Pumpkin & Spice & Everything Nice
There are two types of people in this world, right? The ones who really like their pumpkin spice lattes…..and the ones who really like their pumpkin spice lattes with extra nutmeg and whipped cream. No matter how you take your frothy taste of fall, you can place your order for a pumpkin spice latte at any one of the many coffee shops convenient to Belmont Park Bridge Apartments in Alpharetta, Georgia. Whether you want to sit and relax and enjoy your steaming pumpkin spice latte with a fresh homemade bagel from Bagel Boys Café at Kimball Bridge, or you opt for a Pumpkin Latte at PJ’s Coffee Alpharetta, either is sure to please! And PJ’s will create your favorite seasonal beverage with a signature Espresso Dolce, your choice of milk, Pumpkin sauce, and lightly garnished cinnamon — nirvana for the pumpkin spice connoisseur. Of course, on the sleepy Sunday mornings you don’t want to meet up with friends you might be more inclined to light your favorite pumpkin spice-scented candle and lounge on your couch or porch after enjoying some warm oatmeal flavored with a little something from Jordan’s Skinny Syrups Limited Edition Pumpkin Trio. As we’ve shared with you before, our resident lifestyle professionals, the Idea Specialists™, use Jordan’s Skinny Syrups for everything from comfy coffees to classic cocktails, with some baking in between. We really couldn’t make up our mind which one of this fall’s pumpkin offerings was our favorite! Back to candles: There are about a million places to buy them, right? Well, one always-reliable source is Bath & Body Works, and its Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin 3-Wick Candle made O: The Oprah Magazine’s list of Fall 2020 candles that smell “almost as good as fresh pie.” Depending on how much pumpkin spice lights up your life, you also could make the quick run down to the Sephora at North Point Mall and pick up the Too Faced Pumpkin Spice Warm & Spicy Eyeshadow Palette. And the Sephora Collection Mini Pumpkin Infused Brush Set. There are also about a million recipes for this pumpkin spice latte out there; if you don’t already have one you prefer, try the one from Delish (we’ve put the recipe at the end of this blog). Before we go any further down this yummy-smelling road, though, we probably ought to pause and ask ourselves: What, actually, is pumpkin spice? You may think you have a gourd idea, but you might not….. Ahem. Seriously, what is it in pumpkin spice, and what is it about it, that makes so many people crave bonfires and boots and sweaters and snuggles? Well, the basic recipe most often is a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Different blends might contain a little allspice and cardamom. Some chefs even add lemon peel. There is not a bit of pumpkin in it whatsoever. The elements alone, though, don’t work the special magic that has us buying everything from pumpkin spice protein smoothies (this is our favorite recipe right now!) and Kind bars to dog treats and tortilla chips. The ingredients also have to be heated together. That’s what creates the aroma compounds that get us—and food chemists—all excited. Taken to that next level, the “pumpkin” spice when we taste it is kind of caramelized, maybe a little bit burned, and evocative of wood fire. Get out your flannel shirts, we are going to that bonfire! And taking some chemists with us! Because, they’ve educated us: The scent is supposed to remind us of pumpkin pie—can’t you just smell grandma’s at the Thanksgiving table? It turns out, though, that the pie filling used by a lot of us, and our mothers and grandmothers, often is not made with pumpkin, either. Instead, inside those familiar cans we’re all used to seeing each fall is usually a sweet squash that is specially bred to be less watery and hard to chew than the pumpkins you might use to make a Jack-o-Lantern and decorate your porch. Combined, of course, with one of our favorite spice blends. Don’t take our word for it, check out the American Chemical Association’s Chemical & Engineering News