Amber Chase

Shop Local and Win a “Getaway Not Far Away” In McDonough!

skellner — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:31:42 +0000

Visit the lovely shops in McDonough and enter the giveaway drawing!

If you love to shop local in McDonough, Georgia, you’ll be happy to know that the Main Street McDonough association is giving back to its faithful patrons with a wonderful Valentine’s Day prize giveaway.

Now through February 14, when you spend $30 or more at any of the bakeries, restaurants or shops in downtown McDonough (on the square) you can fill out a form to get registered for a “Getaway Not Far Away.” The drawing will take place on February 15 and four lucky winners will receive a one night stay at one of the following hotels with complimentary breakfast included:

Hilton Garden Inn
Hampton Inn
Comfort Suites
Holiday Inn Express

This is the perfect opportunity to treat your sweetheart to a night away from their daily routine whether it involves a night away from the kids or just treating them to something special. If you would like more information on this giveaway, you can ask any of the participating merchants or call 770.898.9868.

Photo credit: mainstreetmcdonough.com

Find the Perfect Present for that Special Someone at One of These Shops

skellner — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:04:45 +0000

If you want to get your significant other something really special this Valentine’s Day and will find yourself taking a trip into Atlanta sometime in the foreseeable future, check out some of these great eclectic jewelry and gift shops. If you want funky and hip gifts that you know your special someone will love, be sure to stop in! Happy shopping!

Source: Yelp
Name: Vivid Boutique
Location: 133 E Court Sq Decatur, GA 30030
Reviews: 12

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
i really loved this store. the items they sell are perfectly curated and the staff is very helpful. if you need a gift for someone or yourself this is the…Read More…

Not to be pretentious (ok, maybe a little bit ) but I’m born and breed in NYC and work/live very often in Europe so I”ve seen my fair share of cute, hip,…Read More…

I love Vivid Boutique!! It’s more posh than most of the downtown Decatur shops. Those stores tend to have a boho feel, while this store has more of a chic,…Read More…

Vivid Boutique

Source: Yelp
Name: Atlantis Eclectic Boutique
Location: 1164 Euclid Ave Atlanta, GA 30307
Reviews: 2

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I buy the most eye-catching rings here. Love to shop here! Great vibe, ambience and customer service.Read More…

Since the demise of L5P’s Soulkiss, there was something missing from this shopping district- unique jewelry and fabulous imports that can be otherwise hard…Read More…

Atlantis Eclectic Boutique

Source: Yelp
Name: Ten Thousand Villages
Location: 1056 Saint Charles Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Reviews: 9

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
TTV is always a pleasure, no matter what location. This one is no exception–friendly staff and no hassle return policy. I’m always amazed at how cheery…Read More…

This is my go-to gift shop when I need to buy anything for anyone (family member, friend, coworkers). You will always find something- from jewelry, to…Read More…

I can’t believe I’ve never been to Ten Thousand Villages proper, though I do browse their section at Kudzu on every visit.
This is the perfect store for…Read More…

Ten Thousand Villages

Adopt Your New Furry Best Friend in McDonough, Georgia

skellner — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:10:02 +0000

Adopt this adorable beagle!

Did you know that studies have shown that owning and loving a dog can have positive physical effects such as a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as positive mental effects such as a reduction in depression, anxiety and loneliness? It’s true! If you’re thinking about adopting a dog in McDonough, Georgia, consider one of these adorable pups. You may just find your new best friend!

Pet Name: Jake
Breed: Dachshund
Age: Adult
Male or Female: M
Size: S

Jake is a sweet long-haired Dachshund. He is only four years old and plays well with all dogs. He even enjoys time in doggie daycare. Jake is housetrained and loves everyone. He is a great overall pet who needs a new family of his own. PLEASE READ OUR ADOPTION POLICY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION: 1. Go to www.prayingforpaws.com and submit an application for the dog that you want 2. We will check your personal and veterinary references. We will verify that your current pet is spayed/neutered (no exceptions), updated on all vaccines and taking heartworm preventative. If these requirements are not met, the application will not be approved. 3. Upon approval, someone at Praying For Paws will contact you to set up an appointment to meet and adopt your new dog

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Eustace
Breed: Beagle
Age: Young
Male or Female: M
Size: M

