Halloween is coming soon but not everyone wants to take part in the time-honored tradition of tricking and treating. If that’s your family, why not indulge in some fun activities at home? What type of activities? We’ve listed a few:
Create a Haunted Haven
Welcome trick-or-treaters to your home with spooky decorations. Bring out the carboard, foam, fabric and paint and get the kids to help make some blood-curdling decorations. Start with the front porch and lawn, then spook up the house with cobwebs, carved pumpkins, string lights and LED candles.
Host a Terror-ific Halloween Party
Choose a theme, invite some friends and have a “howling” good time. “Classic Horror” or “Favorite Movie Characters” are fun themes but if you have young children “The Nightmare Before Christmas” or other children’s spooky movies could provide inspiration. Be sure to provide lots of spooky treats and be sure to hold a costume contest with prizes for categories like “Most Creative,” “Scariest” and “Best Couple Costume.”
Do the Monster Mash
You don’t have to have an official Halloween party. Put on some music and do the monster mash with the family. Curate a playlist that includes Halloween classics like “. Thriller” by Michael Jackson, “Ghostbusters,” and other spooky tunes. Playing sound effects like creaking doors and howling winds can also enhance the experience.
Tell Spooky Stories
Turn down the lights and tell some spooky stories. Challenge family members to come up with creative tales or read from spooky books. Some tales to look into are “A Spoonful of Frogs,” “Gilbert the Ghost,” “The Best Halloween Ever” and “Ophie’s Ghosts.”
Halloween Movie Marathon
Pop some popcorn and host a Halloween Movie Marathon. Decorate the media room or hang a sheet and enjoy the outdoors. Choose classic spooky movies like Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice or The Addams Family. More kid-friendly movies might include “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” and “Harry Potter.”
Make ‘Eerie-sistible’ Treats
It isn’t Halloween without eerie-sistible treats. Kids can help make and decorate ghost-shaped cookies, pumpkin cupcakes and “witches’ brew” punch. If you want some healthier treats try fruit skewers shaped like monsters or veggie platters arranged to look like creepy creatures.
Get Crafty
Set up areas where kids can get crafty using paper, glue and other craft supplies. If kids want to decorate pumpkins but you’d rather not give them carving knives, provide paints and stickers for them to decorate their pumpkins safely.
Capture the Memories
Take photos of costumes, decorations and activities throughout the day. You can create a scrapbook afterward as a fun way to remember the festivities.
Celebrate Halloween at Balmoral
No matter how you like to celebrate Halloween, consider doing it next year in your new Balmoral home. Our community is family-friendly with plenty for kids to do on the spookiest night of the year. Visit us today.
Looking for a great place to call home? We recommend Humble. A blend of small-town charm and urban convenience, Humble (pronounced Umble, the “H” is silent) offers residents many advantages, including the opportunity to live in Balmoral. Here are five more reasons to call Humble home:
Houston Is Just a Short Drive Away
One of the standout features of Humble is its close proximity to Houston. The town is less than 30 minutes away allowing easy access to employment centers and Houston’s vibrant cultural scene, diverse dining options, museums, stadiums, shopping and nightlife. Once you’ve had your fill of big city life, you can return to the comfort of your suburban home.
There’s Plenty to Do
Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor activities, there is plenty to do in and around Humble. Nature enthusiasts often spend the day at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center. The 312-acre nature preserve features hiking trails, a playground and a variety of plant and wildlife species. Schott Park covers 24 acres and boasts picnic areas, sports courts and walking paths. Cypress Trails Equestrian Center offers horseback riding for all ages. Shopping is convenient, with the biggest draw being Deerbrook Mall. The retail center features more than 130 shops as well as restaurants and department stores. The Charles Bender Performing Arts Center is a great place to catch a concert, play or musical.
The Schools Are Awesome
Humble ISD boasts an A rating from Niche and ranks among the top 100 school districts in Texas. The 100-year-old district includes 47 campuses, more than 48,000 students and more than 7,000 employees. On state-mandated academic assessment tests, Humble ISD students traditionally score among the highest in Texas. Schools offer many special learning programs including gifted & talented, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, dual credit, AVID and distance learning. There are also a number of excellent private schools in the area.
The Community is Spirited
Known for its strong sense of community, Humble welcomes visitors with open arms and embraces newcomers as part of the family. No matter where you go in Humble, people will greet you with a smile and a warm “howdy.” The town hosts many events and festivals, allowing the community to come together for food, fun and entertainment. A popular event is the annual Good Oil Days of Boom festival celebrating the town’s history.
Homes are Affordable
Humble offers a cost of living that is generally lower than many other areas in the Houston metropolitan region. This affordability extends to housing, making it an attractive option for families and individuals alike. With a variety of housing options—from single-family homes to townhouses — there’s something for everyone.
Learn More About Humble and Balmoral Today
Want another great reason to call Humble home? Balmoral! Our master-planned community has it all, including Texas’ first Crystal Lagoon amenity. Our builders offer beautiful homes for sale or rent. Visit us today to learn more.
When you hit your Balmoral builder’s design center, you are going to be asked to make a lot of choices. Lost in the excitement of picking out flooring and cabinets is what type of lights you will have. Yet, getting the lighting right in your home can significantly enhance both functionality and ambiance. How? Here’s a handy guide.
What Type is Right?
In general, there are three types of lighting. The type you choose depends on what you want to do. Ambient lighting provides the general illumination for a space. It’s the foundation of your lighting design and should be bright enough to allow for easy movement and visibility.
Task lighting focuses on specific areas where activities like reading, cooking or working take place. This type of lighting should be bright enough to reduce eye strain and improve concentration.
