase endurance. Prepare to heft weights (medicine balls and Body Bars) and do cardio finishers (burpees, squat jumps) for 1 minute, doing as many reps as you can.

CANDLE FLOW. An Iyengar class (you hold poses up to a minute and use props, like straps and blocks) with mood lighting. You grab a spot in a circle around 20 unscented candles, then gaze toward the blaze and let the serene vibe calm your breath. The room is a music-free zone, so be prepared for a meditative, Zen-like and quiet-as-a-mouse atmosphere.

SURFSET CLASSIC. Pop up on the RipSurfer X, a machine that looks like a real surfboard, wobbles as if on water and comes tricked out with bungees at its nose that allow you to “paddle” with resistance; Exactly as you would for the real thing, ditch socks for a better grip on the board. Simulate a sick set while you define a surfer-girl chest!

MIAMIREAL RYDER INFERNO. Picture indoor cycling but on a bike (called a RealRyder) that pivots side to side so you can lean into twisting trails, just like on an alfresco ride (you might feel like you’re outside, too, in this studio of wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows!). Twice, you’ll crank the resistance to slow-pedal while you do 15-minute lifting sessions with 3-pound weights.

DANCESTREETLAB. The sounds of Miami—Latin rap, Jamaican reggae and salsa—accompany music video–esque moves; And you don’t have to be Shakira to hang. The first three songs are your warm-up, and the steps you learn (slowly!) provide the foundation for mastering the rest of the hour-long class.

CROSSFIT. A no-frills gym, called a box, a whiteboard displaying your workout of the day, called a WOD, and basic but challenging moves like pull-up etc. The kicker: You won’t get breaks between moves. You’ll keep a tally of rep count and weight load for every exercise. The goal is to gradually increase your reps, speed and the amount you can lift.

THE BAR METHOD. A one-hour, total-body workout that rolls through dumbbell moves, push-ups and leg lifts at the barre, plus ab work on a mat. Muscles will quiver; Don’t fight it! Shaking legs mean you’re toning. Proof that the routine really works: Regulars say they’ve lost dress sizes and 10-plus pounds.

GUNS. The sundress arms of your dreams in a 30-minute sculptathon with continuous sets of flyes, raises and shoulder extensions. Best of all, the ladies pack the heat! Women usually make up


HEALTH & WELLNESS

more than half the group, and the friendly but competitive atmosphere encourages beginners.

POUND. A rock-star body! You’ll tap weighted drumsticks on the floor and in the air for hundreds of reps in 45 minutes while you hold squats, lunges and crunches. All that stick slamming can get LOUD. No one will make fun if you bring earplugs. LOS ANGELES1,000-CALORIE RIDE. To cycle until you reach your four-digit calorie-burning goal. Because your instructor wears a heart-rate monitor, she can tell the class when the tally ticks to 1,000—usually after upwards of 70 minutes. Post-ride, staffers pamper you with cold eucalyptus-scented towels and fresh fruit.

POP PHYSIQUE. A class that earns you a perky ballerina butt that “pops,” à la the perky posterior that greets you on the studio’s home page. The mix of pilates, dance and barre moves is set in a “yupster” studio (yuppies and hipsters united) that rocks the latest indie and electro music.

BUTI. Expect one ridiculously amazing booty. A blend of yoga, strength training and tribal dance equals muscle-sculpting, butt-shaking Buti. The class is a one-stop cardio-sculpt shop: For 75 minutes, you flow from Warrior variations, squats and hip-openers to dancing to bass-heavy jams. Pull from your “hot yoga” wardrobe.

CHICAGOFLYWHEEL. Stadium-style seating in this cycling studio means there’s no bad spot to be; bikes track pedaling (RPMs) and resistance (torq) so you can’t skimp on either. The famous “torqboard” is a flat screen that intermittently flashes riders’ stats so you can race to be the strongest and fastest.

THE CAVEMAN WORKOUT. Dragging truck tires, swinging sledgehammers, throwing sandbags and even carrying an empty beer keg up stairs. For 45 minutes, you’ll get positive hoots, hollers and high-fives from fellow cavemen and caewomen!

ROPES TRAINING. Picture the rope used for tug-of-war when you were a tyke.

A whole row of these babies called undulation ropes are anchored to a bar, and you’ll hold one end—or two!—to chop, wave and create circles. For 30 minutes, you’ll switch between timed intervals of rope churning and “breaks” of squats and lunges.

BODY 360. A slew of proven sculpting tools like stability balls, dumbbells and pilates rings to tone all 360 degrees of your bod. The workout rolls from exercise to exercise without a break using the different props so you never burn out one muscle group or get bored.

EVERYWHEREZUMBA. The dance craze that torches some 400 calories per hour, has taken the workout world by storm. Half of the people polled said they’ve already tried it! Shake what your mama gave ya with the Xbox 360 Kinect game Zumba Fitness Rush ($50; ZumbaFitnessGame.com). Or at the gym, try the new offshoot Zumba Sentao (sitting in Spanish), where a chair is your dance partner.


TOP 10 REASONS TO EAT ORGANIC

Green-living blogs advocate the benefits of eating organic foods, but there are still skeptics that remain unmoved. While there are conflicting reports about whether organics offer more nutritional value than non organic foods, there’s no hesitation about how organic farming is better for human health, local wildlife and the planet overall. Just the thought of farm workers spraying fields with pesticides wearing a contamination suit and a gas mask is enough to make anyone think twice about eating the product thereof.

Here are 10 reasons why we should all at least attempt to explore and discover for ourselves the real difference between organic foods and traditionally grown if not for nutrition then safety.

Even if it isn’t More NutritiousExplore and discover the real difference between organic foods

and traditionally grown if not for nutrition then safety

HEALTH & WELLNESS


1. Waterways are not contaminated by chemical run-off from farms.

2. Pesticide-related health risks to farm workers and anyone living in the area are eliminated.

3. You will dramatically reduce the amount of pesticide residue you ingest on a daily basis. This is especially important because pesticides ingested by pregnant women may be linked to birth defects and health issues.

