Festive Holiday Cooking & Entertaining: Big Cheer for Clever Entertaining at Collingwood Apartment Homes, Alpharetta, GA
Who says you need to be a pro to host a holiday bash? With fun recipes and clever decorating tricks, even YOU can transform your home into a festive wonderland this holiday season. We asked the Idea Specialists© for their recommendations for high-impact low-effort entertaining and here is what they said… Let’s start with the food. Easy Recipes for the Star Host Glazed Maple Dijon Salmon Swap the classic roast for something sleek and simple. Brush salmon fillets with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of soy sauce. Bake for 15 minutes and serve with pre-steamed green beans. It’s elegant, delicious, and practically effortless. Holiday Charcuterie Cups Skip the giant grazing boards and opt for individual charcuterie cups. Fill small glasses or paper cones with cheese cubes, nuts, cured meats, and festive touches like rosemary sprigs or cranberries. They’re portable, Instagram-worthy, and perfect for mingling. Mini Yule Log Brownies Bake brownie batter in a loaf pan, then slice and roll pieces into mini logs. Frost with chocolate ganache, dust with powdered sugar, and top with candy holly. These bite-sized treats are as show-stopping as they are easy to make. Décor That Wows in Small Spaces Twinkle with Lights: String fairy lights along bookshelves, doorframes, or around a mirror to create a warm, inviting glow. Bonus: they double as mood lighting. Mini Centerpieces: Fill mason jars with ornaments, cranberries, or pinecones. Top with a tea light for an affordable and chic decoration. Maximize Vertical Space: Hang wreaths or garlands on walls or doors to add holiday cheer without taking up floor space. Pro Tips for Stress-Free Hosting Make It Interactive: Let guests garnish their drinks with cranberries, citrus slices, or candy canes at a DIY holiday drink station. Or serve up a pitcher of White Chocolate Christmas Margaritas and garnish with cranberries and rosemary. Here’s the recipe: https://charmingcocktails.com/white-christmas-margarita/ Prep Ahead: Choose recipes that can be made the day before so you can enjoy the party too. Small Touches, Big Impact: Personalized place cards or festive napkins add an elegant touch without much effort. Apartment living doesn’t mean you have to downsize your holiday dreams. With these easy recipes, clever décor ideas, and hosting hacks, you’ll be the toast of the season. So, crank up the holiday playlist, pour some spiced cider, and get ready to entertain like a pro! Enjoy Michael Bublé – Best Christmas Songs (Yule Log Fireplace) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqsWxEg4qkY
It’s Time to Talk Thanksgiving!
The Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ are already getting excited about Thanksgiving! They’re researching all things cranberry, once again having the great holiday debate of dressing vs stuffing, and making sure they’ve signed up for the “turkey trot” here in Alpharetta, Georgia. They’re also going to try tandoori turkey this year—something new to them! Veterans Day But before Thanksgiving comes Veterans Day, which honors U.S. veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. In Alpharetta, American Legion Post 201 will celebrate with its eighth annual Cruz-In Car Show Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This FREE event will feature everything from classic to muscle cars, music, activities for the kiddos, and hamburgers, hotdogs, and Brunswick stew. Oh, and of course some barbecue. More Upcoming Events Even before Veterans Day there is plenty of fun to be had in Awesome Alpharetta, especially at the new Helium Comedy Club at Winward Plaza. Make plans now to be in the audience for Halal Hilarity Wednesday, November 6, 2024 (doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.). Organized by Philadelphia native comedians Usman Habib and Moses The Comic, this remarkable groundbreaking showcase brings together an ensemble of internationally renowned Muslim comedians for what promises to be a night of non-stop laughter and unforgettable entertainment. Later in the month, the winter holiday season will get going full force with the lighting of the 50-foot downtown Alpharetta Christmas tree in Park Plaza Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (actual ceremony at 6:30 p.m.). Enjoy live music, snow flurries, vignettes from Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, sing-alongs, and more! And, Santa Claus and friends will make a guest appearance! November 23rd is also when Alpharetta’s Annual Holiday Food Drive starts. Residents and businesses are invited to donate non-perishable goods to the North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) Food Pantry. You can drop off items at seven Alpharetta locations during business hours or place any time on four of the wooden trees placed in downtown. That’s also the date for the Arts Alpharetta Artists’ Holiday Market—a perfect place to find some unique gifts to give this year! The Thanksgiving Table So, dressing or stuffing? What’s the difference? The Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ will let you in on a secret—they actually like both! And there’s