Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate love than by planning a memorable date? If you’re near Balmoral, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner, a scenic walk or a unique activity, there are plenty of spots for a romantic rendezvous. So get ready to discover some charming places where you can let romance blossom and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.
Romantic Dinner Spots
Lady and the Tramp had it right. There’s nothing more romantic than Italian food. That’s why Italiano’s should make your romantic date short list. We suggest sharing the lobster-filled ravioli with tomato cream sauce. Or you could go old school and share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs.
The French practically invented romantic love, so why not let that inspire your date night? Cozy and intimate, the food has been winning rave reviews for nearly 40 years. Try the grilled breast of Muscovy duckling, chateaubriand or Gulf shrimp Provençale followed by the Grand Marnier chocolate mousse.
Saltgrass is making Valentine’s Day easy with a special menu that includes their urban cowboy New York strip steak topped with lemon and butter as well as a few other mouthwatering dishes and desserts.
If you like your romance a little more casual, Pappas is for you. It’s a place where you can catch delicious seafood and maybe the eye of your sweetie. Don’t miss out on the gumbo then segue into the live main lobster or the filet mignon.
Cozy Cocktails
Cocktails and live music in a historic 1928 building? Does it get any more romantic? Indulge in a chocolate martini or savor a frozen margarita. There’s bar food to nibble on while you stare into each other’s eyes.
Boot scoot or dance cheek-to-cheek while creating an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. There’s live music, signature cocktails and a definite country flair.
Euphoria is an upscale lounge perfect for cuddling over a shared cocktail. There’s also a hookah menu if you care to indulge.
The Great Outdoors
Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
More of a date afternoon, this is a great place to take a few Instagram selfies proclaiming your undying love. Take a tour or just kiss by the pavilion.
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center
Take a romantic stroll through this 312-acre nature preserve with your sweetheart. Bonus points for bringing along a romantic picnic.
For something truly unique, take your love interest for a ride. The ranch offers a special Valentine’s Day picnic ride with a charcuterie board lunch and chocolate, wine and Valentine photo op.
Just a Little Bit of Fun
Nothing quite tests your compatibility like being locked in a room and forced to solve puzzles together. You’ll find out quickly who’s got the brains, who’s got the brawn and who’s going to be the one to ask for hints.
Knock down some pins, line up your next shot or hit the arcade with your pookie. Sure it can get competitive, but that’s part of the appeal.
Need to let go of some anxiety and frustration? Why not do it as a couple? This rage room has everything from stuff to smash to paint to splatter. For more fun, invite other couples and make it a party.
Or You Could Stay Home
Stay home on a date night? Why not? If you live at Balmoral, you can hang out by our beautiful lagoon, relax in our hammock park or just wander our trails. After all, the perfect date is wherever you and your boo are.
Oh, the joys of modern living: too much stuff, and not enough places to stash it all. Or are there? Did you know that every nook and cranny in your home is a potential goldmine of extra space, just waiting for you to unlock its secret? Once you start thinking outside the box, you’ll be amazed at how much space you really have.
Storage Solutions Behind Doors
Doors aren’t just for opening and closing. Consider using over-the-door organizers—not just for the shoe fanatic, but for holding cleaning supplies, gift-wrapping materials or even pantry overflow. Don’t forget about cabinet doors. Mount shallow wire baskets on the back of them for rogue sponges and small cleaning supplies. And for the bedroom, hooks on the back of doors can handle everything from robes and bags to your pre-planned outfit for tomorrow.
Making Use of Wall Heights
If you’ve got a wall, you’ve got a storage solution. Pop floating shelves into narrow wall sections between doors or windows and suddenly, you’ve got a display space for all those knick-knacks you can’t seem to part with. Pegboards? They’re not just for garages anymore. Use them in craft rooms or pantries for adjustable storage. Mount magnetic strips in bathrooms for metal grooming tools or in kitchens for knives. And don’t forget the dead space above doorways. Slap some small shelves or baskets up there, and voila, you’ve got a perch for even more knickknacks.