4. Biodiversity is increased with the use of buffer crops, and by avoiding killing or harming insects and other wildlife that is not a threat to crops.

5. Pesticides are responsible for a staggering amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

6. You can avoid eating any genetically modified foods.

7. Reduced reliance on chemical and agri-engineering corporations is good for farmers.

8. Organic farming is healthier for the soil.

9. Organic dairy cows are not injected with milk boosting hormones such as recombinant bovine somatotrophic (RBST) which may increase insulin levels in humans.

10. Last but not least, there is a difference in the taste of strawberries, peaches, grapes and leafy greens, in my opinion, and I must assume it’s because of reasons 1-9. Go Green!!

-- Kenea Brittle

HEALTH & WELLNESS



With Spring right around the corner, now you can look forward to taking ‘mow the lawn’ off the honeydo list.

We certainly pour a lot of energy and money into maintaining healthy, green yards. The Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Americans spend between $400 and $700 per year on lawn care alone. That expense includes the heavy watering often required, as well as the 70 million pounds (31 million kilograms) of pesticides we collectively apply to our grass to protect it. Why bother with turf grass? The 21 million acres of grass lawns in the United States help hold soil in place and filter storm water [source: EPA].

However, in recent years the value of manicured lawns has come under scrutiny in the face of global climate change. Much of what we put on our grass to protect it is harming the environment. Pesticides and insecticides can leach from soil into the groundwater supply. Lawn designs may facilitate rainwater runoff that causes flooding and erosion [source: EPA]. Additionally, gas-powered lawn mowers and other equipment release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

But what can you do with your yard if you don’t cover it with grass? Wouldn’t a grassless plot stand out as a drab eyesore and incite complaints among neighbors? Not necessarily. You can transform the appearance of your lawn while reducing its environmental impact. Consider making the switch to switch-grass or other ornamental grasses.

About This Plant

Ornamental grasses encompasses many species with different textures, sizes, colors, and flower forms. Foliage and flower colors include red, pink, purple, tan, and white, in addition to all hues of green. Most types bloom in midsummer; however, dried seed heads can remain on plant all winter.

Plants grow 1’ to 9’ tall, depending on the variety, and can be used as ground covers, in containers, in borders, or to screen a fence or view. Some species can be invasive.

Site Selection

Most grasses prefer full sun to light shade and well drained soil. Some types tolerate other conditions.

Planting Instructions

Plant in spring, spacing plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the pot the plant is in. Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

Care

Compost each spring, and mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Cut back the plant in late winter to stimulate new growth. Some species need dividing every 3 to 4 years to keep the plants vigorous. Taller species, such as fountain grass, may need staking. Happy Grazing!Courtesy of the National Gardening Association Editors

HOME & GARDEN | featured section


In real estate, they say, the three most important things are Location, Location and Location, the same is true when you want a gated entrance for your home or development. So this is your starting point.

The first thing to consider when coming up with a new entrance design is of course, the location. If it is a new property you may have many options, although Convenience is one of the most important things to consider. You don’t want to have to make a “U-turn” to get into your property, you also have to consider who and/or what will be coming through that entrance...Guests, contractors, builders, cement trucks, semi trucks, all will need the room to enter your property safely. If you have the opportunity to put in a “Service Entrance” then you will have a lot more opportunities for your Main Entrance. For existing properties the choices can be limited, but that does not mean you have to have an ugly entrance. With proper layout and design, you can have a beautiful entrance that will make you and your guests, Enjoy coming through your gates.

So assuming you have the perfect location, now what? Unless you are a contractor or designer, it is best to let a professional do the design work for you. We have always been able to come up with exciting Entrance Designs to almost any property.

Through careful planning, consultations and insight, a beautiful entrance can be designed for your property.

Another important consideration for your entrance is the distance from the “turn off” road. All counties will have a minimum “set back” requirement for any gates, fences, stone work, lighting, etc. Be sure to check with the local building department on what their required set backs are (typically the minimum set back is 35-40 feet from the center of the road). If it is at all possible, keep the entrance at least 70-80 feet from the turn-off road. This will allow for most vehicles to pull completely off the road while waiting for the Gate to open. Keep the “Flair”, (where your drive meets the turn-off road) as wide as possible. This will help to keep your guests/visitors from clipping your landscaping, stone work, lights, mail boxes, etc. as they turn into your property.So now you have your location, your basic design/layout, it’s time to consider the Entry Gate. The Entry Gate should enhance your property while also serving it’s main purpose, Security. The Gate design is very important to the Feel of the entrance, and along with the Columns and Lighting should be incorporated into the Entrance Design. Your Entry Gate should be welcoming, interesting and the centerpiece of your entrance while strong enough to serve its main purpose, securing your property. Your Entrance can tie in with the

This is a “Rough Draft” of the things that need to be considered for a new Entrance Design.

HOME & GARDEN

CREATING THAT PERFECT GATED ENTRANCE!


surrounding landscape or it can stand out from the crowd! It is Very Important that you use a Professional Gate Builder/Installer for your gate and gate operator system if you want the longevity and dependability of a high quality gate system. You want the best gate operators that you can afford. The last thing you want is to have to manually open your gate in the pouring rain, you will be soaked by the time you get it open! Use only top of the line gate operators and safety devices to try to eliminate down time and maintenance. There are many to choose from, but I would try to use a system that does not rely on Solar if at all possible. Many times it is actually cheaper to have a new meter put at the gate for power, than to install a solar array with batteries, regulators, and proper storage for the solar system components.

Landscaping is next. The plants you choose should all be “zoned” for your specific location. Are you going to have an irrigation system? If not it is vital that you choose plants that are hardy and native to your area. You can typically expect a 5%-10% loss of plants for a non-irrigated landscape (assuming there is not a drought), so plan on replacing a couple of plants. Use plenty of mulch, 4”-6” around the plants, this will help with retaining water. Choose plants that will not over power the entrance, and that have a track record of surviving in your area. Installing an irrigation system can be costly, but it will also insure that you are not replacing plants every season!

