First impressions are very important and that is why people always want to put their best foot forward when walking into new situations. That’s why we laid out our clothes before the first day of school and got a haircut before our first job. We want new people to see us at our very best so their first impression will be a positive one.  When someone walks up to your house their first impression is the front porch.

So what does your front porch say about you? Does it say “Please come in, we’re happy to see you”  or “No one lives here, please leave”? Your front porch is the first thing people see when they come to your home, so give them something to look at! At our Retreat at Craig Ranch community in McKinney, Texas, some new homes have great covered porches that are just waiting to be decorated. Here are some tips on how to decorate your front porch, so your first impression is the right impression.

Illuminate the Walkway
Light can change the whole mood of a room and that shouldn’t be forgotten when decorating outside. Line your walkway with solar powered lights so your guests receive a glowing welcome day or night. If your porch lamp isn’t shining like it should, change out the lamp for something that better reflects your style.

Add Mother Nature’s Artwork
Plants do more than produce oxygen, they are also mother nature’s artwork. Adding plants on your front porch is like hanging family photos on the wall. It lets visitors know that someone lives in this home and it is cared for. Hanging baskets with pretty flowers flowing down the side or vines climbing up a trellis can add interest and beauty to a porch. And when the seasons change you can add seasonal plants (such as poinsettias in winter or tulips in spring) to keep your porch snazzy all year long.

Pull Up A Chair
If you have a roomy porch, adding a bench with some comfy cushions or a traditional rocking chair will really make your guests feel at home. Even if you have a smaller porch, you can still add a small table with a chair to give your guests a place to put their feet up. Providing a comfortable place to sit, even before your guests step into your home, will make them feel welcomed and at ease.

An inviting porch lets visitors and neighbors know that they are welcomed in your home. Their first impressions are sure to be positive when they see the effort you have put into making your front porch a lovely place to be.

What is your “must have” item or decoration on the front porch? Give your advice to our readers in the comments below!

Summer is in full swing and it’s the perfect time to throw a party! Call up you’re friends and family, plan a delicious dinner menu, and get your dining room ready for the festivities.

Currently the kitchen holds the title for being the most hang-out friendly room in the house, but you can give the kitchen a little competition with a dining room makeover. Owners of new homes at Heritage Bend in McKinney, Texas have a great dining room home option and with these simple tips you can transform your dining room into the place to be!

Stir Up Some Conversation
Painting the walls a warm color puts people at ease and allows conversation to flow. Soft reds, a modern wall paper design, or a textured wall will make the room feel cozy and comfortable.

Having the right table is a must. Long wooden tables are great for a rectangular room, but if your dining room is square consider using a round table. Round tables not only give you more space, but it also encourages conversation. Rectangular tables can cause a division in conversation because guests cannot make eye contact with everyone at the table. Round tables eliminate this problem!

Add Some Style
Update your current dining room chairs by adding monogramed slip covers for a sophisticated look or mix and match different chairs for a funky-chic look. Although style is very important, you want to make sure the chairs are comfortable too! You don’t want your guests to be wiggling around through dinner trying to get comfy, so give them some cushion.

Area rugs can also add a lot of style and define the dining space. The traditional persian rug is always a winner, but if you’re looking for something different try a braided or bamboo rug.

And don’t forget the centerpiece! A beautiful arrangement of flowers are always great, but since it’s summer, consider using some seashells or fresh fruit. The centerpiece should express your personal style and help tie the whole theme of the room together. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try something different!

Light It Up
Lighting may be the most important part of any room because it sets the mood! Chandeliers are the traditional must-have in a dining room. Crystal chandeliers or modern bubble chandeliers create a focal point while lighting the room. If you’re dining room is more modern, consider using track lighting.

And since it stays light outside late into the evening in the summers, make sure you get some good use out of your windows. Drape the windows with light shears or elaborate curtains and frame the window, allowing the light to stream in. If your house is facing west and the sunshine is too intense, you can close your curtains to create a more intimate dining experience.