Eustace and Muriel came to a northern GA shelter together as strays. Were not sure if they are siblings, mother & son, or just honeymooners. They do not need to be adopted together, but wouldn’t mind it either. Eustace does seem to be very much a puppy with his mannerisms. He weighs 21 lbs. He is a little more hesitant than Muriel, but wags his tail like mad when he sees someone new. However, he waits to see if the human is dog-friendly before approaching them. I got in a few pats his first night at home, but it wasnt until the 3rd day that he starting putting his paws on my legs seeking my attention. Now he jumps with joy when I come home from work. Both he and Muriel have the softest fur! I love to massage his ears and under his chin. He hasnt rolled over for the belly rub yet, but its only a matter of time before he trusts us totally. He learned the doggy door to come back inside in only one day. He is used to being crated when we are not at home, and at night with Muriel. While Muriel stayed the night at the vet, he was quiet throughout the night. When we had 6 visiting humans looking at another adoptable dog, Eustace snuck behind each on on the couch to sniff them, and enjoyed being petted by everyone – he has come a LONG way from that timid boy he was. Eustace is a very sweet beagle boy, and would just love a family to call his own.
PLEASE READ OUR ADOPTION POLICY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION:
1. Go to www.prayingforpaws.com and submit an application for the dog that you want
2. We will check your personal and veterinary references. We will verify that your current pet is spayed/neutered (no exceptions), updated on all vaccines and taking heartworm preventative. If these requirements are not met, the application will not be approved.
3. Upon approval, someone at Praying For Paws will contact you to set up an appointment to meet and adopt your new dog

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Abner
Breed: Rat Terrier
Age: Young
Male or Female: M
Size: M

Prior to discussing our dogs we will need you to complete our Adoption Application If you are interested please complete the preliminary application on our homepage at www.henryhumane.com.
As with all our other pets please have an excellent verifiable vet history if you wish to be considered to adopt.
Adoption Fee: $250.00 All of our dogs have been given age-appropriate vaccinations, are spayed/neutered, dewormed, had capstar and/or frontline applied, heartworm tested and treated if necessary, and microchipped with registration pre paid.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Tucker
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Age: Adult
Male or Female: M
Size: XL

Tucker is a gorgeous, purebred chocolate Lab. He weighs about 100 lbs, so he is a big boy! Tucker absolutely loves everyone, but he is still learning manners, so he may be too big for a home with small children. However, he has a strong desire to please and learns quickly, so it will be easy to train him appropriately. He loves other dogs and wants to play in water constantly. Like a typical Lab, Tucker is always happy and energetic. PLEASE READ OUR ADOPTION POLICY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION: 1. Go to www.prayingforpaws.com and submit an application for the dog that you want 2. We will check your personal and veterinary references. We will verify that your current pet is spayed/neutered (no exceptions), updated on all vaccines and taking heartworm preventative. If these requirements are not met, the application will not be approved. 3. Upon approval, someone at Praying For Paws will contact you to set up an appointment to meet and adopt your new dog

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Fill Your Belly at One of These McDonough Restaurants

skellner — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:13:08 +0000

Whether you are planning a night out for dinner with the family, or you are taking someone special out for Valentine’s Day, there are many great dining options in McDonough. From pizza and barbecue to finer dining like seafood and steaks, you don’t have to travel far from your Amber Chase apartment to get a great meal. Read on for listings and reviews.

Source: Yelp
Name: Pippins Bar-B Q
Location: 40 Sims St McDonough, GA 30253
Reviews: 4

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Very clean BBQ. The meat is lean, always tastes good. Sauces are great and not too sweet. They make you feel at home. Love this place.Read More…

Okay, I have been back and learned that they have Carolina sauce. LIFE IS GOOD!Read More…

This is the real deal, country BBQ. When you find yourself in Mcdonough this is the place to go if you want good BBQ at great prices. The food is always…Read More…

Pippins Bar-B Q

Source: Yelp
Name: Seasons Bistro
Location: 41 Griffin St McDonough, GA 30253
Reviews: 12

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I had heard many good things about this place so was excited to try it. I joined a group of six and off we went.

We arrived at 7:30 pm and were able to…Read More…

Absolutely fantastic! My wife and I love this place. Try the bone in Ribeye and what ever is the special of the day.Read More…

Chilean Sea Bass special was delish with a caper dill sauce. The side was a mushroom risotto. Felt like the risotto could have been it’s own course and…Read More…

Seasons Bistro

Source: Yelp
Name: Davincis Ny Style Pizza
Location: 1035 Highway 155 S McDonough, GA 30253
Reviews: 3

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews

I kept driving past the strip center Davinic’s was in and saw it was stuffed full of people most nights. I finally decided to stop and give it a try. The…Read More…

I am so pleased that I found this place. The pizza is amazing. Big slices with big toppings at great prices, and yes, it is definitely New York style….Read More…

Davincis Ny Style Pizza

Green Ideas for the New Year

skellner — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:32:33 +0000

If you’re looking for ways to be more green in the new year, we’ve rounded up a couple of ideas from Apartment Therapy to get you started. There are tips and tricks for getting organized (after all, it is National Get Organized Month!), along with creative ideas for reusing household items like tuna cans. Have fun!

