According to articlebase.com and Safe Home Security, making the exterior of your home uninteresting is the first step. You need to think like a robber. What are the easiest ways to enter your home? Do you have an active alarm system; if so, make sure to post signs outside your home so criminals know that your house is protected. If not, it is recommended that you get one soon. When a burglar sees that a homeowner has an alarm they are more apt to move on. Another way is to always keep the outside of your home well kept. For example, lawn always cut, bushes trimmed, and mail and newspapers picked up or put on delivery hold if you will be out of town. You can also be proactive by installing exterior monitoring devices like cameras or motion censored lighting.

 
A neighborhood watch can also be beneficial if the residents take charge and “fight back” against those committing the crime. Let these intruders know that you are not going to sit back and become a victim. If they feel that you are not an “easy” target, it could deter them and potentially prevent your home from becoming a statistic.

Feeling safe in your own home is something everyone needs. Heron Bay, located in Locust Grove, understands this need and has put forth preventative measures to help ensure safety. The dedicated HOA works closely with its homeowners to establish safety procedures for the community. The active association stresses the importance of the neighborhood watch program, creates opportunities for residential awareness, partners with both Henry and Spalding County police, employees Henry County police during their off-county hours to provide scheduled security within the community, and regularly updates the community safety board on the resident website. By also providing streetlights and security cameras within the amenities, this luxury home community takes pride in knowing that preventative measures are set in place and that it is a safer environment for their residents.

Thinking about becoming a resident of this wonderful country club community?  Visit the HomeFinder page to pick out your dream home and stop by the Lifestyle page to read about the wonderful amenities!
 

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With fire-pits and a stunning multi-level stone wall as your ambiance, Lakefront Park is also an ideal spot to hold a wedding or an intimate gathering.  The five acres of terraced grounds are a beautiful backdrop for any event. Relax on one of the swings and bask in a tranquil environment, while enjoying a book or just watching the family roam about.  However you choose to spend your time at this sensational abode, make sure you create memories. After all, that is what Heron Bay is all about.

For more information about Heron Bay Golf and Country Club in Locust Grove, Ga visit the Lifestyle page of our website, and to find your dream home make sure to check out the HomeFinder.

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{image_1}If your dog is a party animal, dress him up in his New Orleans best and join in for a day of fun-filled activities.  Awards will be given for Most Talented, Best Costume, Best Personality, Owner/Pet Look-alike, Best Team Spirit, and Best All Around Dog.  Winners will be able to participate in the Locust Grove Day Parade held on April 28.  For those who want to participate in the contests, registrations are still being accepted through 4p today, Feb. 17th. Download the application here.

 
This event will be a great time for all.  Bring the family to enjoy a Frisbee catching dog and to meet “Ollie”, the Locust Grove police canine.  There will also be various vendors present such as dog trainers, veterinarians, animal shelter representatives, and groomers.  They will be available to answer questions you may have regarding your fabulous pooch.

Refreshments, such as water and doggie treats, will be provided.

The Mardi Growl parade will begin at the City Hall in Locust Grove (3644 Hwy 42) and end at Trailhead Park.

For more information on this barktacular event, visit the City of Locust Grove event page or call 770.692.2320.

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The fun begins! After being nominated to the 2007 – 2009 Community Liaison Committee (CLC) and Safety Pool committee I agreed to be on both since both needed more members. The CLC started the HB Annual Food Drive, helped host a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross, collected food for the animals at Noah’s Ark located in Locust Gove plus stepped in when needed with the other HB committees. The Safety Pool worked on designing and implementing the decals for our vehicles, the Neighborhood Watch Program along with developing new Pool rules and working with a new pool company.

In 2009 – 2011 the CLC was an excellent choice to serve our community. The CLC members brought energy, dedication and commitment to the table. I was humbled and honored to be elected the Chair person but having this great team was incredible. Each year the Annual HB Food Drive has increased their donations – this year 2400 + items for both Henry and Spalding County organizations. The Operation Christmas Child Project (sending boxes to children around the world that often have never received a gift) was a success with HB residents packing 247 boxes. The Operation Gratitude (a non-profit organization that sends care packages to our military deployed out of the USA) project resulted in over 50 lbs of candy plus other necessary and needed items being sent along with 100’s of handmade cards and notes. The CLC also volunteered to assist the other HB committees with the Easter Egg Hunt, the Goblin Gallop, The Health Fair, Pool Registration, the Holiday Party and more. We also helped kick off the HB Arts & Craft Club (getting ready to resume). The Neighborhood Watch came under our direction during this time and our efforts continue in this endeavor. A huge thanks to the CLC members because without them it could not have been done.

