Merry Christmas!

Wishing each of you a wonderful Christmas. May it be filled with family, friends and great memories.  Be safe.  From our neighborhood to yours MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Fun in July!

Don't miss it! Fourth of July Fire Works in Midlothian, TX. JULY 3 @ 9:30 p.m. Multi-Purpose Stadium

An Independence Day Fireworks Display is held every July 3rd at the MISD Multi-Purpose Stadium.  The event is sponsored by Citizens National Bank of Texas. 

The Senior Citizens Food Pantry hosts various activities at the stadium with all proceeds going to the Food Pantry.

http://www.midlothian.tx.us/index.aspx?nid=547

More fun on July 4th, with the annual parade!

July 4

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

Through the downtown area.

Address:

Midlothian, TX 76065

 

 

And check out the City Calendar for more family fun the whole month long.

http://www.midlothian.tx.us/Calendar.aspx

 

Yes! Honeysuckle Estates is a great place to live.

The neighborhood is growing and changing.  We once again have two families that will be leaving our neighborhood and hate to see them go. Two great houses are on the market and awaiting their new families.

We have a lot of opportunities to be involved and to get out and meet the neighbors. First up will be the neighborhood annual Halloween party!

Hope everyone is having a great week.

Don't you love the country life? Our neighborhood is FAB! Happy October.

Honeysuckle Estates

Honeysuckle Estates is now just a memory. We loved our home there but it's amazing at the doors that open and the beautiful home we now have. Loving the space! Didn't realize how much we missed surround sound and whole house intercom systems! Loving turning on music and enjoying it from anywhere in the house or yard. All ready putting to use the outdoor kitchen and outdoor tv - this home defines the word outdoor living! The yard is lush, green and private. Love that! They started on the outdoor fireplace today and it's coming along beautifully - it was the only thing missing to make this yard complete. Truly a house was made for entertaining and it's something we enjoy. Sometimes you have to let go to embrace new and better things for your life. Truly enjoying a grocery store and terrific shopping only 2 1/2 miles from the front door. Missed that.

A big shout out and thank you for our first guests! Received the best surprise visits from friends who flew out to help unpack and get us settled. Now that is friendship! Have the best BFF's ever. Looking forward to the crew that is coming for the 4th...love that we will be able to enjoy fireworks again in our own backyard! They sell them on the street corners here. :) Very cool.

Also, thank you again & again! What a wonderful send off from our friends in Texas - we celebrated Memorial Day weekend with 73 people at our home. Want to thank everyone again for the sweet gifts for our new home that was so unexpected! We are blessed with the greatest friends. Put the gift cards to use all ready. :) And the wine gift basket that was at the front door was a great way to celebrate our first night here. What a great last hurrah!

Not sure what this Blog will become. Our yahoo, FB & Google sites have new caregivers so they will become their vision...I will enjoy seeing how my blog evolves into something new with a new vision.

If you live in Honeysuckle stop by and see the new neighbors. Great family. They will need love and support getting settled!

"Keep Texas Beautiful" is hard to do with all that rock in Midlo.

Good luck Honeysuckle....

The kids are out of school, the weather is warm, the grill is sizzling and the drinks are cold. The perfect start to a beautiful day with familly and friends.

That is what Memorial Day is to many. Our family enjoys all those things too. However, we also take time to remember those who served and gave thier lives to our country. With the media and internet we've learned the World at large can be a very different place than the part of world we call home. Many countries do not have religious freedoms, equal rights for women, freedom to choose your own path. We have been blessed with a very comfortable life. So on this Memorial Day take time to remember, reflect and pray for those who chose to fight for our freedoms.

Then get back to those BBQ's, family and friends and make some memories!

Good bye, Adios, Adieu, so long...Woohoo! The packing is underway. Moving truck is scheduled and we are leaving Midlothian. Texas will all ways be home & we will enjoy visits back with friends and family. For now we are experiencing, "The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades"! Excited to return to work in Interior Design and enjoying the hub's promotion. Life is good.
We are looking forward to the new location, house and the plans for the new pool.

Love when God has a plan and it all falls into place in perfect timing! You may not realize it at the time but once you allow him to layout his plan you see that it couldn't have worked out better.  Continue to keep us in your prayers as we travel forward.