A dining room is a great home option and a fun space to eat, laugh, and have a good time. By decorating this space you can add a personal touch and host as many dinner parties as your heart desires!

How is your dining room decorated? Jump into the conversation by posting a comment below!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user cmurtaugh. Some rights reserved.

Strolling through Historic towns, you often find unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment that are unlike anything you have ever seen before. Old Town Spring is definitely one of those historic towns. With a history dating back to the 1800s, Spring is one of the oldest towns in Texas.

Located about 15 miles south of our new homes in Conroe, Spring began its history as a trading post in the late 1700s. French and Spanish explorers used this “town” to trade with the Orcoquisac Native Americans. Eventually the area became a hot-spot for trade and settlers began to move in. By 1901, Spring was at the crossroads of two major railroads and business was booming. But when the railroad relocated their base to Houston and the Great Depression hit in the 1930s, the flourishing town of Spring became dormant. It wasn’t until the 1960s, during the Houston oil boom, that Spring would be revitalized once again.

Today Old Town Spring is full of restaurants and shops, many of which are housed in well-preserved buildings dating back to the 1900s. Old Town Spring is also known for the many festivals they host throughout the year and is voted one of the top attractions in Texas each year. With so many things going on in Old Town Spring, owners of our new homes in Barton Woods and White Oak will have a bunch of shops, restaurants and festivals to explore all year long. Here are a few must-see places and festivals to check out when visiting Old Town Spring.

Fall Fest Antique Show & Civil War Reenactment
The Fall Fest Antique Show hosts antique dealers from all over Texas for a whole weekend of antiquing! The antique show is held outside, so you and your family can explore and discover new treasures together. The Fall Fest is one of the most anticipated events of the year because not only are there tons of precious antiques from all over the world, but there is also a Civil War Reenactment the same weekend. Tickets are only $5 for adults and children under 12 are free! This event is not until Sept. 10-11, so mark your calendars!

Wunsche Bros. Cafe
Opened in 1902 by German immigrants, Wunsche Bros. Cafe began as a hotel and saloon, but today it is a hustling and bustling cafe. Wunsche Bros. Hotel and Saloon was the first two-story building to be erected in Spring and is the oldest building still standing in town today. So, if you’re lookin’ for some home cookin’, Wunsche Bros. Cafe is the place to be.

Spring Historical Museum
Because Old Town Spring has such an interesting history, it is only fitting to visit the Spring Historical Museum. Not only will you and your family learn about the fascinating history of the town of Spring, but you will also learn a lot about the great state of Texas! This is a great educational experience for children and adults of all ages.

With the kids out of school, summer is a great time for our homeowners to in Conroe to start exploring this historic town. So pack up the family and head over to Old Town Spring!

What’s the coolest historic town you’ve ever visited? What made it so interesting? Share your stories with us in our comments section below!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user jonmatthew photography. Some rights reserved.

It is no secret that some of the most sought after features of a new home are open spaces and natural lighting. When you walk into a new home you want it to feel spacious and bright. Tall ceilings and windows help to create space and allow light to travel easily from room to room. This creates a smooth flow throughout the house which boosts the mood and energy of the home.

Owners of our new homes in Conroe, Texas at Barton Woods and White Oak enhance their open floor plans by adding options such as bay windows and cathedral ceilings.

Bay windows date back to the Victorian Homes of the nineteenth century. These windows extend from the sides of the home and add more space, as well as let in lots of light. When the side windows are open, it allows the breeze to come in from both sides. This really helps cool off a room. A popular option for decorating bay windows are shutters or eco-friendly blinds. These window treatments allow home owners to appreciate the beauty of the window without hiding it. The bay window option in the master bedroom is a standout for some of our new homes in our Barton Woods and White Oak communities because it lightens up the space and brings home owners closer to nature.