Hidden Spaces Under Furniture
Push aside the dust bunnies and utilize all that storage space under your furniture. Elevate your bed’s status with risers for when you need to shove stuff out of sight. The hollow ottoman or coffee table with storage compartments is the unsung hero of the family room. But wait, there’s more! Have you ever looked under your kitchen cabinets and thought, “There’s potential here”? Enter toe-kick drawers. They discreetly hide spare utensils or those mysterious kitchen gadgets you bought during a late-night infomercial spree. And don’t sleep on the rolling storage containers that fit under desks or dressers.
Stairway Storage Innovations
Stairs are another storage opportunity waiting to be discovered. Convert the space under the stairs into pull-out drawers or a small closet. Install drawer units into individual stair treads. Talk about putting every step to good use! And don’t overlook the wall space alongside your stairs. Turn it into built-in bookshelves for your ever-growing library.
Utilizing Space Between Wall Studs
Those vertical beams hiding behind your drywall that you rarely think about unless you’re hanging a heavy picture? Untapped storage gold. Create some recessed storage between the studs for your toiletries in the bathroom. Install a built-in ironing board that folds into the wall. Spice up your hallways with shallow cabinets between the studs for jewelry, medicine storage or knickknacks.
Ceiling-Level Storage Ideas
Look up. See all the storage possibilities? Install overhead storage racks in the garage for those seasonal items that you only need once a year but can’t seem to part with. And for all you cyclists out there, ceiling-mounted bike hooks in garages or basements are a game-changer. How many times have you wished for more space while juggling detergent bottles and dryer sheets? Suspended shelving in the laundry room is your new best friend.
Unlocking Window Seat Storage
Got a window seat? How about turning that daydreaming zone into a secret storage hub? Just add some pull-out drawers underneath. Have deep windowsills? Convert them into mini-shelving. You could line them with plants, books or that mysterious collection of snow globes you’ve accumulated over the years.
Making Corners Work for You
Give corners the love they deserve. Install lazy Susans in corner cabinets. No more crawling into the abyss to retrieve that one lost can of beans. Just spin and win. Corner shelving units are perfect for storing toiletries without the chaos of bottles constantly crashing down. Floating corner shelves offer storage that’s both decorative and functional. Use them in your living room to display books, picture frames and more.
Bridge the Appliance Gap
If you’ve got appliances, you’ve got unused storage space. No, we don’t mean stuffing your laundry in the oven. Use narrow rolling carts between your washer and dryer. Install slim pantry shelves in the gap between refrigerator and wall. Create pull-out storage in the space between stove and cabinets. We promise you will thank us later.
Purchase a Storage Solution (We Mean a New Home)
The great thing about purchasing a new home in Balmoral is that our builders are way ahead of you, incorporating storage solutions you haven’t even thought of yet. Tour our model homes for ideas, then talk to a representative about building your perfect home in our perfect community.
Selecting a countertop is a significant part of designing the kitchen or bathroom of your new Balmoral home. The variety of options available can feel overwhelming, but gaining an understanding of the different materials can simplify the process. Each type of countertop material comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Here are the most common countertop options. Check with your builder to see what comes standard and what upgrades are available when you are designing your new home.
Granite
Once considered an upgrade, granite countertops are offered as standard by many builders. Granite countertops are prized for their incredible durability and stunning natural beauty. Each slab is unique, offering a wide range of colors and patterns that can make your kitchen or bathroom truly one-of-a-kind. Granite is incredibly tough, which means it can handle the rigors of daily cooking without getting scratched or damaged by heat. This makes it an excellent choice for busy kitchens where you need surfaces that can stand up to frequent use. However, granite needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and to maintain its glossy finish.