Please also pray for the new family moving to the house we leave behind. Pray that they have a smooth move and are happy in their new home.

For those who live in Honeysuckle Estates or the surrounding area that would like to keep involved in neighborhood activities, community events, or swap info on local tradesmen find the Neighborhood Group on Facebook.

Neighbors @ Honeysuckle Estates

Spring...

Spring is right around the corner...I love this time of year. I start ordering seeds and planning a small kitchen garden and a few new flowers for our flower beds. Clear out all the dead plants from winter and start watching for new life!

It's also a great time of year to think about reorganizing and rearranging rooms in your home. I always do a complete deep clean. Everything is moved and dusted, swept and vacuumed.  All the "big" pieces of furniture are moved out of place so that everything is sparkling clean and is fresh for the spring and summer entertaining season.

I then take that opportunity to move things around or rethink a room. Maybe reorganize a linen closet or pantry, etc...I like to start now by collecting ideas. Making household wish lists and looking for inspiration and ideas to keep my home current, beautiful and workable for day to day life.

Here are a few of my inspirations for this year.........hope they help inspire you!

Holiday fun at the ready!

Holiday fun...

Lot's to do in around the area this time of year! The weather is just right for firepits & hot chocolate. It's also a great time to experience some of the local holiday traditions. I've gathered a few of the one's we've done over the years...feel free to share any you know of as well.

The River Legacy Living Science Center is located in Arlington and it is a museum filled with learning stations for children. There is even a small play area for the youngest visitors. Outside the center is a series of trails that can be explored along the river.
http...://riverlegacy.org/

Dallas Arboreteum - a great place for fall & holiday pictures. Get those Christmas Cards ready.
http://www.dallasarboretum.org/

Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens - Beatiful place to spend the day with the family.
http://fwbg.org/

 Jazz in the Atrium What: Jazz in the Atrium. Arlington Jones Trio. Distinguished pianist, composer, and producer Arlington Jones performs his original compositions. Jones has shared the stage with legends such as David “Fathead” Newman, Red Holloway, and Frank Foster. He has been the keyboard player for Wayman Tisdale since 2001.
When: Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Dallas Museum of Art
Cost: Free with general admission
Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade
Photo Courtesy of Children's Medical Center

The Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade is a free event open to the public. Sidewalk seating is available along the Parade route. Tickets for reserved bleacher seating may be purchased online. Free 2 and under.
When: Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 10 a.m.
Where: It begins at The Adolphus, 1321 Commerce Street, Dallas, Texas 75202 and it ends at City Hall Plaza.
Parking/DART: There are multiple street and garage lots for public parking. You can also take DART to the parade. Visit the DART for more information. The parade route is only a few blocks from the Akard Station, the West End Station, Union Station and the Convention Center Station.
TV: The parade will be broadcast on WFAA-TV Channel 8.
Parade Questions: Call 214-456-8360.

 Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer
What: Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer. Experience the timeless tale of Rudolph and friends live. The beloved classic soars from the TV screen to the Casa Mañana stage in this live-action world premier. Featuring everyone's favorite characters: Hermey the Elf, Sam the Snowman, the Misfit Toys, the Abominable Snow Monster, Yukon Cornelius, Santa and Rudolph! You won't want to miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. This show is suitable for all ages.
When: November 26 - December 23
Where: Casa Mañana Theatre, 3101 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107. 817-332-2272
Tickets: Tickets from $20

 Holiday in the Park What: Holiday in the Park. Six Flags Over Texas turns into a winter wonderland each year. Enjoy spectacular seasonal shows, tasty holiday treats and an unprecedented Christmas celebration like none in North Texas. Sled down a hill made of snow and participate in crafts and sing-alongs. Don't miss the parade thirty minutes before closing.
When: November 26 - January 2, 2011
Where: Six Flags over Texas, 2201 Road To Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76010. 817-530-6000

 ICE! A Charlie Brown ChristmasWhat: Ice! is back. It's 2-million pounds of hand-carved sculptures and slides, including larger-than-life characters from A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz. Lone Star Christmas features acres of dazzling decorations, a 52-ft rotating Christmas tree, over 1.5-million twinkling lights and special activities.
SNOW! - New this year. Grab a tube and speed down an extreme eight-lane tubing hill covered in real snow!
A real life-sized Gingerbread House Electric Train Display and Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers Rudolph's Reindeer Roundup Yourself as an Elf... A Family Holiday Adventure Visits with Santa and Cookies & Milk with Mrs. Claus Breakfast with Charlie Brown Where: Gaylord Texan Resport, Grapevine, TX
When: November 12 through January 3, 2011.

