Community Blog

Finally! Another three day weekend! Granted, this will be the last of them for a while, so you know that you have to make this one count! Since Stockbridge isn’t far from the Atlanta area, here are some great Labor Day Weekend activities that you can get into in and around Atlanta:

• Chick-fil-A Kickoff Football Game – LSU vs. UNC
  • Saturday, September 4th – Georgia Dome – 8pm
• Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Football Opener vs. South Carolina State
  • Saturday, September 4th – Bobby Dodd Stadium – 1 pm
• UGA Bulldogs Football Opener vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
  • Saturday, September 4th – Sanford Stadium, Athens GA – 12:21 pm
• Atlanta Motor Speedway
  • Saturday, September 4th – Great Clips 300 – 7 pm
  • Sunday, September 5th – Emory Healthcare 500 – 7: 30 pm
• Dragon-Con Convention – Pop Culture Convention
  • Friday – Monday – Peachtree Center – Different hotels
• Hispanic Labor Day March
  • Monday, September 6th – Centennial Olympic Park Area – 11am – 1pm

If you know of any other events, feel free to let us know! Everyone knows that Labor Day Weekend is always a big deal, since it’s seen as the end of the summer. I’m looking forward to cooler days, but not to Labor Day Weekend traffic.

What are you doing for Labor Day Weekend?

photo credit: Wikipedia

“We’re takers, gents. It’s what we do for a living” ~Idris Elba, “Takers“

Did anyone see “Takers” this past weekend? If so, you’re in good company with the MILLIONS of others that saw it this weekend to make it the #1 movie! The number one spot was pretty touch and go for a while there as “Takers” was competing with “The Last Exorcism” for the top spot, but as the true takers that they are, well, you see where they’re sitting in the box office.

I had the privilege of seeing it this weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. “The Last Exorcism” really wasn’t on my list of movies to see, seeing as how I’m really not into scary movies. But “Takers” is definitely something to see if you’re a fan of action movies. Though the movie highlights the next heist of a group of high end bank robbers, you can’t help but cheer them on through their actions. Well, I know I couldn’t.

The cast gave a very convincing performance; the movie was literally full of stars. Normally, when a movie has that many stars in it, it comes off cheesy and seeming as if it’s trying too hard. “Takers” had a very nice balance. How could it not with actors like Michael Ealy, Idris Elba, Paul Walker, and so much much on screen? Even musicians turned actors Chris Brown and T.I. gave a pretty convincing performance. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.

photo credit: Wikipedia

Hey all! Are any of you Southwinds Stockbridge Apartments residents going to be in the Atlanta area this weekend? If so, then you should attend the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival. With the temperatures that we’ve had this summer, anything with the word ’shade’ in it is good for me.

This is the 8th occurrence of the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival.  The festival is a two day celebration featuring art, music, food, a 5K run, kid’s activities, a fine food and wine event (Corks & Forks), plus much, much more!

The reason that the Summer Shade Festival got it’s name is because the festival is located along the shaded pedestrian pathways in Grant Park. Granted, the temperature will be up there, but anything’s better than direct sunlight these days.

The festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 28 and 29 from 10 am to 11 pm. The 5K run kicks off Saturday morning at 8 am; walkers are welcome. Corks & Forks is a ticketed event with a limited number of tickets available $35 in advance/$45 at the gate; Saturday and Sunday tickets are sold separately.

You’ll have to leave the furry ones at home for this festival folks; there are no pets allowed during the festival.

Stay in the shade this summer!

photo credit: Wikipedia

Have you thought about adding a furry addition to your family? If so, you should start researching what kind of pet you’d like to bring into your pet friendly, Southwinds Stockbridge Apartment.

There are many places from which you can adopt a pet: the Henry County Humane Society, or specific breed rescues around town, and in the city of Atlanta. If you don’t know of a particular type of breed that you want, or you want more of a selection that what’s in the Henry County Humane Society, then maybe you should consider one of Atlanta’s Rescue Shelters, the Atlanta Pet Rescue.