Quartz
Quartz countertops offer a winning blend of style and practicality. Composed of natural quartz crystals bound with resin, these surfaces are engineered to be both beautiful and durable. One of the standout features of quartz is its resistance to stains and scratches, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic kitchens. Unlike natural stone, it doesn’t absorb liquids or harbor bacteria, making it a hygienic option for food preparation areas. This characteristic also means that quartz countertops are low maintenance, requiring only simple cleaning with mild soap and water.
Quartzite
Despite the similar names quartzite is not the same as quartz. It is a natural, mined material that comes from sandstone interacting with magma, while quartz is an engineered stone material. It is usually less expensive than quartz making it more budget-friendly for a similar look. It is also very durable with high heat resistance.
Marble
Marble countertops are the epitome of elegance and luxury. Known for their classic and timeless appearance, marble surfaces feature unique veining that adds a touch of artistry to any room. This material is ideal for those looking to create a sophisticated atmosphere. While marble is relatively heat-resistant, it is more susceptible to scratches and stains than other materials, requiring more careful upkeep. Sealing the surface regularly can help protect its beauty. For those who appreciate a bit of character, marble develops a patina over time, adding to its charm.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops, often made from acrylic or polyester, provide a smooth and uniform appearance. They can be seamlessly integrated with sinks and backsplashes, making them an attractive option for a cohesive look. Solid surfaces countertops are affordable and easy to clean. They often simulate granite or quartz in appearance. However, the material is prone to scorching, cracking and scratches which may make it unsuitable for high-traffic kitchens.
Ceramic Tile
Tile countertops are budget-friendly and classic. They are created by adhering clay-based tiles over a cement-board core. A hallmark of tile countertops is grout seams which stain easily and can be hard to clean. However, newer ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in large sizes that can help minimize the number of seams and make upkeep easier. Tile is also prone to cracking.
Discuss Countertops with Our Builders
The right countertop can transform your home, becoming a central element that enhances your daily life. And that is why you want the expert advice our builders can give. Stop by Balmoral, tour our model homes and talk kitchens with our builders’ sales representatives today.
Grandparents. The original experts in spoiling grandkids and turning a blind eye to all sorts of mischief. When it comes to showing them some love, nothing says “You’re my favorite!” quite like a homemade gift. Why? Because you can’t exactly wrap a hug, can you? So, gather the kids, glue, glitter, paint and other craft items and choose one or more of these great ideas.
Craft a Memory Journal
Sure, you could let Shutterfly create a photo book for you, but it will be much more meaningful if your kids make one. Rummage in closets and garages for pictures taken before everything became fair game on social media. Then, go through your digital files with your kids and let them choose their favorites. Concentrate on pictures of your kids with their grandparents. Print them out, buy a scrapbook and let the decorating begin. Think stickers, doodles and random bits of memorabilia. Have ticket stubs from when Grandma took the kids to Moody Gardens? Glue those next to pictures of the day. Have your kids write or dictate a memory associated with the photo.
Whip Up Sweet Delights
Grandma’s compliments are sweet, but cookies are sweeter. Time to bake up a storm with cookies in all their delicious forms—think classic chocolate chip or something more “sophisticated” like oatmeal cranberry (because adding fruit makes it healthy, right?). Let older kids and teens loose in the kitchen with a little supervision. Younger children can stir batter, use cookie cutters and serve as taste testers. Wrap the cookies in a colorful box and you have a delicious gift grandparents can proudly serve to their book club friends.
Create Art Pieces
Let kids create fridge-worthy masterpieces! Armed with markers, paper, and a touch of imagination, kids can create renditions of the family that are both hilarious and heartwarming. For more avant-garde grandparents, encourage the kiddos to try their hand at abstract art. Give them free rein with colors, shapes and textures. Finally, why not make a collage? Snip away at old magazines and let the kids create a colorful montage. Just make sure the scissors don’t find their way into the curtains.
