In the heart of Georgia lies Alpharetta, a city that perfectly marries Southern hospitality with modern innovation. Known for its thriving community spirit and rich historical charm, Alpharetta is not just a place to live, but a place to truly belong.
Alpharetta’s appeal starts with its dynamic downtown area, where quaint boutiques and contemporary eateries blend seamlessly. Peachtree lovers can stroll along tree-lined streets, discovering gems that range
from artisanal coffee shops to locally owned galleries. On weekends, the Alpharetta Farmers Market becomes a lively hub, offering fresh produce and handcrafted goods that celebrate the best of local traditions.
For those who savor the great outdoors, Alpharetta doesn't disappoint. From the sprawling Big Creek Greenway ideal for biking enthusiasts to the tranquil shores of Lake Windward suitable for a leisurely afternoon, there are countless ways to bask in the natural
Alpharetta, Georgia
4 | HelloAlpharetta, Georgia • Winter Issue
Hello Alpharetta, Georgia • Winter Issue |5
beauty that Alpharetta is so well-known for.
Education here is a top priority, with excellent schools and numerous opportunities for lifelong learning. Plus, with its active community programs and cultural events like the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest, there’s always something inspiring happening around town.
If you’re searching for a place where innovation and tradition go hand in hand, allowing...
Alpharetta, Georgia
Alpharetta, Georgia: A Vibrant Southern Gem
In the heart of Georgia lies Alpharetta, a city that perfectly marries Southern hospitality with modern innovation. Known for its thriving community spirit and rich historical charm, Alpharetta is not just a place to live, but a place to truly belong.
Alpharetta’s appeal starts with its dynamic downtown area, where quaint boutiques and contemporary eateries blend seamlessly. Peachtree lovers can stroll along tree-lined streets, discovering gems that range from artisanal coffee shops to locally owned galleries. On weekends, the Alpharetta Farmers Market becomes a lively hub, offering fresh produce and handcrafted goods that celebrate the best of local traditions.
For those who savor the great outdoors, Alpharetta doesn't disappoint. From the sprawling Big Creek Greenway ideal for biking enthusiasts to the tranquil shores of Lake Windward suitable for a leisurely afternoon, there are countless ways to bask in the natural beauty that Alpharetta is so well-known for.
Education here is a top priority, with excellent schools and numerous opportunities for lifelong learning. Plus, with its active community programs and cultural events like the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest, there’s always something inspiring happening around town.
If you’re searching for a place where innovation and tradition go hand in hand, allowing for growth while keeping a neighborly heart, Alpharetta, Georgia, is calling your name.
Simple Habit That Keeps Georgia Bugs Out
In Georgia, the tiniest gaps in a home can create big problems. A cracked window seal, a missing door sweep, or an unsealed attic vent may seem minor, but for pests they are open invitations. Roaches, ants, spiders, and even rodents use these openings to make their way indoors. Many homeowners believe
bugs are drawn mainly by crumbs or clutter, but in truth, most infestations start outside. The real issue is access.Exclusion is the process of keeping pests out by sealing entry points, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent infestations in Georgia homes. Georgia’s warm climate
6 | HelloAlpharetta, Georgia • Winter Issue
Simple Habit That Keeps Georgia Bugs Out
In Georgia, the tiniest gaps in a home can create big problems. A cracked window seal, a missing door sweep, or an unsealed attic vent may seem minor, but for pests they are open invitations. Roaches, ants, spiders, and even rodents use these openings to make their way indoors. Many homeowners believe bugs are drawn mainly by crumbs or clutter, but in truth, most infestations start outside. The real issue is access.
Exclusion is the process of keeping pests out by sealing entry points, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent infestations in Georgia homes. Georgia’s warm climate creates ideal conditions for insects and rodents year-round. Roaches and ants thrive in the humid summers, while rodents seek shelter indoors during cooler months. Because so many pests remain active across all seasons, homes are at constant risk of invasion. Unlike chemical treatments, exclusion focuses on prevention. A cockroach cannot enter through a door that is sealed tightly, and a spider cannot crawl in through a vent covered with fine mesh. For this reason, exclusion is often the first step recommended by pest control professionals.
The entry points that cause the most trouble are often small enough to escape notice. A gap as thin as a credit card can allow roaches to slip inside, and mice can squeeze into holes the size of a dime. Doors with worn sweeps, window frames with cracked caulk, and attic or foundation vents without proper screens are some of the most common problem areas. Small spaces where plumbing or wiring enter the home are also frequent access points. Inspecting these areas a few times a year can stop problems before they start.
Because different pests appear at different times, seasonal checks make a real difference in Georgia. During spring and summer, ants and wasps are more active. In the fall, rodents begin searching for warm nesting spots indoors. Winter tends to drive pests like spiders and silverfish inside as temperatures drop. A simple routine of walking the perimeter of the home and checking windows, doors, and vents can reveal issues before they become costly. Replacing weather stripping, re-caulking frames, or repairing screens are small tasks that have a big impact.
Exclusion also works best as part of a larger pest control plan. Even when homeowners rely on routine treatments, sealing entry points provides long-term protection that chemicals alone cannot achieve. It also saves money over time. A single call for roach treatment or rodent removal may solve the immediate issue, but if gaps remain open, pests will continue to return. Once sealed, those same gaps stop future infestations and reduce the need for repeated treatments.