Before & After: Tuna Can Turned Desk Storage Family Chic

A humble tuna can has more possibilities than filler for your recycling bin. Give it another life with a pinch and a pull. Want to see what it looks like now?
Read More…

A Beautiful Hand-Knit Blanket to Cozy-Up Martha Stewart

I’m not usually one to blog about knitting projects—after all, there are so many great ones out there—but if there’s one exception, this is it! Appearing in January’s issue of Martha Stewart Living, this hand-knit blanket is easy for beginners and experienced knitters alike. If you can knit a scarf, you can make this exceptionally beautiful blanket to spruce up your bed in the new year.
Read More…

Smart & Simple: Green Living Ideas for Every Home

• 5 Quotes to Remember: The Big Benefits of Small Living
• Making a Home for Bugs
• Green Tips for Snow & Ice Removal
• Two Tricks for Fast Breakfast Clean Up
• Here’s How to Save Energy In Every Room
• Stella Bleu Designs: Industrial Decor
• Labels To Look For When Buying Flowers
• 5 Questions: Deciding to Keep or Purge
• Light-Filled Renovation: Woodlands Residence
• Cultural Exchange: Lessons to Learn from Australian Homes
Read More…

Superbowl Snack Recipe from Fogelman: Cheese Ball

skellner — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:23:43 +0000

Whether you’re a major sports fan or not, the Superbowl is certainly a fun event. Not only do you get to gather with friends and enjoy a few beers, but you can also feast upon the array of snack foods available. Subs, chicken wings, are nachos are just the beginning of the Superbowl snack line-up.

You can also add flourish by covering the cheese ball in chopped walnuts.

If you want to wow your Superbowl party guests, try out this recipe from our Fogelman CARES Cookbook:

Cheese Ball

3-8-ounce boxes cream cheese softened
3-green onions, chopped
3- packages of corn beef from lunchmeat section (Be sure it is corn beef not corn beef hash)
1-teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1-teaspoon of Accent seasoning salt

- Put cream cheese in a bowl and set aside.
- Use a food processor to blend onions, corn beef, Worcestershire sauce, and Accent together until fine consistency.
- Put mixture in with cream cheese and mix very well. Form into a ball with you hands.
- Refrigerate overnight. Serve with crackers.

The Fogelman CARES Cookbook contains more than 300 recipes from satisfying appetizers like this Cheese Ball to elegant entrees, desserts and more. You can pick up your copy in the Amber Chase office for only $15. All proceeds go to Feeding America.

Photo courtesy: kowitz on Flickr Creative Commons

How to Be Green and Save Green in Your McDonough Apartment

skellner — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:13:45 +0000

Do your part to preserve the environment right in your apartment!

If one of your goals or resolutions for 2012 is to be more green, there are many ways that you can do so without making huge sacrifices. There are numerous ways that you can be more eco-friendly in your everyday life that only require minor changes. If you’re need some ideas on how to make these changes and what effects they have, check out some of our previous Amber Chase blog posts listed below:

How to Keep Utility Bills Low in the Winter (12/19/11)
This post discusses the numerous ways you can lower your utility bills when the weather cools off. These include how to block drafts, letting natural light warm your apartment, and lowering the thermostat.

Going Green Starts in Your Apartment (2/8/11)
This post lists ways that you can go green and save on your power bill at the same time by turning off the lights when you leave the room, unplugging appliances and more.

Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water (4/12/2010)
Washing your clothes in cold water can not only save money on your energy bill, but it can also help extend the life of your clothes.

For more ideas on how to be green in your Amber Chase apartment, visit thedailygreen.com.

Be “In the Know” for Superbowl Sunday

skellner — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:29:52 +0000

With Superbowl Sunday less than a month away, it’s important to stay up to date on all the goings on with the NFL playoffs. Who will make it to the big game? To read up on all the things that are happening in the great American sport of football, stay tuned to Amber Chase!

2012 NFL draft order after wild-card round

Below is the 2012 NFL draft order following wild-card weekend:

Huge gap between Brady, AFC playoff QBs

Tom Brady…Tim Tebow…Joe Flacco…T.J. Yates.