Accent lighting is used to highlight specific features in a room, such as artwork, plants or architectural details. This type of lighting adds depth and interest to your space.
Think Light Layers
Using a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting creates a well-balanced environment. Layering different types of lighting allows you to adjust the mood and functionality of a room easily. For example, in the family room you might want overhead lights (ambient), side table lamps for reading (task) and track lighting to illuminate wall art (accent).
Lights Have Color Temperatures
The color temperature of your light bulbs can affect the feel of a space. Warm white light (around 2700K) creates a cozy atmosphere, while cool white light (around 4000K) is more energizing and suitable for task-oriented areas. Choose the right temperature based on the room’s purpose.
Dimmer Switches Are Your Friend
Installing dimmer switches allows you to control the brightness of your lights, making it easy to adjust the mood for different activities. You don’t even need a switch. Most homes now feature smart lights so you can adjust lighting with just a command.
Position Lights Strategically
For task lighting, position fixtures to minimize shadows and glare. For example, place desk lamps to the side of your workspace rather than directly in front to avoid screen glare. In kitchens, ensure under-cabinet lights illuminate countertops effectively.
If You Have Natural Light, Use It
Maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and using light, airy window treatments. During the day, rely on sunlight to reduce the need for artificial lighting. This not only saves energy but also creates a more inviting atmosphere.
Select Your Fixtures
Select light fixtures that complement your decor while serving their purpose. For instance, pendant lights can add style over kitchen islands, while sleek desk lamps can enhance a modern office space.
Safety First
Ensure that your lighting design considers safety, especially in areas like staircases and hallways. Use bright, even lighting to prevent accidents and consider motion-sensor lights for added convenience.
Check Out Our Lights
If you want to see lighting done right, visit Balmoral and check out our model homes. These professionally decorated homes demonstrate how your light choices can enhance the beauty of your home. Visit today.
Balmoral students attend excellent schools in the Humble Independent School District, a vibrant educational community dedicated to fostering student success and engagement. With kids heading back to the classroom, we thought you would like to get to know the district better.
Humble ISD serves a diverse population of more than 48,000 students across 47 campuses. The district is known for its commitment to innovative teaching practices and a supportive learning environment. With a focus on both academic and extracurricular activities, Humble ISD aims to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges.
The district has received several accolades, including an A from Niche. The district ranked among the 2023 top 10 Best School Districts in the Houston area and among the top 100 in the state. The district also placed No. 4 on the website’s list of the Best Teachers in the Houston Area.
Ten of the district’s campuses were selected as winners of the prestigious Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award for their work in the 2022-2023 school year. The CREST Award is a symbol of excellence in counseling services, recognizing school counselors for their exceptional contributions to student development, academic achievement and overall well-being. Two of those schools — Groves Elementary School and Woodcreek Middle School — are zoned to Balmoral.
The strong emphasis on students’ emotional health is supported by incorporating Social Emotional Learning into the curriculum. These are strategies designed to enhance students’ behavioral and academic skills, ensuring that they are not only academically prepared but also emotionally equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Humble ISD offers a strong curriculum and goes out of its way to help students to succeed. Students in need of extra challenges can enroll in a number of programs, including the Gifted & Talented program, honors classes, AP classes and dual credit programs.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) targets students in the academic middle who are capable of completing a rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. AVID places these students on the college track, requiring them to enroll in honors and AP classes. To support them in the rigorous coursework, AVID students learn organizational and study skills, develop critical thinking, learn to ask probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors and participate in enrichment and motivational activities.
The district also offers a robust Career and Technical Education program, allowing students to explore various career paths while still in school. This program includes hands-on learning experiences and partnerships with local businesses to provide real-world skills that are essential in today’s job market.
A school district is only as strong as the parents and students that make it up. Humble ISD actively encourages community participation through various events and programs.
The district also highlights success stories through its “Inspiring Moments” series, which showcases achievements like the Summer Creek High School BBQ team qualifying for the Texas High School BBQ State Championship in their inaugural 2023 season. Such initiatives not only celebrate student accomplishments but also promote school spirit and community pride.
We are proud that Balmoral students have access to the schools headed by this dedicated and forward-thinking district. If you want to be part of the Humble ISD family, visit us and learn more about our new homes today.
There’s a new builder in Balmoral. New Home Co. is committed to quality, innovative design and exceptional customer service, making them the perfect choice for homebuyers looking to build their dream home in Balmoral.
The builder offers five beautiful floor plans ranging from 1,702 to 2,797 square feet. Homes are priced from the low $300s and feature gorgeous island kitchens, inviting covered patios, flex rooms, studies, game rooms, two-car garages and more. You can see the plans —and the many options and upgrades available to you — when you visit the recently opened New Home Co. model home.
A leading homebuilder in Texas, New Home Co. has been creating beautiful and functional homes for families across the state for more than a decade. At the heart of their success is an unwavering commitment to quality. The company uses only the best materials and employs skilled craftsmen to ensure that every home they build meets the highest standards.
From the foundation to the roof, each detail is carefully considered and executed to perfection. The company’s knowledgeable and friendly professionals guide homebuyers through every step of the process, from selecting a homesite to choosing finishes. They are committed to ensuring that the experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
New Home Co. is also committed to building homes that are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. The company uses energy-efficient materials and appliances to reduce homeowners’ energy costs and carbon footprint. They also prioritize sustainable landscaping practices to conserve water and promote biodiversity.
We are excited to welcome New Home Co. to the Balmoral line-up of exceptional builders. Visit their model home and start building your new life today.