5 Tips for Frugal Urban Living

Technically, the first day of summer is June 21st, but as we in the Lowcountry know, summer has already arrived. Long days of sunshine, heat, and humidity are already upon us. No need to worry, though — with these easy summer home maintenance tips, you can have your home ready for summer in less time than it takes to heat up the grill. 

Indoor Summer Home Maintenance Tips:

1. Check your smoke detectors and your carbon monoxide detectors. 

• Replace the batteries if needed.

2. Get your cooling system ready.

• Consider getting your air-conditioning system serviced. Proper air conditioner maintenance can help your AC last longer and prevent air conditioner fires. In Savannah and the Lowcountry, life without AC is just about unthinkable. Don't wait until the dog days of summer to make sure your cooling system is up to par.

3. Dust the ceiling fan blades and check that the fan is balanced and working properly.

• Attach a dryer sheet to a paint roller so you can reach easily and dust away. Or, my personal favorite, grab an old sock (b/c how often do you need socks in Savannah, anyway?) and dust the blades. After you use it, toss it in the washing machine and it's as good as new.

4. Get your chimney cleaned.

• This isn't applicable to everyone, but many homes in the Historic District have chimneys, and they shouldn't be neglected. Yes, you might not use your fireplace again until fall or winter, but that's exactly why this is the perfect time to call a chimney cleaning service. They won't be as busy!

5. Clean or replace your shower heads. 

• Most shower heads can be easily cleaned. Don't be deterred by scaling from hard water, vinegar can easily take care of that problem for you.

6. Clean bathroom drains.

• Whatever method you choose, clean them! With so many affordable options available, there's no excuse to put this chore off another day.

7. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans.

• If your fans spin counterclockwise, they'll push the air straight down to your home will stay nice and cool. To do this, turn off the fan, wait for it to stop, and find the direction switch and check that your fans are spinning counterclockwise.

8. Clean the baseboards of your home. 

• Use a damp cloth and wipe away all the dust and grime. Disclaimer: I will be the first to admit, this is one of my least favorite chores. But man, is it satisfying once I've done it!

9. Check your attic and basement.

• In your attic, look for signs of dampness, mildew, leaks, holes in the roof, and pests.
• Basements are uncommon in the Lowcountry, but if you have one check for leaks, pests, mold, and mildew.

10. Clean the vents of your bathroom fans.

11. Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct.

• Clean out all of the dust and lint trapped in the vent and exhaust duct. Call in a professional to clean and service your washer and dryer if needed. Clothes dryers can be a fire hazard if they're not cleaned and maintained.

12. Change the filter in the air conditioner.

• If you have a smart thermostat, such as Nest, it should be automatically reminding you when it's time to change the filter. Pay attention to that reminder. Also, make sure to keep the vents around your air filters clean.

Outdoor Summer Home Maintenance Tips:

13. It's grillin' time! Are you and your grill ready?

• Charcoal grills: Empty the grill and wipe away any dust or residue. Use hot water, dish soap, and a scrub brush or sponge to clean both the outside and inside of the grill. Be sure to let your grill dry off before using it next.
• Gas grills: Close the lid, turn the heat up high, and let the grill cook for about half an hour. Let the grill cool. Use a grill brush to sweep the grill. Wipe down the outside with a sponge and cleaner. Then clean out all of the drip trays.

14. Wash down your porch. You should sweep the porch thoroughly, then wash it with a cleaner. Remove any embedded dirt by scrubbing with soap and water.

15. Give your deck a once-over. This is a summer home maintenance must, especially with the amount of late-afternoon thunderstorms we experience here in Savannah and the Lowcountry.

• Check your deck to see if there are any boards that look like they're rotting, loose, or feel soft. If they appear to be any of these, replace them now. Summertime weather conditions will only make them worse.
• Hammer any loose nails.
• You can also check if your deck needs to be resealed by pouring a little water on it. If the water beads into little puddles, you're good. If it sinks into the wood, you should get your deck resealed against water.

16. Wash the windows.

• Why not? Clean windows are nice. Use warm water and soap to get those windows sparkling, or go old school with vinegar and newspaper. 

