Candles, Confections & Community — Residents Celebrate the Winter Holidays

Take In Special Performances At The Children’s Museum Of Atlanta, The Hip Hop Nutcracker At The Fox & More! Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Las Posadas – there are many winter holidays, and the diverse residents of the upscale Collingwood Apartments community in Alpharetta, Georgia, celebrate them all! And whether you’re planning to mark the 2021 Winter Solstice (on Tuesday, December 21, fittingly enough) at Lift Yoga on Main Street’s celebration of new beginnings or take your babies – human or pet – to get their picture made with Santa on the Alpharetta Town Green or tucked in by him and Mrs. Claus at The Hotel at Avalon, sweetness and light are always a part of the season. And not just in the form of love of our families and friends. Candles and confections have historically played leading roles in almost all holiday decorations, rituals, and gatherings. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is offering special performances, storytimes, and crafts to help families learn more about these traditions, beginning with a Hanukkah program Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 11 a.m., featuring Michael Levine, the music producer of New York Times bestselling Pete the Cat picture books by Eric Litwin and James Dean. Hanukkah Hanukkah is celebrated to commemorate and publicize the miracle of a one-day supply of oil lasting eight days and eight nights after the Jewish people reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Greeks and marked their victory with the burning of the Hanukkah menorah (candelabrum). This year, the traditional period began early, on the night of Sunday, November 28, 2021. In Alpharetta, the menorah lighting at Avalon took place with the help of Chabad of North Fulton, complete with a chocolate gelt dropping! Other holiday-related museum events include: Celebrate Las Posadas, Saturday, December 11, 2021, 8:30 a.m. Celebrate Christmas Saturday, December 18, 2021, 8:30 a.m. Celebrate Kwanzaa Sunday, December 26, 2021, 8:30 a.m. Las Posadas According to the Franciscan Media publication St. Anthony Messenger, “The roots of Las Posadas stretch deeply into Latin culture. It originated in Spain, but it’s been a yearly celebration throughout Mexico for over 400 years. The tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay the night. (Posadas is Spanish for “lodgings” or “accommodations.”) Beginning on December 16 and ending nine days later, on December 24, Las Posadas commemorates the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy. Each night, one family agrees to house the pilgrims. And so it begins: At dusk, a procession of the faithful takes to the streets with children often dressed as angels and shepherds. Religious figures, images, and lighted candles are a part of the festivities. The group representing the Holy Family stands outside a series of houses, singing songs, asking for lodging. They are refused time and again until the group reaches the designated house. Finally, the travelers are permitted to enter. Prayer and song continue in the home, and festive foods are shared. The evening ends with a piñata in the shape of star.” The piñata of course includes candy! Here are some ideas from MamaLatinaTips.com on how to celebrate the holiday in your Collingwood Apartments home, including recipes for Mexican hot chocolate and traditional Mexican Christmas punch.   Kwanzaa During the week of Kwanzaa, families and communities come together in feasting, honoring the ancestors, affirming the bonds between them, and in celebration of African and African American culture. Each day they light a candle in the Kinara, a seven-branched holder, to highlight the principle of that day and to breathe meaning into the principles with various activities, such as reciting the sayings or writings of great black thinkers and writers, reciting original poetry, African drumming, and sharing a meal of African diaspora-inspired foods. The seven principles of Kwanzaa/Nguzo Saba (in both English and Kiswahili) are unity/umoja, self-determination/ kujichagulia, collective work and responsibility/ujima, cooperative economics/ujamaa, purpose/nia, creativity/kuumba, and faith/Imani. The colors of the candles are black, red, and green, representing the people, the noble blood that unites all people of African ancestry, and green for the rich land of Africa. Liveology Yoga Studios in Atlanta will celebrate Kwanzaa 2021 over the course of seven evenings, from Sunday, December 26, to Saturday, January 1. Christmas Traditions The Christian tradition of celebrating Advent also is already underway; it began the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which in 2021 was Sunday, November 28. It will end Friday, December 24. During these four weeks, an Advent wreath adorned with five candles is traditionally used to symbolize different spiritual aspects of getting ready for the Christmas Day birth of Jesus Christ. The three Advent candle colors—purple, pink, and white—symbolically represent the spiritual preparation that believers undergo to prepare their hearts for the birth (or coming) of the Lord, Jesus Christ, according to Learn Religions. Many people delight in Advent calendars, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has highlighted some of this year’s best, from Jingle & Mingle to Christmas in Gotham City (The Official Batman Advent Calendar). For many members of the upscale Collingwood Apartments community, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without participating in a Toys for Tots campaign. This year, we’re having one of our own – just bring an unwrapped children’s toy by the office. Donations will be received until Wednesday, December 22, 2021. For other folks, attending a performance of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday occasion for families and friends. Opportunities abound in the Atlanta Metro to enjoy Clara’s classic story, danced to the accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s inimitable music. For a fun twist, check out a remixed and reimagined version of the story by attending The Hip Hop Nutcracker at The Fox Theatre Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. And let’s give a shout-out to Atlanta Parent for rounding up a comprehensive list of the many, many other area Christmas events you can attend this holiday season! Wrapping Up What’s a blog about the winter holidays without a few gift-giving ideas? In keeping with our theme, let’s wrap up with a

