Lifestyle Living 
There are currently 12 blog entries related to this category.
A Lean, Mean, Environmentally Green Home
Friday, July 29th, 2011 at 4:53pm. 3396 Views, 0 Comments.
Environmentally friendly, "green" & more eco-conscious are sizzling hot topics in homes and businesses across the U.S. Families and people all over seem to more aware and concerned with the beautiful Earth we live on. Most folks want to conserve energy in their homes, and the subject is often a major topic of discussion as home buyers start looking for their dream home. Not only does energy conservation save homeowners money and make their home more appealing, but it also has a significant positive impact on the environment. In the real estate market today- fewer home features attract as much attention as a home's ability to conserve energy. So, let's get down to business and help you make your home a "green" energy conserving machine!
1. Tame that…
Texas Cyclone, Greased Lightning, Snow, and Fresh-Baked Bread: Astroworld USA in Houston Texas
Sunday, June 26th, 2011 at 10:48am. 4048 Views, 0 Comments.
For almost 40 years, summer in Houston meant two things: air conditioning and Astroworld. Our own private Disneyland, the Astroworld theme park was a requisite childhood destination, someplace everybody went at least once and a repeat trip for many. And like so many Houston landmarks, it was the brainchild of an exceptional person.
That person was Roy Hofheinz, a Rice University-educated lawyer, who served as Harris County judge (thus securing his most enduring title, "Judge Roy") and later as Houston mayor. After presiding over two contentious terms, during which he was impeached and had four city council members arrested for boycotting a special meeting he'd called, he returned to private law practice and business ventures.
Part of that business was the…
Divorce Can Lead to Two Homes - Or Living with Your Ex and their Spouse and more Kids and Step-Pets
Sunday, June 26th, 2011 at 10:03am. 3620 Views, 0 Comments.
I know! How about you, me, stepdad, dad, stepmom, sibling, half-sibling, step-sibling and the dogs all live together in one big house?
There's probably not a divorced parent out there who hasn't heard their kids ask for something like this.
They're not too far off.
Whether it's financially-driven or a unique take on "staying together for the sake of the children," some reports claim that more and more divorced couples are choosing to live together, yet separately, under one roof.
That certainly gives new meaning to the oft-quoted real estate mantra "location, location, location."
Too close for comfort
Spring resident James Wilson, a 38-year-old divorced father of two kids, ages 9 and 10, is somewhere in the middle. Not too close but not too far, he lives just…
Green Grass in Houston - Extreme Makeover Sod Addition
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 at 12:46am. 3119 Views, 0 Comments.
It happens... Maybe you forgot to water the yard during last summer's vacation, or your kids have played "buried pirate's treasure" one too many times. Now you have a major case of Lawn Pattern Baldness, and trying to patch it here and there isn't cutting it anymore. When it gets to this point, it's very possible you need to bite the bullet...and re-sod your yard.
You can do it - the keys are simply preparing properly, and not cutting corners.
Seeking: The Perfect Grass for Houston, Texas
The first step is choosing the proper grass, which will vary depending on your specific lawn needs and lifestyle. The top three most often seen in Houston lawns are bermuda, zoysia and St. Augustine.
Bermuda grass is what you often see on playgrounds and athletic fields;…
Rights and Laws of Renting a Texas Apartment with Children
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011 at 11:45am. 3544 Views, 0 Comments.
The Texas law for apartments, with landlords and tenants is very detailed. It establishes limitations and parameters that a landlord is allowed to implement and the amount of restrictions they can make to their tenants. Among the long list would include just who would be able to live in a rented apartment.
There is a lot of detail as to senior citizens, children and the amount of people that can reside in a certain rented apartment. The basic details of each are as follows:
Senior Citizen Exception
This kind of exception is designed to allow a landlord to limit children from residing in the apartment if the apartment or complex is built for people over 55 years of age. This would indicate that the apartment is specifically designed for senior citizen care,…
Six Kitchen Redesign Trends for 2011
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011 at 5:33pm. 2940 Views, 0 Comments.
A kitchen is still the place reserved for cooking, however, it also serves as the epicenter to many homes. Today, more than ever, professional designers acknowledge its role and their design trends reflect it as a fulcrum point.