Enjoy your Entrance! The above is a very compacted Entrance Design plan of attack, but will give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Thomas Elfers is a professional Fabricator/Designer working with clients from all over the country. We build Custom Wrought Iron Gates and build complete Entrances for home owners and developments. We also create Iron Furniture, Sculptures, Fire screens, and many other Iron Works. Our company specializes in complete entrance design and

construction. www.ornametals1.com




Today I am going to talk to you about DIY chandeliers because not only are they a great way to express yourself creatively, do-it-yourself projects make use of inexpensive items or things you have at your disposal. So why not have some fun, decorate your room and save some money?I’ve

pictured some of my favorite projects within this article that may perhaps help you spark some ideas of your own.

Chandeliers with bubbles are popular today, many designers present their variants. Now you can make one, too. The supplies are clear holiday ornaments, silver & gold pre-holed sequins, clear jewelry line or fishing line, lamp shade frame or a wire plant basket; light colored, heavy duty thread, scissors, wire and wire cutters, a ribbon, a needle and thread.

With your needle and heavy duty thread, start stringing your sequins. Spray paint your wire frame choosing the color you like. String your clear ornaments in whatever shape you like from the bottom base ring and string your sequins from the top base ring. Measure your ribbon to go around the top ring base of your chandelier. Take a needle and thread and attach your ribbon to the top ring base by pulling your needle

THE DECORATORS CORNER

through the ribbon, around the wire and back through the ribbon. Now you need to hang it. Cut wire to fit inside existing light base. String at least 4 strands of clear line or fishing line from cut wire to the top wire underneath your ribbon on the chandelier. Unscrew your light base, just enough to slide the top wire you just attached inside the light base. Once your wire is inside, screw the plate back on and you’re done. Enjoy your masterpiece!

“Do It Yourself” Light Fixtures


STYLISH BATHROOM - STORAGE IDEAS


With 2013 ahead, how about we lose the clutter in our homes this New Year and gain a sense of pride in a new do-it-yourself project. Don’t let clutter and disorganization take over your bathroom for another year.

I read about a fun fact somewhere that estimated the average person spends a total of 3 years on the commode in a lifetime. Here are some easy tips and creative ideas to get started on a new remodeling project for your bathroom. Check out these inspirational bathroom storage ideas that combine functionality with high-end style. Enjoy your toilet time; the new makeover that is!!Chic and Organized. Under-sink storage doesn’t always have to be behind closed doors. Expose how stylish your storage is with wicker baskets in various sizes. The baskets store toiletries and keep them organized, too.

Small Space Storage. Small space doesn’t have to mean zero storage. This bathroom vanity is surrounded

by spacious cabinets and narrow display shelves beside the toilet and mirror for easy to reach necessities.

Creative Uses. Stainless steel towel racks bring creativity when storing toiletries. Rather than housing linens, these racks hold loofahs, sponges and clear canisters of cotton balls. Towel racks, wicker baskets and clips work wonders!


KIDS & FAMILY | featured section

OBESITY IN CHILDRENIt is and has been the topic of discussion on almost every talk show at one point. It is noted that up to one out of every five children in the U. S. is overweight or obese, and this number is continuing to rise. Children have fewer weight-related health and medical problems than adults however overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults, placing them at risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes later in life. They are also more prone to develop stress, sadness, depression and low self-esteem.

What Causes Obesity in Children?

Children become overweight and obese for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. Only in rare cases is being overweight caused by a medical condition such as a hormonal problem. A physical exam and some blood tests can rule out the possibility of a medical condition as the cause for obesity.

Although weight problems run in families, not all children with a family history of obesity will be overweight. Children whose parents or brothers or sisters are overweight may be at an increased risk of becoming overweight themselves, but this can be linked to shared family behaviors such as eating and activity habits.

A child’s total diet and activity level play an important role in determining a child’s weight. Today, many children spend a lot time being inactive. For example, the average child spends approximately four hours each day watching television. As computers and video games become increasingly popular, the number of hours of inactivity may increase.

What Diseases Are Obese Children at Risk For?

Obese children are at risk for a number of conditions, including:• High cholesterol• High blood pressure• Early heart disease• Diabetes• Bone problems• Skin conditions such as heat rash, fungal infections, and acne

How Do I Know if My Child Is Overweight?

The best person to determine whether or not your child is overweight is your child’s doctor. In determining whether or not your child is overweight, the doctor will measure your child’s weight and height and compute his ‘’BMI,’’ or


KIDS & FAMILY | featured section

body mass index, to compare this value to standard values. The doctor will also consider your child’s age and growth patterns. Assessing obesity in children can be difficult, because children can grow in unpredictable spurts.

How Can I Help My Overweight Child?

If you have an overweight child, it is very important that you allow him or her to know that you will be supportive. Children’s feelings about themselves often are based on their parents’ feelings about them, and if you accept your children at any weight, they will be more likely to feel good about themselves. It is also important to talk to your children about their weight, allowing them to share their concerns with you.

It is not recommended that parents set children apart because of their weight. Instead, parents should focus on gradually changing their family’s physical activity and eating habits. By involving the entire family, everyone is taught healthful habits and the overweight child does not feel singled out. Practicing healthier lifestyle changes as a family has a high success rate for permanent results.


MONEY SAVING TIPS – ACTIONABLE WAYS TO SAVE MONEYThis is a list of common things many can actually do to save money on a regular basis. If you are frugal by nature, lucky you, but this list can be accomplished without fuss and or much thought. These tips can be used by almost anyone, and more importantly, they don’t force you to make radical changes to your lifestyle. With a few small changes, it’s very easy to use these money saving tips:

• Be a Savvy Money ManagerKeep more of your money!

How you manage your money can have a big impact on your bottom line. Simple changes like making your savings automatic, using a free online checking account, keeping your savings in a high yield savings account, and avoiding ATM fees can save you hundreds of dollars a year. More importantly, these changes are quick and easy to make, and don’t cost you anything!

• Make it automaticBefore I see my paycheck, a good portion of it is diverted to my online savings account and retirement savings. This forces me to save money without taking any additional action on my part. This is important because it reduces the temptation to spend it, and reduces the barrier of having to “actively” save.