Black Friday Deals in Alpharetta: The Holidays Have Arrived

Black Friday Deals in Alpharetta

There’s nothing like the days leading up to Thanksgiving to get you in the mood for the holiday season! Thoughts of turkey and dressing, pumpkin spiced lattes, and maybe even Starbuck’s new Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte swirl around in your head as you’re secretly plotting your strategy for Black Friday sales.   You know you’re supposed to be concentrating on your Thanksgiving menu—but that can wait—you’re making your list and checking it twice NOW, not later. There are Black Friday deals to be had in Alpharetta, and you must be prepared!   Deals like these Marilee Riding Boots at Macy’s Black Friday Sale at Northpoint Mall are $19.99. Now, that’s worth getting up early to beat the crowd.   Or this adorable “Happy Holiday’s” 1’6″ x 2’6″ reversible accent rug in red and ivory is from Target. It’s just $13. You need this rug!     And what could be more fun than being the first person in line at Five Below at Mansell Crossings, or North Point Parkway, on Black Friday? With Christmas décor, stocking stuffers, holiday gift wrap, and all sorts of deals—you can’t go wrong with these door-busters.   Let’s not forget Avalon on Ice, the Rockefeller-inspired ice-skating rink sponsored by Northside Hospital. Be sure and book your reservation and purchase tickets in advance to ensure your particular time slot—but that’s a piece of cake – click here to purchase your tickets.   Speaking of cake, after Black Friday shopping and ice skating, why not pop into Café Intermezzo at Avalon for a generous slice of its famous Oreo Cheesecake. This #1 selling cheesecake has an Oreo crust topped with Epic’s creamy cheesecake, packed with chocolate cookies. It is decorated with Oreo cookies and drizzled with white chocolate and dark chocolate syrup. Oh, my goodness!   It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, here in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Spooky Season Contest

Spooky Contest

We can’t wait to see your spooky spirit! Contest ends 10/29/21. Email us your spooky pictures at collingwood@arlingtonproperties.net.

Collingwood Apartments to “Think Pink, Walk Proud” in Support of Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Walk for Breast Cancer