 Camp Gingerbread Celebrate the holidays in sweet style at the second annual Camp Gingerbread. Bring the whole family to decorate gingerbread cookies with frosting, nuts, dried fruit, candies and sprinkles.
When: December 4-5, 2010
Where: Northpark Centre, Located on Level One near Macy's.
Cost: $10 per child. Hours on Saturday, December 4th are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, December 5th are from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Charity Event: Proceeds benefit Shared Housing, a non-profit organization that facilitates affordable housing options for those in need.


Trains at Northpark CentreWhat: Over 2500 feet of train track wind through miniature landmarks, such as Reunion Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore. More than forty locomotives pull train cars around the track to the delight of kids and adults.
When: November 20, 2010 to January 2, 2011. M-Sat 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday noon to 6 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Where: NorthPark Center
Cost: Adults: $6; Kids 3-12 and seniors: $3; free for kids two and under. Discount tickets at Tom Thumb stores. Proceeds provide almost one-third of the annual operating budget for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

North Pole Express Train Ride -Grapevine, TX
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas/NPX/index.html

Fall Fun!

I love Fall - it brings cool temps, firepit evenings with the family and lots of fun with the kick off of the holiday season. Here are a few things to do around our area this fall.  Take a look, gather your favorite date or family and get out and about and make some memories.

Dallas fall activities. Here are eight fun fall activities for residents or visitors to Dallas-Fort Worth:
State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas runs from September 26 through October 19 and features lots of family-friendly activities. Typical attendance at the State Fair of Texas is about 3 million people. Enjoy livestock competitions, excellent live music, a huge Ferris wheel, and an assortment of deep fried foods. There is even an auto show!
DFW Elite Auto Rental
Fall is a great time to rent a luxury convertible in Dallas. You can rent a Bentley GTC, Aston Martin, or classic vintage Mercedes from DFW’s premier sports car rental agency. Pamper yourself! Put the top down and take in some of this year’s best driving weather.
Great Pumpkin Festival
Running from September 20 to November 2, the Great Pumpkin Festival is part of Autumn at the Arboretum. The Dallas Arboretum grows many varieties of unusual pumpkins as well as lovely fall flowers like marigolds and chrysanthemums. Hay rides and a pumpkin house are also featured.
Taste of Arlington
This year’s Taste of Arlington will be on October 21. It’s a chance for the best restaurants of Arlington to show off their cooking. Patrons at this year’s taste can sample Arlington’s finest food, hear a little good music, and win a treasure or two in the Taste of Arlington’s charity auctions.
Alliance Air Show
A favorite for aviation fans of all ages, the show always features great demonstrations and a wide variety of vintage aircraft. This year’s air show will be on October 11 and 12. Flight simulators, balloon rides and kids activities round out the October event.
Fall Festival in the Japanese Garden
Take a visit to the Land of the Rising Sun during the fall festival in the Japanese Garden on October 25 and 26. The Japanese Garden is part of the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. The celebration will include Japanese food, music, dancing and martial arts demonstrations.
Boo at the Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo will be hosting the annual Boo at the Zoo event October 24 through 29. Bring the kids for an event that will include marionettes, live animals, pumpkin carving, and other activities for the whole family.
DFW Elite Toy Museum
For automobile enthusiasts of all ages, the DFW Elite Toy Museum is a repository of cool stuff. See vintage scale models including several by Enzo Ferrari’s favorite model maker, Michele Conti. The museum’s collection includes memorabilia, automotive-related toys, German driving school models, pedal cars, and carousel cars from the private collection of Fort Worth motivational speaker and business consultant Ron Sturgeon.

Waxachie has a few fun things to do....

