Hamilton Thomas Homes is ready to build in Balmoral having recently broken ground on its first new home in our community.
The builder’s homes will be situated on 45-foot homesites and range from 1,700 to 3,000 square feet. Designs are priced from the $300,000s. Thirty-one homesites are available.
Floor plans have not yet been released but are expected to include dual work-from-home areas, options for side and back patios and garages that will comfortably fit oversized vehicles. Drop zones, multi-functional kitchens and home automation will add to the appeal.
Although Hamilton Thomas Homes is new to the Houston market it is led by a team of experienced real estate veterans with more than 50 years combined experience.
Jennifer Keller, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hamilton Thomas Homes, boasts more than 25 years of experience in Houston’s real estate market, getting her start in real estate at AECOM/Turner Collie & Braden, Inc., working on communities such as Greatwood and Eagle Springs. She has also worked at KB Home, developer Land Tejas and William Lyon Homes.
Joining Keller at Hamilton Thomas Homes are Davin Toruta as Vice President of Operations and Chynelle Munnilal, who serves as Director of Finance. Each has many years of experience, with Toruta working for such builders as William Lyon Homes, Meritage Homes and KB Home. Munnilal has held senior finance positions for Taylor Morrison, William Lyon Homes and KB Home.
We are very excited to welcome Hamilton Thomas Homes to Balmoral. Stop by today and learn more about these exceptional homes.
This holiday season has many of us biting our nails over the availability of products. Namely, the lack thereof. What if we can’t find one of our favorite Thanksgiving staples — canned cranberry sauce?
Making your own cranberry sauce is easier than you might think. For most recipes, you can use a small pot that doesn’t take up a whole lot of real estate on the stovetop. Even better, making cranberry sauce is fast.
How do you make cranberry sauce? You need cranberries, sugar, citrus and liquid. It’s that simple. You can also get creative by adding your favorite autumn nuts, herbs, complimentary fruits, or seasonal spices. And you don’t even have to poke around the internet to find the best recipes for cranberry sauce, because we’ve found some tasty recipe options just for you.
Simple Cranberry Sauce
Simple cranberry sauce is as true to form as it gets. All you need is a bag of fresh cranberries or a bag of frozen cranberries, thawed. The standard size bag holds 12 oz. of cranberries. If you’re using cranberry sauce for a simple dressing for a party of 8 or less, one bag is probably enough. However, if you have a larger party or you have avid cranberry lovers dropping by, you might want to consider cooking up a double batch.
First, you’ll want to wash your cranberries in a strainer. Then, you can get started cooking up a holiday favorite.
You’ll need:
12 oz. Cranberries
½ cup of sugar
½ cup of lemon juice or orange juice
½ cup of water
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon stick (optional)
In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar, juice, and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Then, add your cranberries and a pinch of salt.
Stir your cranberries frequently for about 15 minutes. You will hear a popping sound as they cook. This is normal (and fun!). Once they are mostly popped, you can add your cinnamon stick. When finished, the cranberry sauce will be thick and lovely.
Balsamic and Herb Cranberry Sauce
This is one of the best variations on the classic cranberry sauce recipe if you love fresh herbs. Just like the classic cranberry sauce, it’s super easy to cook and can be ready in a matter of minutes.
You’ll love the amazing fragrances that will fill your home when cooking up this herbal cranberry sauce.
Be sure with all cranberry sauce recipes to rinse and strain your berries first. Be sure if using frozen berries that they are thoroughly defrosted before rinsing.
For this recipe you’ll need:
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
¾ cup water
¾ cup sugar (or ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar)
¼ cup red wine or cooking sherry
12 oz. cranberries
1 tbsp. chopped rosemary (plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp. fresh sage (plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp. fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
Lemon zest, about one teaspoon
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in your pot over medium heat, stirring well to combine. Once everything is combined, turn the heat to low. Stir occasionally for 15-18 minutes until all cranberries have “popped.” The sauce will be thick and hearty when finished.
