It’s Time to Winterize Your Sprinkler System
By CarrieW | November 28, 2011
With Atlanta’s unpredictable weather lately, it’s a great time to start preparing your home for winter. Despite the temperate climate here, we still get below freezing temperatures on many days (and don’t forget the ice storm this past January!), so it is necessary to winterize your sprinkler system to keep it safe from frozen, cracked pipes or a cracked body. You do not want to leave any water in your system during the winter.
There are three main methods of preparing your system for cold weather: manual drain, automatic drain and blow out method. The method you choose will depend on what type of system and valves you have.
For a manual drain, the first thing you need to do is turn off your timer or the shut off valve to make sure your system does not come on. Open the various valves throughout the system, and let all of the water drain out. When freezing temperatures are on the way, you can also wrap your back-flow valve with a towel or some other kind of material and cover it with a plastic bag then duct tape it on. Disconnect your hoses and let any excess water drain out. To get an automatic drain, you add drainage emitters to release water. The blow out method utilizes an air compressor.
Winterizing your sprinkler system is not difficult, but mistakes can be costly. If any of this sounds too challenging, you can always hire a professional to handle the task.
Here are a few companies in the Atlanta area who handle sprinkler systems:
Topics: Atlanta-Georgia, home maintenance | No Comments »
Go Local on Small Business Saturday
By CarrieW | November 26, 2011
Got the Black Friday blues? Consider stimulating the economy by shopping local on Small Business Saturday.
For the second year, Small Business Saturday has been named as a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.
Shop small businesses!
In fact, the Atlanta City Council has officially declared November 26 Small Business Saturday, and Monte Hewett homeowners throughout the metro-area have plenty of options when looking for engaging businesses to support.
Brookhaven Manor residents, look no further than Dresden Drive to find stores like A Froggy Place for Gifts and The Mercantile. West Village folks can just step outside their doors for great boutique shopping within Smyrna West Village including Pashmere Ladies Boutique and PALO’s Shoe Gallery. Those who live near St. Charles in Midtown have plenty of options throughout the Virginia Highland area, into Inman Park and through Old Fourth Ward. When was the last time you shopped at Bill Hallman Original, Festivity, Nandina Home & Design or Lila?
Supporting small, local businesses not only stimulates the economy, in most cases, it also means the gifts you buy will be unique and a true delight to the receiver. You might even find that special gift for the person in your life who seems to have everything!
Topics: Atlanta-Georgia | No Comments »
Midtown’s Atlantic Station Gets Festive
By CarrieW | November 18, 2011
For Monte Hewettt Homes residents at St. Charles in Midtown and Westminster on the western edge of Buckhead, Atlantic Station is just a stone’s throw away. During November and December, this outdoor shopping, dining and nightlife area becomes a virtual Winter Wonderland with nightly “snow,” a giant ground-level Christmas tree and more perks like entertainment and features for children like train rides and Santa visits.
The Annual Lighting of Atlantic Station takes place on Saturday, November 19
It all kicks off with the annual Lighting of Atlantic Station in the area’s Central Park on Saturday, November 19. Starting at noon, the community is welcome to enjoy this event, which culminates in the lighting of the city’s brightest holiday tree, inaugurating weeks of fun and festive entertainment. This all-day celebration features live music, arts, crafts, delicious winter treats, fireworks and activities the whole family can enjoy. Attendees will also get a chance to interact with Live Reindeer in Central Park and make unique holiday memories that will last a lifetime!
Following the annual Lighting, the winter-holiday theme continues throughout the rest of the year at Atlantic Station. Weekends include Train Rides, photos with Santa and early evening Snow Shows. December brings the Parade of Carolers with Piedmont Park on the 3rd and the 10th, and weeknights welcome Snow Shows too. One final bonus – Atlantic Station provides free gift wrapping on the weekends.
So make a date to bring the whole family to this enchanted holiday spot right in the middle of Atlanta.
Topics: Atlanta Events, Atlanta-Georgia | No Comments »
Two Ways to Give Back for the Holidays in Smyrna and Vinings
By CarrieW | November 16, 2011
The holidays are a time for family and celebrating, but also for giving and sharing. Residents in the Smyrna and Vinings area at Monte Hewett Homes properties including West Village who are interested in giving back, can consider these two local options that benefit the surrounding community.
MUST Ministries serves families throughout Cobb County
MUST Ministries – serving Cobb County – welcomes families in need to shop in the MUST Toy Shop each year. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and donations of in-kind gifts from individuals, companies, civic groups and churches, MUST helps 4,000 children experience the joy of Christmas morning. The MUST Toy Shop is a unique experience that allows families to register each of their children and rather than picking up a pre-packaged sack, offers parents the opportunity to “shop” in the Toy Shop to find the special items that are just right for their children. To donate or volunteer, contact MUST Ministries.
A second local give back option happens to be a delicious one. Grab the whole family and take a break from shopping, decorating and wrapping to attend a holiday party at Cowlicks Yogurt & Floats in Vinings.
On December 10 and 17, Cowlicks will support Toys for Tots and Coats for Kids by collecting new unwrapped toys and gently used coats. Bringing in one of these items is your ticket to the celebration, and kids under 10 will get a complimentary yogurt with topping. Even if you can’t make it to one of the parties, Cowlicks Vinings will continue collecting toys through December 15 and coats through January 15, 2012. Cowlicks is located at 2460 Cumberland Parkway at the corner of Paces Ferry Road and Cumberland Parkway.
Topics: Atlanta Events, Smyrna-Georgia, West Village-Georgia | No Comments »
Cafe at Pharr Set to Open Baci in Brookhaven
By CarrieW | November 9, 2011
Brookhaven residents will be in for a treat when the new location from Atlanta’s beloved Café at Pharr opens in the next month or two. The fifth restaurant in the group, the new Baci Restaurant & Bar by Café at Pharr will be open for both lunch and dinner.
According to owner and Monte Hewett homeowner Johnny Liu, the menu at Baci will feature all of the Café at Pharr favorites as well as more high-end plates like Chilean sea bass and Kobe steak rib eyes. The focus will be on affordable luxury, and with a full bar and an amazing décor, Baci is certain to become not only a neighborhood favorite, but also a new destination. And of course, the restaurant will still offer Atlanta’s best chicken salads.
The current Cafe at Pharr locations are known for their fresh salads, sandwiches and breads.
Current Café at Pharr locations are Westside, Chastain, Buckhead and Miami Circle. Baci Restaurant & Bar will be located at 705 Town Blvd. Suite 510 in Brookhaven.
Wondering what Johnny thinks about his Monte Hewett Home at Ashford on the Park? He says he loves living in a Monte Hewett Home so much that as happy as he currently is, he’s always looking at the new Monte Hewett developments and thinking about the future!
Topics: Atlanta-Georgia | No Comments »