One common misunderstanding is that pests appear only because of poor housekeeping. While food crumbs and clutter may attract them once they are inside, even the cleanest homes can face infestations if cracks and gaps are left unsealed. Moisture also plays a role. Georgia’s humidity creates damp areas around crawlspaces and foundations, and these conditions attract termites, ants, and other moisture-loving pests. Sealing gaps in these areas is especially important, since pests are naturally drawn to them.
Making exclusion a habit keeps families more comfortable and protects property over the long term. Insects and rodents can chew wires, damage insulation, and spread allergens, all of which pose health and safety risks. Prevention reduces those dangers significantly. The practice does not require complicated tools or training. A flashlight, a tube of caulk, and simple replacement materials like door sweeps or vent screens are often all that is needed. For larger or hard-to-reach areas, professional pest control companies can help with more advanced sealing methods.
Even the smallest details can make a major difference. By sealing up what matters, Georgia homeowners can avoid many of the frustrations that pests bring, and they can do it with one straightforward habit: keeping the outside, outside.
Shane Blackwell
A cockroach cannot enter through a door that is sealed tightly, and a spider cannot crawl in through a vent covered with fine mesh. For this reason, exclusion is often the first step recommended by pest control professionals.The entry points that cause the most trouble are often small enough to escape notice. A gap as thin as a credit card can allow roaches to slip inside, and mice can squeeze into holes the size of a dime. Doors with worn sweeps, window frames with cracked caulk, and attic or foundation vents without proper screens are some of the most common problem areas. Small spaces where plumbing or wiring enter the home ar...
creates ideal conditions for insects and rodents year-round. Roaches and ants thrive in the humid summers, while rodents seek shelter indoors during cooler months. Because so many pests remain active across all seasons, homes are at constant risk of invasion. Unlike chemical treatments, exclusion focuses on prevention.
Even the cleanest homes can attract pests if small cracks and gaps are left unsealed.
About the Author
Shane Blackwell is a Service Tech at Daniel & Lawson Pest Control.
HelloAlpharetta, Georgia • Winter Issue |7
How to Judge Diamond Value in a Showroom Setting
Judging diamond value feels uncertain until you view stones side by side under consistent lighting. Jewelers discuss color, clarity, cut, and carat, but these terms only make sense when you see how they interact. A well-proportioned diamond reveals its quality immediately when placed beside another
stone, making in-person comparison the most reliable way to assess value.Charts and online guides provide a starting point, but they can’t replace viewing diamonds under consistent lighting. Overhead lights, display cases, and natural daylight each alter a stone’s appearance. Side-by-side
8 | HelloAlpharetta, Georgia • Winter Issue
How to Judge Diamond Value in a Showroom Setting
Judging diamond value feels uncertain until you view stones side by side under consistent lighting. Jewelers discuss color, clarity, cut, and carat, but these terms only make sense when you see how they interact. A well-proportioned diamond reveals its quality immediately when placed beside another stone, making in-person comparison the most reliable way to assess value. Charts and online guides provide a starting point, but they can’t replace viewing diamonds under consistent lighting. Overhead lights, display cases, and natural daylight each alter a stone’s appearance. Side-by-side comparison reveals clear differences: brighter sparkle and more even light patterns signal superior cut quality and better value. Extensive inventory helps you understand how subtle differences in color or clarity affect appearance. A slightly lower color grade may still appear white, or minor inclusions may not detract from beauty. These insights emerge only through direct comparison—often, the right diamond becomes obvious within seconds. Cut quality influences a diamond’s appearance more than any other factor. A well-cut stone reflects more light toward the viewer, creating superior sparkle and performance. Even diamonds with identical grades can differ dramatically—one may appear significantly livelier because its angles work together more effectively. Jewelers encourage viewing stones from multiple angles to observe how they respond to movement. Value depends on how the four Cs balance for your priorities. A diamond offers strong value when it delivers excellent visual performance within your budget. You’re not chasing the highest certificate grades—you’re seeking the stone that looks best for its price. Side-by-side comparison clarifies your preferences: a brighter stone with a minor inclusion, or a cleaner stone with less fire? Study each diamond carefully. Hold it still, then tilt it gently to observe light patterns. Watch for dark areas or flat regions indicating weak light return. Notice whether the stone appears lively or subdued compared to others. These observations guide you toward a diamond that balances beauty and value. Professional guidance helps, but your eyes remain the most important tool. A diamond that performs well under consistent lighting typically offers good value for its grade. Once you recognize the visual differences, certification confirms what you already see. The process is less about memorizing terminology and more about finding a stone that performs in real-world conditions.
Jaron Solomon
detract from beauty. These insights emerge only through direct comparison—often, the right diamond becomes obvious within seconds.Cut quality influences a diamond’s appearance more than any other factor. A well-cut stone reflects more light toward the viewer, creating superior sparkle and performance. Even diamonds with identical grades can differ dramatically—one may appear significantly livelier because its angles work together more effectively. Jewelers encourage viewing stones from multiple angles to observe how they respond to movement.Value depends on how the four Cs balance for your priorities. A diamond offers strong...
comparison reveals clear differences: brighter sparkle and more even light patterns signal superior cut quality and better value.Extensive inventory helps you understand how subtle differences in color or clarity affect appearance. A slightly lower color grade may still appear white, or minor inclusions may not
These insights emerge only through direct comparison—often, the right diamond becomes obvious within seconds.
About the Author
Jaron Solomon, President of Solomon Brothers, continues his family’s four-decade legacy of exceptional customer care and fine jewelry. Raised in the industry, he has expanded the business beyond its Buckhead roots, opening locations in Alpharetta and Sharpsburg while upholding the Solomon family standard of quality, brilliance, and value.