no way they’re going to try to settle the great debate about what the difference is…..they’ll let certain culinary experts do that. Instead, knowing full well that everybody thinks their grandma’s recipe is best, they’re sharing two they like: Food & Wine’s Mushroom-and-Chestnut Stuffing with Giblets and Southern Living’s Cornbread Dressing. Either would go great with tandoori turkey, a culinary delight that combines the best of East Indian flavors with that perennial American favorite roasted bird. Just think about the tandoori chicken you had on Diwali earlier this month—same concept! Cranberry Creations Another perennial American favorite at Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce. Some people swear by homemade, others prefer it right out of that familiar comforting can. Another popular spin is cranberry chutney, a sweet, spicy, and tangy blend of cranberries cooked with a mix of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne. Yep, you guessed it—it pairs beautifully with tandoori turkey! This is also the time to try out some different cranberry juice mock- and cocktails while gathering in your luxe Collingwood apartment home. The Ginger Shandy (another name for a Cranberry Mule) is a perfect mix of sweet, zest, and effervescence that nicely balances out the heavy holiday foods (we’re looking at you, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole!). Gobble, Gobble! No, wait—it’s the Gobble Wobble! Alpharetta’s ninth annual Thanksgiving Day 5K/10K and Fun Run. Sign the whole family up to make memories Thursday, November 28, 2024. Connect with the community, enjoy the outdoors, and kick off Thanksgiving with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. All races will start at Halcyon, the earliest at 7:45 a.m.
Fall Means Football & Live & Local Fun
Fall means football! But before we get to dishing the goods on tailgate goodies to share with family and friends, the Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ want to talk about having some other kinds of fun in awesome Alpharetta, Georgia. LIVE & LOCAL—LOOKING AHEAD Mark your calendars now for Alpharetta’s Wire & Woods Songwriters Festival, October 11-12, 2024. This FREE event will feature two headliners (Sixpence None the Richer Friday night and Neal Francis Saturday evening), and more than 30 performances across stages throughout downtown. Should be a blast for everyone—from the kids to nana and dada! Then, the next weekend there is another FREE community event—the Boo Bash! Head over to Wills Park wearing your family-friendly costumes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024. The littles can get their treat bags, and everybody can play games, dance, and watch a movie when the sun goes down. POPULAR GAMEDAY GOODIES Now, back to football! Whether you’re going to an NFL game with colleagues or watching ESPN and rooting for your favorite college team out of the weather and in the sumptuous comfort of your apartment home at Collingwood Apartment Homes in Alpharetta, Georgia, you’ll want to make sure to have plenty of tasty treats on hand to satisfy family and friends. And yourself, of course! VEG & PICKLES Looking for some ideas for good vegetarian party foods? Take a look at Spoon University for some great videos on spicy snacks—from vegan wings (easy vegetable pakoras) to vada pav (basically Indian veggie burgers, only way better). Google for some more gameday goodies and you’ll find that pickles are really hot this fall—especially when you serve them cold in this Duke’s Mayo Pickle Dip. The Idea Specialists™ love the idea of putting this on burgers and hot dogs, using it for a different kind of chicken nugget sauce, and of course just eating it on some chips or crackers. Check out more sweet and sour food for thought in Delish’s 53 Pickle Recipes You Never Knew You Needed. DESI-STYLE COOLER CONCOCTIONS Soft drinks, waters, beers, and spritzers are all cooler staples. Treat your guests to a little something extra with some restaurant-style mango lassi, which you can make ahead in a large lidded pitcher or non-glass beverage dispenser for easy transport. Masala & Chai has recipes for some other drinks that are sure to be crowd-pleasers (like the ice pumpkin cream chai latte!). TAKEAWAY TIME No time to get in your gourmet Collingwood Apartment Homes kitchen before the next get-together? No worries! Madras Chettinaad on State Bridge Road has an incredible catering menu, with everything from the basics like samosa chaat, tandoori chicken, and puri to special veg and non-veg curries. And, of course, Rasmalai for dessert! Yummy! GAMEDAY MUST-HAVE The Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ know from experience that while it’s all fun and games on the field, collegiate and pro stadiums don’t play around when it comes to fan do’s and don’ts. One of the biggies is making sure that any bag you take in with you meets guidelines. These days you can go to Amazon and spend about as much or as little as you’d like on a bag. The ET website has the skinny; the Specialists are going with the imminently practical LOXOMU crossbody bag. (But this acrylic WJCD bag that comes in SO many colors and has a removable chain looks like so much fun! Maybe both?) Go Team!
