Blog entries tagged tips

Be the Hostess with the Most-ess this Summer

Melissa Burnham — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:17:11 +0100

Create an atmosphere of calm relaxation for your arriving guests. Just follow these simple tips and add a few inexpensive accessories to your guest space to guarantee that your visitors will leave with a cozy lasting impression. Let us warn you though - it may not be easy to get them to go home!

Punch up the guest bath with colorful hand towels and light a soothing candle (such as Archipelago LAV-ande) to create a relaxing spa-like experience that is sure to help them unwind.
Continue the sweet-dreams theme by placing Cambria Cove’s lavender sachets on top of the guest room pillows for a restful night’s sleep.
Make sure your guests are well read by providing a selection of classic and current books on their bedside table. Some travelers find it hard to drift off to sleep after a long day on the road or after an energetic day of catching up with friends or family. Reading is the perfect down time.

When your guests finally head home, collect up the “fancies” that you placed out and store them in airtight containers that can easily be slipped under the guest bed or in the closet so that they are fresh and ready the next time you need them. Summertime often encourages impromptu travel, so stay prepared!

Conroe Fire Department Announces July 4th Safety Guidelines

daphne — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100

With July 4th celebrations approaching, the City of Conroe Fire Department has issued a reminder to residents planning to include fireworks: Misuse can quickly turn disastrous! Their bulletin states that “injury and fire can occur suddenly when using fireworks improperly and without proper supervision. Therefore, please remember this simple rule when dealing with fireworks within the city limits. They are not allowed with only one exception.”

Permissible under Texas law are items called:

"Novelties and Sparklers", which include "snakes" and "glow worms", smoked devices, trick noisemakers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers or drop pops and wire sparkers as well as other sparkling devices which emit showers of sparks and at times a whistling or crackling effect when burning.

BY STATE LAW - NONE OF THESE NOVELTIES, SPARKLERS AND SPARKLER DEVICES IS TO BE SOLD TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 16.

VIOLATION OF THE FIREWORKS LAW IS A CITABLE OFFENSE.

The city goes on to state that “violators of the city ordinance restricting fireworks within the City of Conroe could receive a fine of up to $500.00 per offense and the confiscation of the fireworks. The Conroe Fire Marshal and Deputies will be out patrolling the streets of Conroe looking for violators during the holiday.”

So plan to be safe and enjoy the holiday, just leave the fireworks to the pros!

FACT: Sparklers burn at a temperature of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and 45 percent of all fireworks related injuries occur to children under the age of 14.

A World Away, Close to Home

Greg Rivera — Tue, 18 May 2010 02:51:11 +0100

Looking for a way to save a little money this summer, but still take an unforgettable family vacation? Look no further that La Torretta Resort and Spa. Built around a vision of the ultimate European lakeside retreat, this lush retreat is right here in Conroe and packed with family friendly activities from a championship golf course for the pros to a miniature golf course for the kids. You won’t be sorry you saved the airfare!

This four-star Texas resort is situated on the beautiful Lake Conroe and according to guests, “strikes the perfect balance between international finery and relaxed ease. Spa Terre offers relaxing services for guests weary from the fast paced jobs. And, their acclaimed restaurant Chex Roux offers delectable cuisine after a long day on the course.

With water galore, guest can enjoy the Lake Conroe via boat rentals, or jet skis or take a refreshing dip family style at The Aqua Parks Splash Scape or at the upper adult pool with an infinity edge that cascades down into a 6400 sq. ft. Mediterranean pool. Did I mention the offer summer club and sitting services filled with fun activities for the littlest guests?

No matter what your age or desired activity level, This Texas resort offers some of the best way to beat the blistering summer heat, Texas style! Visit their website at www.latorrettalakeresort.com/ for more information and to make your reservations.

Spring Forward for Daylight Saving Time: March 14

Greg Rivera — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:18:32 +0100

Each Spring, we move our clocks forward by one hour during the night in order to capture the convenience that extra light brings during the Spring and Summer seasons. Friendswood Development Company is reminding Graystone Hills residents to remember to do just that at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 14.

Daylight Saving Time actually affects you in more ways than simply confusing your schedule. By making the adjustment, we are allowing ourselves to use less energy in lighting out homes. This energy-saving orientation was the original intent of the U.S. when Daylight Saving Time was instituted during World War I and later when the length of Daylight Saving Time was standardized in 1966.

Due to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005, Daylight Saving Time is now four weeks longer by extending the time change from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November. Our new routine was established with intent to save 10,000 barrels of oil each day by reducing power used by businesses.

Friendswood Development Company hopes feeling greener eases the pain of losing an hour this weekend and that all our visitors, Realtors, and community residents enjoy the warmer Houston weather ahead!

Important Notice: Freeze Precautions

Greg Rivera — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0100

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.

Tips for Homeowners as Winter Weather Approaches

Greg Rivera — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:00:56 +0100

The Holidays are in full swing and so is winter; this past weekend’s freeze is likely not the last for Montgomery County this season.

With the winter weather blowing into town homeowners have questions and concerns about how to protect their home. Here are a few things that you can do in a little time now that will save you big in the long run.

Wrap or cover exposed pipes, faucets and water connections – including sprinkler systems
Be sure to turn off your sprinkler system during a hard freeze
If temperatures drop below freezing for an extended time you will also want to wrap or cover pipes in your attic
For appliances in unheated garages experts recommend that you not use them for 10 hours after temperatures have risen above freezing

As Chuck Ebert of Chuck’s Home Repairs shared, “Exposed water pipes and connections are the biggest concern. When water freezes in a pipe, it can burst and cause a lot of damage.”

The other biggest concern usually has to do with outside plants and shrubs. While a brief freeze like the one expected the first weekend in December is good for some plants, signaling them to go dormant for the coming winter, it is not a good thing for some plants that Texas’ warm weather can support. For the warm weather plants you can take the following precautions:

Pick fruit from citrus trees before the freeze
Make sure your plants are well watered before the cold weather blows in
Exotic and tropical plants, which are more susceptible to freezing, should be protected by covering or brought indoors

For tips and ideas on what to use to cover your plants please visit: http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/shelter-plants-from-winters-worst.aspx

Remember, a little work now can save you big in the long run.

Source: www.hcnonline.com/conroe_courier