website. Now, back to baking. If a busy schedule means you can’t take the time to make your own muffins, just pop over to Starbucks. (Pop over? Did we mean to do that? Maybe…..) Can’t you just taste their pumpkin cream cheese muffin? And their pumpkin bread? Which of course you will order along with that classic latte. And if you’re too busy even for Dunkin just pour yourself up a mug of some Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Latte Cold Brew straight from your own refrigerator; it’s available at Whole Foods Market Old Milton Parkway. Cheers! Thank you for letting Belmont Park Bridge Apartments have a little bit of fun with a beloved fall tradition. What’s your recipe using favorite pumpkin or pumpkin spice? What’s your favorite candle? Do you bring out your pumpkin-orange throw for your couch around this time every year? We’d love to hear from you with your fall fun ideas! Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe from Delish Ingredients 1 c. whole milk 2 tbsp. pumpkin purée 1 tbsp. maple syrup 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, plus more for garnish 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1/4 c. hot espresso or coffee Whipped cream, for garnish Directions In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, pumpkin, maple syrup, spice, and vanilla extract. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is warmed, then blend mixture with an immersion blender until frothy. Pour hot espresso into a mug, then top with pumpkin-spice foamed milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice Need A Little Diversion? See how many words you are able to make out of the letters P U M P K I N S P I C E. We got to 50 by ourselves, 63 with a little help from the internet (and no we didn’t include any of those special two- or three-letter words from Scrabble). Want to Know
Elevate Your Space – Move up to Belmont at Park Bridge
Moving to Alpharetta and looking for a great place to live, convenient to everything — restaurants, entertainment, hiking, biking and work? Then, look no further! Welcome to Belmont at Park Bridge, a luxury apartment community conveniently located in the heart of Alpharetta, Georgia, at the center of North Fulton’s prestigious business corridor. In case you don’t know, Alpharetta is perfectly positioned between the enchanting and adventurous North Georgia Mountains and the vibrant international city of Atlanta. And according to our friends at Awesome Alpharetta, you have quick access to more than 300 things to do. So, we’re going to brag a bit — we’ve come up with a list of our own to let you know the places you can see and the things you can do when living at Belmont. Near prestigious John’s Creek, Belmont is close to Big Creek Greenway Trail, where you can enjoy biking, hiking and the great outdoors. If shopping is your thing, North Point Mall with over 100 retailers (including an American Girl Doll store) is right up the road. Avalon, also close to Belmont at Park Bridge, features prominent retailers like Anthropologie, Arhaus, Kendra Scott, and Orvis. And, if strolling through a historic and quaint downtown with a colorful, vibrant atmosphere is your idea of a perfect Saturday, then, Historic Downtown Alpharetta is a must to visit often, to shop boutiques, enjoy festivals, and local, seasonal farmers markets. Or, explore Windward Parkway where spas and international cuisine line the street alongside boutique stores. But actually, you might want to just stay home and enjoy Belmont at Park Bridge and its professionally detailed one and two bedroom apartment homes, with private patios or balconies, wood-burning fireplaces and gourmet inspired kitchens with gas ranges. Our residents enjoy an amenity-rich environment, including a resort-style pool with sundeck, two lighted tennis courts, indoor racquetball courts, and a fitness center. With all of that said, Belmont at Park Bridge really is the ideal place for you to call home. Contact a member of our friendly leasing team today at 770-762-2644 to arrange your personal tour.