Area & Community Resources Abound—From The Emory Winship Cancer Institute To Anderson’s Aesthetics, & Illuminations At Borrelli’s   The Collingwood Apartments community in Alpharetta, Georgia, will join the fight against cancer and support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation during October—National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NCBAM).   The mission of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research. Breast cancer knows no age, gender, or race. And, as the most common cancer in women worldwide and the second-most common cancer overall, it remains a fact of life. BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research—and metastatic breast cancer research—worldwide, and it’s also currently the highest-rated breast cancer organization in the country. Think Pink, Walk Proud Collingwood will light its fountain pink, and will hold its inaugural Think Pink, Walk Proud—Walk To Beat Breast Cancer Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 9 a.m., with the start at the upscale apartment complex’s leasing office.   For a $20 donation, participants will get: A spot in the walk A custom T-shirt A chance to win fun prizes in a raffle   For a $10 donation, they will get to participate in the raffle. Proceeds after cost of shirt will go to the BCRF.   And, because Collingwood Apartments is super pet-friendly (complete with a Pet & Bark Park), everyone is encouraged to include their furry family members in on what promises to be a fun and meaningful occasion! It All Began With Betty Ford The annual effort to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer was established in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, a leading manufacturer of oncology drugs). Former U.S. First Lady Betty Ford was the face of the campaign; she had changed how the country talked about this once-taboo women’s health topic when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a radical mastectomy in 1974, just seven weeks into her husband Gerald Ford’s unexpected tenure as president of the United States after the resignation of Watergate scandal-disgraced Richard Nixon.   Within hours of the operation, the White House held a press conference sharing the details of her surgery—including the good news that, largely because the cancer had been detected early, Mrs. Ford’s prognosis was excellent. According to History, what happened next was remarkable. “Women across the country lined up outside clinics to get breast exams; newspaper articles described how to perform self-exams; and in the first week after Betty’s surgery alone, the White House received more than 35,000 cards and letters.” Pumpkin Spice & Everything Pink & Nice These days, with “Fight Like a Girl” T-shirts and bracelets available almost everywhere we look in October (kinda like pumpkin spice), it can be hard to imagine a time when we didn’t talk something that impacts so many people. Fortunately, in addition to public conversations and acceptance—and cute accessories that may or may not help fund medical research (think before you pink!)—there are now also resources to help breast cancer patients as they go through months of treatments that can bring on great mental, physical, and emotional tolls.   Support Groups Cancer Support Community Atlanta is the local chapter of the world’s largest nonprofit provider of psychosocial oncology programs. Its mission is simple: Help people affected by cancer enhance their health and well-being by providing free programs of support, education, and hope. Learn about common side effects of chemotherapy, nutrition, and stress reduction through their virtual programming. And, if like so many members of the Collingwood Apartments community, you have an avid interest in the outdoors, join in one of their walking group outings at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Clinical Trials With over 250 active clinical trials, the researchers at Emory Winship Cancer Institute are dedicated to taking new cancer treatments from bench to bedside. At Winship, patients have access to clinical trials for virtually every cancer type; in 2020, the institute enrolled more than 900 patients in over 300 clinical trials. (Winship Cancer Institute is part of Emory Healthcare, Georgia’s largest health care system, and is Georgia’s NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center.)   License Plate Kaiser Permanente and the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE) worked with the Georgia General Assembly to create the Breast Cancer License Tag program in 2002. Georgia CORE and the State Office of Rural Health have jointly administered the program since 2013. The purpose of it is to generate funds to provide education, screening and treatment to underserved Georgians; rural women and minority women have less access to care and are a priority of the program. Breast cancer accounts for 3 out of 10 new cancers in Georgia women, making it most prevalent of all cancers.   Comfortable & Stylish Wigs & More Nestled in the heart of downtown Alpharetta on South Main Street, Borrelli’s Salon is committed to helping breast cancer patients recover with confidence. Whatever a client’s hair loss needs might be, the experts at Illuminations by Borrelli’s have the experience and expertise to give them the hair and look they desire. The salon offers many solutions, including: Topical Solutions-Keratin Hair Building Fibers Wigs (Stock, Custom and Semi-Custom) Partial Hairpieces/Toppers/Top of the Head (Stock, Custom and Semi-Custom) Vacuum Wigs Full Line Of Hats, Scarves & Turbans Permanent Makeup The team at Anderson’s Aesthetics, founded and directed by Dr. Ken Anderson of the renowned Anderson Center for Hair, is committed to providing its clientele with discreet and customized services, including permanent makeup options. In 2008, Dr. Anderson was recruited from private practice in California to join the Emory Facial Center (a satellite office of the main Emory Hospital dedicated to facial cosmetic surgery) to offer hair restoration to Emory Healthcare patients. The 10,000 –square-foot luxury medical spa and surgery center located at the decadent Avalon in Alpharetta—with free and private parking—was the first in Georgia to offer ARTAS® Robotic Hair Restoration Surgery. It also offers