A local HAUNT! Waxahachie Screams Park

10/9/2011		4th Annual Full Class Car Show - Trade Days of Waxahachie
10/9/2011		HYMNAL FESTIVAL and CHORAL CONCERT ON PRAYER

10/21/2011		Munster Mansion Charity Event, Benefiting the Ellis County SPCA
10/25/2011		RIBBON CUTTING For: CONNECT4LIFE THRIFT STORE
10/28/2011		Bye Bye Birdie
10/29/2011		Bob Phillips' Texas Country Reporter Festival
11/4/2011		Heart of Texas Arts & Crafts Show

Midlothian has a few closer to home options too...

Midlothian Church of Christ Fall Festival
Sunday, October 30th
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Completely Free!
Hayride, Games, Drinks, Hotdogs, Candy, Cakewalk
1627 North Highway 67
For More Info: 972-775-3026

7^th Annual ELLIS COUNTY BARBEQUE COOK-OFFOctober 7^th & 8^th, 2011
Registration Form
To be held at the Midlothian Civic Center located @ the corner of Main St. and 11^th.
Contact: Robert Cunningham @ (972) 824-1387 or Dennis DeWeerd @ (972) 523-7675
100% Payback plus trophies for 1st-3rd place finish

Catagories will include:Beef Brisket½ ChickenRibsJackpot Beans
Cook area will open to competitors @ 12:00 noon on Friday.
Registration and meat inspection will begin@ 4:00 P.M.

**Check back to see more activities and fun things to do as I come across them!

YUMMO!

Memorial day is over, the grill is cleaned and the leftover burgers & brawts are in the fridge. However, if you have a family like mine that doesn't actually jump for joy over the word leftover then you might want to think outside of the box for a minute and put together a few YUMMO picky family approved quick fix meals.

To begin with take your burgers, even the cheese burgers, and break them apart in a food processor and pulse away for a few minutes. Now you have handy pre-cooked meat crumbles. A host of meals comes to mind. Spaghetti, goulash, soup, beef stroganoff, etc... We took the Brawts and half of them we chopped up in the food processor very fine to add with the beef crumbles for spaghetti & Lasagna the rest we cubed for adding to red beans with rice and a pasta salad.

New family favorite from the weeks experimental recipe's. We took what equaled about 2 lbs. beef crumbles and added taco seasoning, a 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes, onion flakes and cooked until hot, add bun, shredded sharp cheddar & black bean salsa. Tada - taco burgers! My handy daughter whipped up a can of mexi corn, black beans & chopped onions to make a colorful black bean salsa to top it off. We then cooked up a batch of Sweat Potatoe fries, a cucumber salad & fruit and called it lunch!

What are some of your favorite left over ideas?

My Midlothian Texas

Midlothian has a new magazine. It's "green", user friendly and informative. It is an online magazine filled with beautiful images, local information and resources and it highlights people and places in our community. A must read if you enjoy Midlothian!

This month their are several community members featured, our own Honeysuckle Estates neighborhood graces the pages, and several yummy and easy summer recipe's.

http://www.mymidlothiantexas.com/

Salt Water Pools...

Our family has had a few pools but they were always chlorine. We've learned and become comfortable over the years with filter maitenance, filter cleaning, pool vacuuming and general water chemistry.  When we moved to Midlothian we built a new pool and went with the new trend to go with a salt water system.

Now we are learning the ins & outs of that. BIG lesson today. Midlothian and Waxahachie has a high salt & mineral content in their water.  You need to check and clean your salt cell (i.e. the chlorine maker) more often than in other areas of the Metroplex. They recommend once a month. Huh, never knew this and no one mentioned it to us. So for the past 19 months we've just let our little salt cell generator run and do it's thing. Oops! Now it is totally clogged. YUCKO, have to give it a major clean and hope we can salvage it or to the tune of about $900 we will be replacing it and have learned a whole new respect for salt water pool maitenance. So, if you have a salt cell generator on your pool and no one has told you that you should clean it monthly consider yourself now informed.  If you live in this area you should check and clean your cell on a monthly basis until you see what the exact schedule and routine for your generator will be.