Action item: Enroll in your company 401(k) plan if you have one, and make an automatic payroll contribution with each paycheck. Start small if you need to – you probably won’t even notice a big difference in your take home pay. If you don’t have a 401(k) plan, open a Roth IRA.

• Don’t pay banking fees! I use my bank for automatic deposits, free bill pay, free checks, and free reimbursements for all ATM fees. I won’t pay for any of those services. (I bank with USAA, which offers all of these features and more). Here are some recommendations for other great online banks that don’t charge many fees:• Free online checking accounts• Best high interest savings accounts• Current savings account interest rates

Action item: Check to see how many fees your bank is charging you and how much you earn in interest. Change banks if necessary.

• Use rewards credit cardsIf you are a responsible credit card user, then you should absolutely use a cash back credit card for all your purchases. I get cash back on every purchase and I pay the card off every month so I don’t pay any interest fees. I only recommend credit cards if you have no current credit card debt, and can afford to pay the balance every month! If you don’t want to use credit cards, then consider using a cash rewards debit card. The best on the market is the debit card from Perk Street Financial. If you are a savvy credit card user, consider saving more money by using specific credit cards based on the type of purchase. Here are some good examples:

• Gas rewards cards• Travel credit cards• Airline credit cards

Action item: Use rewards credit cards or debit cards wisely and reap the rewards!

• Track your spending and investmentsIt’s essential to know where your money is going so you can manage it efficiently. Use a free money management tool to track your savings and investments and make updates to your financial accounts when things get out of balance. This is a great way to track all your income and expenses.

Action item. Sign up for a free online money management tool to help track your expenses. One of my favorite tools is Personal Capital.

FINANCIAL GUIDE


FINANCIAL GUIDE

• Buy insuranceHealth insurance, home owner’s insurance, auto insurance, and other types of insurance are designed to save you money! Sure, you may end up paying premiums for years and never file a claim, but in the event you need to file a

claim, your premium will likely be small compared to what you would have had to pay. You’ll be very happy if you ever need it!

Action item: Make sure you have the appropriate amounts of insurance to protect you and your family.

• Avoid debt and put your money to work for youI have a mortgage, which I don’t mind because I would either have a mortgage or pay rent. But I am free of any student loans or consumer debt including credit cards, automobiles, home equity line of credit, or anything else. This means I pay very little interest and am able to make more of my money work for me instead of work for someone else. And that’s the whole point of saving money, isn’t it?

Action item: Make getting out of debt a priority by aggressively paying it down or transferring it to a 0% balance transfer credit card so you can eliminate it more quickly.

• Save Money Around Your HomeAfter making small changes to how you manage your money, the biggest way to save money every day is by making small changes around your home. These small changes usually don’t take much effort, but can save your hundreds of dollars a year in recurring energy costs for things like utilities and energy.

• Examine your cable TV needs You can save a lot of money by bundling these items with the same provider rather than purchasing them separately. But you may also find that you can do without some of these items. For example, I dropped cable TV two years ago, and haven’t looked back. We use

cable TV alternatives such as over the air network television, streaming video, and DVDs.

Action item: Examine your needs and don’t be afraid to cancel a service if you don’t feel you are getting good value for it. You will be surprised at how easy it is to live without cable TV and other luxuries. Even simply cutting a premium channel or service from your cable subscription can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

• Examine your telephone and cell phone needs You may also find that you can do without a landline. I have used my cell phone exclusively for over six years without any problems. I only recently had a landline installed for my business, be still

use my cell phone exclusively for my personal calls. On the flip side, don’t be afraid to cancel or downgrade your cell phone plan if you don’t use it enough.

Action item: Examine your needs and dropping your landline if you don’t need it. You can also downgrade or cancel your cell phone service if you aren’t using all the features. Here are some tips to save money on your cell phone bill, and how to cancel your cell phone without paying early termination fees.

• Use a programmable thermostat Programmable thermostats save you an estimated 10-20% on your heating and cooling bills. When I am not home, or sleeping, my house is quite a bit warmer or cooler, depending on the season. I have saved a substantial amount

on our utilities compared to many of my neighbors!

Action item: Buy and install a programmable thermostat if you don’t have one already, and use it!

• Use ceiling fans, floor fans, and space heatersI program the thermostat to go to the upper-50s at night during the winter. Why so cold? Because I close the door to my bedroom and use a space heater for heat, there is no sense heating an entire house while I sleep. We also use ceiling fans and floor fans to assist with heating and cooling – depending on the season of course! In my computer room I use an air vent booster to increase air flow.


Action item: Try using space heaters, fans, extra blankets, or other means of reducing your energy costs. You will be surprised how much you can save and still remain comfortable.

Here are just a few additional tips to help you save all year long.

BE A SMART CONSUMER

The Internet has been the great equalizer when it comes to researching major purchases and saving money. But you can also save a lot of money on everyday purchases you make at your local grocery store.

• Use coupons and rebates Use coupons for oil changes, groceries, books, on-line purchases, and just about anything else we can find. You can even find coupons on the back of receipts. There are several great websites that offer users cash back on virtually every online purchase (this is on top of the savings you can get with your credit card!).

• Plan and research major purchasesI do a lot of research before I make a major purchase. This includes reading product reviews from places like Consumer Reports and creating a spreadsheet on Google Docs where I can compare reviews, prices, features, and other aspects of the product. Then I look for additional savings and discounts.

• Arts & Entertainment – Big Saving Opportunities! You don’t have to spend a small fortune to have a good time. Whether it’s a family outing, or paying for entertainment, there are a lot of ways to save money. • Use the library.

I borrow movies from the library almost every week. New releases aren’t always available, but lately, we have been watching a lot of classic movies from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. I also borrow CDs, books, and puzzles for kids.

Action item: Join your library. Most offer free memberships and a variety of items you can borrow at no cost.

• Visit parksI love to go hiking and children also love getting out and enjoying the weather. You get great exercise and the only cost is the gas to drive there.