17. Wash or change your window screens.

• Use hot soapy water and a brush to gently wash your window screens.

18. Add a layer of mulch.

• If you have plants, the extra mulch will help fight off weeds and help your soil retain moisture during these scorching summer months.

19. Check for outdoor leaks. 

• Go on a hunt for leaks by checking all outdoor faucets. Then look at your hose. You can waste a lot of water if there's even a tiny hole in your hose. Use electrical tape to repair any small holes in your hose.

20. Check your outdoor play equipment. 

•  Repair or replace anything that's damaged or possibly hazardous and make sure that the structure is still sturdy and strong. This includes rust, missing pieces, or tears in any parts of your play equipment. Safety is key.

21. Protect your home against unwanted guests. 

• Yes, unfortunately sometimes critters decide that your house is the place to be. From snakes to squirrels, take steps to close off your home to non-pet animals.
• Cover any holes that are more than a quarter-inch wide.
• Get your tree branches trimmed back so they don't create a highway for squirrels to your attic. Branches should be at least 8 feet from your roof.
• Make sure your outdoor trash bins are tightly sealed to prevent a buffet for pests.
• Do away with yard debris. Leaves and twigs are a haven for animals that might decide to invade your home.
• Tend to your lawn frequently by mowing.

22. Clean out the gutters and downspouts. 

• You should clean the gutters at least once a year, perhaps twice if you have a lot of trees around your home.

23. Inspect the caulking around the windows and doors of your home. 

• Keep ants and bugs at bay in the kitchen by adding fresh caulking to your windows and doors.

24. Consider having your driveway and walkway pressure washed.

25. Repair cracks or holes in your driveway and front steps.

26. Trim bushes and plants. 

• Pay special attention to the area around the AC unit.

27. Touch up the paint on the outside of your home.

28. Check over your fence. 

• Have it repainted, resealed, or repaired as needed.

29. Look at the outside of your house. 

• Check for rotted, dirty, or loose siding.

30. Consider getting your roof inspected.

• It's important to properly maintain your roof to make sure that it can last as long as possible.

This summer home maintenance tips list may seem daunting, but honestly, most of these tasks take no time at all. Preventative maintenance will pay off by helping you avoid costly home repairs later. The priceless peace of mind that you can enjoy knowing that your home is ready for the summer is also invaluable, and will make that piña colada you're enjoying on your porch even more delicious.

Based on Rigorous Science

We have previously listed our top 5 burgers in Savannah north of Gaston, but because the dining scene in Savannah is always evolving, we try to update our list accordingly. Some things don't change though. We still realize that the best burgers in Savannah is a pretty hotly contested topic, which is why this isn't some sort of definitive ranking. This is just a new list of our favorite places to get amazing burgers based on a variety of factors such as service, atmosphere, the bun, and, of course, the burgers. Again, this list is in no particular order, so don't fret if your favorite place is near the bottom of the page. 

The People's Champs

We'll start with 3 places that according to many Savannians, arguably have THE best burgers in Savannah. On the weekend — well, just about any day really — you can encounter a lengthy wait depending on the size of your party at  The Crystal Beer Parlor and Green Truck Pub. The list of available beers are both of these local pubs is great and the food quality is excellent and consistent; and in Savannah, consistency matters. Circa 1875 is a French bistro and pub; while the bistro side is lovely, the pub is where we go to get one of our favorite burgers in town. The 1875 Hamburger Au Poivre is a treat — just be sure to order the green peppercorn brandy mustard sauce on the side, and dip your burger into it.  These restaurants have burgers ranging from simple to extraordinary and are always at the top of Savannians' favorite burger lists..

 

 

 

 

 

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Mountain Jam Burger! #localburger #localbeer #southboundbrewery #cbp#eatndrinklocal

A post shared by Crystal Beer Parlor (@crystalbeerparlor) on Sep 20, 2018 at 10:13am PDT

 

 

 

 

 

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Squashburger! It's starting to taste like summer around here. Roasted red peppers and summer squash (Clark & Sons Organics) with feta, black bean hummus and a balsamic reduction. Go see our buddy Farmer Joe at the @forsythfarmersmarket every Saturday to see everything Clark & Sons has to offer

A post shared by Green Truck Pub (@greentruckpub) on May 15, 2019 at 8:36am PDT

Simply Smashing.

