Blog entries

Greater 288 Partnership and METRO Join Forces

Daphne Hager — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:39:31 +0100

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris Count (METRO) and The Greater 288 Partnership have recently joined forces, and METRO is expected to bring a great deal of knowledge, credibility and influence to the infant organization.

“METRO’s new board and management are working collaboratively with groups inside and outside our service area to improve customer service and facilitate better mobility across the region,” said METRO’s Acting President and CEO, George Greanias. “We will be an active and committed participant in the Greater 288 Partnership as we explore options for building better mobility between Harris and Brazoria Counties.”

Equally excited about the union is Partnership Co-founder and Chairman Kevin Cole. “From the beginning, we have sought to provide a clear strategy for effecting positive change in regional transportation by assembling the key players in our area for input,” states Cole. “We had METRO on our membership prospect list because of what they bring to the table – strategic planning, influence, and an overall critical understanding of the regional transportation issues facing the area, including the 288 corridor. The fact that METRO has joined us is a major step in fulfilling the Partnership’s mission of directing positive outcomes for the future development improvements of Highway 288, and we welcome their input.”

The Greater 288 Partnership is still seeking to add new members who also participate in regular quarterly luncheons, involvement in numerous committees, and periodic workshops and seminars. Congressman Pete Olson will be at the Greater 288 Partnerships next luncheon on August 18to be held at the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center. For more information on the organization or to obtain membership details, visit their website at Greater288.org.

Pearland Town Center Hosts Movie Night at the Pavilion

Daphne Hager — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:59 +0100

Friday, July 16, The Pearland Town Center will be showing a family favorite, Planet 51 at 7:30 p.m. These movie nights are open to the public and are free! All you need to bring is your lawn chairs or blanket. And to make the night even more exciting, plan to take advantage of the centers Movie Night Specials including Marble Slab’s and Paciugoitalian Gelato’s BOGO offers, 25% off at Swirl and more. To print the special coupons (only valid from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.) visit the Pearland Town Center website.

"PLANET 51"

When Earth astronaut Capt. Chuck Baker (Dwayne Johnson) arrives on Planet 51 -- a world reminiscent of American suburbia circa 1950 -- he tries to avoid capture, recover his spaceship and make it home safely, all with the help of an empathetic little green being. Joe Stillman (Shrek) writes and Jorge Blanco directs this 91 minute animated thrill ride.

Lennar announces 48-hours of unprecedented savings

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:02:15 +0100

This weekend, Lennar and Village Builders are keeping America moving with the 48-Hour Summer Blowout sales event!

This Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm, Lennar and Village Builders nationwide will be hosting one of their biggest home sales events ever. Savings even bigger than the homebuyer tax credit!

The homebuilders are providing 48 hours of spectacular savings with $4,000 towards closing costs, 4 free upgrades and 4% (4.59% APR) fixed for life though Universal American Mortgage Company at Lennar and Village Builders communities throughout the Houston area. Plus, arrive early for the opportunity to take advantage of the limited sale homes available.
With more than 60 communities throughout the Houston area, Lennar and Village Builders have homes for first time and move-up buyers that offer the most desired features and upgrades. Their commitment to superior design and construction is equaled only by their pledge to homebuyers for complete satisfaction before, during and long after move in.

Lennar is one of the nation’s leading homebuilders with more than 55 years of experience building homes and communities all across the country.
Village Builders, part of the Lennar Family of Builders, has enjoyed the distinction of being Houston’s luxury builder for more than 3 decades. The Village Builders brand is synonymous with excellence and is founded on a tradition of quality craftsmanship and innovative design. Recently, Village Builders was awarded the 2009 Highest Ranking for Customer Satisfaction (in a tie) in the Houston area by leading global marketing information services company, J.D. Power and Associates.

For more information on Lennar and Village Builders Communities visit Lennar.com or call (866) 203-6386.

Lakes of Savannah, Lakemont & West Ranch Open House Events This Weekend

Cheryl Boe — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:32:08 +0100

Three Friendswood Development Company communities are among the newest to host open house weekends, when visitors can tour new and resale homes.

Lakes of Savannah, located just two miles from SH 288 in the Pearland area, Lakemont, located Westpark Tollway and Mason Road; and West Ranch located in the City of Friendswood - will all showcase a variety of new homes ready for move-in, decorated models and resale homes open with Realtors on site to answer questions.

