College Park in The Woodlands, Texas is one of the most popular of the Woodlands Villages due to its location and peaceful environment. It was named after Lone Star College Montgomery and the Lone Star College University Center along College Drive (Highway 242).  College Park comes with everything you need for you and your family, including schools, beautiful homes, recreation and entertainment, shopping centers and business premises.

Amazing location of College Park

The Village of College Park is located only 5 minutes from The Woodlands Mall.

Within College Park Village are two shopping centers for your own convenience. College Park Shopping Center and College Park Plaza are located a short distance from the residential areas of the Village.

Homes in College Park Village

With such a great location, the real estate industry in College Park is growing steadily. Land is less expensive and therefore the homes are quite affordable. In the home listings for College Park, you will find lovely, spacious houses in the neighborhoods of Grogan’s Forest and Harper’s Landing, Windsor Hills and Windsor Lake.

Harper’s Landing is located east of I-45 and College Park Drive, while Grogan’s Forest is off Research Forest Drive, containing family homes, town homes and patio homes. Windsor Hills and Windsor Lake on College Park Drive are more restricted neighborhoods in College Park and are mostly reserved for active adults who are over 55 years old. The design of these neighborhoods allows their residents to enjoy fulfilling activities in their lives.

Educational centers in College Park Village

The Woodlands College Park High School is the main school for the children of College Park Village, and it is located within the Village for your convenience. Another high school in the area is The Woodlands High, which is located along Research Forest Drive.  Lone Star College Montgomery and Lone Star College University Center are institutions of higher education that provide both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in over 60 fields of study.

Hospitals and Health Centers in College Park

There are two major hospitals within College Park, as well as many other specialized clinics located within the Village. All kinds of medical services are provided within these centers, such as dental, in-patient and outpatient treatments and so on.

You can never run out of things to do at College Park Village

A Super Wal-Mart is contained in one of the most popular shopping centers in College Park, and accompanying it is a Lowe’s, a Kohl’s, a “Chuck-E-Cheese” and a Mexican restaurant. There are plenty more restaurants and shopping centers in College Park Village for you and your family to enjoy.

If you’ve found your dream home, or if there are homes available in a neighborhood where you’d love to live, move up while the market is still tipped in your favor! Right now really is the PERFECT time to buy.

These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.

1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.

2. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.

3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood? The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good. For example, you may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district.

4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on? Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market? If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home.

6. Are interest rates attractive? A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer.

1. Each degree you turn down the heat saves 3% of heating costs, while each degree you raise the temperature of your air conditioner saves 3-4% of cooling costs. By changing the temperature by 2 degrees all year, you can save about 2,000 pounds of C02 a year.

2. Cook with a slow cooker or a toaster oven (or even a solar oven) to reduce electrical use from kitchen appliances. For a meal that requires 1 hour to cook in an electric oven, and which uses 2.7 pounds of C02, a crock-pot uses 0.9 pounds of C02 for seven hours, a toaster oven takes 1.3 pounds of C02 for 50 minutes, and a microwave only 0.5 pounds of C02 for 15 minutes of cooking. A solar cooker requires NO C02!

3. Switch to a laptop instead of using a desktop computer and cut three-quarters off your electrical use. Turn off the laptop at the end of the day. BE SURE to check this out before you do!

4. Switch to cold water washing and save 80% on energy used for laundry and save an estimated $60 a year. Hang dry your clothes instead of using the dryer and save 700 pounds of C02 a year.

5. Plug anything that can be powered by a remote control or that has a power cube transformer (little black box) into a power strip, and turn it off, and/or unplug, when not in use. (Power cubes are 60-80 % inefficient.)

6. Turn off the lights when you aren’t using them and reduce your direct lighting energy use by 45 percent. Stop using heat-producing halogen lamps (they can also be fire hazards). Install occupancy or motion sensors on outdoor lights.

7. Switch to compact fluorescent from regular incandescent bulbs and use 60% less energy per bulb and save 300 pounds of C02 a year.

8. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket and save 1,000 pounds of C02 a year. Insulate your hot water pipes.