TAILGATING INSIDE & OUT—THE IDEA SPECIALISTS™ AT COLLINGWOOD APARTMENT HOMES IN ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA, SHARE THEIR TIPS

Falcons Fans

Root for your team at local faves Brimstone Restaurant and Tavern or at Miller’s Ale House Falcons fanatic? Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech? Loyal Bulldog? No matter what jerseys your favorite football team is sporting this this season, the Idea Specialists™ at luxury Collingwood Apartment Homes apartment homes in Alpharetta, Georgia, have some tailgating tips for you!   Family & Friends, Food & Fun Tailgating with family and friends is first and foremost about the fellowship and fun of sharing in the excitement of game day–not to be confused with enjoying ESPN’S popular College GameDay, which is also big fun! Whether you gather together on campus, in a stadium parking lot, or in your comfortable den or the Collingwood Apartment Homes clubhouse, food and drink are key players to have on the field. Depending on the time set for kickoff, you might want to have brunch and mimosas or some beer and bottled water with afternoon burgers and baked beans. Either way, Publix at Alpharetta Commons has you covered with its extensive selection of regular and craft beers, sparkling and still waters, and pre-made mimosas in bottles! Perfect for when you’re planning to set up in Legion Lot across the street from the parking entrance to the University of Georgia’s student center, right?   Maybe you can count on your nephew Jesse to always show up with his famous chicken wings and special sauce, or maybe you’d rather let Publix  do the heavy lifting when it comes to grilled meats and party platters. Either way, that Atlanta drink classic, a Jack and Coke, is a must-have, especially when you’re outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium getting ready to cheer on the Dirty Birds. Some of us might think the correct way to prepare this sweet-and-slightly-spicy beverage is to pour the two primary ingredients into a plastic cup full of ice and stir with the handle of a shaker stick. The folks over at Mix that Drink want us to know, though, that there is an actual recipe for what they term a “long drink”: 2 oz. Jack Daniels and 10 oz. Coca-Cola served over ice (and preferably in a rocks glass).   Tasty Treats And speaking of setting up for brunch, who better to turn to than the inimitable Southern Living for recipes that will have your guests cheering for the way you’ve upped your hospitality game. They’ve put together a list of “45 Super Tasty Tailgate Treats To Make Ahead For Game Day” that the Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ have bookmarked, and you should, too! From Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels to Muddy Buddy Mix to Pepper-Pepper Cheese Dip, there something for everybody to enjoy. Score With Comfort & Convenience Cute top for her from Gameday Couture? Check. Comfy T-shirt from Vintage Sports for him? Double-check. A Morehouse Maroon Tigers bib for the baby? Check, check, check!   With everybody dressed and ready to go, the next thing to do if you’re going to tailgate near the stadium is make sure you have comfortable seats, a good cooler, and enough table space for everything you’re sharing with your personal teammates. One favorite of the Idea Specialists™ from an HGTV list of “tailgating essentials” is a Giantex Folding Grill Table; you can get something similar online for not much more than $100.   Pub & Grub There are lots of fun sports bars convenient to Collingwood Apartment Homes in Alpharetta, Georgia. If you don’t already have a favorite, Yelp is one way to check out where you might want to spend a Saturday afternoon or Sunday evening. Lyft is another good online resource. Of course Miller’s Ale House on Davis Drive makes both Top 10 lists, as does Brimstone Restaurant & Tavern off Mansell Road. And, like the Belmont community, Brimstone is pet-friendly—you can enjoy watching the game on the patio with your furry friend!

