Have An Ice Day Productions presents Ice Skating at the Olde Town Conyers Pavilion. The rink is open now through Sunday, January 13, 2008.  Visit www.icedays.org for hours and dates of operation or call (770) 602-2606 for information.  The cost is $6.00 to skate and $2.00 for skate rental. $1.00 off coupons are available at the Conyers Welcome Center.

Old Town Conyers Pavilion
949 Main Street
Conyers, GA

If you're looking for something to do this weekend to get yourself in the Christmas spirit you might want to check out Rockdale County's First Annual Christmas House.  Tour this huge Mediterranean castle located in Conyers and decked out for the holidays from now until December 10th!  Proceeds from admission benefit A.R. Gus Barksdale Boys and Girls Club. When:  Saturday, December 08, 2007 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM) Hours:  Tuesday-Friday 10:00 am -4:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am -5:00 pm Admission:  $10.00 per person Location:  Conyers Convention & Visitors Bureau                1184 Scott Street                Conyers, GA  30012  For further information call:  678-467-8655

945 Lakeside Circle
Covington, GA

List Price:  $118,500

Home Features: 

• Premium lake lot 
• 3 Bedrooms
• 2.5 Bathrooms
• Upgraded marble fireplace
• Upgraded working center island
• Upgraded french doors
• Upgraded marble vanities
• Upgraded recessed lights
• Covered patio
• Immaculate carpet
• Professionally painted
• Appliance package includes refrigerator
• In-ground sprinkler system
• Professional lawn maintenance included
  

Community features:

• Olympic-size swimming pool
• Lighted tennis courts
• Soccer Field
• Playground
• Cabana
• Lake
  

 

For more information call:

Venice Harris
Solid Source Realty
678.643.9418

911 Amber Trail
Monroe, GA

Asking Price:  $179,900

Home Features:

• Popular Richmond Floorplan 
• Approx. 2,850 sq. ft. of living space
• 4 Bedrooms
• 3 Full Baths
• Formal Living Room
• Formal Dining Room
• Sunken Family Room
• Abundance of Cherry Cabinetry
• Center Island
• Walk-in Pantry
• Loft
• HUGE Master Suite
• HUGE Sitting Room in Master
• Trey and Vaulted Ceilings throughout
• 2-story Foyer
• Large Secondary Bedrooms
• HUGE level backyard
• Dramatic columns at LR and DR entryway
• Complete applianace package includes REGRIGERATOR, WASHER and DRYER!
• 2" Faux wood blinds throughout
  
  

 

 

For more information call:

Venice Harris
Solid Source Realty
678.643.9418

 

1937 Kevin Drive
Conyers, Georgia

List Price:   $199,900 - The Best Value in Westchester Lakes! 

Home Features: 

• 3-sides BRICK
• 3 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms 
• SOLARIUM loaded with windows for lots of natural sunlight
• Hardwood laminates throughout
• Abundance of Maple Cabinetry
• Mudroom 
• Jetted tub
• Double Vanity
• HUGE walk-in closet in Master Suite
• Appliance package includes WASHER and DRYER
• Trey and Vaulted ceilings throughout

Community Features:

• Olympic size swimming pool
• Lighted Tennis Courts
• Walking Trails
• Clubhouse
• Lake
• Playground
• Professionally Landscaped

 

 

For more information call:

Venice Harris
Solid Source Realty
678.643.9418

Atleast that's what my 15 year old son tells me.  :)   Of course, I know I'm the coolest Mom around.  :)  Haven't you heard?

I was thinking about Christmas recess plans for my son and I.  It was so easy when he was 5 years old, even 10.  Everything I did impressed him.  It was easy to make plans.  He enjoyed hanging out with "mommy."  (Now I'm "Ma.")  It was not social suicide to be seen at the movies with your mother.  :)   He thought I could dance... THEN.  :)  Now... he says "please stop, you're so lame.  :o    

I guess it's kind of funny because I remember when my mother "became lame."  :)   I might have been about 15 too.

I only have one child, my son.  I'd love to hang out and do more with him other than be his "driver."  I'm just not sure what I can do to hold on to the last few years that I have left before he flies the coup.