Cathedral ceilings can also make a home feel brighter and lighter. Anyone who has lived in a house built in the 1940s or 1950s knows how claustrophobic low ceilings can make a house feel. By opting for cathedral ceilings, you create space which allows the home to flow better. With the walls being so tall, you are probably going to want to paint them a more appealing color than white. To create continuity, paint the ceiling a shade lighter than the wall color. You can also add portrait style artwork to the walls to create more interest.

Everyone wants different things in their new home and that is why we let you customize it to your unique tastes. Adding bay windows or cathedral ceilings (or both!) is just another way to personalize your new home.

Now we’d love to hear from you! How would you decorate the bay window area of your home? How would you accent cathedral ceilings in your home? Tell us in the comments below!

Residents of our new homes in McKinney,Texas at Heritage Bend and The Retreat at Craig Ranch have plenty of reasons to love how they live. One of the best reasons we can think of is the security and peace of mind given to our homeowners from the presence of great local police and fire departments. The City of McKinney Police and Fire Departments allow residents to feel safe because of the great service and protection they provide.

Having a dependable police department is one of the most important factors to consider when moving to a new neighborhood. The McKinney Police Department has recently been recognized for their best practices by the state of Texas, after going through a rigorous review.  The police department is dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of McKinney. And to better do so, they have created a program called Police to Citizen (P2C). P2C keeps residents updated with a daily bulletin and allows citizens to send comments to the police department if they have any questions or concerns. The police department in McKinney goes above and beyond the call of duty to keep their citizens safe.

Another important sector of public safety is the fire department. The fire department doesn’t just put out fires, they are trained to rescue citizens during extreme weather and natural disasters. With over 144 certified Firefighter/EMT/Paramedics on staff with the McKinney Fire Department, residents of our new homes will be well taken care of. Plus, the McKinney Fire Department offers educational classes which teach citizens about fire safety and try to help prevent accidents from happening.

Living in a community with a dedicated fire department and an award-winning police department is something of which residents of Heritage Bend and The Retreat at Craig Ranch can be proud. Our homeowners can go to bed knowing they are safe in their homes, as well as in their community.

Do you know an outstanding public servant that has gone above and beyond the call of duty in your community? Give them a shout out in the comments below!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Hoover Street Studios. Some rights reserved.

Summer is such a great time of year, but what do you do when you and your kids start getting bored with the same old summertime activities? If you’re like residents of our new homes at Barton Woods and White Oak communities, you can turn to the many summertime programs and activities that the city offers through Conroe Parks and Recreation Centers.

The Conroe Parks and Recreation Center is comprised of 24 parks and four recreation centers. Some cool features you can find at different parks throughout the Conroe community are 18 hole disc golf courses, skate parks, walking/jogging trails, fishing facilities, basketball courts, and athletic practice fields. The recreation centers also have a bunch of great amenities including a fitness center, Kidz Zone, and multipurpose rooms that host classes and learning opportunities for people of all ages. There is also an Aquatic Center with two indoor pools and one outdoor leisure pool with slides and an interactive play structure.

At all of these well kept facilities, you will find classes and activities for kids, teens and adults. From swimming lessons to art and dance classes, there is something for everyone. The recreation centers also host day camps in the summer for kids and teens that provide supervised activities like swimming days, field trips, and service learning projects that will keep kids active and engaged throughout the summer months.

The Parks and Recreation Centers also provide free summer movies and other special events, like pool parties and ice cream socials. Plus, they have events like Dog Days; where you can bring your dog to the park, participate in fun contests and win fun door prizes.

With so many events, classes and camps to participate in, it will be almost impossible to get bored this summer! What are your favorite events, classes, or camps to participate in during the summer? Share them here by leaving us a comment.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user EddieB55. Some rights reserved.