9. Use public transportation whenever possible, carpool, shop locally, and ideally switch to a hybrid or energy-efficient car (if you haven’t already).

10. Keep your tires inflated to improve gas mileage by 3 percent. Every gallon you save also saves 20 pounds of C02 emissions.

Real Estate in Creekside Park - The Woodlands

Homes for sale in Creekside Park vary in prices starting from the $200s upwards to about $3 million plus. The real estate here features a wonderful mix of different designs and styles to suit all tastes and preferences. Homes in the greater Woodlands area are almost similar in terms of design, styles as well as prices.

Creekside Park is one of the newest villages in the Woodlands. Plans are underway to include 7,100 residences in a varying styles and price ranges alongside parks and green spaces, which will include the 1,700-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve.

Of all the Woodland villages, Creekside Park has a reputation of being the most “park like” owing to the abundant green spaces and outdoor recreational facilities. Its most marvelous feature is its 1,700-acre George Mitchell Nature reserve which includes frontage that runs seven miles along Spring Creek. The preserve adds a great deal to the value of real estate in Creekside Park. It is larger than both Hermann Park and Memorial Park combined, and forms part of the Spring Creek Greenway Project.

Real estate in Creekside Park comprises of a nature center, scenic trails, canoe and kayak launches. As with all villages of The Woodlands, Creekside Park includes a large selection of village center shopping where Woodlands families go to shop and to engage in other recreational activities. These and many other luxuries are what make life in the villages of the Woodlands so amazing.

So far, an estimated 520 families have so far bought homes in Creekside Park. This ninth and newest village of the Woodlands has many parks and amenities that these new home owners are now enjoying. Homes in Creekside Park are designed with an emphasis on outdoor recreation and becoming one with nature. It includes 1,850 acres of parklands encompassing the 1,700-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve, the Rob Fleming Park that is 20-acres long and the 72-acre Lake Paloma.

The award-winning George Mitchell Nature Preserve has two trailheads that are ideal for mountain biking, hiking and bird watching. This preserve forms part of the Spring Creek Green Way project. The Rob Fleming Park has a Craftsman-style lodge that is ideal for outdoor performances. The park boasts of a one-acre pond and picnic area, a festival field, playground and Meadow that is covered with color when early spring comes around. The Rob Fleming Aquatic Center sits at the edge of Lake Paloma on a 13-acre site. The Aquatic Center is open to all Woodlands residents for a small fee.

When buying Sterling Ridge homes, you need to have all the information on the Village. This way, you will determine whether it is the best place for you before making an investment. Sterling Ridge is a new residential area of The Woodlands. The Village has homes that come in different styles and price ranges. There are also new homes that are being built, especially in the western part of the Village.

Some of the amenities and facilities in Sterling Ridge include the Terramont, Cranebrook, Carlton Woods and Artist Grove Parks, the Gary Player Golf Course, the Sterling Ridge Village Center, a Kroger signature supermarket, a popular restaurant called Perry's, a Walmart Supercenter, a Starbucks restaurant, and many others.

The ready-built homes include Custom Homes and Golf Course Homes and the starting price is at the $180's to the $2 Millions in areas such as Star Ridge, Artist Grove, Bantam Woods, Scribewood, Archwyck, Abram Woods, Bryce Branch, Beckonvale, Chantsong, Marquise Oaks, Old Sterling, Pepperdale, Strawberry Canyon, Sterling Pointe, and Seasons Trace.

If this price is prohibitively high for you, you should consider buying a lot and building from scratch. There is a new 400-acre expansion of the village in May Valley. There is controlled development here that is being driven by home building companies such as Lennar Homes, Plantation Homes, Wilshire Homes, Chesmar Homes, and Highland Homes. 

There are also plans to build about 900 homesteads for single family homes and town homes in Spindle Tree. The plans by The Woodlands Development Company also include 2 parks and bike and hike trails. The starting price is expected to be in the $190’s. 

Before buying Real Estate in Sterling Ridge, know what you want and do thorough research to avoid disappointment. You can do the research online or by asking a resident about the Village. When doing research, consider such things as proximity to schools and other amenities, the crime rate, transportation, and other relevant issues.