Spend the Last Days of Your Summer Staycationing in Luxury at Collingwood Apartment Homes—and Exploring Alpharetta!
Before you get geared up for the return of back-to-school and other fall routines, make plans to spend the last days of your summer staycationing in luxury at Collingwood Apartment Homes and taking a new look at what Alpharetta, Georgia, has to offer! The American Automobile Association (AAA) says the key to a good staycation is remembering that you’re on vacation, which can be hard to do when you’re staying home. They offer a few tips for planning: Stop daily chores and routines. Focus on activities you wouldn’t normally do. Select activities that relax you and bring you joy. Have a plan, even if it’s a loose one. Set a budget and stick to it. Of course the loose plan the Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ have come up with involves hanging (with some bottles of Aperol Spritz) at the convenient community pool. And not only is it convenient, it and the sun deck and all of the landscaping and common areas are always so gorgeous and clean! We owe this to the exceptional work of our service team members, which is why we’re going the extra mile to honor them by declaring August as Maintenance Appreciation Month. Both AAA and Apartments.com have some great ideas about ways to spend your staycation. One suggestion is to cook a fancy meal. And sure, that’s always easy to do in your well-appointed apartment home kitchen, but the Idea Specialists™ have been amusing themselves lately by watching TikToks on private chefs in the Hamptons, which gave them an idea…… YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHEF Why not hire a personal chef for your staycation? Atlanta Personal Chef Service can prepare delicious dinners in their own kitchen or yours. They offer everything from weekly meal services to tasting menus, with special events in between! And if you’re going to enjoy lovely meals, why not splurge a little and get some lovely new linens to freshen up your dining table? ELLE Decor has turned the Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ on to the Ridhi brand of boho-inspired linens (handmade!) in all manner of summery patterns and prints. According to the site, “You can score a set of printed cloth napkins for just $26, tablecloths starting at $53, and placemats for under $40 (all on Amazon), allowing you to create the colorful tablescape of your dreams without breaking the bank.” FAMILY SUMMER MOVIE MARATHON Another good idea for an August staycation is a family summer movie marathon. A google search (the Idea Specialists™ do so love to search!) shows that the Pioneer Woman has a popular post up: “30 Best Summer Movies for Kids That Are Almost as Fun as Being Outside” One of those is that all-time classic The Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio. It doesn’t matter whether your gang is caught up on all six series of Cobra Kai or not, it’s still worth the watch—or re-watch! EXPLORING ALPHARETTA Awesome Alpharetta does an excellent job of keeping a current running list of the many wonderful FREE local activities you can take advantage of during your staycation—or any other time, for that matter. From hiking and biking to art and history, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. If you haven’t been already, now might be the time to spend a day at Wills Park on Old Milton Parkway and Wills Road. Collingwood Apartment Homes is a very pet-friendly community, so the Idea Specialists™ were pleased to be reminded of Waggy World, the dog park there. BACK TO SCHOOL Playgrounds make the Idea Specialists™ think of school, which seems to start earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it? These days getting the kids ready to go back to class means familiarizing yourself with their different schools’ websites. Collingwood Apartment Homes is located in the prestigious North Fulton County School District, which has a central website that links to all schools in the area. Getting ready also means scoping out those sometimes wicked drop-off and pick-up lines, and making sure everybody has got the supplies they need. And want. According to the National Retail Federation’s Annual 2024 Back-to-School Survey, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics. The NRF’s survey said they expect $38.8 billion to be spent on school supplies in the United States—the second-highest figure on record. Hot items for teens for fall semester 2024 are North Face backpacks and Vera Bradley lunch bags. (Students at schools that require clear backpacks can still have some fun with colors if they go with a Vorspack.) HIGH SCHOOL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HORRIBLE Got somebody about to start their freshman year of high school? Here’s some guidance for them, from a teenage neighbor of one of the Idea Specialists™. “For classes keep on track with your work and make sure you have all the supplies you need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know something. Most people are nice and will talk to you if you talk to them. For things to wear be casual, don’t dress up crazy for school. Lastly, keep in mind that learning is important but that’s not what school is all about, have fun and make friends.” Oh, and: “With girls Nike, Lululemon, and Free People are popular clothing brands.” Just knew you’d want to know that!