Embrace Fall 2020 with an Outdoor Décor Re-do at Belmont Park Bridge Apartments in Alpharetta, Georgia
With Labor Day quickly approaching, but social distancing still a priority, a weekend staycation may be just what the doctor ordered. Instead of spending money on traveling and hotels, why not upgrade your EQ — Entertainment Quotient, that is—by embracing fall with an outdoor décor re-do, setting the stage for when you do feel safe enough to entertain. Belmont at Park Bridge is known for its spacious apartment homes — and it is also recognized for its outdoor living spaces. Sunrooms, porches, and balcony’s offer a way to extend our living options by creating a place we can sit – enjoy the seasonal changes and appreciate nature. Whether your outdoor space is a sunroom, porch, or balcony, the decorating options are endlessly fun! One of our favorite inspirational go-to’s for home décor is Real Simple Magazine. You can always count on their designers to present timely trends each season. Here is a recent article we think you will enjoy, on ultimate outdoor entertainment. It states what many of us are still thinking, and that is that indoor entertaining is still off-limits for the foreseeable future. We asked our own resident lifestyle professionals, the Idea Specialists™, their thoughts on how to make the most impact with outdoor entertaining and décor, and what tips they might offer that would be fun leading into Labor Day weekend. Here’s a few of their suggestions: Whether you have a sunroom, porch, or balcony, one of the easiest, most impactful ways to gradually lean into fall is with plants and color. Leave your existing plants in place and integrate fall colors of pumpkin, (traditional orange or the newer sage green) mustard, and cinnamon into the backdrop for a pop of seasonal color. Create a focal point. Since we love pumpkins we found this at Ballard Designs. Perfect for the season — combining a fairytale pumpkin, a wreath of seasonal greenery, and a pedestal flower pot. VIOLA! But also, don’t be afraid to be creative and frugal — repurpose a vessel you already have and create your own. Forage for greenery or purchase it someplace fabulous and nearby Belmont at Park Bridge, like Good Life Flower Farm (Be still my heart.) at the Alpharetta Farmers Market. This type of treatment would also be a welcoming addition to your front door-area decorating, as a centerpiece for a dining room table, or on a coffee table. Light up the night! Lighting is magical, isn’t it? It can make or break a room. We love vintage festival or Edison lights for indoor or outdoor lighting. Love early mornings in the fall? Are you a coffer drinker? Turn that potting bench into a cute seasonal coffee station and enjoy that morning cup of Joe on your porch. Treat yourself to special handcrafted coffee mugs from Andrea Hill Pottery – Etsy and Jordan’s Skinny Mix Syrups in an assortment of flavors like salted caramel, pumpkin spice or Cinnamon Dolce. YUM! If coffee isn’t your thing—flip to evening cocktails with a twist of fall. Look at this amazing Pumpkin Spice White Russian recipe, also from Skinny Mixes. One of the easiest ways to cozy up a sunroom is to use casual throws in a variety of colors. They can range in price from $25-$30 or, well — the sky is the limit. We love this one from Crate & Barrell. But if you’re on a budget – you may prefer a lower price point packed with style — like this one we found at Birch Lane for $34 — we like the fringe. Want to celebrate your new décor? Have a party – virtual of course! Add Invitations – receiving an invitation, whether paper or digital, is always fun. Choose a fun fall theme and create your party! We love Paperless Post (which isn’t just paperless anymore!) And be sure and check out their options for hosting a “virtual party”. You’ll be glad you did! Send us your tips and techniques on decorating! We’d love to see your outdoor décor redo!
Time-Out Takes on New Meaning at Belmont Park Bridge in Awesome Alpharetta
Is working from home beginning to feel a little suffocating? Are you scheduling breaks in your daily planner ? Step out onto the private patio or balcony of one of our Belmont at Park Bridge luxury apartments for a breath of fresh air as our Idea Specialists share a few suggestions for winding down. Relax with a soothing cup of tea perfectly made in the Adagio ingenuiTEA teapot. Take in the gorgeous scenery as you stroll through the beautifully landscaped property of the Belmont at Park Bridge community. With such a prestigious Alpharetta, Georgia school district available to our residents, it’s easy to take a sigh of relief. Put a note on your calendar to take a bit of time for yourself. Stay hydrated during your walk around the neighborhood with Target’s Reduce 40oz Cold 1 Stainless Steel Hydration Bottle. Your drink will stay cold the entire day! The breakfast bar in all one- and two-bedroom Belmont at Park Bridge luxury apartment homes is a perky little spot to sit and wake up first thing in the morning. Nourish yourself with a fresh