FINANCIAL GUIDE

Continued on page 24



FINANCIAL GUIDE | featured section

• Take Care of ThingsPride in ownership goes a long way to helping you save money. Performing seasonal maintenance around your home, doing your own home improvement projects, and doing scheduled maintenance on your vehicles and other items makes them last longer and saves you money.

• Home improvement and car repairs If you aren’t comfortable repairing most items around the house, Its okay to call in a professional. I always attempt to repair problems before calling a professional but stay on top of maintenance like tune-ups and oil changes and leaky faucets before it turns into a major problem.

• Be a smart driverMany people underestimate how their driving habits affect the wear and tear on their vehicle – which can lead to shortened life spans for tires, breaks, transmissions, shocks, and other high dollar items. Taking care of your vehicle when driving results in less wear and tear and gets you better gas mileage. Some tips include accelerating smoothly and at a reasonable rate, coasting to a stop as often as possible, and using cruise control on the highway, your car will run more efficiently, last longer, and cost less to maintain.

Courtesy of cashmoneylife.com

Continued From Page 22MONEY SAVING TIPS



FASHION

STYLE ON A DIMEEverywhere you look there are fashion magazines filled with celebrities wearing the latest trends and must have wardrobe essentials. While I often fantasize about shopping like the stars, my reality is that I have champagne taste but Kool-Aid money. You don’t have to be a fashion stylist to be fashionable and you certainly don’t have to be rich to have style. Here are a few tips on how to develop your own unique style at a bargain price!

Everyone can be creative and old unique finds is a great way to express your personality through an outfit. Skipping the mall and heading for a thrift shop doesn’t mean you can’t emphasize design and quality. You just don’t have to break the bank in order to be a snappy dresser. The options for bargain fashion and secondhand clothes are endless. Garage or yard sales, swap meets, swapping websites, eBay, and recycle shops, consignment shops etc. are just some of the options. We are all stylist even if we are our own client. Repurpose old clothes, and put boring clothes together with adventurous accessories in a way that’s exciting and new. If you’re not the crafty type, consider having an out-of-date item altered by a tailor.

Understand that it’s not just about the clothes because being stylish isn’t about how much you spend, and whether you can afford designer threads. The most important factors in developing your own style are that the clothes suit you and that they suit each other.

Clothes that balance each other out form a complete look when you focus on suiting your figure, the right colors and accessories.

Books and websites with style information are a great way to stay in the now. We don’t have to rely on just our thoughts and ideas anymore. There are thousands of fashion blogs that want to help the everyday fashionista with tips to staying fabulous from all around the world. When in doubt, don’t forget the basics. You need a certain amount of basic clothes so that you can mix and match with your funky stuff like hats and scarves in different shades, and bags and shoes in basic colors like black, white, camel, light tan and dark brown. Make sure everything you buy can be worn with at least three ways with items you have at home to maximize their use.

Remember to buy carefully and avoid hoarding clothes, overspending or buying everything you see on sale. Always obey your intuition when deciding whether or not to buy. Ask yourself if you need it or want it and do you like it or love it! Congrats you are now a fashionista and a recessionista! -- Kenea Brittle

FASHION

PRINTSThere’s definitely something to be said about loud prints mixed thoughtfully.

JAILBIRD STRIPESBlack and white are timeless colors, but in 2013 they might just surprise you.

RUFFLESThe peplum trend of 2012 will be expanding in 2013. Except instead of just one ruffle around the waistline, they seem to be multiplying.

LEOPARD & FURThis winter upgraded the staple pea coats and puffy jackets with luxe fur detailing for outerwear. My personal favorite trend was the leopard coat that started popping up at the very end of last month.

Fashion Trends To Watch For 2013

MEMPHIS EDITION | FEBRUARY 2013 27


GOLF | featured section

MY SIMPLE TIPS TO PLAY YOUR BESTI’m not averse to adopting new shots or refining familiar ones if I think they’ll give me an edge at the toughest championship we play all year.

Whether you’re a tour professional or a weekend golfer, it’s important that your full swing and wedge play keep evolving, even as you head into the heart of the season. The key is to keep the techniques simple, so they’re easy to integrate and add a little polish to your mid-season form.

All three tips I’ll show you -- starting with the 5-wood blast from rough -- I’ve worked on since I won the AT&T at Pebble Beach in February. I’ve saved a lot of strokes with them, and so can you.

Pour on the power through impact, unloading the club with all you’ve got. Make the club-head bottom out just in front of the ball. If hitting the ground restricts your finish, that’s OK.


GOLF | featured section

5-WOOD BLAST LEAN FORWARD, BREAK EARLY, HIT DOWN Sometimes a trick for playing a shot is discovered, and it’s so effective it spreads and becomes a trend on tour. That’s the case with a long shot from medium to heavy rough. Instead of taking a risk with a 3-wood or merely advancing the ball with an iron, guys are blasting away with a 5-wood or hybrid. A combination of modern equipment, high swing speeds and new technique makes the ball come out low, hot and running, dead straight with little spin. To play it, first position the ball forward in a square stance, in line with the toe of your front foot. Open the clubface so it’s aimed slightly wide of your target. Lean radically onto your front foot at address. You should be able to lift your rear foot off the ground without losing balance (1). Place your rear foot back down for stability, keeping 75 percent of your weight on your front foot (2). On the takeaway, break your wrists early to encourage a steep, downward blow (3). Hit down sharply, taking as little grass behind the ball as possible (4). Drive the club-head down through impact, shredding the grass beyond the ball. The added loft gets the ball out, and the steep angle sends it low and hot.

Going back, set your wrists early (left). Don’t drag the club back (right). Then make sure your hands lead the way through impact (3), the club head

trailing until the ball is gone. Keep the face aimed at the target past impact.

50-YARD WEDGE SET YOUR WRISTS EARLY, THEN HOLD THROUGH IMPACT Distance control on the 50-yard wedge shot is a matter of good mechanics as well as feel. The secret is hinging your wrists early in the backswing. First, set up with a slightly open stance and the ball forward of center (1). When you begin the backswing, break your wrists immediately (2). That way you can begin the forward swing at the exact moment you sense you’ve taken the club back far enough. If you fail to hinge your wrists (N), you’ll be forced to break them suddenly when you sense you’ve reached the top of your backswing. You’ll make a sudden, jerky move down or continue swinging your arms back, which leads to deceleration through the ball. Hinge your wrists early, then feel you’re maintaining that hinge through impact (3).