Once you decide to buy Sterling Ridge real estate, look for a real estate agent to assist you in the buying process in Sterling Ridge it is wise to enlist their services because they know the local laws and regulations, they know the asking prices, they know all the good homes, and they are in a good position to advice you on relevant matters and a buyers agent is always free of charge to the buyer.

When comparing homes in Sterling Ridge, consider your future plans such as expansion plans if you intend to grow your family. Do not settle for the first home you come across since there are many homes on sale and you will find one that suits your specific needs if you search patiently.

When buying Sterling Ridge homes for sale, note that there is always a risk when you represent yourself of paying  more than the house is worth. You should therefore avoid making transactions to buy Sterling Ridge homes online – deal one-on-one with the seller and follow the stipulated rules and regulations.

It’s true to say that being ignorant in the real estate world can lead to the complete frailer. Actually, any occupation requires that the person working there

You may have the feeling that you are the only one experiencing these complications. In fact you are mistaken because a number of proprietors are also going through the same difficulties as yours. Here I’ll show you a number of frequently committed mistakes by most home sellers.

It can occur that people decide to sell their home because of desperation, this is the most common mistake committed by home sellers. This as well the frequent reason why they can’t sell the house. The majority of homeowners think that the easiest and quickest way to earn money is by selling their property. That is how the must sell house appears. When you at short notice decide to sell house fast, you may have problems selling it, because you may have not have prepared yourself and your home properly.

Also it can happened that you have not correctly calculated the price of your property because you disregarded its real market value. It’s really important not to underestimate or overestimate the cost of your house. Keep it in mind that the majority of buyers are turned off by overly priced homes because that intimidates them. They can also get suspicious when they see properties that are very cheap, they may think that there are legal issues included with the purchase.

One more mistake would be to give prospective clients dishonest offers in any selling transaction. You shouldn’t ever do this. Just remember that doing so will look like you have devised a scheme on how to offer a cheap price, but put in a lot of extra charges later on. Actually if you would add last minute changes before turning over the property this may result in legal arguments, don’t forget about this.

Let us consider one more reason why your property may be in the market for a long time. This may happened because you did not hire professionals like appraisers, real estate agents, lawyers, and brokers to help you in selling. Look through some advertisement in the Internet; you need to look for something like this: “sell homes in The Woodlands”. With the help of these real estate agents you can analyze the appropriate price, settle legalities, screen possible buyers, transact with lenders, and advertise your home. These will definitely make your sale more successful.

To sell your property, you need to have some special knowledge, try to avoid mistakes and be really perseverant. Hiring the professional can make the process faster.

NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun sees more activity on the horizon. "We expect a temporary sales drop while buying activity ramps up for another surge in the spring when buyers take advantage of the expanded tax credit, which hopefully will take us into a self-sustaining market in the second half of 2010. In all, 4.4 million households are expected to claim the tax credit before it expires and balance should be restored to the housing sector with inventories continuing to decline."

Mortgage backer Freddie Mac reported an average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage of 4.88 percent in November. This is down from over 6 percent in November 2008, and is the second lowest interest rate on record since the reaching 4.81 percent in April 2009.

Congress Extends Tax Credit

The Extended Home Buyers Tax Credit offers current homeowners and first-time home buyers alike an incredible tax-saving opportunity when they buy a home through April 30, 2010. First time buyers, who haven't owned a primary residence in the past three years, are eligible for a tax credit of 10 percent of a home's purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. Current homeowners, who are vacating a principle residence that they have lived in for 5 consecutive years of the past 8 are eligible for a tax credit of 10% of a home's purchase price, up to maximum of $6,500.

The following conditions apply:

• The tax credit is only awarded on homes purchased for $800,000, or less
• Full tax credit is available to buyers earning up to $125,000 a year, or $225,000 for married couples filing jointly
• Partial tax credit is available to buyers earning between $125,000 to $145,000, or for married couples earning between $225,000 to $245,000.
• Under the rules, as long as a written binding purchase contract is in effect on April 30, 2010, the buyer has until July 1, 2010 to close.

The tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the buyers tax liability, and does not have to be paid back as long as the buyer remains in their home for three years or more. This is a once-in-a-lifetime offer to have Uncle Sam help you buy a house. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Are You Ready For Winter?

Winter is one of our favorite times of the year! It's often easy to overlook your home's needs with so much going on. Here is a simple checklist of items that can save you money through the winter:

• Check for leaks and drafts around the house. Replace weather stripping and re-caulk around doors and windows. Drafty doors and windows will cool off the house and cost you money in heating bills.
• Inspect your attic's insulation. Heat rises so adding good insulation can keep the heat from escaping.
• Check your heating system. Sometimes something as easy as replacing your filter or having simple maintenance done can save on heating costs.
• Consider changing from standard light bulbs to energy saving bulbs. Winter uses a lot of your electricity so even saving a little here and there will help.

Whether you live in a warm or cold climate, take this opportunity to inspect your home systems. You'll be money ahead in the long run!

“Over the years, the developer and sponsors have given away approximately 875,000 tree seedlings to help perpetuate the forested environment,” said Vreeland-Wendt. “We encourage residents of the community to come out and enjoy the Arbor Day festivities and receive new tree seedlings.”

This free celebration is sponsored by The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, the South Montgomery County YMCA and The Brickman Group, Ltd.

The Woodlands is a 28,000-acre master-planned community located 27 miles north of downtown Houston.  It is a project of The Woodlands Development Company, a limited partnership of Morgan Stanley and General Growth Properties, Inc.

Here are just a few of the major design trends emerging in luxury multi-purpose kitchens as 2010 begins. 

Countertops
Kitchen countertops are increasing in mass – think thick – and demand is enlarging for new surface materials.  As granite wanes in popularity, crackle glass, concrete, and wood (with decorative edges) are all moving to the fore as popular countertop materials. One of the most contemporary counters combines glass with LED lighting.  The result is a glowing glass countertop which can be set up with most any color to match your mood of the moment. 

Counters in new kitchens may also differ in height to add visual excitement and to create work zones for special purposes and for both short and tall cooks.  Counters and islands are also increasingly designed to double as serving and dining areas.

Work zones
As more activities precipitate to the kitchen, designers are building in special purpose areas.  A quick food prep station makes simple meal preparation and cleanup simple.  A baking center offers ingredient storage within reach and a counter height designed for chopping, mixing, and rolling.  A coffee bar or a wine tasting and beverage center are other trendy special purpose work zones. 

Sinks
Extravagant farm sinks are a favored trend and multiple sinks continue to be in demand.  Water saving faucets are part of a trend toward eco-friendly kitchens.

Cabinetry
Mid-height cabinetry is a major trend in contemporary kitchens and beginning to develop in traditional kitchen designs as well.  Shorter cabinets may “float” on the wall or incorporate European-style legs and even be used as room dividers.  In-demand cabinet materials include stainless steel, environmentally-friendly bamboo, pecan or alder wood.  Cabinets are customized with interior fittings for efficient storage. Horizontal cabinet doors (sometimes motorized) are another emerging kitchen trend.  

Although the all white kitchen is still fashionable, cabinetry is also showing up in a variety of finishes and colors to give a kitchen the look of a furnished room.

Appliances
Forget the concept of a cooktop, double oven, microwave, dishwasher and a refrigerator creating an adequate kitchen.  Today’s cooks want more.  Additional dishwashing drawers, elaborate coffee making appliances, warming drawers, additional ovens, wine coolers may all be part of a luxury kitchen and several of these appliances may be hidden within cabinetry. 

On the other end of the spectrum, forget subtle, some homeowners are using the refrigerator as kitchen art.  Coolers, an Italian company will silk screen a refrigerators with a bold animal print, your favorite photograph or most any other image.  The range hood or cabinet fronts can be silk screened to match. 

Electronics
The kitchen is now home to televisions, computers, and sound systems.  With friends and family coming together in the kitchen, entertainment and information need to be convenient. 

