Archive for the ‘Things to Do’ Category

Spring in the South is a funny thing. One day, you’re bundled in sweaters and scarves, and the next, you’re donning shorts and flip-flops, only to return to the sweater the third day. It can be frustrating, but rest assured – the summer heat is coming!

No one likes to think about spring cleaning but as a new Paran homeowner, it will be easy! This is a great time to really get to know your house. There are some future great habits to call your own to ensure that you’ll love your new home forever. Do these things when spring weather is warm and you will be prepared for the summer fun when it’s in full bloom.

1. Keep your AC tuned-up. Your brand new home and state-of-the-art AC are terrific performers, but give it a quick once-over to make yourself familiar with it. Look at the filter and make sure it’s clean and there’s nothing obstructing proper airflow. Moving forward, routinely check the filter and keep things clean as your best defense in staying cool. We recommend changing your filter once per month, even with filters designed for longer life. This will keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape for decades to come.
2. Now that you’re sure the cold air will be pumping, make sure it stays in your house! Of course, your new home is sealed tightly and there are no leaks but as time goes on and activity in your family is steady, get into the habit of doing annual checks. Ensure that the seals on your doors and windows are intact and seal any places where air may escape. If there are any gaps, a simple caulk application should take care of them.
3. Take a look at your gutters. They are clean and clear now and water flows nicely. Next year, after fall foliage has dropped, take a quick look to ensure that they are still clear of leaves and other blockages. Since Spring and summer can bring heavy rains, it’s important to keep water flowing from your gutters to the downspouts, and away from your house.
4. Defend your home against bugs. In this part of the country, warm weather brings out all the many-legged creatures you don’t want at your party. Take a quick stroll around your exterior and remove piles of brush or standing water near your home. This is the best way to reduce the appearance of fire ants, beetles, mosquitoes, and other unwelcome insects in your yard. Exterior perimeter protection and maintenance is the number 1 way to keep your home pest free all year.
5. Your new lawn looks terrific! It’s a great time to decide where to put the hammock, and where to plant the roses. In a couple of years, you can aerate it, dethatch and reseed the grass every 2 to 3 years to keep things looking green and fresh.
6. Visit your garden bed. Get the kids to help! Pull out weeds, till the soil, and select seeds and/or sprouting seedlings that you want to grow. If things look too sparse, fill in some spaces with nice perennial flowers or, maybe, some herbs! Did you know that lavender, mint, basil, petunias, and chrysanthemums are not only lovely, they also repel insects?
7. Now comes the fun part, pull out the pressure washer! Spray down lawn furniture, decking, walkways, etc. and get rid of the winter grunge. Pressure washing saves time and energy over hand washing with buckets and sponges. It’s more efficient and even kind of gratifying. It’s like painting with Clean!
8. Now that things are washed, take a walk around and scan the fence and gates. Take a look at the siding and doors and consider a seasonal welcome mat or flower box. Moving forward, doing a yearly scan will keep you ahead of any small adjustments or repairs that will keep your home perfect.
9. Prepare the grill! This is the time of year when guests will want burgers, hotdogs, and sundried treats from the grill. Is it ready? Turn the grill up to its highest heat and close the hood. After about 15 minutes, scrape the surface with a metal grill brush. Don’t forget the grill box. Scrape out burnt leavings and clean with soapy water then rinse with fresh water. When the grill surface is clean, wipe on a light layer of vegetable-based oil and you’re ready for the party!
10. Don’t forget your other guests. How does that birdbath and bird feeder look? Give them a nice cleaning and refill with fresh water and birdseed.

Of course, inside the house, you may want to change your linens from winter to summer. Clean the windows. Dust the ceiling fans and set them to rotate counter-clockwise to push the cool air down.

After that, you are ready to pull out the shorts and flip-flops. Maybe it’s time to search for grill recipes, try that new mint julep recipe or a new lemonade for the kids. Celebrate summer in your wonderful new Paran Homes house – where quality lives and so does your family!