The event, which began in Fairfield and has continued for years, is popular among residents and home shoppers because it gives them the opportunity to see the wide variety of homes available, talk to Realtors and new home sales professionals, and often talk to residents and find out why they are making these Friendswood Development Co. communities their home.

The open house event will take place on Saturday July 10 and Sunday July 11. New homes are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Resale homes are open from 1- p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Each community will have maps and information on all available homes and directions to new home sales offices.

Visit the Pearland Old Townsite Farmers Market at Zylinski Park

Daphne Hager — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:37:30 +0100

Perfect for those weekend backyard parties, the new - and very popular - Pearland Old Townsite Farmers Market now offers local produce to area residents. All produce, as well as products such as honey and crafts, must be made from local ingredients and created within 150 miles of the city.

Each market day has turned out a variety of vendors including Fusion Beans, a specialty coffee roaster based out of Webster, Texas; Edible Earth Resources, which helps their customers with composting, rain water harvesting, herb and vegetable gardens; Proverbs Farm and Soap Shoppe which sells handmade goat milk soaps, lotions and cheese and many more!

According to the market managers, Cassie and Ron Mitchel, “It seems to me that over time Pearland seems to have lost a sense of itself as a community. That is what the market is about, trying to bring that sense of community back to Pearland.” We want to support local farmers and local families, at the Grand Opening, we saw families coming out together and kids playing in the park,” she said.

The Pearland Old Townsite Farmers Market is held at Zylinski Park located at 2243 Grand Blvd. The next market will be held Saturday, July 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. *Weather permitting; the market will be open every second and fourth Saturday until the end of November.

For more information, visit the market’s website at PearlandOldTownSiteFarmersMarket.com.

Alvin ISD Anxiously Awaits an Official EXEMPLARY Status

Daphne Hager — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:22:54 +0100

According to the preliminary TAKS test results released earlier this month, Alvin ISD students performed well on their tests, which were given earlier this year. Although results are still unofficial, overall test scores indicate that Alvin ISD may be closer than ever to receiving the coveted Exemplary rating!

The final results will be determined by factors including individual campus scores and their completion rate. If ASID predictions are accurate, the school district will have more Exemplary rated campuses than ever before in a given school year.

“Alvin ISD is extremely pleased with the efforts and hard work of our students, teachers, support staff, board and community members,” said Brent Shaw, Director of Accountability and Testing for Alvin ISD.

“This is great news and is what we expected because it has been our goal to reach Exemplary status again,” said Tommy King, Interim Superintendent. “The students and teachers are working in the classrooms, the Board and support staff working in the background, and parents working with students at home are what make this happen. I am so proud of everyone,” he said.

Way to go Alvin ISD students! An especially big THANKS goes out to all the hard-working teachers and staff who are excelling at educating Lakes of Savannah children.

Free Summer Crafts and Activities at the Bass Pro Shop

Daphne Hager — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:14:03 +0100

Starting last weekend, the Bass Pro Shop at Hwy 288 and the Beltway in Pearland will be hosting Family Summer Camp events from June 5 through July 11. The shop has activities planned ranging from arts and crafts to fishing, shooting arrows, and even Saturday evening Smore’s roasts. So plan to bring your little adventurers out for one or all of these exciting events!

On Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 2 PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5 PM, kids will get to enjoy free crafts while supplies last. The crafting activity schedule for the Pearland Bass Pro Shop is as follows:

Create your own canvas backpack: June 5-6, 8 & 10
Make your own leather keychain (especially for Dad): June 12-13, 15 & 17
Paint a wooden wiggle fish: June 19-20, 22 & 24
Make a camping photo frame: June 26-27, 29 & July 1
Paint an animal track: July 3-4, 6 & 8
Design your own birdhouse: July 10-11

For more information, visit their website at BassPro.com.

Plantation Homes Opens Sales Office in Lakes of Savannah

Cheryl Boe — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:46:41 +0100

The Plantation Homes sales office is now open in Lakes of Savannah. This well-known award winning Texas builder based in Houston is known for its impressive array of innovative designs, energy efficiency and eco friendly homes and commitment to outstanding customer service, quality and the community.