Multiple kitchens

Luxury homeowners often want multiple kitchens.  In addition to the primary gourmet kitchen, a catering kitchen – where preparations occur for dinner parties and other entertaining – may be on the must have list.  A mini-kitchen in the master bedroom and another in the primary guest suite create a comfortable place for a midnight snack or that first cup of morning coffee.  Of course, what was once the barbeque grill has morphed into a full outdoor kitchen with ice maker, dishwasher, dining area and more.

The kitchen is the heart of the house and this decade begins with trends which focus on making it more practical for a variety of lifestyle purposes and more enticing as an entertaining center. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2010
News Release

Avoid Home Damage from Frozen Pipes

Texas weather can change quickly, especially in the winter. A fast-moving cold front can cause temperatures to drop below freezing within hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through your house. You can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture by taking a few simple measures to protect your home.

Before the Freeze

· Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags, or plastic foam.

· Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.

· Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.

· Drain and store water hoses indoors.

· Protect outdoor electrical pumps.

· Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)

· Drain water sprinkler supply lines.

· Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.

· Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, especially when you’re gone for the day or away for an extended period.

· Let indoor faucets drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water.

· Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.

· If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.

· If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater.

If Your Pipes Freeze

· If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible. Don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.

· If the pipe hasn’t burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.

· Don’t use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.

If You Have a Loss

· Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas’ prompt-payment law.

· Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies pay for property repair. In addition, most policies pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.

· Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.

· Most homeowners policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.

Questions?

If you have questions about insurance, call TDI’s Consumer Help Line toll-free: 1-800-252-3439

or visit the TDI website: www.tdi.state.tx.us. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.

Heater Safety During Cold Weather

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- As temperatures plummet over the next few days, residents will have many concerns, such as taking care of the three P’s ( Pets, Plants & Pipes ). As Firefighters, we are concerned that there is another danger that is often overlooked, that is the risk of injury or death from home heating fires. It is estimated that there are approximately 64,000 home heating fires annually in the United States, resulting in nearly $1 Billion dollars in damage, 540 civilian deaths and 1,400 injuries.

The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities has caused many Americans to search for alternative home heating sources such as wood burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces. Heating is one of the leading causes of residential fires. Over one-quarter of these fires result from improper maintenance of equipment, specifically the failure to clean the equipment.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is another danger when using heating equipment fueled by fossil fuel. It occurs most often when equipment is not vented properly. CO deaths have been on the rise since 1999. On average there were 181 unintentional non-fire deaths from CO poisoning associated with consumer products per year from 2004-2006 compared to 123 from 1999-2001 (Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission). Carbon monoxide poisoning is most fatal to adults age 65 or older.

The number one safety recommendation is to first and foremost have working smoke detectors throughout the home, especially in all sleeping areas. Homes with gas appliances must also have a Carbon Monoxide Detector on each floor. Having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.

Preventing Home Heating Fires
In 2003-2006, the leading factor contributing to home heating fires (28%) and deaths (46%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding (Source: NFPA). Many heating fires can be prevented by following basic safety tips when dealing with any heating equipment:

- Keep or maintain a 3 foot clearance between all heating equipment and anything that can burn.
- Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly for safety.
- Be sure to have fixed space heaters installed by a qualified technician, according to manufacturer’s instructions or applicable codes.  Or, make sure a qualified technician checks to see the unit has been properly installed.
- When buying a new, portable space heater, make sure it has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- Space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Choose space heaters that turn off automatically if they tip over.
- Never use a space heater to dry clothing.
- Do not use your oven to heat your home.
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.  For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home.  When one sounds, they all sound. 
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

Wood Burning Stoves and Fireplaces
- Use a metal or glass fireplace screen to keep sparks from hitting nearby carpets or furniture.
- Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (3 feet) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
- Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
- Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
- Don’t use excessive amounts of paper to build fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
- Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. 
- Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantle. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite these materials.
- Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.  A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house. If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.
- Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
- Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
-Allow fireplace and wood stove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container.
Electric Heaters
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, blankets, curtains, and paper products.
- Check to ensure the heater has a thermostat control mechanism.
- Choose a heater that will turn off automatically if it tips over.
- Never dry clothes or store objects on stop of the heater.
- Never use extension cords with electric heaters.
- Keep anything that may burn at least 3 feet away from the heater.
- Never allow children to play with, or around, the heater.