smoothie, made in the original NutriBullet Nutrient Extractor, available at Bed Bath & Beyond. Nutrient dense foods and plenty of water will provide more energy for workouts. Our gourmet kitchens with gas ranges are a dream for cooking your favorite meals! And these Rubbermaid Brilliance Leak-Proof Food Storage Containers are a dream for prepping your favorite meals! Alternative means of exercise may be necessary in between walks. A good set of weights or resistance bands are especially handy on rainy days when you have to skip your walk entirely. On a lovely day, residents of Belmont at Park Bridge can enjoy a hike along the Big Creek Greenway Trail. At a mile and a half from the GA 400 / Old Milton Parkway interchange, our convenient location means you can bring home a meal from your choice of restaurants. Or try something a little different by packing sandwiches to eat in one of the charming picnic areas on our beautiful property. As of spring 2020, some of our apartment homes include a washer and dryer, with connections in all other units. So no worries if you spill mustard down your shirt while trying to enjoy a family picnic; you can take care of it pronto. Bill pay and other services are available online to residents of Belmont at Park Bridge. This gives you the freedom to stay home and take it easy instead of wasting your precious free time running back and forth. Give yourself a spa day with the full range of Dr. Teal’s products. The large capacity of the ASAKUKI 700ml Premium Essential Oil Diffuser allows an extra-long runtime for your convenience. Different fragrances produce different therapeutic effects. Lavender lends a calming effect. Try a few drops of Sky Organics 100% Pure Therapeutic French Lavender Oil in your diffuser when you need to relax. The scent of lemon will help to uplift you. Artizen 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Lemon Essential Oil has a bright fragrance that is sure to wake you up! Essential oils can also be blended. Lavender and lemon happen to be a popular combination! Keep your goals at the forefront of your focus with The 5 Second Journal. Setting goals can be a powerful motivator, but it can quickly become a burden when thoughts are disorganized. A journal provides the structured platform necessary to form a plan of action. As part of recognizing what we want to achieve, it is important to recognize what we are already appreciating in life. You may find a gratitude journal helpful in turning your attention toward the best things in life. The 90-Day Gratitude Journal is made up of exercises to train your thoughts toward a more positive outlook. If you’ve been uncertain about your next move, give your thoughts a positive spin and keep your mind open to the possibilities. Experience the difference at Belmont at Park Bridge luxury apartment community in Alpharetta, Georgia. Contact a member of our friendly leasing team today at 770-762-2644!
Let’s Talk Business – Creating the Perfect Home Office at Belmont Park Bridge
Here in Alpharetta, Georgia, we’re seeing more and more home offices springing up. Whether it’s a temporary or long-term arrangement, working from home can present its share of challenges. That’s why we, at Belmont at Park Bridge Apartments, would like to offer these solutions to help make your workday easier. When you set up your workspace, do your best to mimic the arrangement of a traditional office. Most offices are set up with maximum efficiency in mind, such as keeping frequently used materials within reach. Storage and organization are key components so that no time is wasted with searching or wandering off and losing focus. Furniture should be as functional as it is fashionable. The MoDRN Glam Marion Sleigh Base File Cabinet from Hayneedle will store documents while adding sophistication to the room. A lack of communication can cause much confusion when you’re left to work alone. If you work for an employer, a client, or with partners, ask them what projects you should prioritize when you’re feeling directionless. Perhaps schedule video or phone conferences once or twice a week, confirming assignments at the end of each call. Another benefit of communication is the social aspect, which we all need to some degree. That’s why Belmont at Park Bridge regularly plans social activities for our community. Whether talking with coworkers or friends and family, this social support improves morale. If you feel overwhelmed and have trouble getting motivated, limit your daily to-do list so you aren’t instantly defeated by looking at it. Try to refrain from covering your desk with unnecessary items. Personal keepsakes can quickly crowd the space needed for paperwork, equipment, and supplies. Instead, place them on shelves or walls. One solution is the fully-customizable Perch Magnetic Modular System from The Container Store, which allows easy utilization of vertical surfaces. Energy levels will naturally fluctuate throughout the day, so choose tasks accordingly. Nutrition, hydration, exercise, and sleep all impact