Although you might not take the club back as far when you keep your front heel planted, the wider

arc will allow you to generate as much power.

ACCURATE DRIVER KEEP YOUR HEEL DOWN FOR BETTER ARM EXTENSION One key to my better driving is keeping the heel of my front foot planted during my backswing. It’s made me straighter, with no loss of distance. When the heel stays on the ground, I instinctively extend my arms farther from my head on the backswing (Y), increasing the width of my swing arc. When I allow the heel to come off the ground (N), I make a nice hip and shoulder turn, but I’m not as disciplined about stretching my arms out at the top. I tend to get narrow, and the downswing becomes too steep. One of the neat benefits of the grounded heel -- and wider arc -- is that it makes the club head approach the ball on a much shallower angle. It’s easier to keep the clubface square longer through impact. If accuracy is an issue for you, give this tip a try.


PGA TOUR TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENTS NETWORK DEFENDINGCHAMPION

FEDEXCUPPOINTS

Feb 7 - 10 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, CAPurse: $6,500,000

CBSGOLFSIRIUS-XM

Phil Mickelson$1,152,000

500

Feb 14 - 17 Northern Trust Open Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, CAPurse: $6,600,000

CBSGOLF

Bill Haas$1,188,000

500

Feb 20 - 24 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, Marana, AZPurse: $8,750,000

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM

Hunter Mahan$1,400,000

550

Feb 28 - Mar 3 The Honda Classic PGA National Champion Course, Palm Beach Gardens, FLPurse: $6,000,000

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM

Rory McIlroy$1,026,000

500

Mar 7 - 10 Puerto Rico Open presented by seepuertorico.com Trump Intrntl GC - Puerto Rico, Rio Grande, Purse: $3,500,000

GOLF George McNeill$630,000

300

Mar 7 - 10 World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship TPC Blue Monster at Doral, Miami, FLPurse: $8,750,000

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM

Justin Rose$1,400,000

550

Mar 14 - 17 Tampa Bay Championship Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead, Palm Harbor, FLPurse: $5,500,000

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM

Luke Donald$990,000

500

Mar 21 - 24 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, FLPurse: $6,200,000

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM

Tiger Woods$1,080,000

500

Mar 25 - 26 Tavistock Cup Isleworth Golf & Country Club, Windermere, FLPurse: $2,170,000

GOLF Ben Curtis$110,000

Mar 28 - 31 Shell Houston Open Redstone GC Tournament Course, Humble, TXPurse: $6,200,000

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM

Hunter Mahan$1,080,000

500

Apr 4 - 7 Valero Texas Open JW Marriott, TPC San Antonio, San Antonio, TXPurse: $6,200,000

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM

Ben Curtis$1,116,000

500

Apr 11 - 14 Masters Tournament Augusta National GC, Augusta, GAPurse: $8,000,000

CBSESPN

Bubba Watson$1,440,000

600

Apr 18 - 21 RBC Heritage Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, SCPurse: $5,800,000

CBSGOLF

Carl Pettersson$1,026,000

500

MEMPHIS EDITION | FEBRUARY 201330



FEDEXCUPPOINTS

Apr 25 - 28 Zurich Classic of New Orleans TPC Louisiana, Avondale, LAPurse: $6,600,000

CBSGOLF

Jason Dufner$1,152,000

500

May 2 - 5 Wells Fargo Championship Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, NCPurse: $6,700,000

CBSGOLF

Rickie Fowler$1,170,000

500

May 9 - 12 THE PLAYERS Championship TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, FLPurse: $9,500,000

GOLFNBC

Matt Kuchar$1,710,000

600

May 16 - 19 HP Byron Nelson Championship TPC Four Seasons Resort, Irving, TXPurse: $6,700,000

CBSGOLF

Jason Dufner$1,170,000

500

May 23 - 26 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Colonial CC, Ft. Worth, TXPurse: $6,400,000

CBSGOLF

Zach Johnson$1,152,000

500

May 30 - Jun 2 the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, OHPurse: $6,200,000

CBSGOLF


500

Jun 6 - 9 FedEx St. Jude Classic TPC Southwind, Memphis, TNPurse: $5,700,000

CBSGOLF

Dustin Johnson$1,008,000

500

Jun 13 - 16 U.S. Open Merion GC, Ardmore, PAPurse: $8,000,000

ESPNNBC

Webb Simpson$1,440,000

600

Jun 20 - 23 Travelers Championship TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CTPurse: $6,100,000

CBSGOLF

Marc Leishman$1,080,000

500

Jun 24 - 25 CVS Caremark Charity Classic Rhode Island CC, Barrington, RIPurse: $1,300,000

Jay Haas$150,000

Jun 27 - 30 AT&T National Congressional Country Club, Bethesda, MDPurse: $6,500,000

CBSGOLF


500

Jul 4 - 7 The Greenbrier Classic The Old White TPC, White Sulphur Springs, WVPurse: $6,300,000

Ted Potter, Jr.$1,098,000

500

Jul 11 - 14 John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, ILPurse: $4,600,000

CBSGOLFSIRIUS-XM

Zach Johnson$828,000

500

Jul 18 - 21 True South Classic Annandale GC, Madison, MSPurse: $3,000,000

GOLF Scott Stallings$540,000

300

MEMPHIS EDITION | FEBRUARY 2013 31



FEDEXCUPPOINTS

Jul 18 - 21 The Open Championship Muirfield, East Lothian, Purse: $8,000,000

ABCESPN

Ernie Els$1,405,890

600

Jul 25 - 28 RBC Canadian Open Glen Abbey GC, Oakville,Ontario, Purse: $5,600,000

CBSGOLFSIRIUS-XM

Scott Piercy$936,000

500

Aug 1 - 4 Reno-Tahoe Open Montreux G&CC, Reno, NVPurse: $3,000,000

GOLF J.J. Henry$540,000

300

Aug 1 - 4 World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational Firestone CC (South Course), Akron, OHPurse: $8,750,000