Which quarterback would you prefer leading your team in the postseason?

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s one-and-done exit from the playoffs leaves a huge gap between the remaining playoff quarterbacks in the AFC. The field is pretty much Brady, who has three rings, and everyone else.

Tebow, Flacco and Yates have all been inconsistent this season. Brady is the only Pro Bowler of the group and proven commodity who has played well deep into the playoffs.

Ike Taylor apologizes for performance

Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor owned up to his struggles in Sunday’s 29-23 wild-card playoff loss at Denver after not speaking to reporters after the game.

Taylor allowed catches of 51 and 58 yards before giving up the 80-yard game-winner on the first play in overtime. On the final play, he got beat to the inside by Demaryius Thomas and then got stiff-armed by the Broncos’ wide receiver at midfield.

After congratulating Tim Tebow and the Broncos on Twitter, Taylor added: “I apologize for playing the worst game at the wrong time apologize to my teammates steelernation and family.

Don’t Miss “The Crucible” at the Henry Players Theater February 2-5

skellner — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:52:43 +0000

There something so magical about live theater. From the dynamic actors to the bright lights and elaborately designed sets and costumes, you can tell that a lot of work goes into creating live productions. If you would like to experience live theater right here in McDonough, GA, don’t miss “The Crucible“ performed at The Henry Players Theater Thursday, February 2 through Sunday, February 5.

Written by Arthur Miller, “The Crucible” is the story of a young farmer, his wife and a young servant-girl who causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft in Puritan Salem, Massachusetts. This gripping historical play is studied in many classrooms and has won the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play.

The Henry Players Theater is located at 37 Lemon Street, McDonough, GA 30253, which is approximately a 10 minute drive from our community at Amber Chase. Tickets to this play are $12 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.

Image courtesy: en.wikipedia.org

Adopt One of These Featured Felines for the New Year

skellner — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:46:06 +0000

Cats are great pets to have not only because they are low maintenance, but also because once they feel comfortable around you, they are just as loving as dogs. Hearing your cat purr as you pet him or her is a great feeling and can actually relieve stress. If you’re thinking about adopting a cat for the new year, consider one of these featured felines!

Pet Name: Blossom
Breed: Tabby – Grey
Age: Adult
Male or Female: F
Size: M

Blossom is a very sweet girl about three years old. She was left behind by her family who moved away and said they were coming back. She is a very loving kitty and needs a special loving home. She loves to chase a lazer light and gets along with other kitties and dogs. She is current on shots. Kathie-foster.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Ali
Breed: American Shorthair
Age: Young
Male or Female: M
Size: S

Ali is about 10-11 months old. He was brought to us as a tiny kitten with his eyes still closed. He was adopted but the fellow had some serious health problems and couldn’t take care of Ali any longer. This kitty is VERY playful and busy. He likes to always be doing something but will also settle down for some cuddle time. He is like the teenagers of cats, a bit michevious. If interested in meeting him contact catsanddogs4you@yahoo.com Betty/foster

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Renda
Breed: Tabby
Age: Adult
Male or Female: F
Size: S

Renda was rescued from animal control where she was taken with her kitten. Her kitten has since been adopted but we still have her. She is the prettiest cat with beautiful markings and great big eyes looking at you. She is about a year old and is wanting her own special family. She is affectionate and playful. If interested contact catsanddogs4you@yahoo.com Betty/foster

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Callie
Breed: Calico
Age: Adult
Male or Female: F
Size: S

Calico (Callie) is a flirty, sassy, playful calico. She loves to chat with you, especially if youre telling her how beautiful she is! Callie is pretty much your typical diva cat she likes to be petted on her terms but is pretty tolerant overall. Like her brother, Jack, she isnt fond of dogs but is used to being around them. Callie gets along well with other cats and is HIV/feline leukemia negative. She can be seen at Noahs Ark animal sanctuary, Tues-Sat from 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. She is current on her shots and is HIV/feline leukemia negative.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Buttercup
Breed: Calico
Age: Adult
Male or Female: F
Size: M

This sweet baby was owner surrendered. Her owner was not able to keep her and the other cat he had. The living conditions were not the greatest for these kitties either. She is the sweetest kitty, so loving and affectionate. She is about 3 years old but still young for a cat as they live for 17-20 years normally. If you look at her picture her colors look like she has a picture of a dogs head on the side of her. So funny. If interested contact catsanddogs4you@yahoo.com Betty/foster

View this pet on Petfinder.com