Smashed burgers are some of latest, and in our opinion, greatest burgers to grace food menus. In the interest of providing quality research and informed opinions, we've tried a couple of versions of this diner classic. The Grey Market, which is the latest and greatest from Johno and Mashama of The Grey fame, is Savannah's answer to a neighborhood bodega. Among other tasty offerings, the menu at The Grey Market features The Grey Market Burger. This burger has a smashed beef patty, caramelized onions, and comeback sauce, and is served on a housemade potato bun. Belly up to the counter and order one with potato wedges and a cold beer.

Rhett is one of the newest restaurants in Savannah and is housed in The Alida Hotel off of River Street. The restaurant's sleek retro-diner vibe is echoed in its menu, especially in the Burger American. 2 double smashed-beef patties are served with cheddar cheese, red onion, pickles, and Norfolk sauce. This particular burger is incredibly delicious, but unless you're especially ravenous, I recommend sharing with a friend. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hey baby, it's me... your favorite burger.

A post shared by The Grey Market (@thegreymkt) on Dec 21, 2018 at 8:09am PST

Winner Winner Burger Dinner.

The Fitzroy, sister restaurant to The Collins Quarter, was recently awarded "Best Burger in Savannah 2019." The Aussie Burger is so popular that it's on both the Brunch and Dinner menus. The patty is an 8 oz. Certified Angus Beef patty. Like The Collins Quarter, The gang at The Fitzroy hand-patties their burgers. The Aussie Burger comes topped with cheddar, arugula, tomato, an over-easy egg, sweet pickled beets, bacon, pineapple, yellow onion and BBQ Sauce.  

 

 

 

 

 

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Did you hear? Our Aussie Burger won the Eat it and Like it best Burger in Savannah award!

A post shared by The Fitzroy (@thefitzroysav) on May 16, 2019 at 10:33am PDT

As with The Collins Quarter, The Fitzroy's space has been transformed from its former self. The restaurant is located on Drayton Street. While the space has been home to other bars and restaurants, they were nothing like The Fitzroy in terms of atmosphere. Dark blue walls and turquoise banquettes gives the feel of easy sophistication. The Fitzroy also features live music and an upstairs, rooftop patio. Like its sister restaurant, The Fitzroy is one of those places where if you do have to wait for your food, you don't mind too much because you can't stop admiring the craftsmanship surrounding you.

A Little Different, A Lot Delicious.

Our friends over at Fork & Dagger Eatery have recently expanded and opened a new location. Fork & Dagger Latin Diner is housed in the old Bobbie's Diner, off of Habersham. The menu echoes the visual aesthetic of the diner, but still has that Latin twist that has made Fork & Dagger so popular with locals. The Hamburguesa is a 1/3 pound beef and chorizo patty topped with pepper-jack cheese, grilled onions, Kachina Farm greens and tomato. It also comes dressed with Bravas sauce housemade Sofrito ketchup.  The result is a delightful combination of unusual and yet somehow familiar flavors. Perfect for those times when you're craving something a little out of the ordinary.

 

 

 

 

 

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#forkanddagger #forkanddaggerlatindiner #burger #savannahga #visitsavannah #dinesavannah #bobbiesdiner

A post shared by Dani Robinson (@dani_quinn_) on Sep 28, 2018 at 9:37am PDT

The Bottom Line

So there you have it — as I said earlier, this is by no means a definitive list of the best burgers in Savannah,  and we didn't use a set standard to judge all of the places that we've tried. Instead, we looked for what tasted good, sides offered, bun, price point and the atmosphere in which they were served. Simply put, we wanted to share our favorite places to enjoy one of our favorite foods. But don't take our word for it — get out and try these places for yourself and see what you think. Get out, eat, and decide which place has your favorite burger in Savannah.

Do You Want to Live in Historic Savannah?

Contact Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates today.

