Anne Ortiz's (anneortiz) Blog

For those of us who celebrate the Christmas season, nothing brings more cheer than a beautifully lit and decorated tree.  Each year, however, fire departments respond to a number of fires caused by Christmas trees.  Keep these few guidelines in mind when choosing and decorating your tree this sea...

Yes, it's cold outside!  For most of us, this season is the time to enhance indoor living spaces.  However, there are ways to continue enjoyment of the outdoors, too. It can be done by creating well-lit spaces that will provide cozy gathering spots year round. First, look at the basics.  A well b...

There is certainly no doubt that Winter is upon us.  Outdoor warmth with its greenery and colorful floral displays will be missed for the next few months.  One summertime trend that has become popular in the past few years is combination planting, which groups different plants into one container....

Cobb County, Georgia continues to celebrate the Holiday Season with several upcoming events. On Dec. 1, 1860, the town north of Marietta and just south of Bartow County became incorporated as the city of Acworth.Residents and city officials will come together tonight to commemorate its sesquicent...

Giving gifts to others is the essence of the Holiday season.  Every year, however, landfills become more and more clogged with discarded wrapping paper, ribbon, bows and boxes.  Make your gift wrap stand out and be more environmentally friendly by cleverly re-purposing things you have readily at ...

A long standing tradition on the first weekend in December continues this year in Marietta, Georgia.  Won't you join the Christmas Home Tour through Marietta this year as our community celebrates 24 years of the much honored event. Marietta Welcome Center and Visitors Bureau and Cobb Landmarks & ...

Take in the Holiday Season in Marietta, Georgia the easy way.  Make this year's holidays a little brighter and more festive with the Historic Marietta Trolley Company's special December events. Kicking off the season on Sunday, December 5, the Trolley joins forces with WellStar Kennestone Hospita...

No matter where you are in Cobb County, Georgia, you can light up your life this week with the annual Christmas tree lightings.  Ceremonies are planned in Cobb's six cities.  Get into the spirit of the season by joining in on the festivities - all are free of charge!City of Smyrna The first will ...

The holiday season isn't the best time to sell your home, but if you have no choice, there are reasons to be merry. Anyone house-hunting on Thanksgiving or Christmas weekend must have a good reason.  They are more likely to be serious, motivated buyers and will be less likely to waste time shoppi...

So, this year's Turkey Day is a fond memory, and the bravehearted are heading to the stores to work it off and find some great sales.  Just a note of caution to this weekend's mall warriors - the holiday season brings with it an increase in theft related crimes. Please remember to be aware of you...