1.  Always, always, organize your kitchen first: Once the kitchen is organized, everything else can be     unpacked and organized at a slower pace. The kitchen is the “heart” of the home.

2. Take small steps: Start with one room and stay on task. Don’t move to another room until finished        with the first.

3. Unpack one box at a time: Do not unpack several boxes at once or you will get overwhelmed.

4. Purge as you go: You may have packed something you really don’t need. Make sure & label the box         “donate” or “trash”

5. Get the kids involved: A child, as young as 5 years old, can unpack boxes for their rooms with very         simple, yet direct instruction, such as: “Put the toys in this bucket in your closet,” and “Put your clothes     in this dresser.” This is a great way to get them excited about their new room!

Remember your new home is a new start! Happy unpacking!

Marilyn Bopp and her husband, Tommy, have been married for 19 years and have 4 children. Marilyn is a graduate of Auburn University with a BA in Communcations. Tommy, also a graduate of Auburn, owns his own energy consulting company and they have resided in Montgomery their entire marriage. They are members of Eastwood Presbyterian Church and their children attend Eastwood Christian School. Marilyn loves to help families have happy, peaceful, organized homes.

Eat local raw honey to build up an immunity to area allergens

Stay off dairy & wheat if your allergies to do flair up.  Check out homeopathic remedies to prevent future symptoms

Use sunscreen every day to protect your skin.  Try Aubrey Organics Natural Sun or Burt Bee’s Chemical Free Sunscreen.

Avoid mosquito and ant bites.  Try Quantum Health’s Buzz Away, a natural bug control without deet.

Eat organic foods and produce

Work-out at the YMCA or one of the many local parks

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Steve Thompson and Willard Henson are the owners of Health Wise, Montgomery’s Health Food Superstore. Steve, who is turning 52, looks like a thirty year old. A former bodybuilder, Steve works on lean muscle and cardio activity. He’s worked out at the downtown YMCA for over 34 years. Willard Henson, a former corporate attorney, has a passion for the wine & culinary areas of the store. He has brought organic wine and beer to Montgomery. Health Wise is dedicated to helping their clients with knowledgeable staff and educational seminars on healthy living.

Neutral colors with accent pieces to add a “pop” of color is still popular. We are seeing smaller furniture coming back in vogue. People are simplifying and reducing their home size. A standard size sofa was 100”, it’s now back to 84”. A mixture of fabrics and styles is still popular.

What is the biggest key in decorating a room?

Lighting, without question, can make the most dramatic difference in a room. Paint colors are affected by it and the feel of the room is determined by it. Adding accent, table or task lighting to a room can make a big impact.

What are your recommendations for decorating with large flat screen TVs?

It used to be common to hang flat screens over a fireplace. However, you need a deep room to keep it at a proper viewing height to avoid neck strain. Many people are buying consoles with side shelves to hold the flat screens which also allow you to add art and accessories. This will warm up the wall and add more visual interest. Another option is to add a series of prints around the TV.

What should you bring to the showroom when shopping?

The most important thing to bring is a sketch of your room with measurements. If you have existing furniture, jot those measurements down as well. Bring in pillows and other accessories to help us match your colors and style. We can also come to your house to help with paint colors and accessories. Designers can help you avoid costly mistakes and help you think through your design. Custom orders or off the shelf, the key is to enjoy the process and to enjoy your space.

Ben Ray helps people 

With a degree in interior design, Ben Ray has helped customers for over 20 years. Ben is married and has two adult sons. His wife, Millie Ray, has her own business making baked goods for 38 grocery outlets. Contact Ben with all your design questions at Chambers Furniture, 334.613.0570 or www.ChambersFurniture.net.

“Cole and I had discussed adoption before we even got married, and I’ve always had a heart for adoption,” Joy said. “I adopted his daughter Sarah Kathryn, and then we were able to have two children of our own, but we were both really convicted that the Lord was calling us to add to our family through adoption.”

Samuel was the Portis’ first addition, and bringing him home was an experience that transformed all of their lives. “When we saw the difference we were able to make in this child’s life and the positive changes he was making in the rest of our family, it was so uplifting. I never really planned for my family to be so diverse and colorful,” Joy said. “But now, none of my children see skin color anymore. It has been wonderful for us all.”

What has surprised you the most about Montgomery?

I have been surprised by all the history in this town. From Desoto, to the Civil War, to the Civil Rights – Montgomery has an amazing amount of history. I also love how centrally located it is to everything. Within two & a half hours, I can be at the beach, Atlanta or Birmingham – it’s great!

What do you think about the Newcomers Club in Montgomery?

This is the nicest group of women! I love the diversity of the group and how inclusive and welcoming they are. There are a lot of smaller groups within the club like Book Club, Bunco, Cooking Club, and others. They are a fun group of women that really are happy to share information to help you.

What have you enjoyed the most about the area?

Of all the places I have lived, Montgomery has the friendliest people. Everyone waves and my neighbors have taken time to introduce themselves and we have made a lot of friends. My daughter now calls me “Mama” in her newest southern accent and asks if we can stay here forever. With military life comes moving, but we are hoping to stay a little longer!

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic – Your child will LOVE going to these dentists!  They have a wonderful waiting room with birds & fish.  The “theatre” is the first place my kids run to – it has multi-tiered seating with a dramatic stage for watching the Disney channel!   My three kids go back together to have their teeth cleaned and examined while I get to enjoy the latest People magazine in the lobby.  After meeting with the hygienist or doctor, we leave with clean teeth & a goody bag in hand.

Finding Babysitters – Check out the local college lists – Huntingdon College has a list of college students looking to earn money.  Also, talk to those Preschool Directors and Teachers, there are usually some very capable teachers looking for extra work.