Planning your first Thanksgiving in your new Marvida home can be exciting and slightly overwhelming. You want to establish traditions and create lasting memories. Here are some tips for hosting your first Thanksgiving meal:
Create a Guest List
Make a list of everyone you plan to invite. This will ensure that you have enough seats for everyone and help you with menu planning and grocery shopping. Consider sending out evites. That way you know who is coming and there will be fewer last-minute surprises.
Plan Your Menu (But Don’t Stress)
Planning your meal will help decrease holiday stress. You can see which items can be made ahead of time and which ones can be purchased. If you are thinking of purchasing an entire prepared meal, order now. If anyone asks what they can bring, tell them. People love sharing their special recipes and it’s one less dish you will have to cook.
Don’t Try Complicated Recipes
You want your meal to be special so it’s tempting to try one of those complicated recipes found in glossy food magazines. Don’t. Keep things simple so you can spend more time with your guests.
Make a Shopping List
Once you’ve decided on a menu, create a grocery list. Divide it into perishables and non-perishables. You can buy non-perishables a week in advance. Don’t purchase your perishables until a few days before the feast. Purchase your turkey early
Buy the Turkey
When buying your turkey, plan on three-quarters to a pound of turkey per person. A frozen turkey must be thawed thoroughly. Most chefs recommend one day of thawing for every four pounds of turkey.
Take Inventory
Make sure you have everything you need to prepare Thanksgiving dinner including a roasting pan large enough for your turkey, serving dishes, plates and silverware. Purchase anything you need now.
Prepare for Overnight Guests
Tidy the house and prepare the guest room if you will have guests staying overnight. Make sure you have clean towels in the bathroom and clean sheets on the bed. For fun, set up a small coffee or tea station in the room. Fresh flowers on the dresser or chocolates on the pillow give guests the feel of staying at a bed and breakfast.
The Day Before
The night before Turkey Day, double check your ingredients to make sure you have everything. Clean your kitchen. If you bought a home in Marvida, you probably have plenty of counterspace, but lay out non-perishables ahead of time to make sure you have enough prep space. If children will be attending, put away any precious items. Clear your hall closet to make room for guests’ coats. Set your table the night before so you have one less thing to worry about the day of.
Turkey Day!
Wake up early. Everything takes longer than you think it will, so you want to build in some extra time. Have a checklist ready. It should tell you what time to put items in the oven and how long they need to cook. If guests have offered to help, accept that help and write down what you want them to do. Kids need to be entertained, so set up lawn and board games. If you have a game room, prepare it for kids with comfortable chairs, a gaming console and a quiet corner where kids can decompress.
Have Fun
Thanksgiving is about being grateful and spending time with family and friends. Don’t stress if something goes wrong. Rather than getting upset, laugh and use it as a learning experience for next year.
Halloween is coming soon, what are your plans? How about taking the family to one of these family-friendly events near Marvida? From trunk-or-treats to haunted houses, there’s plenty to do. Here are our favorites. Don’t forget that Marvida is less than 30 minutes from Houston, making it easy to attend spectacular Halloween events held in the city.
Good Shepard Pumpkin Patch
10 a.m.-dusk daily, through Oct. 31
Free
Pick a pumpkin any day or plan to attend a Family Fun Day on Oct. 29 featuring face painting, pumpkin decorating, pet adoption, photo opportunities, hayride, concert and trunk-or-treat.
Cypress Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch
10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, through Oct. 31
Free
Come out for the pumpkins and take home some delicious pumpkin bread. Activities include crafts, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, movie nights and more.
Halloween Spook-tacular
1-3 p.m. Sat., Oct. 28
Free
Celebrate the spooky season with crafts, balloon art, face painting, costume contest, monster dance party, giveaways and more. Costumes encouraged.
Haunted Trails
Days and times vary, through Oct. 31
$30 general admission
Cypress’ favorite haunted experience is back with more scares, thrills and chills than ever before. Traverse the haunted trail if you dare!
Halloween at the BOO!seum at Children’s Museum Houston
10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, through Oct. 31
$17
The Children’s Museum of Houston will celebrate the spooky season all month long with special activities and events, including dance parties, trick-or-treating, crafts, magic shows and more.
Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo
9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, through Oct. 31
$24.95-$34.95
Houston’s favorite family-friendly Halloween event is back with a jack-o’-lantern tree, animal-themed peek-a-boo pumpkins, Happy Harvest photo opportunities, pumpkin arch, fall-themed animal activities, scary-go-round and much more.