If I suggest a movie, he gives me the "dah" look and declines.  No plays.  No Dave & Busters. Rarely he'll agree to go bowling depending on who else is going.  He will, however, do restaurants!  The stomach is always willing..  :)

Anyway, if anyone else has or is experiencing anything similar.... please share. 

Venice

"Java & Jive" is what it's called.  It's the new happening scene in Conyers and yes... it's going on every 2nd and 4th Saturday at... STARBUCKS on Highway 138!  Who knew?

 If you're looking for a relaxed, "artsie" vibe, then this may just be a pitstop you may want to make.

• Live Music
• Poetry
• Art Exhibits
• Open Mic
• Networking
• Tournaments

Grab a latte, sit back and relax!  Where else can you go out for the price of a cup of coffee?

Starbucks, 1515 Highway 138, Conyers, GA, (770) 602-0292

I've bumped into one too many people lately who didn't know about Johnson Park in Conyers and their recreational programs.  So here's the information... now go and have some fun!  :)   

 

                                             Johnson Park Recreation Center

Location: 1781 Ebenezer Road  Telephone: 770-785-5922 / 770-785-5923 Softball rain-out number: 770-785-5925 Fax: 770-761-1617  Size: 53 acres

Amenities: four softball fields, concession stand, offices and meeting room, restroom facilities and storage; a recreational complex with a weight room, gymnasium, meeting rooms for programs, administrative offices, and an indoor pool; tennis courts and walking/jogging trails Hours: Office: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Recreation Center: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed Also open when activities are scheduled and being conducted.

Johnson Park Rentals - Softball Fields:  County Residents/Businesses: Softball Fields: $35 per field, per day Softball Field Lights: $10 per field, per hour Non County Residents/Businesses: Softball Fields: $200 per field, per day Softball Field Lights: $10 per field, per hour

Johnson Park Rentals - Center: County Residents/Businesses/Groups: Large Meeting Room: Capacity: 75 people / Fee: $50 per hour Art Room: Capacity: 40 people / Fee: $35 per hour Gymnasium: Fee: $50 per hour In Door Swimming Pool: Fee: $60 (2 hours) Non-County Residents/Businesses/Groups: Large Meeting Room: Capacity: 75 people / Fee: $75 per hour Art Room: Capacity: 40 people / Fee: $52.50 per hour Gymnasium: Fee: $65 per hour In Door Swimming Pool: Fee: $90 (2 hours)  Johnson Park Recreation Center Party Rentals: Art Room/Pool Party: County Residents/Businesses/Groups: $60 Non-County Residents/Businesses/Groups: $90 Includes use of room and pool for two hours and 15 pool passes during regular family swim hours. Large Meeting Room/Pool Party:  County Residents/Businesses/Groups: $70 Non-County Residents/Businesses/Groups: $105 Includes use of room and pool for two hours and 15 pool passes during regular family swim hours. Lock-In: (3 hours) County Residents/Businesses/Groups: $400 Non-County Residents/Businesses/Groups: $600 Lock-in includes the use of the entire Center for three hours with attendants/lifeguards. Damage Deposit for Center: $100   There are many recreation programs for children, adults and seniors.  You can call the Center and request an activities schedule.

 

Is there a difference between moving to a city or an unincorporated area?

You bet there is!  Before you move, you need to know the differences.

So you've found the area where you want to live!  Now the questions is should you move to the little local city or the unincorporated neighborhood?  What is the difference between a small city and a small unincorporated town in the same area?  There are important differences, pros and cons to each, that can affect your lifestyle.  The choice is yours.

The Incorporated City

PRO:  Incorporated cities have many good services to offer.

• Garbage is collected more than once a week and includes collection of yard waste and household goods. Special days are also set, usually several times a year, for collection of hazardous household chemicals.
• City water has consistently tested just as safe and clean as bottled water. City water is tested and treated continuously insuring safe drinking water.
• City sewer service is relatively low maintenance compared to septic tank systems. Both the water and sewer services are more likely to remain in service even after a severe storm or a power outage.
• Most cities have their own police force. Because they are employed by the city, they patrol only that city and are therefore quick to respond to emergencies.
• City building codes keep buildings in good condition and increase property values.
• There are city ordinances that limit noise, alcohol and animals. These ordinances are a great help to those neighbors living next door. Different cities have different ordinances, based on the needs of the city and the location. For example, in some cities animals cannot be left in a vehicle during the hot summer. 
• Most cities limit the type of home businesses allowed. For example, a motorcycle repair shop would not be permitted in someone's back yard because of the noise and traffic it generates, but a beauty shop may be allowed.
• Larger cities may have a city fire department which services only the city; allowing for a quicker response time.
• Animal ordinances keep pets on a leash and keep sidewalks free of droppings. Farm or exotic animals are usually not permitted.
• Zoning ordinances keep pink trailers in the pink trailer zone and not next door to a nice new home.