The Atlanta Pet Rescue is located in Midtown Atlanta, about 30 minutes away from Southwinds Stockbridge Apartments. They have a rather good selection of toy, small, and medium dogs, as well as cats. They also have various adoption events around the Atlanta area, including their 10 year birthday bash celebration and adopt-a-thon going on September 12 at Grant Park in Atlanta.

The adoption process normally consists of an on site interview, and screening process, while the adoption fee is about $250 for dogs and $115 for cats. The adoption fee covers spaying or neutering, heartworm test and rabies shot if the dog or cat is old enough, and routine vaccinations. Dogs over age 6 months are tested for heartworms; cats and kittens are tested for feline Leukemia and Aids.  All are treated for fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites. Adoptions fees can be paid by cash, Visa or Mastercard.

Before you decide to bring a pet home, be sure to review the pet policy designed by the Southwinds Stockbridge  Apartments.

photo credit: Atlanta Pet Rescue and Leesia Teh Photography

Renters insurance can come in handy if something unexpected happens to your belongings in an apartment. For only a few dollars a month, that you could possibly pair with your car insurance, you’ll have a better piece of mind against unforeseen occurrences.

If you have wisely invested in renters insurance, you don’t have much to worry about. Many people don’t take advantage of renters insurance because of a common myth: the cost. Renters insurance is surprisingly inexpensive. For a small fee a month, normally between $10 and $20, you can save thousands of dollars in case you have to replace your belongings. In all honesty, I’d much rather pay about $10 a month than to pay over $200 to replace a lost television or over $500 for a new laptop.

Renters insurance also covers liability for anything you’re found negligent to have caused an accident or a fire. Basic renters insurance may run you as little as $100 a year. In my opinion, that’s a small price to pay for piece of mind and the reassurance of securing your precious belongings. This video shows what happens when people choose not to invest.

How do you get renters insurance? National insurance sites like State Farm and All State all carry policies. You can also visit the Southwinds Stockbridge Apartments leasing office, and they’ll be happy to get you on your way to a higher piece of mind in no time.

Hey all! Looking for something to do this weekend? Have you been to Six Flags this summer? If you’ve grown up in Georgia, I’m sure you’ve gone at least once. After so many visits, it tends to get kind of old, but if you haven’t been in a while, the roller coasters are still a thrill. Especially the Goliath. Best. Coaster. Ever! Well, at Six Flags it is…

But if you haven’t been to Six Flags in a while, then this weekend may be a good time for you to go. Rapper B.o.B, creator of the insta-hit “Airplanes“, will be at the park on August 21. He’s slated to perform, and may play his hits “Nothin’ On You” and “Magic“, which those who aren’t familiar with his music may recognize the song from a recent ADIDAS commercial.

The concert is free with admission. Tickets are $31.99 online; $44.99 at the gate; children shorter than 48 inches $31.99; ages 2 and younger free.

More flags, more fun!

photo credit: Wikipedia

…There’s no place like home

~Judy Garland (Dorothy), ‘Wizard of Oz’

This week marked the 71st anniversary of ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Can you believe that this movie has been around for so long, and that it was momentous enough to touch generations upon generations? I’m only in my 20’s, but ‘The Wizard of Oz’ always is, and always will be one of my favorite movies of all time. They just don’t make movies like that anymore.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra realized just how impactful and loved the movie is, so they decided to add their own spin on it. On August 14th at 8:30 pm, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ will show at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park in Alpharetta. Now, this trip will be about an hour from Southwinds Stockbridge, so unless you just  really want to see it, I would advise making that drive if you’re already in the Atlanta area for the weekend.