How it's done:

1. Turn off your pool filter
2. loosen the connections on each side of the salt cell generator (they should be hand tight)
3. look at the end of the grid (the section closest to you)
4. spray clean with a water hose
5. If there is mineral build up and/or collection of debris then you need to do a thorough clean
6. Take a 5 gallon bucket and fill with water and put 2-3 cups of muratic acid into the water and stir with a wooden stick
7. Let sit for several minutes
8. rinse
9. repeat if necessary until grids are clean
10. replace salt cell generator to it's original position and hand tighten the connections

TaDa, your done! Hope this saves a few of you a headache or two.

Looking around outdoors...

A green living tip recently stated that automatic sprinklers are wasteful. While this may be true they are also the most effective for watering a large area, keeping a water routine that is successful for a busy family, and saving your landscape investment.

So how can we waste less water?

1. Check your system. Make sure all heads are in good working order. Adjust the heads so that minimal water is hitting pavement and walkways. 

2. Set your system. Set the timers to come on in the early morning hours. You will loose less water to evaporation and reduce leaf damage, sod rot, and plant distress due to water sitting on plants too long in the evenings.  If your system has the option to cycle, set the system to cycle 4-5 minutes then to have a 30 minute delay and then run again for 4-5 minutes.  Less time used and more effective watering. The water will have time to soak into the plant and allow for deeper watering and root coverage than watering for a long solid period of time. Adjust areas to water more often for flower beds only or hand water these areas when a little extra water is needed. Not all your outdoor areas need the same water needs so walk around and evaluate the areas that need more or less water.

3. Rain Sensor. - Most modern systems allow for a rain sensor, although many sprinkler installers seldom will install this without a specific request.  Installing a rain sensor avoids water waste because it will bypass your settings on rainy days.  What better savings than not using your system when it's not needed!

4. Let your grass grow taller. - Allowing your grass to grow an inch taller in summer during high heat times will require less water usage to maintain it.  Scalping the lawn or mowing it really short requires more water to promote growth and encourage new seed production.

5. Mulch - Add mulch to your flower beds and around young trees.  Adding peat moss and mulch will give your plants a natural cover to retain moisture and protect from extreme temperature changes. Mulch should be at least 2-3" thick. Mulch is constantly breaking down and adding to the nutrients of your plants so reapplying occassionally is necessary. 

6. Use native plants - Using native plants that are well adapted and proven to the soil and climate of your area will ensure less water usage.  Talk to local growers and nurseries to find the best options for bushes, trees, and perenials for your area that are hardy and native to our part of Texas.

These are a few ways to keep your investment of your lawn, shrubs, trees and flowers looking their best without using excessive amounts of water.

On another note:

The bugs are out & about! While bugs are necessary for plants and have their purpose in nature they can be a nuiscance around your home or while dining al fresco.

Mosquitos - Make sure to empty containers of any standing water, add window screen to your home vents and to your septic vent.  Even during the hot dry days of summer, sprinklers can pool water in buckets, low areas in your yard, etc., so check these areas a few times a week to make sure you dump out any standing water or add some sand and soil mix to level out low areas to improve water drainage. If your yard has a natural drain area and their has been extra rain fall this area may hold water for several days before finally drying out. Mosquito donuts sold at most home improvement areas will keep mosquiotos from nesting in these areas. Also make sure any pet water, bird baths, fountains or swimming pools are properly maintained. Outdoor water bowls, play poools and bird baths should have their water changed daily.  Pour the old water on plants to use the water most effectively and replace with fresh clean water.  Swimming pools and Fountains should have a pump that cycles the water and creates constant movement.  Set the timer on your pumps to run a minimum amount of time (outdoor fountains and hour, swimming pools 6-8 hours) during the mosquito season.

Flies - Pick up any animal feces on a regular basis. Keeping the lawn free of pet manure will discourage fly breeding.  Use fly traps near your outdoor patio and seating areas to control the amount of flies in those areas. When dining outdoors hang a clear plastic bag with a single copper penny around food areas and doorways.  This will naturally deter flies from those areas.