CBSGOLFSIRIUS-XM

Keegan Bradley$1,400,000

550

Aug 8 - 11 PGA Championship Oak Hill CC, Rochester, NYPurse: $8,000,000

CBSTNT


600

Aug 15 - 18 Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, NCPurse: $5,300,000

CBSGOLFSIRIUS-XM

Sergio Garcia$936,000

500

Aug 22 - 25 The Barclays Liberty National Golf Club, Jersey City, NJPurse: $8,000,000

CBSGOLFSIRIUS-XM

Nick Watney$1,440,000

2,500

Aug 30 - Sep 2 Deutsche Bank Championship TPC Boston, Norton, MAPurse: $8,000,000

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM


2,500

Sep 12 - 15 BMW Championship Conway Farms Golf Club, Lake Forest, ILPurse: $8,000,000

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM


2,500

Sep 19 - 22 TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola East Lake GC, Atlanta, GAPurse: $8,000,000

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM

Brandt Snedeker$1,440,000

2,500

Oct 3 - 6 The Presidents Cup Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, OH

GOLFNBCSIRIUS-XM

United States

PGA TOUR TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

MEMPHIS EDITION | FEBRUARY 201332



REAL ESTATE

After five years of tumult, order and opportunity are finally being restored to the housing market. Home prices are expected to rise a modest 1% from the fourth quarter of 2012 to the end of 2013, according to the real estate research firm Fiserv. David Stiff, Fiserv’s chief economist, notes that after some choppiness early on, prices should increase 3.4% from the second quarter of 2013 to the second quarter of 2014. In hotter regions out West, you can expect bigger gains.

“Housing is finally turning the corner,” Stiff says. “There is no reason to be fearful of further large price declines.” This creates a new playing field for homeowners, who are finally able to sell, as well as would-be buyers who’ve been delaying a purchase in anticipation that prices would keep falling. The Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts that more and more house hunters will start coming off the sidelines, with new-home loans for purchases expected to jump 55%, based in dollars, in 2013.

Sellers, don’t get too excited just yet. You don’t have a viselike grip on this market either. Indeed, for many, it still makes sense to wait to get better prices. This is especially true if you know that you won’t be able to break even on your investment by unloading your house now, once you factor in the sales commission and other costs. With that being said, don’t assume that prices will be off to the races again in a year or two. Fiserv forecasts that between now and 2017, homes will gain 3.3% a year in value. That’s hardly red-hot. But at least the market isn’t frozen anymore.

THE ACTION PLAN: Sellers

The price still has to be right Homes in many markets are selling in a matter of weeks, often attracting multiple bids -- but only the ones that are properly priced. Take San Francisco. Although the city is one of the strongest sellers’ markets right now, the average home there goes for 103% of list price, not 120%.

REAL ESTATE: FIND OPPORTUNITY THIS YEAR

According to Money Magazine’s Make More in 2013, one can learn what’s contributing to a rosier outlook for economic growth, how to get more

investment income at a time of super-low rates, how you can start exploring and how you can start exploring job opportunities again. This installment: Why, as a

prospective home seller or buyer, you need to stop sitting on your hands.

“Buyers aren’t going down the road that got so many people in trouble during the bubble,” says Dallas real estate agent Mary Beth Harrison.

Focus on the appraisal Whoever bids on your home will probably finance the purchase. That means any deal is still beholden to a third party.

“You can take the highest offer, but at the end of the day the appraiser has the final say on the value of the home,” says David Howell, chief information officer at McEnearney Associates, a real estate agency in the D.C. metro area.

With so much riding on the appraisal -- it can kill an agreement or require renegotiation -- your agent should be present. Harrison has a tip for making sure this happens: “The minute we have an offer, we take the keys off the door to make sure the appraiser has to meet us to get in.”

Your agent should also prep a package of pertinent information for the appraiser, says Chicago real estate agent Fran Bailey. That includes the latest comparable sales data and documents detailing any upgrades or renovations to help the seller’s cause. “It’s part of my job to make sure the appraiser has the correct information,” she says.


REAL ESTATE

THE ACTION PLAN: Buyers Be ready to deal. With competition heating up, casual house shopping isn’t going to cut it anymore. If you are serious about making a move, be prepared:

Three months out. Despite housing’s green shoots, getting a mortgage remains incredibly tough. The average FICO credit score for recently denied applications on conventional purchase loans was 729. The score on approved mortgages was 762, with a 21% down payment, monthly payments equal to 21% of household income, and total debt that did not exceed 33% of income.

Deal time. “If you want to buy, you have to be ready to make an offer,” says Howell. Plus, your first offer should be very close to your best. “If the house has been on the market for three months or longer, you can be more aggressive,” says Bailey. “But if it’s a new listing, a low-ball bid will get you ignored.”

The Money tracker: What can upset the forecast in the year ahead... Ben runs out of ammo. Fed chairman Ben Bernanke is lifting housing by buying bonds to keep mortgage rates low. How much longer can he keep that going?

The loss of mortgage deductions. Should the tax break on mortgage interest get cut that would throw cold water on the real estate recovery.

Sellers sit on the fence. Homeowners could remain on the sidelines as the ranks of buyers grow. In that case, the inventory of homes would shrink even more, lifting prices faster than expected. Homeowners get bullish. A spate of home construction is already taking place in several major markets. In those regions, the housing stock is likely to stabilize, keeping price gains modest.

Banks loosen their grip. If tight lending standards return to historical norms, realtors argue, the market could see an additional 500,000 to 700,000 home sales next year.

Employer confidence rises. Since jobs are the engine of the housing market, a pickup in hiring later in the year, which economists are predicting, could accelerate a real estate rebound in the second half of 2013. Courtesy of money.cnn.com


Discovering The Beauty of South Dakota

South Dakota is known for its rich soil ideal for agriculture. South Dakota features a lot of tourist destinations.

South Dakota is among the states of the United States of America situated in the Midwestern area. The name Dakota was derived from the Dakota and Lakota the tribes from the American Indian.