Packing for Perfection: Your Ultimate Picnic Essentials Guide
As the warm breeze beckons and the sun smiles brightly, it’s the perfect time to indulge in one of life’s simple pleasures: a picnic. Whether heading to a nearby park, a lakeside spot, or a scenic hilltop, packing essentials can elevate your picnic from ordinary to extraordinary. The Picnic Basket: Choose a sturdy, spacious basket or a comfortable backpack to carry all your goodies. It should have compartments for organization and be easy to transport. Blanket or Picnic Mat: A soft, waterproof blanket is essential for creating a cozy seating area. Opt for one large enough to accommodate your group comfortably. Food and Drinks: Pack various finger foods that are easy to eat outdoors, such as sandwiches, salads in jars, cheese and crackers, fresh fruits, and nuts. Don’t forget refreshing beverages like lemonade, iced tea, or even a bottle of wine (if permitted). Utensils and Plates: Bring reusable or biodegradable plates, cups, utensils, and napkins to minimize waste. Consider packing a small cutting board and a knife for preparing fresh ingredients on-site. Comfort Items: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a portable first aid kit can ensure everyone stays comfortable and safe throughout the picnic. Entertainment: Pack a frisbee, a ball, a book, or a deck of cards for some leisurely activities to enjoy after the meal. Trash Bags: Always carry extra bags for collecting trash and recyclables, keeping your picnic spot pristine. Optional Extras: Depending on the location and your preferences, you might want to include a portable speaker for music, a portable grill for cooking, or even a picnic umbrella for shade. Remember, the perfect picnic is not just about the food; it’s about creating lasting memories with loved ones in the great outdoors. So, pack thoughtfully, embrace spontaneity, and savor every moment of your picnic adventure. Happy picnicking!
Fireworks & Picnics—Awesome Alpharetta is Exploding with Opportunities for Fourth of July Fun!
Dear Residents, With America’s Independence Day and National Picnic Month both on the calendar, opportunities abound for members of the Collingwood Apartment Homes community to enjoy food, fun, and fireworks in Awesome Alpharetta, Georgia, this July! As always, there’s plenty going on at Collingwood, too. We are excited to announce that on July 13th, we will be hosting our resident Pirate Theme Pool Party from 3PM – 6PM to kick off the summer. Join us for a fun-filled day with games, food, refreshments, and a chance to win prizes! To Celebrate National Picnic Month, be sure and Register to Win (RTR) a BEAUTIFUL PICNIC BASKET filled with all the essentials for a perfect day outdoors! Enter your email in the box below and hit send! That’s all it takes. [wpforms id=”1958″] Lastly, enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card! Simply have your child write us a letter about what they’re most excited about for the upcoming school year. Submit your letters by July 29th, and we’ll select the best one to win the prize. Now—read on to learn more about what’s happening in Alpharetta in July! Celebrate The Fourth Of July At Wills Park Plan to celebrate our great nation with your family and friends under the stars watching a brilliant and patriotic display of fireworks in Wills Park Thursday, July 4, 2024. The show in the sky will start at 9:15 p.m.; if there is a weather delay, the latest things will begin is 10:40 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring blankets, picnics, and games for a memorable evening together. Make a note: Once the parking lots in Wills Park have filled to capacity, two roads will close until the end of the fireworks show: Old Milton Parkway from Wills Road to State Route 9 Wills Road from Old Milton Parkway to State Route 9 Keep The Fun Going Through The Weekend From the Alpharetta Farmers Market to a fermented wine tasting, with all kinds of live music in between, there’s so much to do over the holiday weekend, including Avalon Nights Live and the Home by Dark concert series in Union Hill Park. Check out Awesome Alpharetta for details on everything. National Picnic Month Sometimes summer sunshine just screams out for a picnic, which is probably why the American Bakers Association picked July as National Picnic Month way back in 1952. The Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ did a little research and found that the word picnic comes from the French word piquenique, which eventually came to refer to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining. In today’s world, a picnic can be something as simple as sandwiches and soft drinks on the sun deck by the sparkling Collingwood Apartment Homes pool, or as over the top as an Insta-worthy luxury picnic delivered by companies specializing in creating memorable experiences. Locally, La Fête Picnic Co. offers curated packages for unforgettable gatherings. Picnicking In Alpharetta There are plenty of places for you to plan your own picnic in Alpharetta, including the Big Creek Greenway and The Plaza at Avalon, both conveniently located to Collingwood Apartment