performance of any type. Using a set of resistance bands or weights for a few minutes can give you a quick recharge and reignite your focus. Since all of our apartment homes at Belmont at Park Bridge include a patio or balcony, you have the convenience of quickly stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. For a longer break or the end of the workday, take a stroll around our beautifully landscaped property to refresh yourself and remain uplifted. We offer a full fitness center to our residents. Go for a swim in our resort-style pool, or play a game of tennis or racquetball! Sometimes you may start feeling stale even when you still have physical energy. Try rotating the existing décor to keep your office environment looking fresh. Definitely change out of your pajamas every day; this makes a huge difference! Readying yourself for the day as if you’re going out will set you in the frame of mind to get things accomplished. Creating a daily cue for yourself is another way to shift your focus from home to work. It could be a specific routine, a song, some stretches, or deep breathing – whatever suits you. You may also benefit from adding a cue to the end of your workday. Some people have difficulty moving their focus away from work. If working with a team, announce the end of your shift to them so they aren’t trying to pull you back to work the rest of the evening. Keeping consistent hours will make your availability clear to everyone. When scheduling your calendar, be sure to include details like breaks and personal activities, such as appointments or workouts. Switch off from work mode after hours by closing off your workspace or putting away your laptop. Separate work from home by avoiding working from your bed or couch. Distractions might be the biggest challenge when working from home. If living with others, a “do not disturb” sign is a gentle way to remind family that you’re busy. Noise-canceling headphones are used by a lot of people who need to tune out their surroundings. Let’s not forget that many distractions are self-made. Designate a certain time block each day for administrative tasks so you aren’t dropping what you’re doing to order supplies or open mail. Minimize personal effects in the work area and declutter regularly so your attention stays on the task at hand. Marie Kondo teaches tidiness as a lifestyle. And did you know she has her own line of office supplies?! Eating is a very common distraction. Prepare meals in advance to eat during breaks so you don’t end up snacking at your desk. Do any of us really get much typing done while we’re elbow-deep in a bag of chips? Meal prep will also ensure that you eat enough to maintain your energy level as you work. The gourmet-style kitchens in all of our Belmont at Park Bridge Apartment Homes are outfitted to meet your needs. Our team wishes you well in your endeavors. We hope these tips will help your business run smoothly to keep you happy and fulfilled!
Belmont Park Bridge Apartments in Alpharetta, Georgia – 30-Day Rent Guarantee Has You Covered
Now that Belmont at Park Bridge Apartments is offering virtual tours, your search for the perfect home just became easier than ever! And with our rent guarantee – you can lease with complete peace of mind. Call 770-762-2644 or apply online to get started. The helpful agents at our beautifully reimagined leasing center, recently upgraded, along with our resident clubhouse, are here to answer all of your questions, so you can be completely clear about the leasing process. Also – did you know you can receive a discount when you sign a 12-month lease within 24 hours of your personal tour! Ask about our April special when choosing your desired apartment. Depending on the specific floor plan, you could save anywhere from $672 to $912! Perhaps you’ve been looking for a suburban retreat in the heart of Alpharetta. Maybe you need to live near the business corridor of North Fulton. You might even prefer the bustling action of nearby downtown. But what happens when you settle into your new home, only to find that it doesn’t suit you? Your satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed. Even after you’ve signed the lease, you still have 30 days to change your mind. Whether you prefer a different apartment within our property or altogether different housing, Belmont at Park Bridge will happily alter or terminate your lease agreement. Simply submit a written notice within 30 days of signing your lease. You then have a generous period to move out so you will not be rushed – 60 days from the date you moved in. Rent will only be charged for the number of days the apartment was occupied. And your security deposit will be fully refunded as long as there are no damages or outstanding fees. So even if you sign a lease without viewing the apartment, you still can’t lose! No need to wait. No need to wonder. No need to figure it all out yourself. The team at Belmont at Park Bridge has thought of everything. Welcome to the modern age, where modern luxury is at your fingertips.