From relatively small investments of a few hundred dollars (trendy new counter-top appliances) to big-time overhauls (Bamboo cabinets anyone?), following are six kitchen redesign trends from top designers who know where kitchen trends are today.
1. Wicked Wine Refrigeration
Have a killer wine collection (or want one?) then upgrading to a state-of-the-art wine refrigerator should be on the top of your kitchen redesign wish list. The latest designs include freestanding models that secure well over 100 bottles to smaller built-in units…
Quick! Hurry Fast to the Bat Cave Before the Neighbor Talks to Me
Saturday, April 9th, 2011 at 12:04am. 3445 Views, 0 Comments.
We work longer hours just to make ends meet.
We build taller fences to feel safer in our own yards.
We know the make and model of our neighbor's car, but nothing about the person who drives it.
We crave our cave, and ignore our community.
We're supposed to be neighbors, but more often we're strangers. What happened?
Even the Welcome Wagon doesn't go door to door anymore.
Thomas Briggs of Tennessee founded the organization in 1928, hiring women to personally deliver baskets of gifts from local businesses to new homeowners.
It was a win-win-win situation. Newcomers learned about the community, local business got a boost, and people met their neighbors.
But home visits stopped in 1998, when an increase in two-income families meant nobody was there to answer the…
Eight Secrets to Getting your House SOLD this Summer in the Houston Real Estate Market
Thursday, April 7th, 2011 at 2:21pm. 3195 Views, 1 Comments.
We’ve all heard the basic rules of staging your home for sale: Declutter your tschotchkes, pack up personal photos and artifacts, etc. But what are the secret tricks home stagers use, that they don’t want you to know about? Home Staging expert Beth DeLozier-Hayes reveals her money saving strategies to getting your home all dressed up for the ball without it costing you an arm and a leg.
The Sniff Test
Let’s face it, life is smelly. Between pets, exotic dinners, and smoking addiction, we have multiple aromas to throw off homebuyers. The best thing for pets is to send them to stay with the in-laws while the house is on the market. If that's not possible, clean up after them like a maniac. Swiffer up fur, Febreeze linens, stow pet beds, and hide that stinky…
Green Gardening and Being Eco-Friendly Not Just for Hippies Anymore
Monday, April 4th, 2011 at 12:47am. 3500 Views, 1 Comments.
Yard Madness has officially gripped the area: Lawn mowers and farmer’s tans are once again a familiar sight, and gardening stores are hives of activity. In the midst of it all, though, how many of us think about the impact we’re having on the environment?
Yes, we know the arguments and excuses we make in favor of doing things the same old way. “My yard needs to look good all the time. Those old ladies on the yard committee are vicious!” “I don’t have extra time or money to spend on lots of expensive all-natural treatments.” “I’m not one of those eco-friendly, hippie types. I just wrestled a bull at the rodeo for Pete’s sake!”
Contrary to what many think, tending our yards in a way that’s better for the environment can often cost less, doesn’t…
Unintended but Harmless Neighbors ...and then there is Crazy
Monday, March 28th, 2011 at 3:23pm. 3364 Views, 1 Comments.
I have crazy neighbors.
To my left is a single mom breeding Pit bulls in her back yard. To my right is a lady who lets her big, black Lab do the #2 on our yard.
Across the street is the house that never sleeps. People are constantly coming and going, day and night. Cars and trucks parked facing the wrong direction, every day, all day. And the children, who roam the 'hood with air-soft pellet guns.
We find pellets and doggie deposits littering the front yard, much to my husband's dismay when he's mowing.
Speaking of mowing, we get letters from our Homeowner's Association (HOA) if we don't edge.
But nobody seems to care about Pit bulls, BB guns, dog doody, and cars parked willy-nilly.
Yep, I have crazy neighbors.
But some people have unintended neighbors.
It…
My Account
Log in, to view your saved searches and add to your favorite listings.
... So You Can:
- View detailed property information
- Print detailed property flyers
- Save your searches & favorite homes
- Inquire about a private showing
- Map individual property locations
- Share your favorite homes with friends
Blog Navigation
Blogroll
Archives