We’ve all daydreamed about our future. We all imagine our dream home. So many of us imagine a perfect life in a small town. Isn’t it time to make that dream a reality? Paran Homes has a small town, close to a big city, dream home solution for you!

Introducing our newest single-family home community High Shoals in Dallas, GA. More than a neighborhood, this community of stunning 3 and 4 bedroom 2.5 bath homes has everything you want in your place. Starting in the $400s, the brick-front traditional designs are loaded with gorgeous architectural details. The main floor has beautiful hardwood floors throughout and the chef-inspired gourmet kitchen will be the anchor point for entertaining family and friends. The spacious living room is the place to kick back and relax.

Upstairs, you’ll find the enormous master suite (located on the main floor in some models) with ample closet space and a master bath that will take your breath away. Additional bedrooms are all roomy and comfortable for every member of your family. No more carrying baskets downstairs, find the laundry room right where you need it. Some of our thoughtful designs have unfinished basements that are just waiting for your inspiration; whether you want a craft room, a man-cave, or maybe you’re getting the band back together! Customize this space to suit your needs. Paran Homes Design Center will help you bring your vision to life.

Paran Homes has built quality homes with thoughtful designs while retaining the charm of simpler times. We feature large lots with no HOA and no rental restrictions. High Shoals is truly an oasis with ample green space just outside your door. Take a walk through the community, greet your new neighbors, and plan your next barbecue on your new patio.

Just beyond the High Shoals entrance, you’ll find yourself in downtown Dallas where there are so many wonderful things to do. Here in the seat of Paulding County, you’ll find highly rated schools and a recently renovated downtown area where there is no shortage of entertainment and activities!

• Enjoy tasty treats from a variety of vendors at Food Truck Friday
• Fill your fancy new kitchen with goodness from the Dallas Farmer’s Market
• Pack a picnic and settle in for the Dallas Concert Series
• Take in a show at the Dallas Theater
• Walk it all off at Pickett’s Mill Battlefield

No matter what your dream life holds, it’s certain that your future in High Shoals will help take you there. Contact us today for a tour and envision your new life in Dallas, Georgia.

Dallas, Georgia, is a small city located in the northwest region of the state. Despite its small size, it offers a variety of points of interest for locals to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in history, the arts, or the great outdoors, Dallas has something for everyone. And, Dallas Georgia is home to our community High Shoals. Read on to learn more about the kind of lifestyle you can find in Dallas, Georgia!

Unique Historical Attractions

One popular attraction is the Dallas Theater, which is a restored historic theater that hosts a variety of live performances and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy plays, musicals, and concerts in this beautiful venue, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Another point of interest is the Paulding County Historical Society, located in a historic home and offers a glimpse into the history of the area. The society’s collection includes artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the county’s past.

Get Back to Nature Near Your Dallas Georgia Home

For those who love the outdoors, the Silver Comet Trail is a must-see. The trail is a 61-mile paved trail that runs from Smyrna to the Georgia-Alabama state line. It offers a great place for hiking, biking, and rollerblading, and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Pickett’s Mill Battlefield is a great option for families. The site is the location of a Civil War battle that took place in 1864 and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the area and the battle that took place there.

All of This and More, From Your Home in High Shoals

Dallas, Georgia may be small, but it offers a wide range of activities and attractions that can suit different interests, from history lovers, to arts and culture enthusiasts, and active families. You’re in the perfect place to take advantage of all that Dallas has to offer from a home in High Shoals. Each floor plan includes unique features such as open-concept designs, flex spaces for media rooms, and covered porches that offer the perfect space for relaxation. This community is ideal for those looking for a spacious and comfortable home in a desirable location. Reach out to an agent to learn more about this community!