Belmont Park Bridge Apartments in Alpharetta, Georgia has Gone Virtual to Serve Make Leasing and Living Easier
The Belmont at Park Bridge team is committed to serving you, even while maintaining social distancing. Health and safety must come first, but this age of the internet allows us all to keep up our daily duties—and that included serving you — our resident, and prospect, to help you find a new apartment home. Choosing a new home requires much discernment, and we are happy to supply you with all the online tools necessary to help meet your needs. Ask about our current special when you apply with us. You could receive a discount of up to $912 when you sign a new 12-month lease! Many of our apartment homes at Belmont Park Bridge have been remodeled for the modern luxury you expect from Belmont. Several renovations are currently underway to bring you new and improved facilities this spring, including our resident lounge, fitness center, leasing center, and laundry center. Amenities will vary among individual apartments, depending upon recent updates and location within the property, but if you are in the market for a one-bedroom, look no further than the Derby, to receive awesome savings. Pets are just as important in our community as people. From nearby walking areas to the pet stations throughout the property, you and your furry friend will be able to enjoy the outdoors together. Our policy allows up to two pets per residence. A one-time fee applies, as does a small monthly fee. We do have certain breed restrictions in order to ensure a safe community for everyone. Check out our pet policy. We are certain that you’ll love your new home at Belmont at Park Bridge. Yet, if you find it doesn’t suit you, we guarantee an apartment transfer or lease termination option. Simply submit a written notice within your first 30 days of residence. We allow up to a 60-day stay after move-in date, giving ample time for you to move out. You will only be charged for the number of days your apartment remains occupied, with your deposit refunded. Rest assured that if you aren’t comfortable in the home you initially select, our team is here to assist you. Your satisfaction is important to us. Be sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for regular photo and video updates. You can view clips highlighting the interiors of our apartments and community buildings, as well our beautifully landscaped property. Join us on Facebook every Monday for a live video! Look no further for a luxurious new home in a prime Alpharetta location; Belmont at Park Bridge has it all! Our team has your best interest in mind. We continue to happily serve our community throughout any situation that arises, and we are available to answer all your questions and to guide you through the leasing process. Contact us today to arrange a virtual tour of your chosen floor plan and reserve the home of your dreams!
Celebrate the Love
It’s February and love is in the air! February is the month we celebrate two heart-centered events; Valentines Day on February 14, and Heart Month, all month long. At Belmont Park Bridge, we also celebrate the love we have for our residents — we’re fortunate to have people from so many walks of life, who have chosen the Belmont Park Bridge as their home. We are also fortunate to have an amazing leasing team with lots of heart for what they do; and we’d like to introduce them to you. Here we go… Jeb Fawns — Property Manager Favorite Quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”~Mother Teresa Home Town: Lexington, Kentucky Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is that I enjoy fun facts. Did you know that there are more stars in space than there are grains of sand on every beach in the world? Personal Interests: I enjoy photography and hiking; above all, I love spending time with my wife and two young children. Favorite thing about being part of the Belmont at Park Bridge Team: My absolute favorite aspect of working at Belmont would be our residents. My goal is for everyone here to feel like one big extended family. Linda Bustamante — Assistant Manager Favorite Quote: “You learn more in failure than you ever do in success.” ~Jay-Z Home Town: Short Hills, New Jersey Fun Fact: I’m pretty good at hula hooping. Personal Interests: Reading. I read every day, even when I’m sleep deprived from being up with the kids. Favorite Thing about being part of the Belmont at Park Bridge Team: I love accomplishing our work while still having fun. Tanisha Sanders — Leasing Consultant Favorite Quote: “Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you react to it” ~ Charles Swindoll Home Town: West Covina, California Fun Fact: People call me the human Ipod. I can find a song with just about any phrase. Personal Interests: Zumba, traveling to beach cities, March Madness, a good book with coffee and quietness. Favorite Thing about being part of the Belmont at Park Bridge Team: I love meeting new people and helping them find a place they can call home and have fun doing it! Garrison Douglas — Leasing Consultant Favorite Quote: “It’s kinda fun to do the impossible.”~Walt Disney Home Town: Ames, Iowa Fun Fact: I once played a game of dodgeball with Usher. Personal Interests: I enjoy making short videos/comedy sketches. I’ve always loved and appreciated the arts. Favorite thing about being part of the Belmont at Park Bridge Team: I have the ability to work alongside some extremely funny and hard working people. I find nothing more satisfying than being productive with a smile. Omar Hernandez — Maintenance Supervisor Favorite Quote: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”~Golden Rule Home Town: Guanajuato, Mexico Fun Fact: I enjoy Star Wars. Personal Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and Star Wars friends doing charity events for kids and Make a Wish Foundation, as they helped our family once a long time ago, and I found this as a way to pay it back to others. Favorite thing about being part of the Belmont at Park Bridge Team: I enjoy working with my team, and continuing to learn new things together.