CON:  For all the wonderful services mentioned above, there are drawbacks to each

• Water, sewer and garbage services are required by most cities, whether you want them or not. There is usually a "hook up" fee to be paid for water and sewer.
• Garbage services are charged at the same rate, whether you use it once a month or twice a week. Depending on the annual budget and projected costs, the cost of these services can rise.
• City building codes and ordinances may restrict home improvement projects to licensed contractors. Some of these ordinances may stop the homeowner from doing his own repairs in his own home. Permits are required for home improvement, with city inspections for every stage of remodeling. If adding a bathroom, you may be required to have the building extension inspected, the trusses and joints inspected, the flooring and drywall inspected, the electric inspected, the plumbing inspected and finally a certificate of completion. Each of these stages take time and money as all construction stops until the infraction is corrected.

The Unincorporated Neighborhood

PRO:  Living in an unincorporated neighborhood offers more freedom than an incorporated town.

• There are no city ordinances to follow, only county and state regulations and zoning.
• Home repairs can usually be done by the homeowner, as long as county regulations are followed. Home inspections for these repairs are not usually required.
• Trees may be cut and disposed of and yard refuse can be burned as permitted by the county.
• Water usually comes from your own well and your sewage is disposed of in a septic tank.
• There are no monthly fees for water or sewer.
• Disposal of garbage is usually done by private companies with the rate based on the number of pickups per month.
• Zoning is usually more relaxed, allowing the homeowner more freedom to improve their property. A bathroom addition or outbuilding may not require a permit.

CON:  While there is more freedom living in an unincorporated neighborhood, there are drawbacks as well. 

• Even if the unincorporated area is just one block away from the incorporated area, police and fire services are coming from the county. These police and fire agencies may be on the other side of the county when you need them and may take a long time in response.
• You may have built a beautiful home when a neighbor moves in a pink trailer next door.
• Installing a well and a septic tank are costly and require maintenance.
• If the power goes out during a storm, chances are the well and toilets will not work. Life is not pretty at that point.

Deciding to live in an unincorporated town or within the city limits will affect your lifestyle as long as you live there. Familiarize yourself with the county and city you are moving into. Making an informed choice before you move will make your move and stay much more comfortable.

Preparation is key if you're planning on selling your home. 

It goes without saying that preparation is the key to getting things done. With your home, you have to give it the once over to impress potential buyers.

Before you go out on a date, what do you do?  You clean up and put on your best outfit in an effort to make the best impression.

When it comes time to sell your car, what do you do? You wash and wax it all in an effort to make it look as good as possible before potential buyers come to look at it.

This general approach of preparation is true for everything from job interviews to meeting a potential client. Well, your home is no different.

If you are planning on selling your home, it needs to look as appealing as possible. Most people know this, and take basic steps to clean a property up. This is a good move, but going the extra yard can make a big difference. Here are a few very quick starters.

Practically every home has that one room that is pretty bland. It is pretty bland and you often use it as a throw away room. It may have basic furnishings, but is not used all that much. If this is the case with your home, then you need to think about plants. Plants are the great indoor decorator. If you have a room with a drab looking wall or corner, you should consider a tall plant.  The plant will help break up the boring room and give it more style.  Keep in mind that less is more so do make all efforts to empty out the junk.  A plant added to a junk-filled room is just a plant in a junk-filled room. 

Another thing that often needs to be addressed is the size of rooms in your home. With modern homes, it seems there is always one room that is so small it seems like a closet. If this is the case with yours, then you want to focus on paint. Light colored paint makes a room look bigger, sometimes much bigger. Take the time to paint the room and it should be less obvious that it is small.

At the end of the day, there are a lot of things you can do to spruce up a home. Plants and painting are relatively cheap and fast ways to make a big impact.