Plush Towels for Plush Living at Collingwood Apartment Homes in Alpharetta, Georgia

Monogram Towels

Visit Kathryn Leach Home & Peacock Alley For Custom Bath Products Time for new towels? Maybe you’re ready to replace the ones you received as a gift a few years ago, or maybe you’re just moving into your luxurious apartment at Collingwood Apartment Homes in Alpharetta, Georgia, and need to stock up. Either way, the Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists ™ have got you covered. In high-quality Turkish cotton, of course. Bath Towel Basics Let’s talk about what bath towels are made of—and maybe answer the question of why the ones we get at spas and hotels often seem so much nicer than what we have at home. The folks over at the HGTV website put together a list of 12 bath towels for different budgets and styles, and included some important information about what makes a towel “good.” Namely, it’s GSM, or grams per square meter (kind of like the thread count of sheets). The baseline is 400, they say; anything less than that and you’ll be drying off with a scratchy towel that doesn’t do a very good job of absorbing water. If you get up to the 620-900 range, then you’re into the world of super-plush spa and hotel luxury linens. The next factor to consider is material. While some towels are made of bamboo or modal, most are cotton. If you’re looking for super-soft, look for Egyptian or Turkish cotton with their long fibers. (Be a smart shopper and don’t get taken in by “Turkish-style” in the name—it’s not the same!) If you’re looking for something mainstream, you can’t go wrong with the Wamsutta Classic Turkish in white, usually easily available from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Want to explore some upscale options in person? Take a fun field trip to Peacock Alley in the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC West) and feel for yourself the heavenly lushness that is a Diamond bath towel, made of 100% extra-long staple cotton grown in the Aegean region of Turkey   Clean & Pretty No matter what kind of towels you have, the Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ have some tips on how to make them a pleasant part of your bathroom décor. You’ve got towels that feel good; it’s important to make sure they smell good, too. Learning how to launder your linens is one key to achieving that “hotel towel experience.” Most resorts provide all-white towel sets, sometimes monogrammed. The standard color scheme means less sorting in the laundry, and white towels look crisp and clean when stacked neatly on the vanity or in the shower, or in a favorite basket or hamper. The experts say less is more when it comes to detergent and towels, and instead of using bleach and fabric softener, use baking soda and vinegar for stain treatment and softness. Many hotels use HTD Heavy Duty Detergent, which is sold in bulk. If you’re not up for buying a 25 lb. pail of washing machine soap from Worldwide Janitor, though, other pleasant-smelling heavy-duty options available at the grocery store or on Amazon are Persil ProClean, Gain, and, of course, that classic: Tide Original.   Color & Convenience Consider adding a pop of whimsy and color to your bathroom with some of the custom bath accessories offered by Kathryn Leach Home in Buckhead. You also can make sure your guests don’t have to fret about using “the good towels” after they wash their hands by offering them the convenient option of cloth-like paper hand towels, which come in so many colors and patterns, and can be personalized with your initials and more. You can find some steals at the Tuesday Morning in the Saddlebrook Shopping Center, and are guaranteed good quality if you go the online route with PaperStyle.   Seasonal Sales It’s always a good idea to keep your eyes out for seasonal sales, not just the traditional January white sale. As summer winds down, beach towels of all sizes, shapes, and materials are on the offer. We’re particular fans of the Linum Home Personalized Alara Turkish Pestemal now marked down at Macy’s. The Strategist has put together a list of the best beach towels on Amazon “According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers,” if you’re looking for other ideas.   Out With The Old Now that you’ve got your new towels nicely displayed in your powder room, what to do with the old ones? If you’re in the mood for some simple arts and crafts, you can always cut your old towels into strips, braid them together, tie knots on each end, then pull the ends together and tie an overhead knot in the center: Voila! Homemade dog toy! Or use your old towels to wipe down your precious pup after y’all have been out to. Don’t have a fuzzy friend sharing your home at Collingwood Apartment Homes? You can always donate your old towels to the Atlanta Humane Society on Mansell Road.