Bees & Wasp, oh my - A necessary nuiscance! Yes they keep our flowers, trees and shrubs blooming but can be a major distraction and danger when the family wants to enjoy the great outdoors.  Clear your home eves, corners and trees of nests.  Keeping the nests away from your home will keep the bees and wasp from collecting in large numbers around your personal space.  Hang wasp and bee catchers around the yard.  DO NOT hang them close to your space.  Use garden hooks or hang the catchers in trees away from your personal outdoor dining and seating areas. These traps use attractants that will draw the insects to them and then trap them but for safety you want to hang the catchers away from the area you will be relaxing in.  Also a cather is only as useful as it is maintained. Clean out your catchers weekly and replace the attractant of choice in the catcher. Or use disposable catchers and replace them when they are full. 

Grass Hoppers, Beatles, and things that crawl - use diatemaceous earth, kaolin clay, and a spray bottle filled with garlic, a few drops of dish soap & water to help control and protect bushes, and flower beds near your outdoor entertainment areas and to experience less of the things that creep and crawl when you want to have fun outdoors!


These are just a few outdoor friendly ideas. Hope they are useful to you. Please feel free to share your successful tips!

10 Reasons Your Parents Make Great Neighbors

Hope you enjoy this post by a fellow blogger. Sheryl sent me a link to her article and permission to share it with you! Thank you for sharing, Sheryl.

10 Reasons Your Parents Make Great Neighbors

Many families end up scattered across the country these days. Trying to stay connected to parents can be difficult at times. There are those, however, who have not moved far from home. They have managed to purchase or build a home next door to their parents. This type of situation can have many advantages.

1. Babysitting – With the grandparents next door, babysitters are often available at short notice and without much hassle. Having Mom or Dad watch the kids while you run to the store or even do chores around the house, can be very helpful.
2. Security – Parents are going to keep an eye on your home when you’re away. They’ll notice anything out of the ordinary faster than the average neighbor. There won’t be any teenage parties at your home while you’re out of town, if Grandpa and Grandma are watching from next door.
3. Pet sitting – No need to pay for boarding services with parents that close by. Just hand them a key and give a few instructions, and be on your way without any worries.
4. Family gatherings – No long trips for family gatherings. In addition, you can combine your yard space to accommodate larger numbers of people for summer picnics.
5. Recipe shortages – You might hesitate going to a neighbor to borrow a couple of eggs or other ingredients that you need to finish a recipe, but doing the same from your parents wouldn’t cause you any embarrassment at all.
6. Shared rides – When going to visit other relatives or driving to any other destination, you can easily share transportation by riding together, instead of driving separately.
7. No privacy fence – There should be no need for a privacy fence to be built between your two homes, assuming that your relationship with your parents is a good one.
8. No overnight visits – With your parents living right next door, you don’t have to be concerned with them coming to stay at your house for any length of time. You can be assured that they’ll come home to their own beds at the end of any visit.
9. No complaints – You shouldn’t have to worry about your parents complaining about the noise your children make or how early you mow your lawn. Parents generally will give their kids much more leeway than they would other neighbors.
10. Sharing – Having your parents next door can be a convenience for both of you. You may have tools that your dad doesn’t have, or vice versa. If one or the other needs a few extra lawn chairs, it can be easy to share those types of items with one another, without concern for their return.

As long as you get along good with your parents, they can be the best neighbors anyone could hope for. In a day and age when many families are divided by distance, this is a rare privilege.

If you click on the title of this post you will be re-directed to a web page for changeofaddress.com. I found this site useful with tips and resources for anyone who has recently moved. Hope you find it helpful too.

Earth Day!

We are hearing more and more a big push to go green. To live with less, to bring balance back to our lives and world after the past decade of excess & living in a disposable society.

OK, I'm game. Now what? Think baby steps to a bigger change in your life and the world around you.

Learning the three R's of the millennium. No, I'm not talking reading, 'riting, and 'rethmetic. The three R's for the new millennium are Reduce, Recycle, Reuse!

Take a look at your space and armed with your three R's think of ways to make simple everyday changes that you can live with.


Tips you can use now:

1. Stainless steel water bottles - ditch the plastic. You will save money and lessen the burden on landfills.

2. Electric Shavers - Using an electric shaver again saves money & reduces our landfills.

3. Reusable shopping bags - Most of us have at least one now in our closets or pantries - now we need to think ahead & take them with us!