Use leftover herbs to create a beautiful garnish once the cranberries have cooled and are ready for plating.
DIY Canned Cranberry Sauce
If you can’t live without the texture of the jellied cranberry sauce from a can, this is the recipe for you. Granted, this recipe isn’t nearly as fast to make as the others, so you may want to create this masterpiece a day ahead of time.
You will not only need a pot to create this family favorite, you will also need a high-quality blender or food processor and a silicone mold.
For this recipe you will also need:
12 oz. cranberries
2 cups orange juice
1 cup honey
8 tsp gelatin
½ cup cold water
First, blend your cranberries, juice, and honey in a blender or food processor until the mixture is smooth. Then, pour the mixture into a pot, bringing it to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove it from the heat and set it aside. Then, mix together your cold water and gelatin, letting it set per package directions, for about a minute or two. Then, mix it into the cranberry mixture until it’s dissolved. Then pour it into your mold, and cover your mold loosely with plastic wrap, letting it set up overnight.
Super Fruity Cranberry Sauce
So many beautiful fruits taste amazing mixed together with cranberries. But my personal favorite is pineapple. There’s just something about the sweetness of pineapple mixed with the tartness of cranberries that makes me smile.
You can add extras such as raisins, chopped apples, mandarin oranges, coconut flakes or walnuts to make it even more special.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice
12 oz. cranberries
2 tbsp orange juice
¼ tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sugar
Strain your pineapple juice from the can right into your pot. Then, add the cranberries, orange juice, cinnamon, and sugar. Bring the mixture just to a boil until the cranberries start to pop. Then, turn the mixture down to medium heat, and continue to stir frequently for 10-12 minutes or until thick and smooth. Then, add your crushed pineapple into the mixture and any extras you might enjoy. Serve and smile.
Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce
This one is a great, simple way to enjoy some beautiful fall flavors. The ingredients are inexpensive and simple. And the flavor will complement your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner perfectly.
For this variation you will need:
Two large navel oranges, a juicer and a zester
12 oz. cranberries
¾ cup honey
¾ cup water
A pinch of salt
One cinnamon stick
Zest one orange all around onto a napkin or cutting board until the rind is thoroughly zested. Then, cut the zested orange in half and juice it into a bowl so you can easily remove any seeds that may come out.
Add cranberries, honey, water, orange juice, orange zest, salt and cinnamon stick into a pot and cook over medium heat until all the cranberries have popped. Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Remove your cinnamon stick once it’s cool and rinse the cranberry mixture off of it with cool water.
Pour your cranberry mixture into a serving bowl. Then, cut your remaining orange into thin slices to make a beautiful garnish. Place the cinnamon stick on top. And enjoy!
And for a bonus:
Cranberry “Sauced” Moscow Mule
You can make this beauty with or without the spirits, and it will taste just like the holidays.
For this fun mocktail/cocktail you will need to do the following:
Glop one heaping spoon of your favorite cranberry sauce, already made to perfection, into a cocktail shaker. Add two ounces of lime juice, fresh or bottled, into your shaker. Add one spoonful of honey to sweeten. Then, add vodka if you’d like, 1.5 oz. to be exact, or omit. Fill your shaker with ice to the top. Shake up your cranberries, honey, and lime (and vodka) until it’s well combined.
Strain the contents of your shaker into a mule mug or a festive goblet filled with fresh ice. Then, add your favorite ginger beer (which is non-alcoholic, by the way) and enjoy!
If you’re planning ahead to make this fun cocktail, keep several of your cranberries intact, and uncooked. Slice a whole lime into pretty circles, then place your circle of lime on top of your mug or glass and a skewer of pretty cranberries on top for a stylish garnish.
Whether you’re building a brand new house for your family or just looking for some modern upgrades to add to your existing home, the garage is an area that’s often overlooked. There are a number of useful upgrades you can speak to your builder about or that you can consider when giving your existing home a facelift. Either way, garage upgrades add value, curb appeal and convenience to your home.