Now the 2012 – 2014 HB committee term is here and the CLC called once again and many of the same members were nominated and/or volunteered AGAIN! Their enthusiasm and willingness is contagious! We are off and running. The Neighborhood Watch is in full swing, we are planning quarterly collections of items for Operation Christmas Child, events for our children and young of heart to gather to make items and cards for both OCC and Operation Gratitude, a coat and blanket drive (coming up in Feb), the Annual Food Drive in the fall, working on completing the HB Amendment signatures, plus working with the other HB committees.

Be sure to watch the HB website, the HB Breeze, the HB Blvd banners and E-blasts for all of the exciting opportunities and events that you can become involved in “your” community! Volunteers are “always” needed. Participation is the “key” to making HB the very “best” place to live.

I am indeed blessed to call Heron Bay my home. The past six years seem like a whirl wind but a good one. It has been filled with many adventures, a few disappointments, building life long friendships, helping other people and serving my community. My grandmother always told me, “You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself”. She was right – I thank each of you for all that you have done for your local community, children around the world, those serving our country and Heron Bay! See you at the next event!

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• Searching for that “perfect” way to spend the evening, why not rent a fire pit at Heron Bay’s Lakefront Park and pack a nice “romantic” picnic with a bottle of wine or champagne.  Watching the sun set over the Cole reservoir around the fire is sure to WOW your significant other and is quite economically priced.

• Looking for a place to go for an evening of dinner and dancing? Canongate Golf and Country Club in the Heron Bay community is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner on February 14, 2012 from 6:30p to 9:30p.  There will be a photographer on site to capture those special moments throughout the night.  You can learn more about this event by contacting Lisa Ducharme at lducharme@canongategolf.com (reservation required.)

• Wanting to keep it simple? According to ehow.com, there are many other inexpensive ways to celebrate this holiday and express your affection.  Try leaving a “love” note on his/her pillow or how about leaving complementary post-its throughout the home.  This is a great way to show you care and to let them know they are appreciated.

However you decide to enjoy this holiday, be sure to create lasting memories with those that mean the most to you.

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{image_1}Ulta, Party City, and Five Below, a trendy clothing store, are scheduled to begin construction in February.  Throughout 2012, we will see T.J. Maxx, Toys R Us/Babies R Us, and Haverty’s join them.  According to the Henry Daily Herald, the three additional stores are planned, but the names have yet to be disclosed.

President of Baker & Lassiter, Inc., Jim Baker has mentioned that the continuation of Bruton Smith Parkway (a main road located by South Point Center) is being considered. The objective is to connect Henry County’s Interstate 75 and Coweta County’s Interstate 85.  The point of this project is to provide people an alternative route to take between the two destinations.  With the new stores set to open, traffic is sure to increase on the Parkway; therefore, the extension can possibly bring more consumers to the shopping plaza.

Being that Henry County is continuously growing, more and more people are beginning to purchase homes here.  Bringing in new shopping options is just another way to promote and attract families to the local area.

For more information regarding these upcoming projects, you can visit the Henry Daily Herald website.

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Located in Henry County, Heron Bay and Z and Z Package are joining together to host a tasting at the Heron Bay Lodge located at 3080 Heron Bay Blvd Locust Grove, GA from 7p to 9p.

This is the perfect opportunity to find a NEW delicious wine to enjoy with your significant other on Valentine’s Day or to serve at your next dinner party.

For more information or to purchase your tickets ($10 per person), please contact Kelli Burns at 770.957.5633 or kburns.heronbay@minerva-usa.com. Space is limited and tickets are going fast. Stop by today to get your tickets!

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Are you having trouble thinking of something to do with your Valentine? ...fear no more.  The Henry County festival offers the perfect ambiance for a memorable evening with that special someone.

{image_1}According to the Hampton Chocolate Festival website, some feature treats for this year’s event are cookies, cakes, a fountain of chocolate, a sweet and salty station, the NEW “Not so sweet & chocolaty” table, and the ultimate surprise…a S ’mores bar.  Are your taste buds frolicking out of control yet?

This event will be held on February 11, 2012 from 7p to 10p at the Hampton Train Depot.  Tickets will be $15 each.  As if the dream menu is not enough, there will also be live music, dancing, and a raffle auction for guests to enjoy.
 

Prepare your sweet tooth for an evening of unforgettable decadence!

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According to Stylist.com, some of the simplest yet chic ways to improve the look of your home are:

• Change the knobs on cabinets to give them a completely new look.
• Add a stylish set of address numbers to vamp up that curb appeal.
• Instead of replacing the flooring, consider patching the flaws.
• Change the sink hardware throughout your home to create a fresh and unified look.
• Replace the light switch covers, modest and effective.
• New lighting fixtures can dramatically change the feel of a room, and adding lamps can make it warm and comforting.

Setting aside a weekend to add new touches to your home can make your property stand out among all other homes for sale in Georgia.  You can even make it a family activity by taking before and after pictures and see whose project made the most difference.

Other websites that are great for DIY home improvement ideas are Real Simple and Southern Living.  Take improving your home into your own hands and make it the space you want it to be.