4. Donate - Take stock of your out of date, too small or unworn clothing and donate it! Take the tax write off and give to a good cause. It's a win, win situation. Don't overlook other household items that can be put to good use by others. Toys, kitchenware, small appliances that still work but you may have updated can all be donated and reused by someone else.

5. Use washable kitchen towels - when wiping the counters and table tops use kitchen cloths - not paper towels. There will be times when you need a paper towel but with a conscious effort you can cut the use of paper towels by 50%!

6. Compost - yes, most of those table scraps can be used in your flower beds or kitchen garden instead of added to the landfill. You will save money on store bought compost and have a nutrient rich alternative for your gardens.

7. Recycle - if you don't have a recycle spot it is as easy as setting up a plastic bin or a heavy cardboard box. Let the family know what goes where - plastic, glass and/or paper.  Some companies will pick up all items together and separate after pick up. Find out what services you have in your area.

8. Light bulbs - replace your light bulbs as they burn out with compact florescent. They will last longer & use less energy!

9. Re-purpose/Re-define - No longer use that dining room - take your table and re-purpose it into a family desk or sell it and re-define the space into a family game room.  Look at your home and figure out how to get the most use out of each room so that it works for your lifestyle today.

10. Adjust - by adjusting your thermostat by 2 degrees you will save a lot of money on your energy bill. Turning a fan on when a room is in use will keep things comfortable and still give your electric bill a break.


These are a few tips we try to incorporate in our home - baby steps by each person will make a huge impact on our earth!

Sweet...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. -Philippians 4:6-7

 It is uncanny to me how a scripture will show up in my life at the most opportune time. This verse was on a friends site and the first thing I saw two mornings ago. It had been a rough day. With a move, a school year to wrap up, and a hubby working out of town life is a BIG juggle. 

 Fortunately I have wonderful extended family support, great friends, and supportive and fun neighbors that keep me going and help our little family run smoother.  But, even with all that there are days that life and a little bit of the devil get to you and throw a cog in the wheel.  

Just at that moment when it would be easy to feel glum I have a friend that is good enough to remind me I have even more support than just friends and family.  I have an AWESOME God! Who takes care of those small little issues of life.  He will even carry us when the load seems much too heavy for our own human arms to carry. He sends us support in the form of friends, family, a nice note, a fun joke, a dinner at the table with your children, or a solution to a problem.  

This scripture reminds us that we need to communicate with our Father and make him aware of our needs and desires. He will listen and he will answer in his own perfect timing. 

 

Spring is a time for new beginnings!

I just planted a veggie garden for spring! Can't wait to see those little signs of growth pushing through the ground.  It's a reminder that God provides and starts a new.

Our family is so excited about our new adventure.  Our home is under contract, another neighbors has sold & closes in days, and interest is picking up everywhere.  This is a huge blessing for our little neighborhood. Our neighborhood is filled with corporate families and corporations are in the habit of transferring their valued employees to new areas.

Leaving Texas will be bitter sweet because it has been home my entire life and I will enjoy coming to visit & spend time with families and friends.  Now we have a new door opened and God has cleared every obstacle and we will soon be embracing a fun new place to live!!

Remember to enjoy this time of year. Look for those chances to fill your life with good and to enrich your yard, home and relationships around you. If you've been holding on to anger and hate now is a great time to let it go. Your life can not grow and move forward until you are willing to remove the negativity in your world.  What you plant now will grow and prosper in the future. :)

~Teresa 

Fun for Spring!

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Spring! Everything is warming up, the grass is turning green and the flowers are blooming. What a great time of year. It's exciting to see the changes and the warmer weather beckons you to come out doors. 

This spring you can enjoy several fun activities right here in our community...

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2011, 9AM - 4PM

GET READY FOR LIFESTYLES HOME & FAMILY EXPO Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 9 am to 4 pm located at the Waxahachie Civic Center at Highway 287 and I-35E.

ELLIS COUNTY'S LARGEST EXPO OF ITS KIND is serving up over 60,000 square feet of entertainment, shopping, and fun for the whole family!

OVER 130 RETAIL EXHIBITORS booths will be featured at LifeStyles, offering a unique getaway for people from all walks of life!  Expect autos, jewelry, clothes, home improvement, door prizes, kids activities, and more!