New Year – New You and New Year’s Resolutions
We’re nearly half-way through the first month of 2020 and many of us have probably already experienced a few hiccups in our New Year’s resolutions. That’s OK though–because the number one rule is to try—not for perfection, but for self-care and treating yourself more kindly in 2020. Yes, there’s always room for improvement, so, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! Right? With that said, The Idea Specialists© at Belmont Park Bridge thought we’d do a little research to help you along the way. We found this list compiled by INC Magazine of the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions made by folks just like you. Recognize any of them as similar to the ones you’ve made? We’ve added local organizations and businesses to the INC list, that can help you keep promises to yourself and reach your goals this year; all close in proximity to Belmont Park Bridge. Lets start by looking at the first 5. Here we go! 1. Diet or eat healthier (71 percent) – Eating healthy can often be a chore, especially if you work longer then usual hours or if your used to pulling into a drive through for sustenance. Eating right—really right, is important. So, go with the pros—a Registered Dietitian. Here’s a list of RD’s near home—right here in Alpharetta. The advice of an RD is an investment in your health and worth every penny. 2. Exercise more (65 percent) – If getting more exercise is your goal, there’s lots of local resources to leverage for help, starting right here at home. Belmont Park Bridge is in the process of creating a brand new state-of-the-art fitness center on our property, just for you. In the meantime, do you need the help of a personal trainer or a class to get you motivated? Here’s a list of the best fitness centers, according to YELP, in Alpharetta. Check them out. Love to walk and commune with nature? There’s all sorts of trails in Alpharetta – convenient to Belmont Park Bridge – like one of our favorites—Big Creek Greenway. 3. Lose weight (54 percent) – Another option for loosing weight that we’re really keen on, is as close as your smart phone—Take a look at NOOM, with its highly successful tips and techniques to change food behaviors, ways to count calories and keep up with progress 4. Save more and spend less (32 percent) – Several of the best ways we’ve found to save money hearken back to #1 on this list – eating healthier. Do you make a list when you go to the grocery store or plow through the store when starving? Start a list. Forgo fast food. Make a meal plan and grocery list and learn to cook—take a look at Publix and Aprons ….which leads into our next suggestion for learning a new skill or hobby…. 5. Learn a new skill or hobby (26 percent) – Looks like we’ve got a theme here–don’t know how to cook? Then learn! There are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of others expertise. Publix, Whole Foods, Sur la Table and William Sonoma all offer lessons on cooking and meal prep! Always wanted to grow your own vegetables but didn’t know where to start? Here’s an excellent article from The Spruce for beginners who want to learn about container gardening. To sum it up – we hope that you have a Happy New Year – and encourage you to keep up the good work. Take care….and focus on a great 2020!
