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Frozen yogurt wars set battle lines in Madison Co.

Frozen yogurt wars set battle lines in Madison Co.

As the temperatures rise quickly across the Tennessee Valley, many families will seek new ways to beat the heat. One cool alternative to ice cream is frozen yogurt, and there are many shops open in Madison County for you to choose from.

Huntsville and Madison are home to no less than six unique “do it yourself” FroYo experiences, each competing for your dollar. Each follow a similar format: take a cup, fill it up with the yogurt or yogurts of your choice, top it off with a myriad of crunchy, fruity, saucy toppings, and enjoy. You pay by the ounce at the registers and in some cases you can also take home pre-packed pints or quarts on your way out the door.

Frozen yogurt could be considered the ‘all-inclusive’ dessert. Any of the shops in the Valley offer dairy-free, sugar-free, fat-free, gluten-free and Kosher options for all of your dietary needs, which only adds to the dozens of flavors on offer. Sorbets and Greek yogurts are also often in rotation.

Stream it: 'Sports Night'

Stream it: 'Sports Night'

"Sports Night" is the show that got me interested in working at a TV station. I can guarantee you that I was the only eighth-grader in my little Texas middle school that was tuning into this show as religiously as I was. Come to think of it, I was probably the only person in the area watching it; "Sports Night" lasted two seasons before being unceremoniously canceled in 2000.

This is a shame because the concept had legs. Set behind the scenes of a nightly sports news show, "Sports Night" was the television debut for creator and head writer Aaron Sorkin, who would set up similar fly-on-the-wall shows "West Wing," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," and "The Newsroom."

Stream it: 'You Can't Do That on Television'

Stream it: 'You Can't Do That on Television'

There has been a movement as of late to bring back classic shows from the "first kids' network," Nickelodeon. A major coup came when spinoff channel TeenNick created "The '90s are All That" two years ago, highlighting sporadic reruns of great fare like Rocko's Modern Life and The Secret World of Alex Mack.

However, the one big "get" for Nick nerds like myself has been You Can't Do That on Television. Considered the holy grail by kids of the '80s, You Can't is the program that brought Green Slime to the masses.

Sweet Dreams Come True at the Whistle Stop Sweet Shop

Sweet Dreams Come True at the Whistle Stop Sweet Shop

Like several of you, I am working on all of my New Year's goals.  Workout more, eat less, get famous and skinny... yada yada yada.  For the most part, I am doing well(except for the skinny/famous one).  So when I decide to treat myself, I need the good stuff. 

Hi. My name is Beth and I am a chocoholic.  And if you want to know where to get some fudge that will have you going Whoo Whoo, head to Downtown Madison.  The Whistle Stop Sweet Shop is one of the newest businesses in the booming downtown.

I first learned about this magical fudge when I was at the Madison Street Festival and had a taste. My mother was standing right there and I literally smacked her on the arm and said, "Yum!"  So believe me when I say this sweet treat is smack yo' mama good!

I sat down with the Whistle Stop Sweet Shop's owner, Lynn Crumbly, and her friend/creative genius/local artist Crystal McBrayer.

Start your year out on the right (pampered) foot!

Start your year out on the right (pampered) foot!
We all start our New Year with the best of intentions: Lose weight, spend less/save more, and de-stress.

I am right there with you! I am learning that it's important to take care of yourself. As much as I would love to say I treat my body like a temple, it's more like I am treating as a pop up tent. Not good - So my 2013 is on a way to a better me.

I always feel better when I can take some time to get my nails done. It's not an expensive treat and it is always a fun girls trip. So I decided to take my buddy to try out a new nail salon near my house called A-L Nails & Spa.

A-L Nails & Spa is located on County Line Road right next to Stem and Stein (10871 County Line Road, Madison AL). Previously there was a salon there called Fantasy Nails, but this is a new business, new owner, new look!

Shipping deadlines approach to get gifts to military

Shipping deadlines approach to get gifts to military
The United States Postal Service has announced shipping deadlines to get gifts and cards to military members serving overseas before Christmas. December 17 - Express Mail Military Service December 10 - First Class Mail Letters/Cards December 10 - Priority Mail December 3 - Parcel Airlift Mail Click on the following link for information broken down by APO: http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2012/pr12_120.htm

Places 'Yule' Love: Art & Soul Gallery

Places 'Yule' Love:  Art & Soul Gallery

Radio stations have started their holiday music, stores have put out displays, and the lights are on at the Botanical Gardens and Bridgestreet -- Tis the season.  For me, sometimes the season = stress!  Now I know that gifts are only a small part of the celebrations, but finding that perfect, thoughtful gift is always on my mind.

So this year I am starting early by hitting up my favorite spots and finding new ones.  I am sharing them in a series of articles that focus on the small businesses, artists, and supporting our locals.

There is a new business just over the mountain in Huntsville that features 20 artists from all across North Alabama and Southern Tennessee.  The name is "Art & Soul" and from the moment I walked in, I fell in love!

What I loved about the business is it has all types of art - Paintings, jewelry, metal sculptures, ornaments and more!  It recently opened i