Pearland News

As you begin to plan your back to school shopping strategy, don’t forget to include a trip to the Pearland Town Centers big Tax Free Event! On August 20, 21 and 22 Texas shoppers will get a break from paying state and local sales taxes on this popular annual tax holiday. And, lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday. 

With many popular youth stores including Aeropostale, American Eagle, Hollister, and Forever 21 you can’t go wrong for the kids on your list. And, many school supplies, books and calendars will be available at Barnes & Nobles! 

Wondering what’s included in the tax free holiday? The law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100, which saves shoppers approximately $8 per $100 they spend! For more information on the annual tax free holiday and a detailed list of exempt items, visit the Texas State website here.

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No matter what your design style is, the multitude of colors and textures found in nature can seamlessly find their way into any home. And, besides their natural beauty, these tips for bringing a bit of the outdoors into your rooms can improve their air quality and cure the blues - no green thumb necessary.

• Houseplants - and yes…we mean the living ones - are an easy, cost effective way to add a touch of nature. “They breathe life into a room, giving it color, interest, balance and warmth,” says Jon Carloftis, garden designer and author of Beyond the Windowsill. Use these plants to define a space, fill an empty corner, or to hide an undesirable eyesore like computer cords.
• Incorporate a little rustic texture, even into a formal space. Woven elements can represent natural textures of trees and branches, so swap a tufted oriental rug for a jute one, use rattan baskets to contain toys or shoes, or hang a bamboo shades on the windows. Look for textural fabrics in earth-inspired neutral pillows such as sheep skin, hemp or bamboo to accent the couch or chairs.
• Let the sunshine in! Windows are the home’s most valuable connection to nature, so optimize a good view. Hang your curtains as far as possible beyond the sides to make windows seem larger and let the maximum light shine in. This technique also draws the eye outside and with strategically placed furniture and accessories just outside, the window can create the appearance of a much larger, extended room.

In just a single weekend, you can blur the line between the indoors and out and create a more natural environment. And, if you are unsure what plants to pick, just ask the garden specialist at your local Home Depot or Lowes store – they are always happy to help!

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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.

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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.

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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) now has loans available offering zero down, zero closing costs and 100 percent financing to buyers who qualify. Home buyers must also purchase in areas that are included in the loan program and Lakes of Savannah, located in the Pearland area, is among those locations that qualify.

Income requirements, family size and home price requirements are also included on the website at www.usda.gov . The site offers contact information as well as the opportunity to apply for the loans and more information.

Restrictions apply for these loans and Lakes of Savannah is not involved in mortgage lending or the USDA program and its loans. Interested consumers are encouraged to visit the website for more information and details.

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The Houston Weather Bureau is predicting freezing conditions from Thursday night through to Saturday morning (January 7-9, 2010).

These sustained freezing conditions could result in pipes bursting, causing severe damage. Please take the following precautions to minimize damage to your property and protect your plant and pets.

• Wrap an exterior exposed pluming pipes.
• Disconnect water hoses.
• Keep your pets inside.
• Cover your plants.
• Do not leave faucets dripping
• Listen to your radio and T.V. for weather updates.
• If you are going out of town, leave the heat on in your unit and open the under counter cabinet doors. As an additional precaution, turn off the main water valve and drain the faucets. If you turn the water off and you have electric water heater, be sure to turn the breaker off.

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