Don’t let the Texas summer heat fool you. Texas winters can be brutal. Winter storms can disrupt power lines and extreme cold can freeze pipes. Here are some things you can do to ensure your home is warm, safe and protected.
Insulate Your Pipes
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and consider installing frost-proof outdoor faucets. Make sure you know where your main water valve is located so you can cut off your water in case of an emergency.
Check the HVAC System
The first and foremost concern during winter is staying warm. Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system well before winter hits. This will help identify any issues and ensure your furnace or heating system is in good working order. Replace air filters, clean vents and consider installing a smart thermostat for better energy efficiency.
Check Your Door Locks
It may seem silly to prepare your door locks for winter, but they can freeze. Spray a little powdered graphite lubricant into each door then turn the key in the lock. The powder lubricates the pins inside the lock to prevent sticking. You only need to do it once per season.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Hot air rises so reversing the direction of fans will create an updraft, which, in turn, will push down any heated air pressed against your room’s ceiling. By circulating warm air, you’ll use heat more efficiently, which could cut energy costs.
Give Trees a Trim
Inspect the trees on your property for overhanging branches that could break and damage your home during a winter storm. Prune or remove them to prevent accidents.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test and replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Consider installing additional detectors, if necessary, especially in bedrooms and near heating sources.
Clean Out Gutters
Gutters collect debris. If you don’t clean them out, that debris can freeze into a big, icy mass. The mass can then damage your roof. Get a ladder and scoop it out before the first storm arrives.
Check the Roof
If you just moved into a new Marvida home, your roof is in good shape, but it never hurts to look anyway — especially after the first winter storm. Look for damaged or missing shingles that may leak during winter’s storms.
Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Drain your sprinkler system so the water doesn’t freeze in it. You can also pay someone to do a sprinkler system blowout. A blowout uses high-pressure air to force water out of the pipes, eliminating the problem of water sitting in low spots.
Check Your Home Insurance Coverage
Review your coverage to make sure there are no surprises. Confirm how your policy would cover potential winter damage. If you aren’t sure something will be covered by your existing carrier, shop around.
Purchase a Home in Marvida
Purchasing a new home in Marvida can make your winter prep chores easier. New homes are better insulated and better protected against all types of weather. Plus, everything is under warranty. Visit us today.
Mommy and Me group playdates are a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to create lasting memories. You can host a gathering at your home, a local park, pizza parlor or just about anywhere (Marvida residents are partial to our new Island Amenity Village). Once you’ve picked the place, it’s time to pick some activities. Stumped? Here are five creative ideas everyone will love.
Art and Craft Extravaganza
Kids love to paint, color, draw and sculpt, so why not set up an art station in your backyard? Invite parents to provide art supplies to share. Make sure you have plenty of paper. Choose a theme such as favorite animals or superheroes. Then turn the kids loose. Parents can help or just watch and share parenting tips.
Pool Party
Grab some floaties and meet up at the pool. The Island has a pool, lazy river, splash pad and water playground — perfect for tots and their parents. Pack snacks or a picnic lunch. If pool toys are allowed, be sure to bring some. For extra fun, bring bucket hats or sun visors kids can decorate.
Yoga and Mindfulness Session
Even tiny tots will enjoy a yoga session (child’s pose will probably be a favorite). Arrange to meet at your community’s event lawn if you have one or a quiet park. Find a shady, quiet area. Arrange to have an instructor available or just follow along with a child-friendly YouTube video. Make it playful and accessible for all ages.
Cooking and Baking Party
Your new Marvida home probably has a gorgeous kitchen. Why not invite your group over to play in it? Choose a child-friendly recipe like homemade pizzas, cookies or fruit kabobs. Allow the kids to participate in age-appropriate tasks like rolling dough, decorating cookies or assembling their pizzas. While the treats bake, moms can have quality bonding time and enjoy the delicious results.
Outdoor Picnic and Nature Scavenger Hunt
Choose a park or nature reserve for your playdate location. Invite moms to bring a picnic lunch to share. With help, even toddlers can engage with a scavenger hunt. Create a list of items like leaves, rocks and pinecones for them to find. Provide small baskets for collecting treasures. Parents can walk along with the kids pointing out items or just letting the kids fill their baskets with anything they fall in love with.
Visit Marvida and The Island Today
Marvida is a great place for families to live and play. You are sure to meet plenty of parents with young children. Visit us today to tour our model homes and The Island Amenity Village. Then start planning your Mommy and Me playdates!
