Tag Archives: Atlanta

Makin a Friend or Two in Hotlanta, Roller Skates Optional

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One of the two most complicated things about moving to a new city is finding a new crew. (The other is finding a new place but thanks to DDA you’ve already gotten that part out of the way!) But everyone wants friends, so stop being shy and get out there.

Except where exactly is there?

Thanks to modern technology this question is relatively easy to answer. Everyone—and their mother—is on Facebook and Twitter. And befriending people via social media sometimes saves you from that mildly awkward first conversation. Start by finding an interesting event happening in your new city and stalk the guest list until you see someone who looks “cool” (you have to define that for yourself). Then do a bit more investigation of their profile—do you have any similar interests? Do they look they like to put on a hockey mask and reenact horror movies (the answer should be NO if you choose to message them). But if they seem like someone you might possibly get along with, send them a message asking if you can get drinks at said event. Worst case scenario they say no or don’t write back, best case scenario you meet someone for drinks –giving your outing more purpose— and maybe you made a friend…with someone who most likely has other friends.

Not a fan of social network stalking? Don’t worry, that new job of yours comes fully stocked with co-workers. Hopefully a ton of fun, like-minded, 20-something coworkers, but if not tons there’s probably still one or two. If you’re feeling bold wait until Friday afternoon to ask them what they’ve got planned for the weekend. If they don’t invite you outwardly, ask if you could grab drinks or coffee sometime during the next few days. Remind them you’re new to town, if nothing else they’ll feel bad or relate to a year ago when they moved to the city.

Finally, if you’re still feeling doubtful, join something. GoKickball has leagues throughout the country and the one in Atlanta is especially popular. It even has it’s own “league bars” throughout the city for post game refreshments (hence you have to be 21 to play with these kids). Summer registration starts on April 26.

Or really branch out, bust out your roller skates and try out for Dirty South Derby with the Atlanta Rollergirls. They’re currently recruiting with workshops and tryouts starting early this summer. This way you can work out and instead of one new friend you get a whole team’s worth.

So now you’re ready to go make some friends, and because you checked out DDA, you already know where you’re crashing tonight.

Need a Spring Fever cure? Atlanta is loaded with eggcellent Easter action.

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Spring is in the air and Easter is only a bunny hop-skip-and-jump away. Quite possibly this is your first holiday in your new apartment, and maybe you’re feeling a little unsure of what to do with yourself.

Well, Atlanta is overflowing with seasonal events—with everything from art festivals to Easter Egg Hunts. So get out of your house, grab a new friend, a co-worker, or the person who shares a wall with you and check out some of the spring activities! This gets you new friends—bonding over a silly outing is a great way to build nostalgia. Also going on a silly outing is the best way to get to know (and fall in love with) your new home.

If you love Easter check out the Kirkwood Easter Egg Hunton April 7. Maybe you’re too old to participate in the search for2000 eggs, but nothing else will get you in the holiday spirit like this. Then you can go home, make some mimosas and dye your own eggs. A make-shift chosen-family Easter.

Still looking for the perfect coffee table or nightstand? Check out Salvage on April 14, at Ambient Plus Studios. There’ll be everything from clothes to retro finds to books, and even a mason jar design contest. For the hipster in all of us.

Just want to get outside and enjoy the blossoms? Piedmont Park is hosting the 76th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival (76 years means it has to be good right?). For three days the park will be the site of live music (four stages if you’re counting the kids stage), and hundreds of artists from all over the country. Not to mention—funnel cake.

If you consider yourself a foodie, save up for the annual Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, May 10–May 13 in Midtown. This year they’re celebrating southern cooking, with food, drink and some interesting background on the southern culinary traditions. Besides, how often can you afford to splurge on a good meal? This way you can try several!

And remember, if you’re hunting for the perfect new apartment at a better price, checking out DDA is easier than biting the ears off a chocolate bunny!

Will You Unpack Already? Five Ways to Make Your New Place Feel Like Home, Fast!

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So you’ve finally moved into your new place (which you probably found on DDA). Boxes are overflowing with your half unpacked life, the refrigerator still smells like cleaning supplies and the walls are so bare they resemble the inside of an eggshell.

What can you do to make it feel more like home? (Besides the obvious unpacking, grocery shopping, and decorating that all spells WORK).

Here’s five ways to kill two birds at once: procrastination and nesting.

  • Take a long—like actually long—walk around the neighborhood. It’s the best way to run into your abutting neighbors, and you’re going to want to know what their about. Are they nosey or noise sensitive? Do they throw massive parties? Could you borrow a cup of sugar from them? Plus, you’ll get to see the other colorful characters of the area, and you’ll find the closet coffee shop for the next morning.
  • Pull out your laptop and do some online shopping—this is a great way to put off late night unpacking AND you can find cool house stuff online. Best of all: there’s ALWAYS a sale online. If you wanna get a hipster look for your home look into Urban Outfitters and Anthropology’s house-wares. For the fancier type try out West Elm. For everyday stuff Bed, Bath and Beyond works.
  • Go on a public transportation adventure, because—let’s face it—if you’re new to an area its almost a guarantee you’ll get lost. Try to do this before you’re first day of work. This will save you from becoming known as the girl or guy who was Late On Their First Day. Embarrassment Life Saver.
  • Check out a neighborhood thrift store (or find one during your metro adventure) and pick up some funky looking records. Even if you don’t have a record player they make fantastic—and cheap—wall décor. It’s a great way to add a touch of new to you, and naked walls.
  • During your neighborhood stroll you probably discovered the local liquor store—or two—buy some mid grade alcohol, a few limes, a couple of mixers, and a bag of Doritos and invite your friends over for an unpacking/sitting on the floor party. You might not have food in your fridge but you can have fun mixed drinks and nothing says adult life like a cocktail party.