The Plantation Homes sales office is open daily in Savannah Meadows and is offering homes priced from the $140,000s to the $180,000s. A variety of one- and two-story plans will also be available, ranging in size from 1,421 to more than 2,400 square feet.

Plantation Homes is a division of McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc. and MHI Partnership, Ltd. MHI builders thousands of homes annually and is ranking among the nation’s top 30 home building companies.

In addition to the long list of included features, impressive appointments and numerous available options, Plantation Homes offers buyers peace of mind with:

· Windstorm Certified Building Practices:
Plantation Homes are engineered and inspected to meet the minimum wind speed requirements of the International Residential Code. This includes the use of special clips, straps and anchors as mandated by its engineers in the construction of its homes.

· Eco Smart:
Recognizing the importance of energy efficiency and environmentally friendly building practices, Plantation Homes has created its “Eco Smart” platform which encompasses the integration of Energy Star. Environments for Living, and Green Building Initiative programs to provide homeowners with the best in energy efficiency and value. The result of these efforts is a new Plantation home will offer increased comfort for homeowners and substantial savings on utility bills throughout the year.

· Built for the Cure:
Plantation Homes is a proud supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the fight against breast cancer. Through its BUILT FOR THE CURE program, the company has pledged to donate a portion of its home sales proceeds to the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Plantation Homes will also begin the construction of a new model home in Savannah Meadows that is planned to open this summer. For more information, visit www.PlantationHomes.com.

Lakes of Savannah Builder Built for the Cure

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 05:05:09 +0100

Plantation Homes, Pioneer Homes, Coventry Homes and Carmel Builders, are honored to announce their partnership with the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, supporting its efforts with large scale promotions and a very generous fund raising commitment. Plantation Homes recently joined the Lakes of Savannah builder line-up.

The builder’s newly launched ‘Built for the Cure’ marketing campaign which includes promotions corporately and in all four brands in Houston, is intended to heighten awareness of the efforts of the organization known for bringing worldwide attention to breast cancer; and to let buyers of Plantation Homes, Pioneer Homes, Coventry Homes and Carmel Builders in Houston know that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their new home will be donated to the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

This is the first partnership of its kind between a large Houston new home builder and the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

The multi-faceted marketing campaign which focuses on the local fund raising efforts, will include pink ribbons on all directional signs, countertop cards in every sales office/model home and information on the company's websites.

Plantation Homes, Pioneer Homes, Coventry Homes, and Carmel Builders were established in 1988 under a parent company, McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc. (MHI). As one of Texas' most successful home builders MHI has locations in five markets across the state and has partnered with a number of non-profit and charitable groups that include PBS, Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Houston Builders Association Charity Homes Project, and HomeAid which offers transitional housing for the homeless.

About The Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®:
The Komen Houston Affiliate was established in 1990 and in addition to funding research through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Program; the Affiliate underwrites innovative breast cancer education, screening and treatment projects for the medically under-served in its community. The Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has been ranked number one, topping 122 affiliate groups nationwide in recognition of the Komen Houston Affiliate's history of providing the most funding for education, screening and treatment nationally and in its seven county service area in Southeast Texas.

For more information, visit www.Komen-houston.org

Breast Cancer Facts:

·        192,370 new breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2009
·        1,910 men will develop breast cancer and 440 will die from the disease
·        13,090 women in Texas will be diagnosed with breast cancer
·        1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer some time during her life
·        Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, other than skin cancer

Source: American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2008-2009.

Josephine's Day Spa and Salon Hosts Red & White Hollywood Party

Daphne Hager — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:14:10 +0100

Make it a Girls Night Out and join Josephine's Day Spa and Salon at the Pearland Town Center on June 23, 2010, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to celebrate their one year anniversary with red and white entertainment, food and fun!

“We will be rolling out the red carpet, so come help us celebrate the year gone by and let us thank you for all of your support over the past year. The theme of the party is Hollywood Red and White so come dressed in your best!”

At Josephine’s, they believe that “the best spa experience is one that is created to satisfy your specific desires and that this can be reached by indulging in some or all of our services.” And, since external beauty is the bi-product of internal harmony and balance, the salon offers a unique selection of Aveda teas and spa snacks as part of their total body submersion approach. Aveda and their products have long been synonymous with environmental consciousness and focus on the protection the planet when creating their superior, salon quality products.