A new homeowner’s gardening work is never done. While each season brings its own set of gardening tasks, fall is a critical time for preparing your garden for winter and ensuring a vibrant spring. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
Say Goodbye to Summer
Remove dead plants, fallen leaves and any other debris that may have accumulated during the summer months. This not only tidies up your garden but also prevents potential pest and disease issues.
Time to Trim
Don’t leave inspecting your trees and shrubs until after the first big storm. Look for dead or diseased branches. Prune trees and shrubs back to encourage healthy growth in the spring. Trim back any overgrown hedges and bushes to maintain a neat appearance.
Get Out Those Bulbs
Want to wake up to beautiful spring flowers such as daffodils, tulips and crocuses? Plant bulbs now. September or October is the best time to plant.
If You Love Perennials
Perennials have a long growing season, but even they need to rest in the winter. If your flower bed is overcrowded, now is the time to consider dividing perennials. This not only rejuvenates the plants but also gives you the opportunity to expand your garden or share with friends and neighbors.
Let’s Talk Mulch
Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, conserves moisture and reduces weed growth. apply a layer to plant beds to protect bulbs, seeds and winter plants.
Lawn Lessons
Give your lawn some attention by aerating, fertilizing and overseeding. Fall is the optimal time for grass seed to establish itself, resulting in a lush lawn come spring.
Stow Your Tools
You won’t need your gardening tools much in the winter, but that doesn’t mean forgetting about them. Clean and properly store them. This includes sharpening blades, oiling metal parts to prevent rust and storing tools in a dry, sheltered area.
Plan for Spring
Use the fall season as an opportunity to plan for your spring garden. Research new plants, create a garden layout, and make a list of any supplies or tools you’ll need.
August is National Family Fun Month, a time for families to come together, create lasting memories and celebrate the bonds that make families truly special. It’s also a great time to get out and enjoy the many attractions found near Marvida. Here are a few of our favorite places to play:
Spend Time Outdoors
Immerse your family in nature with a trip to this beautiful, 58-acre nature preserve featuring 57 acres of interactive trails for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and more.
Picnic in Cypress Park, an expansive 165-acre area boasting picnic tables, barbeque grills, restrooms, water fountains and shade structures as well as a playground, exercise stations, paved walkways and a pond for catch-and-release fishing.
A favorite with hikers and cyclists, this 100-acre preserve also offers opportunities to sneak a peek at local critters.
Do a Little Shopping
There’s no better place to get in a little back-to-school shopping than this expansive ode to discounter designer duds. Shop 145 designer and name-brand outlet stores, including Burberry, Nike, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch and Versace.
Shops, restaurants, services and even a farmers market can all be found lakeside. Attend one of the many events or just have fun window shopping.
Catch a Show
The Berry Center is a great place to catch a concert or theatrical performance. You can also cheer on your favorite team in the arena or on the field.
Why settle for popcorn when you can watch the latest blockbuster while dining in style. The theater boasts an extensive menu and a full-service bar with a wide selection of beer, wine and spirits.
Fun and Games
Known as one of the finest fields in the United States, this is the perfect place for families to enjoy a little friendly competition.
Create creative colorful memories you can hang on your wall! All tools are supplied.
One of Texas’ best public golf courses offers two 18-hole courses that can accommodate beginner to professional-level golfers. Finish the day with a meal at Ropers Grill.
Little Beakers Science Lab for Kids
Kids go nuts for this scaled-to-their-size science lab. There are more than 30 experiments to pick from in the Open Lab, which is geared toward the young and the young-at-heart.
Families can bounce off the walls at this indoor trampoline park. There’s also a zip line, foam zone, ropes course, arcade, water zone and more.
Families can play together at this unique indoor playground where parents can race kids down the slides, toddlers have their own zone and the food is mostly healthy. Security cameras monitoring all corners of the playground allow parents to keep an eye on their kids.
Dine Together
Enjoy your burger while the kids burn off some energy on the huge playground featuring sand pits, climbable oversized tires, slides and more.
Parents will love the craft beer and southern comfort food. The kids will love the playground with two play structures, a sand pit and room to run.
Food trucks, beer, playgrounds and fun. What’s not to love about this family-friendly venue?
Safety and security devices are at the top of every homeowner’s to-do list. You may not need them, but it’s nice to know they are there. If this is your first home, you may be overwhelmed by the many options available to you.
