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Thursday, November 21, 2024

Bring It On: Holiday Lights Edition

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As soon as I start seeing neighbors decorating, I'm heading out to document and judge the creativity in this sleepy lil community.

I've come up with the following award categories:

Best Inflatable Invasion: The kind that lay flat during the day, as though they're plum tuckered out

Best Retro Renegade: This is the old school approach á la the movie, Christmas Story

Blinded by the (Most) Light: The highest wattage setup that can be potentially be seen from space.

It's ALIVE!: Who has the most movement?Like those light up deer munching on grass or a Santa playing the saxaphone.

Check back in the next newsletter to find out who is leading the pack.

Warm Coats & Blankets Needed

I'm collection warm items to pass on to homeless individuals in downtown Atlanta. Bring items on 12/7 or 12/15. Complete details

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A Redux

I featured Shanon McAuliffe a month or so ago, but I need to clear a few things up.

We met up the other day and even though our visit was brief, I would've sat happily with her for much longer if she hadn't had to leave to help someone with a project.

It got me thinking that what I wrote before didn't adequately capture her unique qualities.

First, labeling what she does as "organizing" is too limiting. She didn't say that though. I came to that conclusion on my own.

Since listening to episodes of The Minimalists podcast (I highly recommend it. And don't let the "M word" deter you), I have been exploring my relationship with stuff and consumerism.

Frankly, I've been obsessed but that's how I roll. But that meant Shanon had to field my questions about books, oddball collections, and the show Hoarders. She told me a few work stories that had me in tears. They demonstrated how compassionate she is.

So compassionate that other organizers send clients her way that try their patience. And thes new clients end up working with her for a long, long time.

So here's what you need to know:

  • Shanon McAuliffe is a zero pressure business owner
  • Asked to describe what she does, she says it depends on the client's needs (and this isn't lip service!)
  • She is so non-judgmental, it's palpable

It's a Self-Love Project

If there is an area of your space (or life) that feels cluttered or chaotic, give yourself a gift and call Shanon to find out how she can help.

Shanon McAuliffe, Purple Dragonfly Organizing; 410-504-4854

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A Different Way to Think

If you read the AJC article last week, you know that the Atlanta real estate market is beginning to balance out. More homes are coming onto the market each day and sales are picking up.

The article also points out that prices and mortgage rates aren't necessarily following suit.

It got me thinking about this thing called the "Market, or in this case, "The Atlanta Market."

It's defined by large volumes of data taken from all over our huge diverse city. Perfect for trend spotting and news reporting.

But not all the the data is relevant for Smoke Rise. It doesn't address my unique circumstances. And it doesn't take into consideration my very personal financial goals.

I like specifics and maybe you do too. How about understanding the sales activity and pricing for your Smoke Rise street, or homes of a certain size and condition. Maybe you want to understand how school ratings or traffic patterns change things.

If you are ready to dig deeper than Atlanta real estate market trends, let me know. I can help with that.

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Holiday Feeding Frenzy

Remember Matthews Cafeteria

Open on Thanksgiving Day from 7:00am - 6:00pm. Or you can order from their holiday pickup menu, swing buy to pick it up, and eat at home.

Canton House is Open

If you want to go non-traditional, how about Chinese food on Thanksgiving? Both locations (yes, they have a new Duluth restaurant that's only been open a few months) are open from 10am-10pm.

Elves For Hire

Go ahead and delegate everything that might push you over the edge. It leads to more time doing what you want, like napping and eating. And then napping.

Bon Voyage

Independent airport driver Doug Reynics promises no toxic air fresheners, cannabis clouds, or rap music. A one-way ride to or from Smoke Rise is $75. He accommodates about 5-6 people depending on how much luggage you have. Call or text him ASAP to book your ride: 770-842-4261 (His holidays fill up, so don't wait.)

Babying Your Pets

Ray Pounds is a highly recommended pet sitter that can keep pets happy while you travel. Give him a ring at 470-583-0022 or check out his website

Bravery Not Required

Hire Steffano Vignolo to hang outdoor lights and decorate your yard so you don't have to tempt fate. He gives free estimates and he's insured. Call Steffano at 678-927-1500

CU