Keep Your Cool in the Dog Days of Summer

Collingwood Pool

Collingwood Apartment Homes is definitely a pet-friend luxury apartment community, but even we get tired of the “dog” days of summer—all they fetch is more heat and humidity!   Not to worry, though: Our Collingwood Apartment Home Idea Specialists™ have some ideas on how we can keep our cool—and of course their first suggestion is with a dip in the community’s sparkling swimming pool. Yes, please!   Read on for more recommendations!   Let’s All Go To The Movies What better way to escape from the blinding sunshine—and reality—than by popping into one of the 12 cool, darkened theatres at the AMC Dine-In 12 at North Point Mall? You can even order your snacks (or an entrée!) ahead of time. And, with so many movies to choose from, you can spend many an entertaining hour there out of the heat before you’re ready to head back home to Collingwood Apartment Homes.   Oh, Those Summer Nights The Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ know all too well what it’s like to not be able to get a good night’s sleep because it’s so hot outside. Even if your home is pleasantly cool, your body and your mind are still impacted by the day’s thermometer reading. That’s why they’ve invested in cooling mattress toppers. We’re going to follow their lead by purchasing one from Cozy Earth, which this review from CNET says is, “Ideal for those of us who sleep hot, or have bedrooms stuck in the most insufferable of humid environments.”   Can’t Stomach The Heat? If you can’t stomach idea of turning on your oven when it’s 98 degrees in the shade, then look no further for inspiration for cold dinners than Mashed, with its suggestions of salad classics like Cobb and Waldorf, and its version of aguachile, ceviche’s bright green cousin from Mazatlan, in the Mexican state of Sinaloa.   Tiny Bubbles Whatever you have for supper, these days you have more choices than ever when it comes to selecting a sparkling water to accompany your meal. From the ubiquitous La Croix Pure to Bubly Bounce Caffeinated in triple berry, there’s something fizzy out there for every set of tastebuds. Advanced Mixology “scoured the market” to come up with its list of the 12 Best Sparkling Water Brands of 2021.   Maybe what you’re after, though, is just the right cold beverage for a late-morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat. In that case, a field trip to conveniently located Kokee Tea at Northport Circle for some of their bubble (or “boba”) tea is most certainly in order! Not familiar with this sweet and chewy drink that’s long been wildly popular in Asia, Taiwan in particular? Eater does a great job of guiding us novices through what turns out to be a delicious world of bubble-related options.   I Scream, You Scream…. Yep, that’s right, we all scream for ice cream! And you’ve got plenty of places to visit close to home for some of that cool deliciousness. Where’s the Scoop on Old Roswell Street, with its Thai-inspired rolled ice cream made using dairy from Georgia-based Mountain Fresh Creamery, is Eater Atlanta’s pick in Alpharetta. The dessert bar also offers vegan flavors. And you know what? We’re in the mood for some of their Vegan Pineapple Pants Down right….about…..now!   About The Dog Days According The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this stretch of sweltering weather we’re in “coincides with the year’s heliacal (meaning ‘at sunrise’) rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Majoris—the ‘Greater Dog’—which is where Sirius gets its canine nickname, as well as its official name, Alpha Canis Majoris.”

Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival will be the African American Cultural Event of the Year

At Collingwood Apartments in Alpharetta, GA, we know that people from all over the country will celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the date of June 19, 1865, the end of African American slavery in the United States. The Idea Specialists, at Collingwood, have identified several Juneteenth events they think might be of interest to you. So, to begin with, those of us in and around Atlanta this weekend, can celebrate freedom with Juneteenth Atlanta, a three-day Black History music festival and parade that kicks off on Friday, June 18, at Centennial Olympic Park. It is free, but donations of all sizes are appreciated. And there is more. Much more. For starters, celebrity storyteller Tiffanie Barrier, and “bartender to the bartenders” will MC a sold-out crowd at Atlanta 211 for “Black Label: Juneteenth Fashion Show.” Also, in the style and fashion-category you will want to sign up NOW for the “Black Label: Juneteenth Fashion Show” at The Pink Zebra Boutique, home to 20+ independent brands ranging from streetwear to high fashion including exclusive accessories. This show will highlight local house designers and curators when the retail floor transforms into a runway setting the stage for a night of appetizing apparel, and cocktails and networking. If fashion is not your thing – sign up to participate in the Juneteenth Atlanta 5K, the Gala in the Garden for Neighbor in Need, or a Sip n Paint event, to show your support for 2021’s Juneteenth Atlanta. Chances are you may have already made plans to honor this momentous occasion with a Juneteenth family reunion, worship service, or Father’s Day celebration with your own family. Whether an intimate family gathering or a large-scale community event, there is plenty to do for everyone. Here’s a complete-ish list of ways to celebrate with Juneteenth Atlanta.