Fortunately, every Marvida resident also has access to a home security monitoring service and our builders offer smart home packages full of security features. Guess your to-do list just got shorter. Take a look at these common smart home devices:
Home Automation Systems
Home automation systems tie your devices together and allow you to control them via a centralized hub or smartphone. Marvida homes feature a Honeywell Tuxedo System touchpad that acts as both a home automation controller and interface. Use it to schedule lights to make it look like someone is at home and check who is at the door before you open it.
All-in-One Security Systems
Marvida homes are pre-wired for home security systems. These all-in-one packages usually include high-definition cameras, motion detectors and door/window sensors. You can monitor your home remotely or go with a service that offers professional monitoring, alerting the authorities in case of a break-in.
Video Doorbells
Equipped with a built-in camera and two-way audio, video doorbells allow you to see and usually speak with anyone at your front door — whether you are home or not. That way, you know who is at the door and can keep an eye on deliveries.
Smart Locks
Who needs a key when you have a smart lock? These devices use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a mobile app to control access to your home. You can lock or unlock your doors remotely, assign temporary access codes to guests or service providers and receive notifications whenever someone enters or exits your home.
Wi-fi Cameras
Wi-fi cameras are good for monitoring the interior and exterior of your home. Most are equipped with night vision so you can check on your front or backyard even in low-light conditions.
Water Leak Sensors
Sometimes pipe spring a leak. Unfortunately, you might not notice it until your floor has an inch or two of water on it. Prevent water damage by installing sensors near sinks and appliances. When a leak is detected, these sensors send immediate alerts to your smartphone, giving you the opportunity to act swiftly.
Smart Smoke Detectors
Take safety to the next level with smart versions of traditional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices send real-time alerts to your smartphone in case of smoke or carbon monoxide detection, even when you’re not home. Some models can even differentiate between types of smoke, reducing false alarms.
Visit Us to Learn More
Want to know more about our builders’ safety and security features? Stop by our model homes and speak with sales representatives today.
Your first home is an opportunity to express yourself, and what better way to do that than art? Hanging and styling artwork can create a visual masterpiece that reflects your personality and style. Of course, if you’ve only rented, you may not have had the opportunity to hang anything on your walls. How do you go about it? Here are some ideas to bring your walls to life.
Gather Supplies
The most amazing piece of art in the world will look terrible if not hung properly. To get started, you need a hammer, tape measure, nails in various sizes, wall-plug anchors, screws that fit them and a screwdriver. If you are hanging pictures on glass or tile, choose low-profile adhesive hooks. If you are hanging art on brick, use brick clamps.
How High?
Galleries and museums typically hang their art pieces approximately 57 inches above the ground. That’s the average eye level for most people. Start by marking the height with a pencil, then measure to find the middle of the wall from end to end and mark where the two points meet. That’s where you should center your piece. Measure the distance between the middle of the piece, and where it will catch the nail. Measure that difference from your mid-point mark on the wall — that’s where the nail goes. Mark that spot.
Hang It Up
How you hang a piece depends on how heavy it is. Light pieces need small nails. Heavier pieces need larger nails or wall-plug anchors and screws.
Choose Your Pieces
Now that you know how to hang a picture, it’s time to get creative. Consider the style and theme of your space, the size and shape of the walls and the overall color palette. Think about the purpose of the room and the mood you want to create. Choose pieces that resonate with you and reflect your personal taste. Consider a mix of different mediums, such as paintings, photographs and prints to add depth and variety.
Identify Focal Points
Where do you want to draw the eye? Hang your most prominent artwork or a collection of pieces in this area to create a visually captivating focal point. The eye will naturally be drawn to this area, setting the stage for the rest of your artwork arrangements.
Balance and Symmetry
Strive for a cohesive look. You can do this by creating a grid-like pattern, aligning the center of each piece at the same height or using symmetrical arrangements. This sort of styling works well in formal living and dining rooms or studies.
Scale and Proportions
Your art should harmonize with your furniture and the size of the room. You don’t want to put a small portrait in a large room. It will get lost. A large painting in a small area will make the room feel cramped.
Have Fun, Be Eclectic
Informal areas such as family rooms, kitchens and game rooms may benefit from more eclectic groupings. Choose pieces of different sizes and shapes. Experiment with overlapping frames or creating clusters that vary in heights and orientations.
Light It Up
Proper lighting is crucial in highlighting the beauty of your artwork. Install adjustable track lighting or picture lights to focus attention on specific pieces. Experiment with different lighting angles and intensities to create dramatic effects and accentuate the textures and colors of your artwork.
Visit Marvida Model Homes
A great way to get inspiration for styling your artwork is to visit model homes in Marvida. The homes are professionally decorated which means designers have chosen artwork that complements each room. If you really like the rooms, speak with a sales counselor about making your home in Marvida today.
