Friday, September 2, 2011
When parenting responsibilities seem overwhelming, let the beach help renew your spirit.
This past weekend I had the luxurious honor of joining my friends on a moms-only beach weekend. The combination of friendship and the calming rhythms of the gulf helped to provide a renewed perspective for my spirit. Here’s is my meditation one morning: Looking out into the colorful depths of aquamarine, I feel the ocean’s immense presence. The ocean reminds me of countries across the sea, animals beyond the deep and how all of us on earth are interconnected in so many ways. Deep in my deep thoughts I wonder what affects my small part will have in the world. Then I realize, I am perhaps small in the world, but enormous to the most important people in my life- my children. Will I be able to provide happiness and foster confidence? There …
Friday, August 19, 2011
Explore one of Georgia's Indian effigies and bask in undeveloped Piedmont beauty.
Can you think of a time in Georgia before high rises and neighborhood developments? Take a trip to Eatonton, Ga., (about 1.5 hours on Interstate 20) for an Indian history lesson and what else -- a great Southern buffet! The Rock Eagle Effigy Mound is located in the Rock Eagle 4-H Center, a UGA run park and facility adjacent to the Oconee National Forest. Featuring Indian evidence that has been dated more than 2,000 years old, this 1,500-acre site has a huge lake and lots of natural habitat to explore. Go on a Saturday when they have events open to the public, such as “Saturday at the Rock.” These programs occur every third Saturday and provide a visit to the History Museum as well as a featured topic. August 20 at 9:30 a.m. is …
Friday, July 29, 2011
Looking for a new group to help motivate and inspire? I found a great place for you.
Do you ever feel you are missing that very important exercise-gene? You know the one that is supposed to make you crave exercise over other activities like watching reality shows or HGTV? I think my gene passed to my first child at birth and never came back. If I don’t have an exercise class to attend, it just won’t happen. Unfortunately for me, my schedule has made me miss my Parkview class, so I am on the hunt for some new daytime workout options. Behold a new gem of a workout place in Lilburn -- right behind Chili’s on U.S. Highway 78. Aerobics, Yoga & More (AYM) offers a variety of classes and programs for women of all fitness levels-all without a contract. During day and evening, you will find exciting classes like tribal fusion, …
Friday, July 22, 2011
Check out Sautee, Ga., a very cool Southern town, for some Christmas-in-July retail therapy.
What you don’t start Christmas shopping in July? Well, no matter what time of year or for what purpose, many of us still love a little “retail therapy.” We find pleasure in the time spent bargain shopping and release our minds of current worries. Travel beyond the local mall to a location that can help you relish in retail escape while providing unique gifts for anyone on your holiday list. Sautee, Ga., is just south of Helen and is about 1 ½ hours away. Unlike the German themed Helen, Sautee is not as tourist focused and her unique shops offer country welcome with craftsmanship that is beyond anything you will find at local craft fairs. Your adventure should start in the artful town Nacoochee Village. There you will find many walking …
Friday, July 15, 2011
Artists should fly over to the Butterfly Festival to catch a little natural inspiration.
The Flying Colors Butterfly Festival is at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell on July 15 and 16. Although this event is publicized as a fun family event, there is also great personal opportunity for individual photographers and artists. The Nature Center is a beautiful backdrop for any piece of artwork. With six distinct walking trails and four gardens, you will surely find a muse hiding in the flowers. In addition to its relaxing outdoor trails, the Nature Center has a great Discovery education center and will have a butterfly plant sale to invite these great insects into your home garden. Why fight the kiddie crowds on Festival weekend? Well, not only is this event a fundraiser, but the real bonus for artists is that they have…
Friday, July 8, 2011
If your children are going to college, and they still don't have a baby book, we have a fun event for you.
Does going to a scrapbook convention sound a lot like a root canal? Well, let me challenge you a bit. Did you previously do really creative things for people? Do you love the idea of scrapbooks if other people do them for you? Do you have photos of your cute little kids, grand-kids or dogs you think are kids filling up drawers or disk space? I am confident you answered yes to a few of these questions. I am also confident that you have a really good friend who loves to scrapbook. For all those times you told her you were busy on scrapbook night or during cut parties, it is time to make it up to her. Take her to the Scrapbook Expo at the Gwinnett Center on July 8 or 9. Tickets are $9 and workshops range from $20 to $50. What does a …
Friday, June 24, 2011
A perfect evening of music, entertainment and limited pressure to dance for your spouse. There is an event at Aurora Theatre Saturday night. Act fast for tickets.
Well, I am thankful to be celebrating my 13-year wedding anniversary this week. I haven’t looked up the official symbol for this year, but I am guessing it’s not a disco ball. Regardless, I wanted to have a dance date night out. Honestly, I have been called “The Dancing Queen” once or twice in my life, but my husband is more P90X than ABBA, so he cringed at a dance evening. What is an anniversary girl to plan to celebrate a great marriage and maybe get a musical groove on? My research brought me to a fun event happening at Aurora Theatre (Lawrenceville) this Saturday, June 25 at 8:00. This is a concert of 70s and 80s music performed by incredible local artists. The Metro Jazz Club, the foundation of the concert, is a 17-piece band led …
Friday, June 17, 2011
Reclaim the lake-time pleasures of your youth with a great selection of adult activities and events.
Remember the summers of our youth? For those of us that grew up in North Georgia, summertime fun often included trips out on a boat to Lake Lanier, maybe some music and water skiing. Although this nearby family fun hot spot seems to have focused growth on its kids’ water park, Lake Lanier Islands Resort still remains true to its more mature fans. Now is the time to plan a great beach-like getaway weekend but save on gas by heading just up the road to Buford. Daytime activities can range from scenic golf on the lakeside, horseback riding, boat rentals at Harbor Landing, and kayaking. Or, if you need to rest and refocus your energy, hit the spa, fitness center or walk some of the 15 miles of hiking trails around their four islands. As …
Friday, June 10, 2011
Venture to one of Atlanta's famous gardens at night to enjoy music, entertainment and flowers. Sounds like the perfect date!
Summer is often full of outdoor adventures with the family -- the beach, parks, Lake Lanier. A full schedule keeps the kids entertained, but it also inevitably wears out the driver/tour guide/ lunch packer extraordinaire -- Mom. A surprising way to recharge is to actually visit one of these outdoor attractions without your children. Flowers, music, some stimulating conversation - sound good? I have an escape for you. On any given sunny day, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is a visual splendor that invites you explore secret gardens and glorious orchids in a steamy greenhouse. Usually kids run rampant through the butterfly gardens and we take only a few minutes to marvel at the size of an elephant ear plant. But, at night, the scene …
Friday, June 3, 2011
Create an summer escape for friends by planning a creative menu and shopping local farmers' markets.
Friends and food help make the dog days of summer a little easier to manage. Although we don’t actually need a holiday to call upon friends to bring dish and drink, sometimes the barbecue basics -- hamburgers, slaw, potato salad, beans -- just get a little dull. Try a new twist on your next barbecue picnic. Grab a friend and make a plan. Take your favorite comfort foods cookbook, a great little entertainment guide (a friend recently gave me The Get ‘Em Girls’ Guide to the Perfect Get Together) or even the latest issue of Cooking Light or Everyday with Rachael Ray. Select recipes that create a picnic to remember from spritzers to dessert. Photo copy a recipe for each invitee, but let guests know that ingredient substitutions are welcome …
33.857584
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Snellville City Hall
2342 Oak Rd, Snellville, GA
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Denise Mann
5:44 pm on Friday, July 29, 2011
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