5 Ways to Make Father's Day Special

Father's Day is traditionally a day of breakfast in bed and carefully selected (but hardly ever worn) ties. Whether it's his first or his fifth, what can you do to make this Father's Day special? We've asked dads what would really make Father's Day great, and here's what they told us:

1. Eliminate the pressure. What Dad wants most is to have a day free from any pressure. Even the pressure of having a "perfect day." Dad would really appreciate no deadlines, no hassles, no chores, no having to fix anything, and no rushing about on this special day. Let him really relax so he can enjoy his second wish...

2. Spend time together. Enjoying each other's company as a family in relative harmony seems simple. But it's so easy to get sidetracked from your time together when you get caught up in cooking, taking a quick run to the store, or the temptation to finish up a project. Get away from the house if you must, but take this day to focus on spending time together as a family. Go for a walk, have a picnic, lie in a hammock together, share stories and dreams together. Now that's a day Dad will really remember!

3. Make romance. Father's Day is not just a day to celebrate Dad as provider and caregiver for the children. It's a day to honor your partner as your lover and friend. Make him feel special by telling him how much he means to you, dressing up for him, treating him to a massage. Give him a sexy surprise in the morning or steal a few moments during the day to show him how much you love him.

4. Focus on him. Instead of planning everything out for him, give him the gift of freedom and choice. Let him make decisions about what to do and how to spend the day. If he's a sports fan, accompany him to see a favorite team play. Is fishing his passion? Even if you're not so keen on bait, go along with him if he wants you to. If he wants a few hours to himself, indulge him. He deserves it!

5. Bring on the praise. Fathers want to be appreciated. Tell him how much you need him. Show him how you feel by writing him a thank-you note detailing the ways he contributes to the family, how he gives moral and emotional support, what makes him a great parent and partner. If writing is not your forte, consider making a short family video for him, or making a big banner in his honor. You don't have to spend a lot of money on extravagant gifts; your gratitude and love are the greatest gifts you can give him this Father's Day.

Things to do on Mother's Day in Georgia

On the day where we go out of our way to show our moms exactly how much they mean to us, Atlanta provides plenty of options. Get outside for a picnic in one of Atlanta's beautiful parks, or fill up at one of the city's delicious brunch options. The choice is yours.

Brunch 

Start the day by treating mom to a delicious meal. There's no better place to do it than in a city as renowned for its cuisine as Atlanta. The city has a restaurant option for every mom. In the past, spots like Park Tavern, South City Kitchen, and Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, among many others, have hosted Mother's Day brunch. Don't be afraid to call your favorite place and ask.

Parks  

The city's most celebrated green space is Piedmont Park, but it's far from the only option for some time outdoors with mom. With spring in full bloom, venture south to Grant Park, perhaps with a stop at the Cyclorama or Zoo Atlanta for even more fun.

Atlanta Botanical Garden 

If you did happen to stop by Piedmont Park, you're not far from the Atlanta Botanical Garden and its dizzying array of plants and spectacular exhibitions. In a pastoral setting any mom will appreciate, enjoy this Midtown oasis in the full splendor of spring. Comfortable temperatures and lush scenery make it a necessary stop on Mother's Day.

Zoo Atlanta

On Sunday, May 8, mothers will be admitted free of charge with the purchase of any regular-priced child’s or adult’s general admission ticket ($25.99 and $17.99). Offer only available at the front gate, not available online. 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-9453, zooatlanta.org/home.

10 Ways To Save Energy When Air Conditioning Is A Must

We've mentioned ways to keep cool without turning on your air conditioner, but when the summer temperatures start busting the 100 degree mark daily, or the humidity makes it feel like you're swimming through a world full of soup, sometimes it's a must. Stay cool with some of these energy saving tips!

Although many can tough out the high temperatures and wear it like a badge of honor, some might not have the stamina, or have needs that require air conditioning. You might have elderly or small children that would benefit from it or rooms full of computer equipment that need a slight chill to work at their best... and that's ok. To help keep your bills and your energy consumption as low as possible, check out the 10 tips below:

1. Warmer At Night Is OK: During the night time hours you don't require the same level of conscious cool. Try turning your AC down (so it is running less) during your sleep hours or an hour or two before bed.

 2. Use Window or Portable Units: If you aren't into cooling your whole home, try using a portable unit to cool just the area you'll be working in. They use up to 50% less energy than a larger central air unit would to cool off the same space.

 3. Close Off Vents: The basement is traditionally the coolest room in the home, so try closing all the vents in the lower portion of your home. The cool air will slink down there naturally and by closing those vents, you're forcing all the air up top first, cooling as it comes down.

 4. Service Your Unit: Some basic maintenance might be all your air conditioner needs, but most will greatly benefit from a good hosing out, especially if you're plagued with pesky trees like Cottonwoods that drop seeds which stick to the filters and make the unit work 15% harder!

5. Check Your Ducts: Making sure the areas where your ducts run through parts of your home without air conditioning (like the attic) are properly insulated will keep the air coming in as cool as it can be. Paying for half cool air isn't anyone's idea of money well spent!