But how do you upgrade a garage? What can a garage update offer you? There are several convenient add-ons that can make your life easier whether you’re a busy parent, a hobbyist or if you just hate ugly spaces and clutter.
While there are many more available upgrades you can add to your garage, these 10 options can tack on value, convenience and safety to your garage.
While most homes built in the last decade come equipped with an outlet or two, not all are wired to handle power tools, kegerators or high-amp gadgets.
If you’re a hobbyist or simply trying to make the most of your space, you may want to consider an electrical upgrade in your garage. Make sure you have a professional look at your electrical panel, and do not do this yourself unless you have the know-how. If you’re running a lot of power tools and equipment, you’ll need to be set up for 240 volts, so you don’t trip a breaker. Oftentimes, moisture can seep into your garage, so be sure you have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) safety outlets, as well.
Long-time hobbyists also recommend installing an outlet on the ceiling or the upper part of the wall if you are using corded power tools. This is a safety measure to keep from tripping over cords, and it also keeps the kids away from your high-power outlets.
More than three million electrical cars were sold in the US so far this year. If you’re jumping into the world of electric vehicle ownership, or if you already own an electric car, it may be nice to have your very own charger at home. Imagine the convenience of not having to stop at a public charging station just to sit and wait.
With your own charging station, you can charge your car overnight, powering it up completely for the next day. Charging stations vary in price depending on your vehicle. It’s important to speak to your contractor about any electrical upgrades that may need to be added to your garage first.
Electric charging stations can add a ton of resale value to your home, especially since the number of electric car owners continues to rise. And the convenience factor is simply unbeatable.
Having a separate heating and cooling system in the garage is a great option for woodworkers, mechanics and hobbyists. If you spend a lot of time in the garage, you might as well be comfortable.
Many options are available for dual heating and cooling, but the best option is a mini-split heating and cooling unit. The simple, sleek design and low-cost care outweigh the initial investment by miles. Plus, a mini-split is small enough to mount out of the way, and it comes with a convenient remote to control your heat and A/C settings.
If you don’t mind a slight winter chill, all you need is A/C to combat the hot summer months. Many A/C options are available, but the most cost-effective may be to add a simple window unit. While it’s not the prettiest appliance, it’s cost-effective and works well in a small space like a garage.
If you have ample space in your garage, it might be a great area to add a mini “Fancave.” With proper flooring, a fridge full of your favorite beverages and snacks, a mounted flatscreen, some sleek speakers, and a few comfortable leather chairs, you can carve out your own space to watch the big game without disturbing the rest of the house.
Imagine decorating the walls with framed pictures of your favorite players, your team colors and a favorite old jersey. You can add a blackboard to track your fantasy stats, or some fun collector memorabilia. As long as you have the space and some functional electrical outlets, the sky’s the limit for your favorite fan space.
Long gone are the days of the plain white, no-frills garage door. Today’s options are sleek and stylish, and they offer your space energy-saving insulation as well as a facelift for curb appeal.
If you have dents and dings in your garage door, or if your unit is squeaking, stalling, or stopping, it may be better to replace your garage door rather than repair it. A new door will come fully insulated, adding energy savings as well as incredible value to your home.
Garage doors can be painted to match your exterior for a smooth, hidden look. Or they can be painted to stand out. You can even order a new garage door in a beautiful wooden finish to blend with the beauty of nature. Garage doors upgrades can even include wide, insulated windows so you can let some sunlight into what used to be a dank and dark space. Whatever your wants and needs, you can find a garage door to fit your style.
While most garage door systems come with some sort of wireless functionality, not all do. Installing a wireless system is easy. And not only is it convenient to have the option to open and close the garage door with your phone, it can also be a nice peace of mind and security measure, as well.
Most wireless systems come with an opener and a convenient app that can be shared on all your family’s devices. It’s also a perfect way to let a repair professional, cleaning service or dog walker into your home while you’re away.
The beauty of a slat wall is that wood—whether it’s reclaimed, stained or bare—really elevates a space. But what’s even more amazing is that a slat wall can be used as a baseline and background for some nice shelving, hooks or other creative storage options.
