St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful celebration of Irish heritage that transforms our surroundings into a cheerful sea of green. It’s an occasion filled with charm, folklore and countless opportunities for family fun. So, gather your materials, don your green attire and get ready to embark on a journey filled with creativity, laughter and learning with these fun and easy ideas:
Craft Some Decorations
You don’t need a pot of gold to get started on crafting St. Patrick’s Day decorations—just some everyday items and a sprinkle of creativity. For a simple yet festive touch, craft adorable shamrock garlands. Another fun idea is to create your own St. Patrick’s Day window clings. Feeling more adventurous? Try making a leprechaun trap. And don’t forget the classic paper leprechaun hats!
Cook Up Irish-themed Treats
Bring the flavors of Ireland into your kitchen with some delightful recipes that kids will love to make and eat. Start with mini shepherd’s pies. For a colorful and healthy treat, create a rainbow fruit platter. For a sweet touch, try making shamrock cookies. Another hit is Irish soda bread muffins. You can also serve up some true Irish dishes like colcannonor boxty.
Let the Games Begin
Who doesn’t love a good game, especially with an exciting St. Patrick’s Day twist? Start with a treasure hunt. Try a game of “Pin the Hat on the Leprechaun.” Let the kids decorate sacks with shamrocks or leprechaun hats and then hop to the finish line during a potato sack race. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, try your hand at an Irish storytelling circle. Gather everyone and take turns sharing funny or magical stories about leprechauns and shamrocks.
Learn About Irish Culture
Ireland’s rich cultural heritage offers a treasure chest of fascinating stories and traditions that can be both educational and fun for kids. Start by exploring the vibrant world of Irish folklore. Music and dance play a huge role in Irish culture. Find or create a playlist of Irish tunes and have an impromptu dance party. Or learn a few basic steps of an Irish jig. If you have access to any Irish films or animated series, a family movie night can also be a fantastic way to learn more.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Dhuit!
However, you celebrate, remember, the true magic of this day lies in the connections we make and the memories we create. Also, Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit (pronounced as lah leh PAH-drig SUN-uh gwitch), which is how you say Happy St. Patrick’s Day in Irish.
The Consumer Technology Association CES trade show, the annual carnival of gadgets where sci-fi dreams materialize into your next online shopping spree, took place in January. A mecca for anyone and everyone with a tech gadget to show off was there, including businesses devoted to smart home technology. What did we see and what might be coming to a new home near you? Let’s take a look:
Smart Locks are Getting Smarter
Imagine coming home and not having to fumble around for your keys like you’re on a treasure hunt. Enter the Philips Wi-Fi Palm Recognition Smart Deadbolt, a lock that scans your palm to let you in. Then there’s the Ultraloq Bolt Mission, which offers more unlocking methods than your favorite video game has cheat codes. Fingerprint? Check. Keypad? Of course. Smartphone app? Naturally. You can even use a good old-fashioned key if you’re feeling nostalgic.
Let the Robots Clean
Move over, broomsticks, because the Roborock Saros Z70 is here to make cleaning look like a scene from The Jetsons. Integrated seamlessly with your smart home system, this gadget lets you command it with a simple voice command. “Alexa, clean the floors,” you say, as you lay back on the couch for another guilt-free Netflix marathon. Basically, it maps your home with the precision of a cartographer, ensuring every nook and cranny gets that just-cleaned sparkle. And with its advanced obstacle avoidance, you won’t have to worry about it playing bumper cars with your furniture.
Your New Robo Gardner
So, your lawn looks like it’s auditioning for a wilderness documentary? Fear not, because the Segway Navimow X3 Series is here to save your grass (and your dignity). This isn’t just any lawn mower; it’s a robotic landscaper with AI-powered navigation that makes sure every blade of grass is cut with military precision. It even connects to your smart home system, so you can kick back and command your lawn care while sipping on a cold drink. And for those of us with a thumb that’s anything but green, this gadget might just be the horticultural hero we never knew we needed.
No Leaks
Meet The Droplet by Hydrific, the Sherlock Holmes of water monitoring. This sleek little device attaches to your main water pipe and uses ultrasonic waves to keep tabs on your water usage. It also detects leaks with the accuracy of a bloodhound. Gone are the days of waking up to a flooded kitchen because you thought that “tiny drip” was just an annoying sound. Plus, with real-time alerts sent straight to your phone, you’ll be the first to know when your pipes are plotting their next aquatic rebellion.
Even Pet Technology is Smart
Let’s talk about your fur babies and their newfound VIP access. Say hello to the PawPort Smart Pet Door, the bouncer that ensures only the right four-legged friends get in. This pet door uses smart tech to recognize your pets and lets them come and go without any hassle. And if you’ve got more than one furball, you can customize access for each one, because who said pets can’t have personalized entrances? Plus, with app connectivity, you can monitor their comings and goings, ensuring Fluffy isn’t making any unsanctioned midnight snacks.
EV Charging Solutions
No more guessing games or range anxiety—the CleverCharge Level 2 charger by Danlaw Inc. takes the stress out of electric vehicle ownership. Its AI-powered interface acts like a tech-savvy life coach, maximizing your range so you can confidently ignore that nagging low-battery light. Just plug in, kick back, and let the future of charging do its thing.
Check Out Our Smart Homes
Balmoral builders love smart home technology. Most homes come equipped with automated locks, video doorbells and smart garage door openers. Want more? You can usually pick up something extra special at your builder’s design center. Want to learn more? Visit us today.
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.