912.233.6000

Hurricane Preparedness Week 

In the Lowcountry, we are less than a month away from the beginning of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and now is the time to make sure you are prepared. We have recently had two seasons with close calls and you can read what  we learned about preparing here 

The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is an upcoming event in the annual formation of tropical cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere. The season will officially begin on June 1, 2019, and end on November 30, 2019. These dates historically describe the period each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin and are adopted by convention. 

While predictions right now favor average activity for hurricanes in the Atlantic, it is still important to be ready. Don't wait until the last minute to make preparations. One of the most important things you should do, and do immediately, is to check your homeowner's insurance. Most standard homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Check your flood zone at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources DFIRM Flood Map. Then, make sure to have adequate flood insurance for your home. Flood insurance coverage usually takes 30 days to go into effect.

Make sure that you are aware of your community's  evacuation plan and evacuation route. A great way to be prepared for a hurricane and to stay informed during a hurricane is to sign up to receive local alerts and warnings.

Pay attention to local weather forecasts. Storm paths change quickly and without much warning, so listen out for local weather alerts. Also listen to local officials for warnings and instructions, such as evacuation orders. Follow the Chatham Emergency Management Agency, or CEMA, on Twitter and Facebook and check in often for updates.

 

 

 

 

 

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Today's theme for #HurricanePreparednessWeek is Develop an Evacuation Plan! Do you know your evacuation zone? Take the time today to learn yours and also your possible evacuation routes! #EvacuationPlanning

A post shared by ChathamEMA (@chathamema) on May 6, 2019 at 8:00am PDT

The FEMA mobile app is also a great resource for hurricane preparation, and includes checklists for hurricane preparation. The FEMA mobile app also provides weather alerts from the National Weather Service and maps of open hurricane shelters and recovery centers. 

Create and review your family's emergency communication plan and make sure that your family is all aware of the contents and location of your emergency supplies. Another important way to be prepared is financially. Strengthen your financial preparedness in the event of a hurricane by collecting and securing important financial, insurance, medical, and other personal records. 

Protect Your Investment

If you have an investment and/or rental property, do not neglect it, even if it is vacant. Instead, make sure to conduct a full hurricane preparedness check on the property every year. This ensures that your property is ready to withstand the high winds and heavy rainfall that is common during the Atlantic Hurricane Season. The staff at Cora Bett Thomas Property Management are available to conduct a Full Weather check on your property, which includes:

• Complete Roof Inspection
• Siding and Entry Inspection
• Window inspection
• Comprehensive Plumbing and HVAC Check

Once the check has been completed, you can approve any work or repairs that need to be done to ensure that your property is ready to withstand the forces of Mother Nature. The peace of mind that comes from having your property ready will be worth the effort and expense.

These are just a few tools and resources that can help you and your family get prepared, and offer some peace of mind as we approach the 2019 Hurricane Season. 

In Savannah, we believe in a good time and in pampering ourselves. Unfortunately, in today's world, sometimes pampering can take a backseat to everything else. But that's where Wax and Wane Waxing Salon comes to the rescue. At Wax and Wane, pampering feels special, and like something that you absolutely should be doing for yourself. Wax and Wane is located in the Historic District of Savannah, on Bull Street. The salon is in one of Savannah's famed Victorian houses.

When you first walk into Wax and Wane, you are immediately and warmly greeted. These ladies have mastered the art of professionalism without sacrificing any measure of hospitality. Somehow you feel less like you are keeping any kind of appointment and instead have stopped by a friend's house for a chat. The interior is beautifully decorated with painting by owner Jena Berenburg. Even during the cold winter days, every room is warm and cozy, which, in an old Victorian home, is no small feat. And, this salon always smells so good and has the best music playing. And yet, no measure of cleanliness is sacrificed, and only the best products and tools are used for these hair removal services. 

According to Jena, Wax and Wane Waxing Salon is named for the both the moon and the hair removal services that the salon provides. "Wax" refers to both the illuminating phases in the lunar cycle, as well a technique of hair removal that the salon offers. "Wane" refers to the diminishing phases of the lunar cycle, as well as the decrease in unwanted body hair, achieved through the salon's waxing services. 