A slat wall will also break up the white-on-white or grey-on-grey monotony of a garage. Who says your garage can’t be stylish as well as functional? And like every other upgrade, the added style of a slat wall can add resale value to your home.
Especially for hobbyists, a shelving system is a must-have. It’s a great way to make use of your vertical space or an empty back wall, keeping things organized and neat.
Because a garage tends to have more moisture than your home’s interior, make sure the shelves are finished or painted to keep from warping. Cabinets, drawers and hanging shelves are options to make the most of your vertical space.
While many space-saving gurus will say that the garage is perfect for using the ceiling for storage, it is not recommended by everyone. If one of these ceiling shelves break, you can be looking at thousands of dollars of damage to your car. Instead, it’s best to go the old-fashioned route and use your vertical space up the walls. Plus, it looks more finished and stylish to have a polished, balanced and useful shelving system.
Believe it or not, garage flooring comes in a wide variety of options. In fact, you can even special order peel and stick tiles to match your interior flooring. Your garage floor can take a beating over the years, so any flooring option can add value and pizazz to your space.
Garage flooring options vary depending upon your needs. A hobbyist who spends a lot of time on their feet in the garage might be happier with a comfortable rubber flooring option. Rubber floors come in long strips that roll out and stick, tongue-in-groove tiles or click-together tiles. Most are made to be nonslip for added safety. There are even rollout mats that serve as area rugs for your garage but they have rubber “tufts” instead of fabric.
For a more sleek and polished look, polished concrete or epoxy coating may be a better flooring option. Stone flooring is another option for your garage. Stone floors are beautiful, long-lasting and will add a lot of value to your home.
If you have ample space in your garage, consider adding a mini mudroom area beside the entryway. Most people use the garage for coming and going purposes. The added convenience of an organized space to store your jackets, shoes, purses, shopping bags, and all the kids’ stuff might make you feel more at ease.
Mudroom storage spaces are not just convenient, they are also attractive and can add value to your space. Plus, it would be a really nice place to keep all the kids’ smelly sports stuff out of the house in a dedicated space.
Make sure to talk to your Balmoral builder about the many options available not only for your home, but also for your garage.
It’s a pumpkin spice world right now, and we’re all just living it. Yes. It’s fall, which means your grocery store shelves are stocked with every conceivable fall-flavored product that can be found. Some are a hit and some a definite miss. We’ve put together a compendium of what you can expect to see on your next shopping trip.
Fall-themed Alcohol
Given all the options, we couldn’t pick just one. From pumpkin- and pecan-flavored beers to unusual liquors, here are some options to spice up your next get-together. For the second year in a row, Bishop Cider is releasing their Pecan Pie Cider brewed with nuts from the Texas Pecan Company. For something completely different, Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Pumpkin whiskey should be an interesting addition to hot toddies everywhere. Samuel Adams Jack O Pumpkin Ale is always a winner.
Pumpkin Yogurt
The number of pumpkin-flavored yogurts in the dairy case this year is truly staggering. Oui By Yoplait Pumpkin Caramel is actually a pretty good substitute for pumpkin pie. Cobani Pumpkin & Spice is a bit healthier. Noosa is a bit heavy on the spices but still delicious. Ellenos Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt has real pumpkin puree and can be topped with the included oat-based cookie crumble.
All Things Apple
Apple-flavored foods can be found year-round, but some food companies save a few interesting items for fall. It does make a nice break from pumpkin spice. Oreo Apple Cider Donut cookies seem like a winner for afterschool snacks. If you want to spike your coffee with apple spirit, there’s Bailey’s Apple Pie liquor. If you like mochi, you might actually like My/Mo Apple Pie a la Mode. Pillsbury released a limited edition Salted Caramel ready-to-bake cookie dough, and we’re here for it.