In November 2, 1889, the Union accepted South Dakota following the admittance of North Dakota. The capital of South Dakota is the Pierre city while the largest city is the Sioux Falls. The Missouri River divides the state into two, namely the East and the West River. The east side is known for its abundant crops because of its rich soil, while the west side is popular for ranching.

South Dakotas economy mainly relies on agriculture. Its dwellers adapt a rural life. In order to boost the

economy, the government of South Dakota has decided to divert its attention to tourism to attract more investors and tourists. They began actively promoting its various tourist spots and rigorously improved its economy. Local and foreign tourists nowadays travel to South Dakota to spend their vacation and enjoy its beautiful attractions.

Mount Rushmore is among the major tourist spots located at the Black Hills in the southwest of South Dakota. It features the sculpture of four of the former presidents of the United States. The sculpture is a masterpiece of Gutzon Borglum. Black Hills itself is among the beautiful scenery which features a lot of pine trees covering the whole mountain.

South Dakota is home for various monuments and National Parks. There are two popular national parks. One is the Badlands National Park located at the

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southwestern side. It was established in 1978. The other one is the Wind Cave National Park known for its various caves and bison. The park is located at the Black Hills and was created during the year 1903.

Another great attraction of the state of South Dakota is the world renowned Corn Palace built in 1892. This was originally used as a venue for various festivals by the locales. The palace symbolizes the rich agriculture of the land. Every year the palace is decorated with different species of grasses and grains.

South Dakota also boasts its hundreds of museums which showcase a wide variety of art works, music and a lot of historical artifacts. You will learn more on the history of South Dakota when you visit these museums.

South Dakota is also a haven of different adventures and exciting activities. With its wide mountainous area, it is an ideal place for outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking and sight seeing. Photographers and hobbyists enjoy taking pictures of the serene and calm views of South Dakota wildlife and nature.

You may also enjoy camping with so many campgrounds in different areas of South Dakota. Most campgrounds are equipped with the latest facilities providing guests the comfort and excitement for their camping needs.With more than one thousand square miles of water, South Dakota is known as a pleasurable place for fishing. You can also enjoy water activities such as jet skiing, surfing and kayaking.

Besides fishing, there are specific areas where you can enjoy hunting. The areas for hunting feature a variety of birds and animals. Among the most awaited hunting events is the pheasant season which attracts a lot of hunters from different parts of the country. South Dakota is truly an ideal place to visit whether you are business travel or on vacation. Experience the fun, adventure and excitement with all the beautiful places in South Dakota. The city is greatly admired for its efforts of boosting its tourism.


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDENFeb 1, 2013 - Feb 28, 2013750 Cherry Road. Memphis, TN 38117Tel: 901-636-4131www.memphisbotanicgarden.comJoin in this month-long celebration of birds. You will be shown how to identify the birds in your own backyard and submit your citizen-science data to the Great Backyard Bird Count - or you can join in the group bird counts at the Garden.

DEVIL TRAINEvery Monday From February 04, 2013 until February 28, 20131368 Monroe Avenue. Memphis, TN 38104Tel: 901-278-0909Offering some of the best live music around from punk bands to local legends.Don’t miss Devil Train at The Buccaneer in Midtown Memphis. Buccaneer in Midtown Memphis is a local favorite for music and atmosphere.

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOMHattiloo TheatreFeb 28, 2013 - Mar 17, 2013656 Marshall. Memphis, TN 38103Tel: 901-502-3486website: www.hattiloo.orgSet in a Chicago in 1927, while Ma Rainey’s band wait for her to arrive, tension mounts between the young trumpeter Levee and veteran player Cutler. After Ma Rainey turns up, the tension reaches a boiling point and violence ensues.Tickets range in price from $18 to $25. Call the box office or visit online to purchase tickets.

DEBBIE DOES DALLASThe Circuit PlayhouseMar 1, 2013 - Mar 24, 201351 S. Cooper. Memphis, TN 38104Tel: 901-726-4656website: http://playhouseonthesquare.orgDebbie Does Dallas, which is loosely based on the adult film about a young woman who gets her chance to become a Texas Cowgirls cheerleader. When she does not have the money for the bus fare, she and her friends get creative in this show that is more send up than homage.

HOCKEY! - MISSISSIPPI RIVERKINGS VS. FAYETTEVILLE FIREANTZLanders CenterMar 1, 2013 - Mar 2, 20134560 Venture Drive. Southaven, MS 38671Tel: 662-342-1755website: www.riverkings.comWitness the heart-pounding action of the revived Central Hockey League’s founding member and longest-running active professional sports franchise. The RiverKings have been providing professional hockey entertainment to the Mid-South region since 1992.Tickets can be purchased on riverkings.com, ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

CHORUS LINETheatre MemphisMar 3, 2013 - Mar 30, 2013630 Perkins Ext. Memphis, TN 38117Tel: 901-682-8323website: www.theatrememphis.orgThe Groundbreaking Musical. Dancers audition for a spot on a chorus line. Each has a story more compelling than the next. Lyrics by Edward Kleban, a brilliant score (One, What I Did for Love, At the Ballet) by Marvin Hamlisch and a book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante that was based on the workshop experiences of famed choreographer Michael Bennett and some Broadway “gypsies.”

BASEBALL: MEMPHIS TIGERS VS BUFFALOFedEx ParkMar 8, 2013 - Mar 10, 20133775 Central Ave. Memphis, TN 38152website: www.gotigersgo.comDon’t miss the University of Memphis Tigers at FedEx Park as they take on Buffalo.Call 901-678-2331 or visit www.gotigersgo.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

NATIVE SONHattiloo TheatreApr 4, 2013 - Apr 21, 2013656 Marshall. Memphis, TN 38103Tel: 901-502-3486website: www.hattiloo.orgIn 1940s Chicago, a young black man takes a job as a chauffeur to a white family, which takes a turn for the worse when he accidentally kills the teenage daughter of the couple and then tries to cover it up.Tickets range in price from $18 to $25. Call the box office or visit online to purchase tickets.



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