Homes. Once again it’s Awesome Alpharetta for the win, with their Top 10 list of suitable sites. Grilling & Chilling Of course the Idea Specialists™ are going to have some suggestions for you when it comes to picnic-appropriate food and drink! First, though, check out this awesome Picnic Time combo BBQ Kit Cooler from Target they found. In addition to its large capacity for ice and drinks, it features an eight-piece stainless steel grill set that includes everything from tongs and a spatula to a cutting board and corkscrew. And because of its shoulder strap, it’s imminently portable—thus perfect for a picnic at the community poolside barbecue area. Sweet! Before you head out to wherever you’re going to spread your picnic blanket, whip up a to-go pitcher of this luscious Summertime Rosé Tequila Sangria. And depending on what you’re in the mood for, maybe one—or four, or a lot more—of these Pioneer Woman picnic foods. Cowboy caviar, loaded potato salad, chef’s salad on a stick, and blueberry bars all will go with whatever you decide to grill—ribs, chicken, burgers, YUM. Summer’s Bounty The Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ will for sure be heading back to the Alpharetta Farmers Market for some more homegrown tomatoes now that they’ve seen this Garden & Gun article for delicious recipes for everything from tomato pudding to cracker salad. They’ll be taking that salad, and some green tomato chowchow, on their picnic, for sure. And Speaking Of Garden & Gun If you’re not already familiar with this quintessentially Southern magazine, check out their Instagram feed to get a feel for what it’s all about. And maybe have a little fun with their “You Might Be a Southerner If…..” quiz. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our latest blog and would love to hear your feedback. Your suggestions and comments help us serve you better. On behalf of myself and our team, we wish you a very happy 4th of July. Please don’t hesitate to call if we can be of service.
June Brings the Joy of Father’s Day & Awareness of Alzheimer’s to the Collingwood Apartment Homes Community
June brings the joys of Father’s Day and the summer solstice to the Collingwood Apartment Homes community in Alpharetta, Georgia, along with the opportunity to join with others across the country in a show of support of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month with purple ribbons and purple clothes. In fact, a google search about initiatives of the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that one of them—The Longest Day®—encourages people to “outshine the darkness” of Alzheimer’s disease with a fundraiser of their own choice in connection with the summer solstice, the day of the year with the most light. This year that will be Thursday, June 20. Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It is not considered a normal part of aging, but, rather, a progressive disease. There is no known cure. The Georgia Chapter of the association provides resources and support to all those impacted by the disease. Sharing Stories Sometimes personal stories can help us understand a medical condition that hasn’t affected us directly. The Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ were deeply moved by the 2014 movie Still Alice. Starring Julianne Moore, who won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a linguistics professor with a rare hereditary form of early-onset Alzheimer’s, it’s something you can watch in the privacy and comfort of your luxury apartment home. Another great option for Father’s Day—Sunday, June 16, 2024—is to provide him with the experience of a lifetime. Virgin Experience Gifts has something for every type of dad—foodie, gearhead, adventurer, golfer—you name it! Live, Local & Loud Something else fun to do to celebrate Dad, or the start of summer, would be to take advantage of some of the great live music at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre at Encore Park. From the Dave Matthews Band on June 12 to Alanis Morisette with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade on June 22—with Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Musical Festival in between on June 21—there’s something for everyone! The U.S. Open Finally, it just wouldn’t be a good June blog without a mention of the U.S. Open Golf Championship, being played at No. 2 Pinehurst outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, June 13-16, 2024. It’s always a memorable experience, whether you attend or watch it with a group of friends. Father’s Day Fun Sometimes socks just won’t cut it when it comes delighting Dad on his day. The Idea Specialists™ know that they can’t go wrong with the father figures in their lives by giving the gift of a good bourbon, and this year the Master of Malt blog has done a great list of the Top 10 everyone needs to try in 2024. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Whisky is probably a safe bet, but they’re really intrigued by the Charcoal & Cornmeal & Rickhouses & a Decade. (Wouldn’t you be? LOL)
Alpharetta’s Collingwood Apartment Homes is Marking Many May Occasions—Especially National Pet Month!