Visit their website at JosephinesDaySpa.com to RSVP today or call 713-433-8885 to register with one of their guest care members!

Plantation Homes Joins Lakes of Savannah Builder Team

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:16:53 +0100

Plantation Homes is the newest builder to join Lakes of Savannah. This well-known award winning Texas builder based in Houston is known for its impressive array of innovative designs, energy efficiency and eco friendly homes and commitment to outstanding customer service, quality and the community.

A Plantation Homes sales office will soon open in Lakes of Savannah’s Savannah Meadows where homes will be priced from the $140,000s to the $180,000s. A variety of one- and two-story plans will also be available, ranging in size from 1,421 to more than 2,400 square feet.

Plantation Homes is a division of McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc. and MHI Partnership, Ltd. MHI builders thousands of homes annually and is ranking among the nation’s top 30 home building companies.

In addition to the long list of included features, impressive appointments and numerous available options, Plantation Homes offers buyers peace of mind with:

Windstorm Certified Building Practices:
Plantation Homes are engineered and inspected to meet the minimum wind speed requirements of the International Residential Code. This includes the use of special clips, straps and anchors as mandated by its engineers in the construction of its homes.

Eco Smart:
Recognizing the importance of energy efficiency and environmentally friendly building practices, Plantation Homes has created its “Eco Smart” platform which encompasses the integration of Energy Star. Environments for Living, and Green Building Initiative programs to provide homeowners with the best in energy efficiency and value. The result of these efforts is a new Plantation home will offer increased comfort for homeowners and substantial savings on utility bills throughout the year.

Built for the Cure:
Plantation Homes is a proud supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the fight against breast cancer. Through its BUILT FOR THE CURE program, the company has pledged to donate a portion of its home sales proceeds to the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Plantation Homes will also begin the construction of a new model home in Savannah Meadows that is planned to open this summer. For more information, visit www.PlantationHomes.com.

Pearland Town Center Hosts the Weight Watchers Walk-It Day 5k

Daphne Hager — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:21:40 +0100

The Pearland Town Center is set to host the Weight Watchers Walk-It Day 5K event on Sunday, June 6, 2010. Team up with your friends and family for this invigorating Weight Watchers walk and kick off your summer exercise program.

Whether you are a Weight Watchers member looking for interesting ways to earn activity points or just a local resident interested in meeting like-minded health enthusiasts, this is the perfect event for you. Weight Watchers reminds us that “gym memberships are often expensive, treadmills are tedious and working out alone can be boring. Now that spring is here, challenge your stale routine and try something new.”

In addition to the Walk-It Day, Pearland Parks and Recreation offers many outdoor activities year-round that are entertaining and inexpensive. So grab your strollers and children, you mom or even your neighbor for a fun time geared to improve your heart health and overall well being.

Visit RRCA.org/Programs/Walk-It-Day/Pearland for more information and to register for the walk.

Pearland 4th of July Celebration of Freedom

Daphne Hager — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:49:54 +0100

Lakes of Savannah residents are invited to join the City of Pearland’s 4th of July Freedom Celebration! This year, the program will celebrate our country’s birthday with a program guaranteed to explode with Patriotic excitement!

On Sunday, July 4, the concert and fire work extravaganza will be held at Pearland Junior High Stadium and seating will begin at 6:30 p.m. FREE shuttle services will also be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Pearland High School. The night’s festivities will kick off with a military salute, followed by the announcement of this year’s "Let Freedom Sing" talent search winner, who will then lead the crowd in the National Anthem.

The opening entertainer will be Zona Jones, a talented new Country recording artist. And, at the close of another beautiful Texas sunset, you and your family will be treated to a spectacular, 20 minute fireworks display.

Food is available for purchase at the concession stands or you may bring your own. Just remember - NO alcohol or glass containers are prohibited inside the stadium. Activities including face painting, inflatables and more will also be onsite. The concert, parking and seating are free of charge.

In addition to the Sunday concert and fireworks event, the city is hosting a full-blown carnival Friday, July 2 through Sunday, July 4 and is sure to be full of family fun! Tickets can be purchased for the carnival rides onsite.

For more details, visit PearlandParks.com/July4th or contact Pearland Parks and Recreation at (281)652-1673.