5 Restaurants near Belmont at Park Bridge Apartments in Alpharetta, Georgia that we love
This holiday season it’s time to come together with friends and family and celebrate. And what better way to do that than sharing a meal together? Or, better yet, let someone else fix it for us. With that in mind our Idea Specialists® at Belmont Park Bridge are sharing 5 of our favorite restaurants in the area and we think you’re gonna love this! Get your taste buds ready because here comes delicious! 1. Sink your teeth into steak—Pampas Steak Pampas Steakhouse is just six minutes away from our luxury apartment community on State Bridge Road in John’s Creek, Georgia, but their food makes you feel like you’ve walked into South America! Why? Because this place focuses on fabulous. Here that means Argentinian-style cuisine with different cuts and varieties of steaks that you don’t find at other steakhouses, that’s why. Want wine with that? Be our guest since the Pampas Steakhouse wine list is pretty extensive and has received a few great awards from cool people in the know at Wine Spectator, Open Table, and Zagat, among others. This awesome restaurant was named #1 Steakhouse in Georgia by Open Table diners in 2014 if that’s not enough, they’re on Zagat’s list for Best Service, Best Décor, Best Steakhouse, and Restaurants with the Best Food in Atlanta. But we already knew that. Now, you do too! Our favorite pick from this mouthwatering place is the bone-in steak, “The Brick” Filet, prepared the traditional Argentinian way over oak, a woodfire grill and a bank of hot coals. Start with some Bangs Island Mussels made with smoked ham, shallots, garlic, cream and add a great glass of cabernet like their Duckhorn Paraduux. We’d recommend a vegetable to go with all this, but why? 2. What’s not to love about pasta? Pasta Vino in Alpharetta OK, now that we have beef out of the way, who can forget about our other favorite food group—pasta? Not us, for sure. That’s why we love, love, love Pasta Vino. It’s only about a mile and a half from Belmont Park Bridge, so we love to pop over for a quick meal like their $10 Lunch Specials that include a house or Caesar salad, and your selection of 10 different pastas. Our favorites are Rigatoni Bolognese, Chicken Parmigiana served with spaghetti, and their Sausage & Pepper Arrabiatta. Add their complimentary wi-fi and you’ve got a great excuse to schedule a working lunch or just quickly catch up on Instagram! But we would be doing you a disservice if we filed to mention another great feature that we love at Pasta Vino and that’s their $5 Grey Goose martinis every Wednesday! Perfectly chilled and served to your taste, yum, yum! Pair that with grilled Grouper Florentino and you’ve got a meal to ensure some seriously happy, satisfied vibes! 3. Authentic Indian Cuisine—Madras Chettinaad If you are looking for something a bit more spicy, you can’t go wrong sampling the amazing flavors and textures created at Madras Chettinaad. Head down Old Milton Parkway, and in four minutes—give or take, you’ll be pulling up to the Alpharetta Common Shopping Center (next to Publix) where you can enjoy their superbly spiced and seasoned dishes featuring the flavor profiles of South India. You can choose from seafood, chicken and lamb dishes, or savor their vegetarian curries and dosais. Oh, their dosais! Nom, nom, friends! Madras Chettinaad combines oil and spices like cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom; green and red chilies to add to the taste and aroma in these delicacies. Plus, their weekend lunch buffet is also a huge hit. One TripAdvisor reviewer shared that the “Must have is the goat biryani and malai kofta with butter naan.” That just sounds good just thinking about it, but our all-time favorite is the Lamb Chettinaad which has lamb meat pieces cooked in Vindaloo gravy. 4. It’s always a party at Caribbean Fiesta Heading back over the ocean a little closer to home in terms of distance, is Caribbean Fiesta, featuring a wide assortment of beverages you might order at the beach! Of course, their authentically prepared food is the top draw with dishes we love like conch fritters, Caribbean chicken and shrimp, and their vegetarian dishes like Channa (chickpeas) Vegetable Roti. Hey, we told you it was authentic! Try it for yourself and tell us what you think. 5. Breakfast, brunch, can you say yesssss? First Watch Of course, no list would be complete without a great breakfast place! After all, it’s our favorite meal of the day. Well our favorite FIRST meal of the day. And, we love that we are literally just a stone’s throw (or 1.3 miles if you are driving) from one of the best breakfast spots in Alpharetta, Georgia. First Watch is so wonderful we don’t event know where to start. Yes, we do—bacon! A bacon order comes with four slices of signature hardwood smoked bacon baked with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and a maple syrup drizzle. Two, please. Pair that with their Carnitas breakfast burrito and Holey Donuts for dessert (yes, you CAN have dessert at breakfast, see?). These are fabulous cinnamon sugar-dusted cake donut holes with chocolate sauce, mixed berry compote and vanilla crème anglaise for dipping. Totally and perfectly healthy in our book. Literally, there are so many fabulous restaurant choices like these and others right around the corner from where you live. Furthermore, if you don’t live here yet, give the team at Belmont Park Bridge a call at 770-762-2644 or stop in today for your own personal tour of our spacious apartment homes. We’re conveniently located just a mile and a half from the GA 400 / Old Milton Parkway interchange, a picturesque suburban retreat at the epicenter of North Fulton’s prestigious business corridor.