"A TASTE OF WAXAHACHIE" will feature an entire room dedicated to serving up delicious samples from local restaurants including a special Texas Wine & Cheese Tasting.

Spring Art Show & Sale, Date 4/9/2011 @ 5:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

Please join the Ellis County Republican Women for their Spring Art Show & Sale.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Date 4/9/2011 TO 5/30/2011, @ 10:00 AM TO 7:00 PM

Scarborough Renaissance Festival  

KIDS FISHING DERBY, Date: 4/9/2011

The Midlothian Parks and Recreation Department will be holding a free Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 9, 2011 for 4 to 15 year old's at the site of Midlothian's future Community Park

Easter Egg Hunt, Midlothian Date: 4/16/2011 @ 10:00 a.m.

Midlothian DBA is hosting the annual Easter Egg hunt at Kimmel Park, ages 1 month to 10 yrs. for more information click the link below.

Midlothian Downtown Easter Egg Hunt 

Texas Theater presents Classic Rock Revival-2 bands, Date 4/16/2011,@ 7:00 PM TO 10:30 PM

Tax Man is a Beatles Tribute and Bird Dawg is Classic 70's rock. $5 cover charge

Dallas Arboretum Concerts Date: beginning 4/19/2011 @ 7:30 p.m.

Concerts in the Garden 

Spring Fling, Midlothian, Date: 4/30/2011, @ 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce at Heritage Park (8th St.) for this years Spring Fling! 

Gingerbread Classic, June 3, 2011 @ 1:00

The 2011 Gingerbread Classic will be held Friday, June 3 at the Waxahachie Country Club.

Check back soon for more fun & local activities!

Spring is in the air!

I just love those first signs of winter fading & spring coming. What you can do around your home right now:

1. Cut back your roses and give them a sprinkle of rose food & blood meal.  They will reward you with happy healthy blooms in the weeks to come.

2. Keep a sharp eye for those pesky new weeds in your flower beds.  Pluck them quickly before they can spread seeds. Weeds are a gardens biggest struggle but getting a jump start on the battle will help provide a beautiful and easy to maintain spring & summer garden.

3. Check your sprinkler system.  Making adjustments to schedules, repairs and testing the heads for any blockage will get your system off to a good start and keep your lawns & gardens evenly watered.

4. Repair, replace, or add outdoor lighting.  What a great time to replace those burned out bulbs, replace broken fixtures or add some new lighting to make your outdoor space more enjoyable.  The coming weeks will provide a perfect backdrop for outdoor living.

5. Take advantage of the rain.  Watch the weather schedule and take advantage of Mother Nature's water and turn your sprinklers off & set out your house plants to enjoy the fresh air & get a deep watering.

6. Set out new plants.  In Texas we have a chance of a late freeze until early April.  However, it's a great time to set out bushes, trees, and any mature plants.  Just watch for any freeze warnings to cover the plants for the evening.  The spring rains & cooler temperature's will allow the plants to take root and adjust to their new environment before the summer heat sets in.

7. Clean & tidy.  Give your outside windows a good wash.  Power wash your decks and walkways. Check your outdoor furniture for any needed repairs, rust removal or needs for fresh paint. If you have a pool now is the time to start giving it a good brush down and lengthening the cleaning schedule.  Check your chemical balance & make any necessary adjustments. Give all the pool towels a fresh wash and set them in a closed weather proof container for easy access.  Adding a small box of baking soda & a bag of damp rid will keep them ready to use!  Getting a jump start on a fresh clean start will reward you on those impromptu get together's on the patio.

8. Prepare the vegetable garden.  Now is a great time to turn the vegetable garden, add compost, clear any weeds, and prepare the beds for lettuce, herbs & squash.  Great cool weather plants to get your outdoor kitchen garden started!

9. Take inventory.  Check your outdoor toys.  Get rid of any broken or damaged toys and make a list of what your family might need to keep this spring & summer's outdoor time active & fun.  Remember to plan storage for your outdoor toys.  Having clutter and debris spread all over your yard isn't comfortable or enjoyable for anyone.  Your outdoor space should be a reflection and extension of your home.

10. Add a soft touch.  Having a few throw pillows, natural fabric throws or small blankets, will add comfort and personality to your outdoor living area.