Ask a real estate agent, nothing makes a brand new kitchen more welcoming than the smell of fresh-baked goodies! This Christmas, if you’re lucky enough to be warming up the oven to treat guests to family-favorite baked goods, why not take a swing at something new and amazing too? We have three of our top picks for unique Christmas cakes and cookies here today, including a recipe for something fun, a surprising and exciting recipe, and a cookie recipe that’s so simple you’ll have to restrain yourself from indulging in them every single day!

Frosted Fun: Edible Tic-Tac-Toe

Your strict old great aunt Gerta was wrong – you absolutely can play with your food! All you really need for this one are lines and pieces to represent X’s and O’s. Whether that’s decorated X- and O-shaped cookies, or cupcakes vs. Christmas-shape ginger snaps, the genius of this idea is all about how simple it is to make! You just need a board to go under your shapes; you can go as simple as pie crusts cut straight across and baked, then laid on a plate, or you can decorate a frosted cake board to cut into after the winner is declared. It’s all up to you, and your whole family will be wowed by how creative your baking is!

Forget the Wrapping: Hidden Present Cake

Who doesn’t love a surprise? Cakes with overflowing candy filling are all over TikTok, but how about a Christmas present with wrapping made entirely out of frosting and delicious sponge cake? If you have a cake pan that’s large enough, it’s actually much easier than it sounds. First, bake at least two layers of your sponge cake. While they’re baking, make sure your present is actually wrapped with clean wrapping paper – if you really want to protect it (and the cake), go ahead and wrap the outside with food-safe foil or plastic wrap as well. When your layers are done baking, let them cool, cut a hole in the bottom-most layer in the shape of your gift box, and make sure the top of the box is level with the top of the layer. Ice over the cake and the box, then lay the top layer on. The present should be totally concealed now, and all you have to do is decorate the outside of your cake. Careful when you cut in, and enjoy the look on all your guests’ faces during the big reveal!

Easy Peasy: Super-Soft 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Finally, we have one of the easiest, tastiest treats that the internet has ever invented. 3-ingredient Nutella cookies are exactly what they sound like: a delicious, chocolate-hazelnutty treat that comes together in a snap and satisfies even the biggest sweet tooth. Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking is to thank for this recipe, but you can alter the ingredient ratio to experiment with different consistencies if you want them firmer or fluffier. Her recipe calls for 1 cup flour, 1 cup Nutella, and 1 large egg, or egg substitute. That’s it! Heat the oven, mix the dough, and in minutes you have an entire pan of irresistible, gooey Nutella cookies. Bake a dozen, or bake ten dozen – it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving!

Find a Home for Making Memories Like These

In Paran Homes neighborhoods, we create homes that enable your family to have fun and create memories just like these – all year long. When it’s time to discover the next home to call your own for many Christmases to come, take a look at the neighborhoods where we build all across Metro Atlanta. You’ll find homes that make it easier than you ever thought possible to enjoy the warmth and happiness of the season with friends, family, and all your guests.

Atlanta is an incredible city to live in and around, and there is no season on the whole calendar that accentuates just how fun the ATL can get quite like winter time. While the world bundles up and hunkers down, we’re out here partying right up until 1:00 AM on New Year’s Day. Luckily, you are just in time to start making plans to see all the very best that Atlanta has to offer this holiday season! To make it even easier, we’ve picked our top 5 of the season’s most festive and exciting events. Discover family-friendly activities, unforgettable date night events, and our #1 for a Christmas feast unlike anything you’ve ever seen!

#5: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is the shining jewel set into the city’s beloved Piedmont Park. To start off our Winter Bucket List, you must go see the gorgeous lights that grace the branches, paths, and garden plots throughout the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Nightly events include entertainment for the kids, s’mores, drinks, and DJ booths, as well as hundreds of thousands of unbelievably gorgeous lights. Tickets are available until January 14th. It’s a yearly event you won’t want to miss!

#4: A Christmas Carol at The Alliance

The Alliance Theatre in Midtown is where Atlanta goes to see the very heights of on-stage entertainment. Right across from The High Museum of Art, you can watch a live production of the timeless Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol. Recommended for all audiences, this is the perfect way to start a unique Christmas tradition with your family. Tickets are available now for showings through December 24th.