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade your current living situation, choosing a new home community like Marvida confers advantages you often don’t get when moving to an older neighborhood. Here are five key benefits that come with moving to a new home community:
Make Your Home Your Own
Moving to a new home community gets you just that — a new home. Marvida builders can help you craft a home that is uniquely yours. You choose the floor plan, interior, options and upgrades that best meet your family’s needs. Everything from the appliances to the plumbing is new and under warranty. That means no weekend DIY projects and more money in your pocket. Our builders also use the latest technology to ensure your home is energy-efficient, saving you money on heating and cooling bills.
State-of-the-Art Amenities
New home communities are usually designed with state-of-the-art facilities, such as parks, playgrounds, fitness centers, swimming pools and recreation complexes. Marvida gives you access to an incredible range of amenities that you can access the day you move in. That’s because you can use the amenities at our sister communities Miramesa, Bridge Creek and Canyon Lakes West. You also have access to an exclusive technology package, including smart home features and a built-in security system.
Tight-Knit Community and Social Opportunities
Many new communities foster a sense of belonging through organized events, clubs and social gatherings. Whether it’s neighborhood parties, book clubs or sports leagues, these activities provide a platform for meeting new people and building lasting relationships. Additionally, new communities often attract like-minded individuals and families, creating an environment where you can find people who share similar interests and values.
Access to Quality Education
Access to good schools, libraries and extracurricular activities can greatly enhance the educational experience for children, contributing to their overall development. Marvida is zoned to excellent schools in the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. Niche ranks it among the top 50 best school districts in Texas. The district also boasts a 93 percent graduation rate with high school students performing above average on AP, SAT and ACT tests.
Your Home Will Appreciate in Value
Investing in a new home community can be a wise financial decision. Over time, these communities tend to experience property value appreciation. As the community develops and gains popularity, the demand for housing in the area rises, leading to an increase in property values. This appreciation can provide you with equity, making it a potentially lucrative investment for the future.
Make the Move to Marvida
Experience the benefits of moving to a new home community yourself. Stop by our beautiful model homes and tour our community. You’ll see that Marvida is the best choice for your family.
One of the first things many new homeowners look forward to is hosting a backyard barbecue. It’s a great way to break the ice with your new neighbors and create some lasting memories. Here are some tips for crafting a fun and memorable event to celebrate moving to Marvida.
Send Out the Invites
Set a date for your barbecue and invite the neighbors. You don’t have to send out anything formal. Just knock on the door and ask them to come over. If you prefer something a little less casual, you can print and distribute flyers. Encourage potential guests to bring their friends so you have a chance to meet more people in the community.
Prepare Your Party Space
How prepared are you to host? Do you have patio furniture? A grill? If you don’t, it’s a good idea to make a few purchases before the big date. If your budget doesn’t cover new furniture, check into renting tables and chairs. If you purchased a home in Marvida and opted for a built-in grill, you are set. Otherwise, purchase or borrow a grill if you don’t have one.
Plan Your Menu
The centerpiece of your barbecue is the main course. Choose fare that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Burgers and hot dogs are always a favorite. Brisket can feed a crowd and is usually a hit. Encourage guests to bring their favorite side dishes, salads, desserts or beverages to create a potluck-style event. It’s a great way to get to know people. Don’t forget to offer vegetarian or vegan options to accommodate different dietary needs.
Make It Festive
You don’t have to have a themed barbecue (although it’s a lot of fun) but you should make your backyard festive. String lights and have your favorite playlist ready to go. If many of you are new to the neighborhood, plan some icebreaker games. Games such as cornhole, horseshoes and volleyball are good ways to help people get to know each other. Be sure to have children’s games and crafts available to help them make friends.
Be a Good Host
It’s important to meet and greet all the guests. When you are introducing neighbors to each other, try to throw in an interesting tidbit they have in common as a conversation starter. Be sure everyone has enough to eat and drink. Ask questions. This is your community now, so you want to foster relationships.
Follow Up
Follow up the barbecue with a thank you via text, email or a note. If everyone seemed to have a great time, suggest a rotating potluck party with each neighbor taking a turn hosting. Alternatively, suggest everyone come back to your place for the next holiday.
Move to Marvida
Marvida is a friendly place. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, beating the heat at the pool, letting your pooch run free at the dog park or participating in one of our excellent community events, you are sure to connect with your neighbors and make friendships that last a lifetime.