The estheticians at Wax and Wane Waxing Salon have an abundance of product knowledge.They also have established a variety of techniques. One of the best things about the staff at Wax and Wane is their willingness to both learn and in turn, share that knowledge with clients. No question is too trivial to ask, and the estheticians all work to make certain that their clients are clear on the service from beginning to end, including self-care and maintenance between appointments. 

In addition to products related to hair removal, Wax and Wane also features a shop full of curated home and beauty items. I recommend arriving at least a half hour before an appointment, just so you have the time to look at everything. Jewelry, candles, perfume, and handbags are just a few of the items offered in the shop. Jena and her team work with artisans and small business owners all over the country to carry these items, most of which can't be found anywhere else in Savannah. 

Whatever your concerns may be about hair removal, forget them. Make an appointment at Wax and Wane and discover the pure joy of pampering yourself and supporting a fantastic local business here in Savannah. 

Wax and Wane Waxing Salon

For more information, visit www.waxandwanewaxing.com

Fall is here! Well, at least according to the calendar, fall is here. The weather in Savannah may not feel like summer's over, but now is the time to get to work on some colder-weather maintenance for your home. This way, you can have everything ready before the weather changes. Read on for our handy list of home maintenance to-dos for fall home maintenance.

Exterior Fixes

Regularly clean gutters and downspouts.

Fall is when gutters can fill up quickly and we still have a few weeks of hurricane season so keep them clean to protect your property. Make sure all drainage areas are unblocked by leaves and debris. Consider installing gutter guards to make the job a lot easier.

Check for rotting wood.

Check for soft spots, which can indicate rotting wood. Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around your windows, doors, railings and deck. Use caulk to fill the holes, or completely replace the wood if it is rotted.

Paint.

Lower humidity and cooler (not yet cold) temperatures make fall a good time to paint the exterior of your home.

Roof.

Inspect your roof, or hire a licensed professional to examine your roof for wear and tear. If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, replace them. If you have a lot of damage, it's time to consider replacing  the entire roof.

Garden

Split.

Fall is the perfect time to divide or move perennials. Remove your dead annuals and mulch hardy perennials.

Clean.

Clean your gardening tools before storing for the winter. Better still, make sure your storage area/shed is clean before storing your tools.

Trim.

Cut dead branches out the trees to prevent them from coming down and causing damage in a late tropical storm or future winter storm. Wait until late winter to prune healthy trees and shrubs though.

Fertilize.

Fall is a good time to aerate your lawn; it will allow moisture and nutrients to get into the roots. When you're done, spread fertilizer then grass seed. It's also the right time to fertilize turf grasses, preferably with slow-release, all-natural fertilizer. When given adequate nutrients, turf grasses have the ability to store food in the form of carbohydrates during the winter months. That will mean a better-looking lawn come spring.

Interior

Pest prevention.

Pests love attics because they are full of nice warm insulation for nesting, and they offer easy access to the rest of the house. If you have gable vents that lead into your attic, it is a good idea to install a screen behind them to keep those critters out.

Check the important gadgets.

Each fall, check carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms and put in fresh batteries. These are very important detectors to have in a home and their importance can't be overstated. Check your furnace filters and check for drafts.

Clean out your fireplace and chimney.

A wood burning fireplace is a wonderful feature to have in your home. However, unless you are well versed in chimney construction, contact a reputable chimney sweep service to do a check before the cold weather sets in. Items such as bird or animal nests built during the summer, as well as excessive soot deposits from the previous winter, can easily obstruct flues and dampers, thereby increasing the chances of chimney fires. 

Take a few hours here and there for some basic fall home maintenance. It will help you spot developing problems, and, consequently, prevent costly repairs. For best results, use the tasks above as a guide; everyone's home is different and over time you will develop a fall home maintenance routine specific to your property.

The Starland District of Savannah has been growing for some time now, but in the last few years this beloved neighborhood has truly started coming into its own. With a reputation for the eclectic and a nod to the concept of responsible consumerism, Starland is gaining popularity with visitors and is beloved by local Savannahians. 