#3: Atlanta Christkindl Market in Buckhead

Buckhead is known as one of ATL’s ritziest districts for high-end shopping, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find meaningful gifts for loved ones. At the Atlanta Christkindl Market in the Buckhead Village District, you can explore an authentic German Christmas market, complete with delicious food, rustic ornaments, and handmade goods from toys, to clothes, and much more. Explore and find some truly special gifts here right up until December 24th.

#2: Skate The Sky at Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is an exceptional, exciting destination for entertainment, food, and shopping just south of Piedmont Park. In addition to finding your new favorite outfit, restaurant, or standing desk (yes, there’s a furniture store!), you can also enjoy a winter wonderland and some of the best views of the Atlanta Skyline. Rooftop Terrace on The Roof at Ponce City Market has been converted into a winter wonderland – complete with a “Skate the Sky” ice rink! Cozy igloos can even be reserved for your skate day, complete with hot chocolate (or complimentary bubbly for the adults). Learn all about admission and reservations here on The Roof’s web page.

#1: Santa Brunch Buffet at Local Three

Considering Atlanta is a foodie’s paradise, could any top 5 bucket list be complete without a trip to a local restaurant? Local Three in The Forum at West Paces has you covered for the holiday season, because Saturday Santa Brunches are on the way! On December 3rd and December 10th, you have the opportunity to take brunch with old Saint Nick himself, including complementary photos. This event is both kid and adult-friendly, and you can look forward to all-you-can-eat eggnog french toast, winter vegetable hash, and even maple candy pork belly burnt ends. That’s not even the start of it! Take a look at the full menu (brisket, smoked salmon, eggs benedict… it just keeps going) and get your reservations in before they’re full!

As we go into the colder seasons, the farmers markets are closing up shop and packing away for winter hibernation. What will your Italian soups be without the flavor-enhancing qualities of farm-fresh herbs and zucchini? How will your harvest bowls go on without a butternut squash brought to you farm-to-table? As hard as it may be to eat fresh veggies without the accessibility of the farmers market – don’t fret too much. There is a really excellent solution to this troubling predicament.

Why Eat Farm Fresh Produce?

There are so many benefits to eating farm fresh produce. For starters, fresh produce grown in season just tastes better. One of the most common chef recommendations for how to have better-tasting food is to pick out your own produce from a farmers market. But there is also an added nutritional benefit of farm-to-table. Some (but not all) local non-commercialized farmers use chemicals that are less harsh on produce that do not strip the crop of its nutritional properties. Plus, by buying locally, you’re helping support your community’s agriculture and business.

Never Fear – Farm to Table is Here!

So you’re probably asking, “if the farmers markets are closed, where am I supposed to get all these farm-fresh vegetables?” We’re glad you asked – we have the solution. We suggest getting a box from a Georgia-based CSA like Fresh Harvest! Fresh Harvest is a customizable, locally-grown community supported agriculture (CSA) delivery service that connects you with farmers in your area. And it doesn’t just stop at fruit and veggies; you can also add meat, milk, eggs, baked goods, and more. You’ll have a variety of seasonal and sustainable options to choose from, and Fresh Harvest will deliver them right to your door.

Being Busy No Longer Has to Get in The Way

We’ve all been there – you have every intention of making it to the farmers market this weekend, your reusable bags are waiting expectantly to be brimming with veggies, your Birkenstocks sit longingly by the door…but Saturday morning comes around, and you remember you made brunch plans (and who can resist the siren call of Saturday morning mimosas?) Balancing work, family, friends, drinking enough water, weekly yoga, making overnight oats, and grocery shopping – it’s a lot to juggle. Your life is busy, and you’re doing important things, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice what’s important to you. With convenient monthly deliveries, you get all the benefits of going to the farmers market without the Saturday morning rush.