During the show, the movie will be shown on giant screens amid the natural beauty of the park, and the best part is that the entire score will be done live by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This is sure to be a music experience that you won’t forget! Tickets are still available.

photo credit: Wikipedia

Hey everyone! Have you ever or seen someone put away countless hours at the gym, come back completely fatigued, and not really notice a change? Well, I hate to say it, but you could be working out the wrong way. Luckily, I’ve found some tips that may help, and when utilized correctly in places like Southwind Stockbridge’s 24-hour Fitness Center, you’ll have that beach bod in no time!

1. Contrary to what you may believe, walking in the door to the fitness center (and staying there) is the  hardest part of any work out. You MUST set aside 2 or 3 mandatory days a week for working out if you’re serious about it. A commitment must be set.
2. A proper warm up is key to any good workout; you don’t want to hurt yourself. About 10 minutes on the treadmill is good.
3. Don’t think that the longer you work out the more in shape you’ll be. It’s the opposite actually; the more you work out, the more tired you’ll be and less likely to repeat the routine. So limit yourself to about 3 machines, workout for like 20 to 30 minutes, and do less reps. Remember, you do want to tire your muscle, not strain it. (Strained muscles are NOT fun)
4. Rotate among upper body, core, and legs.
5. Make sure you’re switching machines at the same time everyday to get  your body into a rhythm. Also, be sure to cool down and stretch at the end of the workout. You wouldn’t want those muscles to lock up on you, now would you?
6. Reward yourself with a few laps in the Southwinds Stockbridge pool when you’re done.
7. Maintain a healthy diet at home and avoid the protein bars. You really don’t need them.
8. On days that you skip the gym, do something else, even if it’s a 10 minute walk.  Your body will thank you for it.

Hopefully these tips will work for you. Try them out at our fitness center today!

Hey Southwinds Stockbridge! Are  you familiar with the works of Salvador Dali? Even if you’re not, I’m sure that you have heard of the name. Well, tomorrow, Saturday August 7 from 8 pm to midnight, the Atlanta High Museum of Art is hosting a Surreal Soiree that is showcasing some of Dali’s eclectic works of art.

From melting clocks to an éclair on Alice Cooper’s head, Dali rebelled against convention like no one else. Only he could wear a purple velvet suit (besides Prince) and a crazy, twisted mustache and be accepted as a creative genius. Or madman. It depends on how you look at it.

So, this weekend, walk a mile in Dalí’s shoes and dip a toe into the bubbling waters of his bizarre mind at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art Dalí-inspired soiree. The soiree features a funky photo booth by www.LeahandMark.com, flamenco guitarist Witold Tulodziecki, a jewelry trunk show by Ashley Buchanan and so much more!

This is only one piece of the amazing events honoring Salvador Dali at the High Museum of Art. If you’re interested, check it out! And be sure to expect the unexpected!

Hey Southwinds Stockbridge! Can you believe how hot it’s been lately? It’s so hot that you can barely stand to be outside for a prolonged period of time. With this being the case, this near 100 degree weather is perfect for watching movies in an air conditioned facility.

On one hand, you can watch a movie at the Great Escape or in your apartment. On the other hand, you can catch one of the great film festivals going on for the month of August in Atlanta.

August is the 2010 Independent Film Month Atlanta, a series of festivals that span most of August with a dizzying array of short films, horror, animation, documentaries and urban films — culminating with the eighth annual AUFF (Atlanta Underground Film Festival).

There looks to be a different event happening every week. This week is lucky enough to have two: Atlanta Shortsfest and Animation Attack! Atlanta Shortsfest will showcase 91 short films, packaged by genres such as comedy, animation, documentary, experimental, horror, sci-fi, personal, erotic, fantasy, drama, thrillers, action and adventure, and cult movies. Animation Attack will screen animated shorts and feature-length films from around the world. Atlanta Shortsfest is taking place August 6-8 and Animation Attack! is taking place August 6-7 and August 27-29.

It’s sure to be a blast! So if you happen to be in the Atlanta area this weekend, be sure to check them out! Tickets are between $5-$10 for each event.

See the full list of events on the ajc.com.

photo credit: brokentrinkets

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