Trader Joe’s
When it comes to unusual fall-flavored foods, no grocery store has more offerings than Trader Joe’s. Just about every quirky item we wanted to feature can be found exclusively on their shelves, so we decided to list a few of our favorites and move on. Pasta lovers should consider partaking of the chain’s Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli. Add their Autumnal Harvest pasta sauce or Pumpkin Alfredo sauce and you have autumn in a bowl. Pumpkin with an international flair? Yep, they have it in the form of Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas and Pumpkin Empanadas. Ready for dessert? Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Ice Cream hits the spot.
We’re Kind of Terrified
There are a few items on the shelves that have us a perplexed and a little terrified.
Coming soon to a H-E-B near you is Mexican Hot Chocolate Wavy Potato Chips. Described as an ode to “warm and cozy South Texas flavors” we expect them to be more mole than marshmallows and chocolate. Pumpkin Spice Spam. Yes, it exists. The question is, “should it?” Give it a try and let us know on our Facebook page.
It’s easy in today’s world for children to become distracted from their studies. They are inundated daily by activities, friends, games and screens. So, it’s never too early to begin carving out structured study habits for your little ones.
The best way for elementary school students to study is by beginning with a solid routine, sitting in an ideal study space, getting their wiggles out before study time, taking good notes and using tried-and-true methods such as flashcards.
Each child is a unique individual with their own needs. But carving out a study routine that works best for them — and sticking to it — can greatly help them to become a better student.
Create a daily routine
Teaching kids to follow a structured daily routine with study time is fundamental to developing good habits.
For one thing, children with a structured routine tend to feel more secure and less stressed. Studies show that children who stick to a routine also sleep better.
If you have other kids and need to juggle, make a schedule. As long as study time stays the same on a daily or weekly basis, your child will be able to fall easily into their new routine.
Another great thing about a daily routine is that it also helps to balance the fun things and the less fun, yet important tasks. Kids will know if they do the important thing, the fun thing will follow. Achieving that sense of balance at a young age helps to develop mentally healthy adults.
And, lastly, having a structured study routine helps children to better comprehend your expectations of them. Then, they can start doing things on their own, giving them a confidence boost and a sense of overall satisfaction.
Create or find a quiet space, free of distractions
If you haven’t already done so, it’s important to dedicate a space in your home for your child to study — a place that has all the proper supplies that they need and a space that works for them.
If your child needs supervision or if they need a little noise around them to study, create a nook for them in a public area of your home.
If they need to be alone, you can dedicate a space within a home office or another closed-door area. It all depends on your child.
Be sure the space is comfortable, but not enough for your child to fall asleep. And keep it organized with the proper supplies at hand. Their study space should also be well-lit and clean, without too much distracting clutter.
Exercise or play outside first, then study
If you are building a routine for your child, many experts suggest that children get at least 10 minutes of vigorous exercise before studying. So, if your child is already involved in sports, study time should come after, as long as that works for your family.
According to experts, an increase in heart rate can help improve academic performance and concentration in children. And, bodies relax when recovering a normal heart rate. Think of it this way: they’ll sit still longer if they have an opportunity to get the wiggles out before study time.
Download note-taking worksheets
Note-taking is a discipline that needs to be developed, and some children and parents don’t know where to start. There is no one right way to take notes, so it’s important to find what works best for your child.
Many different note-taking worksheets are available for free download on scholastic websites and Pinterest. Each of the hundreds of available worksheets covers a particular area: whether it’s taking notes from a video, taking notes to learn a foreign language or organizing notes while reading a new subject.
Effective note-taking worksheets have dedicated sections that help your child to keep their thoughts organized. Good note-taking habits can begin early, and as your child grows, they can adjust their note-taking practice to whatever works best for them.
Use flashcards
Flashcards are an oldie but a goodie for creating effective study habits. And, if you can’t find exactly what you need, flashcards are easy to custom make for any subject whether on paper or a flashcard app.
Flashcards are specifically designed to help students recall and retain information. This is because the repetition of flashcards helps improve memory. An age-old method, using flashcards allows children to interact with information in a different way than simply reading and taking notes.
Developing good study habits doesn’t just create great students — they can help your child to become a more organized, more structured adult.