A few of our new home models in the Houston area feature an option for a wet bar. A wet bar can be a favorite hangout spot for homeowners who like to both entertain or just unwind after a long day. But whether you’re hosting a party and you don’t have the proper supplies to make a guest’s favorite drink or you’re home from work and realize you don’t have what you need to make the perfect drink with which to end the day, you’ll soon realize that a wet bar is only as good as it’s stock.

With that in mind, take a look at the checklist below; so that you can take full advantage of the wet bar option in your new home.

Glassware
There’s nothing worse than fixing a world-class martini and realizing you have to pour it into a rocks glass. Sometimes, the glass can make the drink as much as anything. Here are some of the glassware essentials:

•    12-oz. Beer Glasses
•    6-oz. or 8-oz. Highball Glasses
•    4-oz. Rocks Glasses
•    Stemmed Brandy Snifters
•    Wine Glasses for Both White and Red Wines
•    Champagne Glasses/Flutes
•    Martini Glasses
•    Shot Glasses

Accessories
Have you ever tried to take a shortcut when making a drink? The quality of the drink suffers. Make sure you can make any drink the right way, in your new home, by stocking some of these wet bar accessories:

•    Cocktail Shakers
•    Corkscrew or Wine Key
•    Blender
•    Stirring Spoons and Sticks
•    Bar Towels and Napkins
•    Knives and Cutting Board for Cutting Fruit Garnishes
•    Muddler (Mashing Tool for Drinks Such As Mojitos)
•    Saucers for Salt-Rimmed Margaritas

Garnishes and Mixers
These items offer the subtle touches that can make or break how good your drinks are. Be sure to stock the following:

•    Soda
•    Juices (Orange, Cranberry, etc.)
•    Olives for Martinis
•    Margarita Mix
•    Fruit (Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Cherries, etc.)
•    Salt for Margaritas
•    Items for Bloody Mary’s (Celery Stalks, Worcestershire Sauce, etc.)

Alcohol Stock
Of course, the star of the show for the wet bar in your new home; here are some of the essentials that you’ll need to use to stock your wet bar:

•    Beer
•    Wine
•    Whiskey/Bourbon
•    Vodka
•    Scotch
•    Gin
•    Tequila
•    Rum
•    Various Liqueurs

Well, that should get you started towards having the best wet bar on the block. Let us know what you would add to our list of wet bar essentials in the comments below. Please, drink responsibly and happy bar tending!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Kyle May. Some rights reserved.

Walking into an antique shop is like stepping back in time. It makes your sense of smell, sight, and touch come alive. There is always something new to discover at an antique shop, it’s like going on a treasure hunt! Chandeliers, dresser drawers, vintage  books, brooches and funky lamps are just a few treasurers you might uncover. One of the best things about antique shops is that every item has a story to tell. It’s fun to share stories about different pieces that evoke childhood memories or make up stories about what the item must have meant to it’s previous owner or what it was used for back in the old days.

Luckily residents of our new homes at Barton Woods in Conroe, Texas have a  great assortment of antique shops to sift through this summer. Crossroads Antiques, located on West Dallas St., has a great selection of porcelain and glass pieces that you can display in your dining room. They also have great furniture pieces, like Victorian bookcases and display cabinets, that will add a touch of elegance to any room you display it in. It is important to put your own touch on your new home and using unique items that you find at an antique store will fill your home with special stories and memories.

In addition to Crossroad Antiques, Houston area homeowners can find other really great antique shops located conveniently off of Frazier Road, like Conroe Antiques and Resale, Downtown Antique Mall, Edith’s Antiques and Gifts and Heintz Furniture and Antiques to name a few.

People visit and explore antique stores for different reasons, but whatever your reason, it is sure to be a fun experience for everyone. Reminiscing with friends and family while strolling through the aisles in an antique shop is a fun summertime activity that can bring everyone closer together. It is always interesting to learn the history of ones family and it becomes more meaningful when there are items that can bring those stories to life.

What is the best thing you found in an antique shop? Did it bring back a childhood memory? We would love to hear your story. Leave us a comment and share your story!

