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Holiday Greetings!

For most of us, the endless lists, fighting traffic, and long line of social engagements can make this time of year feel more of a chore than a celebration. It is my wish for you and yours that you can make time this year to enjoy and celebrate your family time together.

My wish is that we all experience this Christmas with the wonder of a child; and soak up those special moments with those dearest to us.

This Christmas, I’m so grateful for each and every one of you and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~Jess

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My Top Picks for Atlanta Holiday Family Fun

Can you believe we just celebrated Thanksgiving? Oh, how this year has flown by! I hope you enjoyed the holiday with your friends and family. We just love this time of year in our family; everything just seems so much more magical and merry. One of the best ways to make the most of the holidays here in Atlanta is to get out to enjoy some of the unique events we have going on. These five suggestions are on our ‘must-do’ list to go for the holidays are places I love to attend and I hope to see you there!

  1. Nutcracker Ballet at Fox Theatre

If you haven’t taken the family for this Christmas tradition, I suggest you do! This ballet is entertainment for all ages and brings you the wonder and imagination of the holiday. Tickets always sell out fast, so pick a date to take everyone soon!  https://www.atlantaballet.com/performances/nutcracker

  1. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

The Center for Puppetry Arts takes this animated classic and brings it to life. It’s like the TV classic movie has come to life. The kids – and even the adults – just love it! After you see this once, you’ll make this a family tradition. http://www.puppet.org/buy-tickets/2017-18/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/

  1. Breakfast with Santa

Only at the Georgia Aquarium can you see manta rays, sharks of all kinds…and Santa! The pancakes are a secret indulgence that I love eating while our little ones can chat with Santa about everything they want him to bring them. It’s definitely a great day out with the family! http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/explore/events/festival-of-the-season/breakfast-with-santa

  1. Lights at Lake Lanier

If it’s a bit chillier, this is a great experience, and you never have to leave your car. The trees are lit and displays cover a range of holiday themes, including the 12 Days of Christmas. You’ll need to clean off the windows the next day from the kids’ faces pressed up against them! https://lakelanier.com/magical-night-of-lights/

  1. Urban Nutcracker

This cool, urban take on the classic Nutcracker Ballet is a great event to attend if your family is looking for something a little different than the original version. Combining ballet with tap, modern, and jazz dance brings this holiday tradition into the 21st century. I love this because it’s a wonderful modern twist on this family classic. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ballethnics-urban-nutcracker-2017-2nd-performance-saturday-evening-tickets-38607908293

I wish you a magical, joyful holiday season here in Atlanta! My hope is that we all get a chance to enjoy some of these fun traditions that our city has to offer and slow down enough to make some memories this year!

~Jess

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My Favorite Fall Festivals in Atlanta

Some of my favorite weather here happens in the Fall and what better way to get outdoors and enjoy a fun, family day than to go to local festival. Since we have two young daughters, we usually end up at family-friendly events. Here are a few of our favorites that you and your family may enjoy. Hope to see you there!

Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival – September 30-October 29, 2017

Fall would not be complete without attending a pumpkin festival and the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Fest is likely the best there is. Of course it’s all about the kids with storytelling, games, a kid’s carnival, a pumpkin patch and pie-eating contest. For details, visit: www.stonemountainpark.com/Events/Pumpkin-Festival.

Taste of Atlanta – October 20-22, 2017

If you like food, like I do, the Taste of Atlanta is a must-do! It’s a three-day shindig with four live cooking stages and food from over 80 restaurants for sampling. There are local and celebrity chefs as well as lots of demonstrations and great interactive activities for the kiddos. Bon Appetit! For more info visit: www.tasteofatlanta.com

Porches and Pies – October 21, 2017

This is a great local event that benefits local charities. And who doesn’t love pie?! There are also lots of great fun activities for the kids…and grown-ups too with live music and great food and drinks. For more info visit www.porchesandpies.com

Country Living Fair – October 27-29, 2017

Since I love just about anything having to do with home decorating and entertaining, the annual Country Living Fair is always a fun treat. There’s lots to look at and learn as well as great food and drinks. The vendors are a great mix of one of a kind items, antiques, and new trends. They also have lots of decorating and cooking demonstrations as well as live music. For more info visit: www.countryliving.com/life/a4126/country-living-fair-atlanta/.

Enjoy your fall! And remember, Fall is also a perfect time to list your home. December is historically the biggest month for closings between September and March every year. So, if you would like to explore your options and know how much your home is worth, give me a call. I’m happy to help!

~Jess

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Top Ten End-of-Summer Bucket List Activities

Did this summer go fast or what?! Now, don’t get me wrong, I love it when the weather isn’t as hot and humid, but right around this time each year I’m thinking of all the great summer activities I wish I would’ve done with the family. Well, if you can relate, read on because it’s not too late! Yes, the clock is ticking and we have about one month left of summer. So, check out the bucket list I’ve put together below of my Top 10 End-of-Summer Bucket List Activities. Then grab the family, get outdoors, and soak it all in!

  1. Host a pool party. If you’re like me and love getting people together, what better way than a pool party to be together and enjoy the last days of summer!
  2. Go to a Festival. Check out net to find one.
  3. Take a hot air balloon ride. For an outing that will no doubt create great memories, take flight in a hot air balloon to see the sights in a whole new way.
  4. Go on a hike. Summer is a great time to spend some time in the great outdoors. Find a new trail and escape into nature! I found this listing of hikes right in and around Atlanta.
  5. Set up a stand and sell lemonade. Feed your kids’ inner entrepreneur and sweet tooth with a lemonade stand.
  6. Make popsicles. Yes, you could buy them, but dream up some fun flavors and make them with your kids. And for the adults, try summer sangria popsicles.
  7. Eat outside. Few things say summer more than eating outdoors. Fire up the grill and cook and enjoy as many meals outdoors as possible!
  8. Make homemade ice cream. No doubt one of the best ways to cool down is eating ice cream. Make some summer fun as you dream up a small batch of your family’s own artisanal ice cream. Here’s a simple recipe you can use whether you have an ice cream maker or not!
  9. Attend an outdoor concert. Another great way to enjoy the outdoors is spending a warm evening kicking-back on a beach chair or blanket and enjoying some live music. Check net for dates and times.
  10. Go to a drive-in movie or outdoor movie. There are lots of outdoor movies showing in different venues all over Atlanta. Here’s a listing of some of them.

Well, I hope you can steal a few of my bucket list items and add them to yours. Enjoy these remaining days of summer! I’d love to see your pictures or hear your stories of how you like to spend the last days of summer, so leave a comment here or on my Facebook page! Remember, if buying or selling a home is on your bucket list this summer or in the coming fall, give me a call and I’d love to help you make it happen.

~Jess