Pearland Fire Station No. 6 Located in Lakes of Savannah

Cheryl Boe — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 03:10:35 +0100

One of the newest fire stations in the Pearland area, serving the growing west side, will be located in Lakes of Savannah. The new facility, Pearland Fire Station No. 6, will be located on Savannah Parkway and is one of 48 capital improvements in the Pearland area. The project is the result of a joint agreement between the City of Pearland Fire Department, Friendswood Development Company and Brazoria County MUDs 21 and 22.

The new facility will be designed to include double deep drive through two bay stations with a meeting room, kitchen, restrooms and storage areas necessary for initial occupation by Emergency Management Services and the Pearland Volunteer Fire Department. The station will be expandable to accommodate the future dormitory and other needs of a 24-hour manned station.

Projected opening of the fire station is August 2011.

Pearland Parks & Recreation Receives Golden Pear Award

Daphne Hager — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:38:23 +0100

Each year, the Stella Roberts Golden Pear is awarded to the person or organization that has demonstrated exemplary efforts in keeping with the city's environmental efforts.

This year’s winner, the Pearland Parks and Recreation department, led by their Executive Director Michelle Smith, was honored at the Keep Pearland Beautiful Awards Dinner for all their hard work and extra green efforts her team members implemented to make Pearland a more beautiful and environmentally friendly city.

“This is in line with the Pearland City Council’s set of goals. I really appreciate Keep Pearland Beautiful’s recognition,” Pearland Assistant City Manager Jon Branson said. “The Parks and Recreation Department has worked hard to earn this award.”

With so many successful community activities held each year by the Parks and Recreation Department, centered on eco consciousness, it’s no wonder they would win this conservation based award. All you need to do is attend an event or visit one of their many parks, hike and bike trails or splash pads to see all their efforts at work.

For more information, or to become a member of Keep Pearland Beautiful, visit KeepPearlandBeautiful.org.

Look out Zatarains, There’s a New Boil in Town!

Greg Rivera — Tue, 18 May 2010 03:16:41 +0100

As a self proclaimed crawfish critic, I often venture out to the local cook-off in hopes of finding something a little out of the ordinary. And, I’m not impressed by heat alone, which seems too often to be the only differing factor.

But, at a recent backyard cook-off, I found a pleasantly delicious and surprisingly different batch of mudbugs. And, to avoid tainting the competition, I will avoid divulging the teams’ identity, but I will share the secret – because you will definitely want to try this one at home! It was simply a bag of newly created boil seasoning called White Trash Seafood Boil.

According to their website, a two-man team is behind the spicy and uber flavorful creation, Ron Williams and Dr. Jerry Lewis. Williams was born in Baton Rouge and literally raised in the kitchen of an Award winning Restaurant, The Front Porch. The Front Porch was voted #1 Restaurant in the Great State of Louisiana in 1979-80 by the Louisiana Tourist Commission. His father was the inventor of the Cajun Injector and an excellent teacher of the fine art of Louisiana Cooking. Ron loves to cook for family and friends and is looking forward to continuing his Cajun spice legacy. And, Dr. Jerry Kitchens, Birmingham surgeon, outdoorsman, and Honorary Cajun for his love of Louisiana cooking set out with beers in hand, these two friends set out to create the best boil ever. Through trial and error, they found that “just right” spice full of flavor with the perfect balance of heat.

If you are a crawfish lover and looking for a kicked-up batch, visit their website at www.ronandjerrys.com or check at your local HEB seafood market. Since it’s not on every grocers shelf, you have a head start on the perfect batch!

Pearland Town Center Rescue Pet Weekend

Greg Rivera — Wed, 12 May 2010 02:07:52 +0100

This Saturday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., volunteers from Annie's Angels Animal Rescue will be at the Event Pavilion with loveable, furry friends, available for adoption. This highly regarded animal rescue organization is made up of a close-knit group of volunteers who foster all the animals within the organization. Taking in large dogs, small dogs, puppies and senior dogs, and having the dog vetted prior to a behavior evaluation enables Annie’s Angels to find the best family match for each dog.

Even if you are not able to attend, or just need a little extra time to make the decision to adopt, you can visit their website for each pet’s biography or to fill out an adoption contract and adoption application. And, if approved, you can look forward to bringing your new friend home.