Fire Up the Grill for Father’s Day

Pool - Collingwood Apartment Homes

Whether you’re gearing up to grill for the summer or planning a special Father’s Day feast, the Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ in Alpharetta, Georgia, have you covered with recipes, tips, and techniques, as well as ideas for the perfect gift for dear old dad, first-time fathers, and puppy papas!   Grill All The Things    Sure, we like the basics as well as anybody else. Hamburgers and hot dogs, sausages and steaks, chicken and fish – when you think about a poolside party, you probably start with “the meats.” After having some grilled Romaine lettuce and a fab grilled peach salad at one gathering a few years ago, our Idea Specialists™ basically tried to figure out what they could _not_ grill. The answer? If you invest in a good grill pan or basket, _not_ much! Check out the selection at the Atlanta Grill Company on Upper Hembree Road in Roswell when you get the chance.   This season, our mouths are watering for Southern Living’s updated version of a cookout classic: potato salad. Their version? Charred Okra-Potato Salad, seasoned with a hint of fresh thyme and tossed in a lemon-scallion vinaigrette. Yummy.   Subtle Salts & Other Seasoning We’ve started following FoodFireFriends on Pinterest. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, there’s sure to be something there for you, from grilling guides to equipment reviews, and, of course, recipes. We like their guidance on Himalayan Salt Block Grilling; what could be easier than setting a nice cut of beef down on a sanitary rectangle and having it do the salting for you? Because such salt is unrefined, the inclusion of multiple minerals and trace elements gives complexity and subtlety of flavor to foods cooked on a solid block of it.   If the male energy in your life is more of a culinary adventurer, maybe it’s time for a field trip to the Buford Highway Farmers Market in Doraville. With spices, meats, produce, and fish from all over the world, the possibilities it offers are almost endless!   Safety Rules! Before you light a fire at the Collingwood Apartment Homes poolside barbecue area, make sure you’ve invested in some heat-resistant gloves. Business Insider named the Steven Raichlen Extra Long Suede Grill Gloves as their No. 1 pick of 2021, saying they’re “essentially oversized and reinforced welding gloves, and the most protective ones we’re tried.”   And, if you’re planning a nighttime cookout, you’ll want to go to John’s Creek Ace Hardware on Jones Bridge Road and get a Grill Mark Grill Light so you won’t have to worry about losing sight of your shish kabob in the dark, along with a Weber Premium stainless steel black grip three-piece tool set—angled spatula, hands-free locking tongs and sturdy grilling fork.   New Daddies One of the most-asked-for gifts on Baby List’s registries right now is the Inglesina Fast Table Chair—perfect for when the first-time father wants to take his new little family out to eat instead of staying home to grill. The attachable chair’s padded seat is washable (a must!), and cleverly tucked in at the bottom is an integrated carrying bag.   Pet Papas Collingwood Apartment Homes gets high marks from its residents for how truly pet-friendly this upscale apartment community is. So of course our Idea Specialists™ are going to have some Father’s Day gift ideas for all of those dedicated daddies of fuzzy babies. Unexpected Pooch at Halcyon-Forsyth offers everything from high-end organic foods to frozen “pupsiclez” and your favorite dog wines—Zinfantail and Chardognay! And don’t be fooled by the name; their store features food and accessories for kittycats, too.   More Ideas For more good grilling ideas, go to Delish to learn about “29 Awesome Ways to Cook Steak.”   And, check out this list of 124 Best Father’s Day Gift Ideas in 2021 at Groovy Guy Gifts. Somebody we know is getting an engraved minimalist wallet this year, just saying….