Graduations, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day—there are so many important occasions in May that you might forget to celebrate something just for fun—National Pet Month! It’s a favorite of ours here at Collingwood Apartment Homes in Alpharetta, Georgia, because we are a seriously pet-friendly high-end apartment home community, complete with a large fenced pet park. Love Is A 4-Legged Word Our Idea Specialists™, who consider cat hair to be a fashion accessory and never met a dog they didn’t like, spent a little time on the old Google looking for some fun ways to treat themselves and their fur babies. While on the search, they learned that National Pet Week is also a thing, always observed during the first full week of May. It’s sponsored by the Auxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to foster responsible pet ownership, recognize the human-animal bond, and increase public awareness of veterinary medicine. Could the theme for 2024 be any better? It’s “Love is 4-legged word.” Hugs and pets all around!! And cookies, dog cookies, too! At Unexpected Pooch in Halcyon, where you also can get high-quality food and supplies for both canines and felines. Gifts For Grads & Moms The Collingwood Apartment Homes Idea Specialists™ found the perfect combo of pet love and a present for your favorite moms and grads in a custom watercolor painting on canvas. Just upload a photo of your four-legged friend and Texture of Dreams will do the rest! While the traditional gift of cash to graduates might seem boring, it doesn’t have to be if you put it in a pop-up bouncing gift box filled with confetti. Fun!! The Idea Specialists™, some moms themselves, think these packages from Spoonful of Comfort will help the strong feminine presence in your life have a “soup-er” Mother’s Day! (They also understand that you might just be tempted to treat yourself to of their yummy goodies to enjoy in your comfy clothes in the privacy of your own luxury apartment.) Food & Flowers You can’t go wrong with taking Mom out for lunch or brunch on her special day, especially if you’ve given her some flowers first. Awesome Alpharetta has links to different events, shops, and restaurants that are offering Mother’s Day-related specials, including Fogón and Lions, which will feature a buffet with bottomless mimosas and a decadent Spanish-Latin-inspired menu. With dessert, of course! Make Memorial Day Memorable The Idea Specialists™ know it might seem a little early in the month to be planning your friends and family Memorial Day cookout at the grill area by the gorgeous Collingwood Apartment Homes resort-style saltwater pool, but advance planning is never a bad thing! This year, they’re for sure including grilled peach caprese salad on the menu, with the freshest of peaches and tomatoes from the Downtown Alpharetta Famers Market. There are lots of recipes out there for this spring and summer classic, but our group is particularly fond of this one at How Sweet Eats (and not just because food personality and cookbook author Jessica Merchant says glitter is her middle name, LOL). We’re also fond of a nice sangria by the pool, and Southern Living has a great piece on which wines to use for it. If you don’t already have a favorite way to make yours, check out this white sangria on Dinners, Dishes & Desserts. Honoring Their Memory Watching the National Memorial Day Concert, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra with guest performers, is an annual tradition for the Idea Specialists™. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Chiefs of Staff also participate in the concert, offering their leadership perspective on the value and honor of military service and acknowledging the challenges that veterans and their families face. Always broadcast and streamed by PBS the Sunday night before Memorial Day, the concert honors our country’s veterans, servicemen and women, and military families, and all those who died in America’s wars. Its goal is to unite the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation and serves those who are grieving through the mission put forward by Abraham Lincoln in his second inaugural address, “Let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”
Collingwood Apartment Homes, Alpharetta, Georgia, Celebrates Earth Day 2024 All Month Long
Hello, spring and residents! As we embrace the month of April, we are thrilled to celebrate the season and Earth Day all month long at Collingwood Apartment Homes. Our professionally landscaped grounds, lake, and naturally forested surroundings encourage us to get outside and enjoy our beautiful surroundings, making us thankful for the awareness Earth Day celebrations bring. Here’s a great way to get outside to enjoy nature and celebrate earth day this month– If you don’t already know this, Collingwood Apartment Homes’ convenient location to Big Creek Greenway makes it easy to expand your exploration of the great outdoors. Alpharetta is fortunate to have a premiere hiking/walking trail system, and Big Creek Greenway within walking distance of Collingwood is an excellent place to start your journey. Follow this link to learn more about this fabulous resource: https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/recreation-parks/facilities/big-creek-greenway Speaking of getting outside, we hope you will enjoy your patio or porch during this spring season. Please note that our contractor will be doing repairs on specific patios, but we will let you know who this might impact in advance. Also, it won’t be long before our landscaping teams are out and about adding new flowers and pine straw to our flower beds. We hope you enjoy the great job our team and contractors do as much as we do. There are plenty of ways to support Earth Day 2024 in Alpharetta. Check out these local events and initiatives happening in the greater Alpharetta area: Atlanta Botanical Garden Earth Day Celebration: Explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Earth Day events on April 19, featuring educational programs, hands-on activities, and more. BMW Earth Day Event: Test drive a new BMW all-electric iX or i4 at BMW of North America and contribute to Scenic America’s Reforestation planting initiative, with 25 trees donated for every test drive. Best Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in Georgia: Discover more ways to celebrate Earth Day throughout Georgia, from outdoor adventures to eco-friendly events. Do you have any ideas or input on how we can celebrate Earth Day at Collingwood Apartment Homes? Let us know—we’d love your input! Last week we teamed up with Rumble Boxing to try our hand at this fun sport—we had a great time. Many thanks to them for hosting us. [rl_gallery id=”1881″] Thank you for choosing to call Collingwood Apartments home. We appreciate each and every one of you. Aida Siegler, Community Manager, Collingwood Apartment Homes
Spring Fun at Collingwood Apartments in Alpharetta, GA: Embrace Nature and Entertainment!