The adoption fee is $125.00 which helps to pay for spay/neuter, vaccinations, heartworm test and microchip for all of Annie's Angels animals. If the animal is too young to be spayed/neutered, a spay/neuter contract will have to be signed. A volunteer will follow up with you when the animal reaches the appropriate age. The goal is for both you and your new furry friend to be absolutely happy!

Annie’s Angels is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt animal rescue group. Donations are tax-deductible. For information visit Anniesangelsrescue.com

Taste of the Town at Pearland Town Center

Greg Rivera — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:34:02 +0100

Whether you're a resident of Pearland, or just visiting for the day, Pearland is home to more than 140 restaurants and some of the finest retail stores and unique boutiques - so you’ve come to the right place.

After a long day of shopping and playing, grab a napkin and get ready to sample some of the city’s finest foods in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

Thursday, May 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., plan to treat yourself to delicious food from local Pearland favorites including: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Mimi's Café, Red Robin, Fish City Grill, Freebirds, Gringos Mexican Kitchen, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Paciugo Italian Gelato, Cinnabon, Swirll and the Great American Cookie Co.

Enjoy a taste of Pearland Town Center restaurants, fashion show, and live entertainment. Tickets are only $15 per adult and $10 per child age 5-11 (children 4 and under free). Tickets will be available at the Town Center Customer Service booth. All proceeds benefit the local and international projects supported by 288 Corridor Rotary.

Teach Children to Be Helpers Around the House

Greg Rivera — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:30:36 +0100

Make cleaning a cinch for your kids! Start by creating a clean-up map for a child's room together. Design the map to show where everything is to be stored including items such as shoes, books, toys and dirty laundry. Use a theme such as pirates or fairies, and incorporate stickers and colors so the map is a family project. Frame the map and hang it near the storage area. Now your kids can’t use the excuse that they don’t know where to put things and their friends can help too!

Be more specific with storage and use multiple containers instead of a “one-size-fits-all” toy box. If toys are kept on shelves or in see through plastic or labeled storage containers, they can be located easily without a child having to dump everything out and will allow for more organized play. Pack doll clothes, action figures and accessories in plastic zipper bags to helps keep all the small pieces together. Make sure to store the toys on a shelf that the children can reach which encourages independent play and easier clean-up.

Create a daily chore list with your children and make sure everyone has at least one daily duty such as making the bed, clearing the table or taking the trash to the can. Even 3 year olds can understand “helping” and are capable of simple duties like taking dirty clothes to the wash room or putting Tupperware away after dinner.

Just remember to be patient, teaching children to help around the house may create more work for you up front, but the first time you see them put their dirty dishes in the dishwasher or picking up their room without being told…your will want to jump up and cheer!

Looking for a Natural Way to Cool Off this Summer?

Greg Rivera — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:28:36 +0100

Looking for a new way to cool off in your new home this summer? The best way to provide a convenient and fun family cool down is to add a pool and as many Lakes of Savannah residents have found, swimming can be great exercise and bring families together. But, the chlorine commonly used in older pools can have negative side effects, not the least of which is reliance on toxic chemicals.

In response to these concerns and the trend toward environmentally conscious living, a new breed of chlorine free backyard pools has emerged, with overwhelming demand. “People love to hear that there are options to get wet without smelling like cleaning products!” states Morgan, a natural pool designer.

“One elegant, eco-friendly solution that has had enthusiastic supporters in Europe for decades is the so-called natural swimming pool, which is slowly beginning to gain buzz in the U.S. Natural swimming pools, often called swimming ponds across the Atlantic, can be beautiful oases of greenery and sustainability, as well as safe, fun places to take a dip,” states Green Homes.

And, although you may not be ready to grow your own eco system to swim in just yet, the most popular option in Houston appears to be the salt water pool. Salt in pool water can make skin feel softer. Plus, salt doesn't stretch out elastic like chlorine can, and it can leave swimmers feeling more refreshed, so it’s no surprise that 9 out of 10 new pools being built are saltwater pools.

No matter which option you choose, the technology, or lack thereof, in today’s modern pool is light-years from your parents’ pool!

Fun Fact: US Presidents have been using “green technology”, provided by DEL Ozone, which reduces the need for chlorine up to 90% in the White House pool for years!