Sources: United States Fire Administration, National Fire Protection Association

The Best Homes in each village are as follows:
- Home on Green Gables Circle in the Village of Alden Bridge
- Home on Amber Sky in the Village of Cochran’s Crossing
- Home on W. Knightsbridge Drive in the Village of College Park
- Home on Wenoah Place in the Village of Creekside Park
- Home on Cedarwing in the Village of Grogan’s Mill
- Home on S. Peaceful Canyon Circle in the Village of Indian Springs
- Home on Great Laurel Court in the Village of Panther Creek
- Home on Picasso Path Place in the Village of Sterling Ridge

The Best Neighborhoods in each participating village are as follows: - Alden Bridge – June Breeze Place
- Cochran’s Crossing – Edgemire Circle in Cochran’s Green
- College Park – Bowie Bend Court in Harper’s Landing
- Creekside Park – W. Lasting Spring Drive in Tunica Pass
- Grogan’s Mill – Royal Fern Circle
- Indian Springs – E. Mirror Ridge Circle
- Panther Creek – S. Buck Ridge
- Sterling Ridge – Degas Park

Winners in the Best Home category received prize packages that included plaques and yard signs. Best Neighborhoods received yard signs and passes to the Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, donated by the The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau.

All homes and neighborhoods served by The Woodlands Community Association and The Woodlands Association, and represented by a Village Association, were eligible to participate. There was no registration to enter. The contest only required that holiday lights be turned on between December 3 - 9, as advertised.

Each Village Association coordinated the village-level judging. Winners were selected at the judges’ sole discretion, and all decisions are final.

The Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest is sponsored by the Community Associations of The Woodlands and The Woodlands Village Associations. For more information, please contact your Village Association.

THE WOODLANDS, TX

      The entertainment begins at noon on Tuesday, December 15 as Traci Flores leads the North Houston Homeschool Winter Choir. Adding to the holiday spirit will be the Collins Intermediate Winter Holiday Choir & Handbell Concert, which begins on Wednesday, December 16 at noon. Later that week, the Knox Jr. High Choir will spread their holiday magic to busy Market Street shoppers at 11:15 am followed by the Creekside Forest Elementary School Choir at noon. Later that evening, the Metzler Elementary School will present their rendition of “Twas a Night Before Christmas” at 5:30 pm.

      The fun continues on Saturday, December 19 at noon as over 200 roaring tubas from the Houston Tuba Christmas entertain the crowd. Looking for something more soothing that day?  Come relax with The Violin Trio as they perform everyone’s favorite Christmas tunes at 2 pm.

      Market Street’s 2009 holiday celebrations concludes on Sunday, December 20 as Mickey’s Majorette’s takes over Central Park at 1 pm, followed by The Woodlands Christmas Band at 3 pm.

      These performances, as well as all holiday events at Market Street, are free and open to the public. 

      Market Street – The Woodlands also encourages all shoppers to help out a furry friend this holiday season by stopping The Woodlands Dog Park Club gift-wrapping services, located at Santa’s Workshop between Z Gallerie and Sweet & Sassy in Market Street. Proceeds to benefit the creation of Rescue Me Dog Park for the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.

 Located across the street from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Market Street is bound by Lake Woodlands Drive, Lake Robbins Drive, Grogan’s Mill Road and Six Pines Drive.  Market Street is owned by a joint venture between an affiliate of Trademark Property Company and Institutional Mall Investors.

Doing Nothing Isn't the Answer

Foreclosure is affecting more Americans than ever before. You see it on the news constantly, and are always hearing about the crumbling housing market and the people that are losing their homes because they can't afford to pay their mortgage. Too many of these people waited too long to do something about their financial troubles, or got in over their head with their purchase, and are now paying for their mistakes. If you want to know the easiest answer to how to avoid foreclosure, you might be surprised at how simple it really is. The best way to avoid foreclosure is to never get a loan that you can't afford to pay back.