Starland embraces quirkiness and eschews conventional labels. This attitude extends to the location of this neighborhood. There are no established boundaries for the Starland District, although it is commonly considered to be comprised of the blocks centered around Bull Street and north of Victory Drive. These blocks, numbering about 35, are those bordered by Barnard, Drayton, and 37th streets. However, there are many who consider the streets beyond these boundaries to be included in the Starland District, as they embrace the free-spirited attitude that is prevalent in this neighborhood. 

The Starland District's origins can be traced back to over a 100 years ago, with the founding of The Starland Dairy. The boom and bust of this milk processing factory had a significant impact on the neighborhood, which saw a decline with the closing of the dairy in the 1980s. Restoration of the dairy began in 2000, and is still in progress. 

Some of Starland's popular places include Bull Street Taco, Back in the Day Bakery, Atlantic, El Coyote, and Two Tides Brewing. Starland also hosts a First Friday Art March — a celebration of culture, art, food and music that is accessible by trolley. First Friday Art March emphasizes the importance that art has in Starland. This movement, coupled with the support that Savannahians continue to give to businesses in the Starland District, show that the Starland District will continue to grow and develop as a vital part of the city of Savannah. 

Are You Looking for Homes in Starland?

Contact Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates today.

Savannah's New Tex-Mex Spot

Many people may recognize the location of El Coyote as the former home of The Florence, which was a place that Savannah either loved or barely regarded. These 2 restaurants have shared a building, and that is where the similarities end.

El Coyote is brought to you by the team that has been providing delicious food with a view at the Wyld Dock Bar the past several years. El Coyote's interior is nicer than that of your typical Savannah Mexican restaurant, but not so nice that you feel underdressed in shorts and a T-shirt. Think large, open dining room with the over-popular exposed-filament-edison bulbs, dark and distressed wood and stone. This along with Tex-Mex curated knickknacks and a retro, 70s-style multicolored graphic  visually tie it all together. Nothing terribly original, but it works well, giving the space a livelier feel than the previous inhabitant. And to be honest, I prefer a restaurant with less emphasis on style and more on the delicious food rather than vice versa.

An extensive list of tequilas and mezcals dominate half of the drink menu. The Mezcal Old Fashioned is not be missed. Those looking for something milder can indulge in a glass of Spanish wine or choose from a nice selection of Mexican beers. Margaritas and craft cocktails are of course, also available. I will say that the $8 I paid for the best paloma I've recently had the pleasure of drinking, was well worth it. 

Many of the appetizers are in the $3-$10 range and feature classics such as corn elote (aka street corn) and queso fundido. Another must-have appetizer are the Sappelo Bay Clams. For $15, you are served a heaping mound of clams in a michelada broth flavored with chorizo and sofrito. Also not to be missed is the Philli Relleno, El Coyote's cheeky take on a chile relleno and consists of a local blistered poblano pepper stuffed with cheesesteak and topped with mushroom mole.

The street tacos are $4 each and are served a la carte, mostly because there is no need for these tacos to be accompanied by a heap of gluey beans or dry rice. For those with larger appetites, traditional and seasonal sides such rice and black beans — or charred spring onions — are available and they are neither gluey nor dry. A tasty and unexpected side dish is Pam's Hot Pickled Mexican Carrots — for $2, you get a spicy condiment that tastes great with anything else on the menu.

The fajitas, a classic Tex-Mex dish, was hands down better than anywhere in the city. The steak version was an actual grilled steak, cooked medium rare and then cut and served on a hot cast iron plate. Accompanied by roasted poblanos, onions, portabella mushrooms, blistered tomatoes and house made tortillas, this was a welcome return to steak fajitas' roots.

We see El Coyote becoming a local favorite and a new staple for many in Midtown and Downtown Savannah. The cost of grabbing a delicious taco and a cold beer at El Coyote may not be the cheapest taco and beer you've ever seen, but it is without a doubt among the tastiest in Savannah.

El Coyote

1 W Victory Drive

Savannah, GA 31405

www.elcoyotesav.com