Photo courtesy of Flick user zen. Some rights reserved.

Quaint white houses with stained glass windows line the streets of one of the oldest towns in Texas. When you walk down the streets of Historic Montgomery, you get a feeling that history has been made here. Residents of our new homes at Barton Woods in Conroe, Texas experience this feeling every time they visit this historic town.

Montgomery began as a trading post in 1826 and got its town charter in 1837. Montgomery is one of the oldest towns in Texas and the official birthplace of the Lone Star Flag. Conceptualized by Dr. Charles Bellinger Stewart, the Texas flag represented independence from the United States (before it became a state) and the colors that adorn the flag, blue, white and red, signify loyalty, purity and bravery. When Texas became a state in 1845 the Lone Star Flag was adopted as the state flag and is proudly flown over Montgomery to this day.

Only 15 miles west of Conroe and 50 miles northwest of Houston, the four square miles of Historic Montgomery offers residents of new homes in the North Houston area a memorable visit every time. With fine retail shops, restaurants and local attractions and events, Historic Montgomery offers a fun and educational experience for everyone.

If antique road shows or fresh farmer markets tickle your fancy, you will be happy to know that Historic Montgomery hosts these events every month! Antique collectors and traders from all over the state of Texas attend the Montgomery Antique Road Shows hoping to find precious collectables that can’t be found anywhere else. Plus the fresh Farmers Market on the first and last Saturday of each month offers home grown vegetables, fruits, and other goodies for everyone to enjoy. Check out the town’s calendar for more information on upcoming events and activities.

Residents of Texas are proud of their history and are committed to preserving it through historic towns such as Montgomery. Have you ever visited a historic town? What was your most memorable experience? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Image courtesy of Flickr user The Trucking Tourist Some rights reserved.

Ah, summer. Lovely, sunny, cheerful summer. It is finally here and that means it is the perfect time for residents of our new homes at Barton Woods to take advantage of living so close to Lake Conroe. Lake Conroe, located on the west fork of the San Jacinto River, was created in 1973 as an alternate water supply to the City of Houston. Surrounded by Sam Houston National Forest, the clean, clear water and the 157 mile shoreline provides a variety of summertime activities that everyone can enjoy. Some fun activities going on at Lake Conroe this summer include:

Boating and Water Sports

Just like most other places in the country, summertime in Texas can get pretty warm. That’s why it’s such a luxury for residents of Barton Woods to live so close to a lake. One of the best ways to cool down during a hot summer day is taking a dip in the lake or feeling the wind on your cheeks as you cruise around the lake on your boat. Swimming, jet skiing or boating are just some of the fun ways owners of our new homes in Conroe, Texas can stay cool at the lake this summer. And with the recent marina rebuild, you will have access to over 200 full service floating boat slips that make it easy and convenient to access your boat and water sport equipment.

Fishing

The satisfaction of catching the first fish of the summer on a cool misty morning is an exciting and joyous moment. Whether you enjoy fishing for fun or competition, Lake Conroe is a picturesque place to enjoy this sport. Views of the Sam Houston National Forest and the expansive lake will put your mind at ease while you catch a wide assortment of fish. Largemouth bass, bluegills, and channel catfish are just a few kinds of fish you will discover at the lake. And if residents of our new homes in the Houston area want to show off their superb fishing skills, sign up for a friendly fishing tournament online.

Restaurants and Entertainment

Everyone knows swimming makes you hungry, luckily Lake Conroe has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. From fine dining to food on the go, Lake Conroe has excellent restaurants for everybody’s taste buds. A local favorite, Papa’s on the Lake provides lake-goers with food, fun, and a lot of free music. Every weekend in the summer Papa’s hosts concerts spanning different music genres. From country to jazz, there’s a something for everyone in our Barton Woods community.

What is your favorite thing to do at the lake in the summer? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Photo courtesy of flickr user ohmann alianne. Some rights reserved.