Get Even More Crafty
Popsicle sticks aren’t just for frozen treats anymore. DIY photo frames are a fun and easy way to display family memories. Let the kids paint, glue and add all the sparkly stuff they can find. Air-dry clay is a kid’s best friend when it comes to crafting. Give them a lump of clay and watch their imagination run wild. If you’re looking to take things up a notch, how about a friendship bracelet kit? Kids can spend hours making colorful bracelets, and Grandma will end up with an armful of love.
Simple Sewing Projects
Get out needles and thread and let kids try their hand at some simple sewing projects. First up, hand-sewn felt bookmarks. How about some one-of-a-kind pillowcases? Let the kids pick out the wackiest fabric they can find—think dinosaurs, stars or even those squiggly lines they insist are giraffes. With a bit of help, they can stitch up a unique cover that’ll add a splash of personality to Grandma’s decor. And let’s not forget fabric coasters. A few scraps of fabric, some basic stitching, and voila! You’ve got a set of coasters that’ll protect Grandma’s coffee table from those endless cups of tea.
Where to Make Them?
Where is the best place to make these amazing gifts? How about a new home in Balmoral. Our builders have crafted kitchens you will love to bake in and game rooms ready for serious crafters. Stop by and check out our model homes today.
Moving to a new neighborhood is a big step filled with excitement and possibilities. However, it’s not just about packing up and heading to a new address; it’s about finding a place that will enhance your daily life and future. When choosing where to relocate, it’s crucial to think beyond the house itself. Here are some key factors that will guide you to the ideal neighborhood:
Identify Your Top Priorities
Start by figuring out what matters to you. Are you keen on being close to your workplace to avoid those long commutes? Or maybe top-notch schools are at the top of your list because you have kids or are planning to? Think about your lifestyle. If you’re a night owl, having vibrant nightlife and entertainment options nearby might be crucial. Perhaps a spacious yard for your dog to romp around in or the calm and quiet of a suburban retreat is what you need. Remember, your priorities should reflect not just your current needs but also your future plans.
Investigate Amenities Near and Far
Communities like Balmoral have extensive amenities within the community. Enough to keep family members occupied all year round. Those aren’t the only amenities you should be taking into account. Having a grocery store nearby is a huge convenience. A pharmacy within walking distance can be a real lifesaver. Next, consider the dining and entertainment scene. Are there a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes that cater to your tastes? Public transportation options should also be on your radar. Investigating these amenities will give you a comprehensive understanding of what a neighborhood has to offer, helping you decide if it aligns with your lifestyle and needs.
Investigate the Schools
Schools can make or break a neighborhood choice for families with kids. Start by checking out school ratings and online reviews for a snapshot of educational quality. But numbers and stars only tell part of the story. To get a real sense of a school, visit it in person. Walk the halls, meet the teachers and observe the classrooms in action. Consider logistics. How far is the school from your prospective home? Is there a safe and reliable route for walking or biking? Understanding these factors will help ensure that your child’s education and overall school experience are top-notch.
Take Safety and Community into Account
When choosing a neighborhood, it’s crucial to consider both safety and the sense of community. Begin by researching crime statistics for the area. Look for reports from local law enforcement or community watch groups to get a clear picture of the safety levels. Talking to people who already live in the neighborhood can be particularly enlightening. They can share firsthand experiences and insights that you might not find in official reports.
Check Out Community Culture
Every neighborhood has its own unique character and understanding this can help you feel at home. Look for events and activities that bring people together. Whether it’s a summer festival, a neighborhood block party or a weekend farmers market, these gatherings can be a great way to meet new friends and immerse yourself in the community spirit. Walk around to observe the everyday life in the community. Are people out and about, walking their dogs, playing in the park or chatting with neighbors? These are signs of a healthy, active neighborhood where you might feel comfortable and welcome.
Explore Balmoral
Once you know what you are looking for, come look at Balmoral. Our community has everything you need to enhance your life, including beautiful homes, exciting amenities and friendly neighbors. Visit us today.