But first, you’re going to need that apartment. So visit DDA and start looking for
your new home today!

Top Ten Signs You Have a Roommate From Hell

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Apartment living can be a truly easygoing lifestyle. Leaky sink? Call the super. Too noisy next door? A polite tap on the wall usually gets it done. And you never have to wake up on a Saturday to tackle yard work. At best, you tend to your window boxes or a couple potted plants on the balcony.

When you move to a new city, such as our beloved Atlanta, for instance, especially when you’re showing up for school, a new job, or just to shake things up, connecting with others in a similar situation is a smart move. Finding a roommate can be a smart move. Using online connection services, adds in the free local arts weeklies or Craigslist can put you in touch with well-intentioned folks with the same needs as you.

But occasionally, it turns out that you draw interest from someone who doesn’t have both oars in the water. You may be desperate for someone to help share the rent, but it’s worth taking a minute or two to make sure your potential roomie isn’t bat-guano crazy.

How can you tell before you both start sharing floorspace? We reached out to our trusted panel of Atlanta apartment-dwelling veterans, who helped us compile this list of characteristics that they agree would be less than desirable. If you’re prospective roommate shows any of these attributes, we suggest moving on before you move in:

1. Sets up his personal tanning bed and then tells you he wants to split utilities.

2. Has a personal tanning bed.

3. Too busy catching up on Jersey Shore to TiVo Downton Abbey — or vice versa.

4. Tells you his Turkish Oil Wrestling club will meet at your place only like once a month.

5. Keeps asking you to join his Turkish Oil Wrestling Club.

6. Crochets matching “Best Roomies” cup holders for you . . . and her cats.

7. Leaves the toilet seat up because they insist it’s more comfortable.

8. Informs you that she’s writing a “Cooking With Skunk Cabbage” cookbook, and nominates you official taste tester.

9. Labels everything of yours in the refrigerator. Your nickname is Honey Badger.

10. Wants to take just a few minutes of your time to talk about tremendous investment opportunities courtesy of Nigerian wealth management services.

If you happen to find a roommate who doesn’t display these questionable qualities, check out DDA for a great deal on a great place you can both agree on.

 

Last Chance to Sign up for the March 3 “Run For Your Lives” today!

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Fan of the Atlanta-based “The Walking Dead”? Love to run and like the idea of being chased by zombies? Then hurry up and register for Run For Your Lives, a “zombie-infested 5K obstacle course race”.

Hop over pools of blood, side-step puddles of brain — all while dodging a legion of drooling zombies. Fun, right?

Atlanta registration ends today!

And for a deal on a new apartment that won’t freak you out, just click over to DDA!

Get to the Georgia Dome this Saturday for a Big-Time Battle of the Bands

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Major music is on the march this Saturday at the Georgia Dome. The Honda Battle of the Bands features electrifying musical and marching by the ten best bands from the nation’s Historically Black College and Universities.

It’s known as the “Super Bowl” of marching band showcases. You’re sure to hear incredible music and see jaw-dropping examples of marching-band coordination and energy. This isn’t about halftime — this is all primetime!

Get all the high-stepping specifics here.

And to strike up a great deal on your next apartment in Atlanta, DDA doesn’t miss a beat.

This Weekend, Have a Blast

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Hit the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center this weekend and check out BLAST!, winner of the 2001 Tony Award for “Best Special Theatrical Event” and the 2001 Emmy Award for “Best Choreography.”

This insane show features 35 brass, percussion and visual performers brought together in a unique explosion of music and theatre bridging the categories of classical, blues, jazz, rock n roll, and techno-pop music.

And if you want an explosive deal on a great apartment in Atlanta, make sure to visit DDA today!

Long Live the King

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The most important thing about this weekend? It’s Elvis’ birthday, a-thankyaverymuch.

The best way to celebrate? Elvis Royale at the Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave NE. Doors open at 7:30 this Saturday, and you can expect a mighty blast of big-band Vegas glitz. Perfect homage to the man who brought rock-and-roll to the masses.

Elvis Royale featuring Kingsized & Dames Aflame

Count on Big Mike Geier and his Kingsized Rock ‘n Roll Orchestra, along with The Dames Aflame Dancers, promise to provide more birthday-celebration force than an Elvis spin-kick.
And if you’re looking for king-sized deals on great apartments in Atlanta, you know DDA will love you tender.

A Deluxe Christmas Eve Dinner

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Looking for a lavish way to fuel up after all that last-minute shopping? Treat yourself to a five-course meal in Paces88 at the St. Regis in Buckhead.

It’s a departure from our usual pub-food favorites, but we figure this time of year, a little over-the-top celebration can’t be bad. $115 gets you the food and all the requisite wine pairings.

Sound appetizing? Check out the menu here.

And for tasty deals on great apartments in Atlanta, sink your teeth in to DDA.