Fall is in the air… or maybe it’s just the aroma of pumpkin-spice everything, because summer temperatures sure don’t want to loosen their grip. In fact, there’s an internet meme that says, “It’s almost Fall in Georgia. Do you know what that means?… Absolutely nothing! It’s still 90 degrees!”
Georgia has just entered its “fourth month of Summer,” so don’t put the shorts and flip-flops away quite yet. According to both meteorologists and travel experts, the earliest Autumn begins in Georgia is late September, but the Fall season here in the South is observed (by trees and wildlife, at least) in October and November.
Thankfully, the extreme heat of the past two weeks seems to be diminishing just in time for National Eat Outdoors Day (Today, August 31) and National Tailgating Day (first Saturday in September). While not “official” observances, both tailgating and eating outdoors are great reasons to celebrate.
Today, August 31, make plans to observe National Eat Outdoors Day by sharing a meal with friends at a restaurant that has outdoor dining space; enjoy coffee and a muffin on a park bench; pack a sack lunch and eat at a picnic table with friends or family; or prepare a home-cooked meal and eat in your own courtyard or on the front porch.
In a busy world, even the kindest person can sometimes lose patience (or their temper). Be Kind to Humankind Week (August 25 – 31) is a global observance that offers an opportunity to consciously sprinkle some kindness into the world.
Following are some simple ways to add an extra dose of kindness throughout the coming week:
Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity, with more than 30,000 EVs registered in the state of Georgia, where more than 1,600 electric vehicle charging stations are now available in public places including city centers, live-work-play communities, even parking spaces at retail outlets.
And as more people choose to live in communities where amenities are within walking distance, another type of electric vehicle is rapidly gaining popularity: street legal golf carts/low-speed vehicles (LSVs). In fact, many cities and towns that feature central gathering spaces, such as parks and concert venues, now include designated parking spaces for LSVs.
August is National Eye Exam Month, which was founded in 1989 to encourage eye exams for children so they’d perform well in school.
Of course, regular eye exams are essential for people of all ages, especially since we spend so much of our waking hours straining our eyes as we stare at screens.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends every adult have a baseline eye exam at age 40, to identify what is normal for your eyes, and to ensure vision changes are identified quickly at annual or biennial eye exams.
This time, last year, the temperatures were soaring into the 100s, taxing our air conditioners, affecting our moods, and putting a serious (sweaty) damper on outdoor activities.
Now, a year later, we’re experiencing an unseasonably cool June, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. And since we’re smack-dab in the middle of Hiking Season (March through September), it’s time to get out and explore some of the amazing trails close to home
Once upon a time, networking took place in a private club or at a nice restaurant, where business-casual attire and cards were exchanged over “elevator pitches.”
My, how times have changed. Thanks in part to the aftermath of COVID, and the work-from-home options available through ZOOM and other online platforms, the face of business networking has changed, as well.
What’s interesting, though, is that networking isn’t all about business anymore. It’s how we meet friends, share ideas, and provide (or receive) support so we don’t feel so separated from the world.
And that’s where BRUNCH comes in!
Ask anyone what they want in their “dream home,” and you’ll hear things like:
These responses all tie back to one common theme: enjoyment
Rise and shine! May is Better Sleep Month, so it’s the perfect time to look at your sleep habits, which includes different features of your bedroom, as well as your daily (nightly) bedtime routine.
If you go to bed late, experience restless sleep, and make a habit of hitting the “snooze” button on your alarm clock, it’s probably a good idea to make some changes that promote restful, rejuvenating sleep that allows you to wake refreshed and energized.
Everywhere you look, it seems that neighborhoods are popping up within easy reach of all-inclusive communities, where shopping, dining, entertainment, healthcare, and more are available via walking, cycling, or a very short drive.
Neighborhoods like these appeal to a variety of homebuyers, from active singles to active seniors, as attractive homes with livable floorplans, luxury features, and low-maintenance exteriors offer the pride of home ownership without the hassle of lawn care and the like.