Spring is peeking around the corner, and at Collingwood Apartments in Alpharetta, GA, we’re gearing up for an exciting season of outdoor adventures, shopping extravaganzas, and family-friendly entertainment right at your doorstep. As the weather warms up and flowers begin to bloom, it’s the perfect time to explore the vibrant community around us. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you: Collingwood Resident Meet & Greet – March 22, 2024 Join us for an afternoon of camaraderie and fun at the Collingwood Tennis Courts! Treat yourself to refreshments, enjoy a delightful violin concert, and let the kids partake in an engaging scientific experiment. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with your neighbors and bask in the community spirit. Enjoy a Spring Picnic! Speaking of community spirit! The Collingwood Community picnic tables are about to get a makeover. Keep an eye out, and get ready to enjoy! Bingo Competition Ready to win some prizes and have fun too? Be sure to pick up your playing card at the leasing office in March as we launch our Bingo competition! Watch for our Facebook video each week, where we call two numbers. Like our page and the Facebook post, and start filling out your card. Prizes include $25 Visa gift cards and more. And, don’t forget…. March 10 – Spring Forward for Daylight Savings Time March 19 – First Official Day of Spring Pest Control: FYI: Our Pest Control contractor is here every Friday for regular service per resident request and building rotation. March Events Around Alpharetta: • Total Fitness at Wills Park Recreation Center – March 1, 2024 • Kickstart your wellness journey with a free Total Fitness class. Embrace the benefits of exercise while soaking in the beauty of Wills Park. • Alpha 5k Series: The Dog n Jog Run and Walk – March 3, 2024 • Prepare to lace up your sneakers and participate in the inaugural Dog n Jog Run and Walk. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the entire family to stay active and enjoy the scenic routes of Alpharetta. • Luck of Avalon – March 15, 2024 • Dive into the festive spirit at Luck of Avalon! Indulge in live music, sip on green beer, and be mesmerized by captivating performances. With Irish dances and melodic tunes, it’s an event not to be missed. Explore Alpharetta’s Parks and Trails: Nature enthusiasts rejoice! Alpharetta boasts an array of picturesque parks and trail systems, many conveniently located near Collingwood Apartments. Whether you’re in the mood for a stroll or an invigorating hike, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take advantage of the serene surroundings and embrace the beauty of springtime. Check out our parks at Alpharetta Parks and Recreation. Retail Therapy and Entertainment Galore: When it comes to shopping and entertainment, Alpharetta has you covered. Discover an eclectic mix of boutiques, eateries, and entertainment venues just moments away from Collingwood Apartments. Whether you’re in the mood for a shopping spree or a night out on the town, you’ll find endless opportunities to indulge your senses and create lasting memories. Check out Awesome Alpharetta for a full slate of things to do! At Collingwood Apartments, spring is a time of renewal, adventure, and community. Embrace the season’s offerings and embark on unforgettable experiences right here in Alpharetta. From outdoor escapades to cultural delights, there’s never a dull moment in our vibrant neighborhood. Join us as we celebrate the joys of spring and create cherished memories together! Aida Sigler, Community Manager & The Collingwood Team