6. Rearrange Your Furniture: Furniture that obstructs air conditioning vents means you could be cooling the back of a chair or the bottom side of your sofa and although it might appreciate the thought, we're pretty sure you'd rather have that chill instead. Although they make plastic pieces for your vents to help force air in the right direction, the easiest way is to just rearrange things for awhile!

7. Try 78 Degrees: 78 degrees is a good point for an air conditioner to run at its optimal performance level. Think of it as a car on cruise control headed across the flat Midwest prairie. It's not chugging along going up hill, and is just is plugging away, steady as she goes. Taking your temperature even 5 degrees lower can make your air conditioner use up to 40% more energy!

8. Lighting: Turning lights off can help reduce your heat, but paying attention to how much light you let in from open windows can also play a significant role. Although it might neurotic to open and close your windows everyday with the changing of the sun, it makes a huge difference in how much heat your bought air is competing against.

9. Is Anyone Home?: If you can, while you're away turn your AC up to 85 and make sure the windows and drapes are closed. Although it will be hot for a few minutes when you come home, the blinds will help keep out the sun out (allowing existing cool to stay that way for as long as possible) and the heat won't be so substantial that your unit will have to work overtime to cool things back off.

10. Don't Forget The Fan: We rely on air conditioners to keep things cool, but having the help of a few supplemental fans doesn't hurt. Using them to circulate the cool air means you don't need quite as much pumped into the room. They use less energy than your air conditioner unit, so having them around as backup is a great idea.

9 Reasons We Love Springtime in Georgia

Georgia is on our mind year-round, but we especially love the Peach State during the spring months. From the blooming flowers to the delightful temperatures, there is plenty to love about springtime in Georgia!

Festival Season: Nothing says spring quite like chowing down on a turkey leg while meandering through booths selling organic soap, handmade jewelry and bottle cap artwork. Georgia is home to such popular spring festivals as the Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival and the famous Macon Cherry Blossom Festival. No matter where in Georgia you go, your chances of finding a spring festival between March and June are high. Our advice? Pack up the car and spend a weekend exploring Georgia.

Mild Temperatures:  Georgia’s spring weather is perfect for backyard barbeques, front porch sitting, driving with the windows down on the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway or visiting Georgia’s Golden Isles. Georgia’s spring weather is so perfect, in fact, we think even Goldilocks would find it to be just right.

Pick-your-own Farms: Grab a bucket and head to one of Georgia’s many pick-your-own farms for a true Southern springtime tradition. Pick fresh peaches at Gardner Farms in Locust Grove or stock up on strawberries when you visit Strawberry Station in Dublin. The whole family will have fun picking their favorite springtime treats fresh from farms throughout the state.

Pick-your-own Farms: Grab a bucket and head to one of Georgia’s many pick-your-own farms for a true Southern springtime tradition. Pick fresh peaches at Gardner Farms in Locust Grove or stock up on strawberries when you visit Strawberry Station in Dublin. The whole family will have fun picking their favorite springtime treats fresh from farms throughout the state.

Georgia State Parks: Take advantage of the perfect spring weather with a trip to one of Georgia’s state parks. Whether hitting the hiking trails, paddling the waterways, or sleeping under the stars, Georgia’s state parks have programs the whole family will love.

Spring Break: When Spring Break rolls around, students of all ages are restless for outdoor fun. Luckily for them (and their parents), Georgia is filled with theme parks, attractions, outdoor adventures and more. Treat your little one to a day at Wild Adventures in Valdosta, a hike up Stone Mountain in Atlanta or have an adventure on the water in Columbus. No matter which activity you choose, your child will return to school with a story to share!

Braves Baseball:  When April arrives, fans across the Southeast don their jerseys, paint their faces, and do the tomahawk chop in honor of the Atlanta Braves. A game at Turner Field, affectionately called “The Ted,” is a must-see when in Georgia.

Patio Dining: We’re of the firm belief that food always tastes better when eaten on a patio. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at Atlanta’s Park Tavern or enjoying an intimate sunset dinner at the Meritage Café in Columbus, Georgia’s springtime weather makes for the perfect patio dining experience.

Lake Season: When the temperatures warm up, folks everywhere flock to Georgia’s lakes for weekends full of water skiing, tubing and more. Rent a pontoon boat on Lake Sinclair, camp on the shore of Lake Oconee or book a weekend at the luxurious LakeLanier Islands Resort to get your lake fix this spring.

The benefits of air conditioning

Regardless of the type of air conditioner or the job you perform, in general air conditioning offers a number of benefits. Particularly when considering the severe temperatures that can be experienced in Australia while on the road or out in the field in heavy machinery, there is some true value to having your trucks, sleeper cabins and heavy vehicles air conditioned. So what are some of the benefits?

1. Extreme conditions such as heat and humidity can impact on our overall physical intellectual activity, making even the simplest of tasks an absolute chore. Having a proper air conditioning system in place helps reduce heat and humidity, thus reducing the impact on our ability to perform and complete work tasks.

2. The lower temperatures that air conditioners create can help reduce dehydration as they lessen the likelihood of excessive sweating. However, there is a footnote worth mentioning here, which we will discuss later in this article.

3. When the air conditioning system has been installed properly, it effectively helps renew and improve air quality.