Many of the people that are facing foreclosure in today's economy were buying homes in a good market years ago, when mortgage companies and banks were happy to lend $200,000 to the people who barely made enough to make the monthly payment on a loan of that size. They figured the economy would improve over time, and people would be just fine paying back their loans. Now, both the banks and the borrowers alike are paying for their decision, which leaves many homeowners trying to figure out how to avoid foreclosure.

If you are past the point of overpaying for a home or buying more than you can afford, you might be wondering how to avoid foreclosure at this point in the game. First, you need to assess your financial situation. Get rid of any expenses that aren't necessary. Pay off credit cards if you can, avoid wasting money on entertainment or unnecessary expenses, and re-evaluate your financial ability to repay your debts. Get help from a credit counselor if you need it, because you can find many solutions that you might not have thought of on your own. If it comes to a matter of not being able to pay at all, call your Mortgage Company or bank.

Many times, these people are willing to work with homeowners to help them avoid foreclosure by changing the terms of the loan, extending longer grace periods, or offering hardship assistance for those who have lost their jobs or taken a pay cut. The only rule in learning how to avoid foreclosure is that you need to do something. Many people feel hopeless and defeated, which leaves them doing nothing. This is THE ABSOLUTE WORST thing that you can do if you are in this situation. Take an active role in your financial troubles, no matter how hard it might be. Find out what options you have, and take action. The only real way to avoid foreclosure in today's economy is to take a stand and fight to do whatever it takes to save your home.

A two-sided galvanized steel arbor marks the entry to Koi Garden off Waterway Court. Two ancient proverbs are carved into the arbor – “Enough Pails of Water….A River” on the south side, and “The Journey is the Reward” on the north side.

According to David Smith, principal of SLA Studio Land, there are common elements in the garden’s design that represent several Asian cultures. “Those elements include water, which is typically “Yin” or female, rock with is typically “Yang” or male, and plant materials expressive of the seasonal changes and the cycle of life. Common to many Asian gardens is the inclusion of islands and bridges designed to emphasize the act of “crossing over between states of consciousness or ‘worlds’”, Smith said. Koi Garden on The Woodlands Waterway includes two bridges that provide scenic connectors between the land and water elements.

The positioning of these elements provides different visual emphasis from various points in the garden. This experience is enhanced by a wide variety of hardscape materials, including granite, slate, pebbles, limestone and metal in a selection of interesting colors and textures. Flowering and semi-aquatic plants such as Formosa azaleas, camellia Japonica and Sasanqua, canna, Louisiana irises in a variety of colors, powdery-leafed thalia, pickerel rush, and eight different varieties of water lilies add to the seasonal color in the garden. Dwarf and timber bamboo, spike rushes, grasses and variegated celery are among the bog plants that help purify the koi pond as well as add to the beauty of the garden.

The koi in the pond are Japanese imports selectively bred for their brilliant colors and appealing patterns. There are 33 adult koi and about a dozen baby koi in seven different varieties currently living in the pond. The koi pond is maintained by Brett Rowley of Brett’s Fish Farm, fisheries biologist.

With the holiday season upon us (or so the circulars tell me) I thought I’d devote today’s column to gift giving. Let’s face it folks, for a lot of us, its not going to be the big present year that we were hoping for. The economy is in the gutter, year-end bonuses have gone with it, and many people are trying to figure out what to do for the holidays.

For starters, let’s all take a deep breath, grab some couch, and think about the gifts that we have given and received in the past few years. Can you remember what you got last year? How about the year before? Can you remember what you gave someone eight years ago? If you’re like me, you basically have no clue.

Now, sit back, close your eyes for a minute, and think back to the first time you had dinner with your spouse, your child’s first school play, or the last time your entire family was together (well, maybe some don’t want to recall that one). If one of those specifics doesn’t apply, pick one that does. Does it make you smile when you think of it? Can you recall specifics of the particular event or happening? If you are like me, the answer to that question is yes because interpersonal experiences tend to hold much more long-term value than any plastic wrapped soon to break thing ever can.

So this year, how about breaking with tradition and laying off the stuff?

Instead of that new doll, electronic video game or stereophonic hi fidelity music replicator, why not give someone the gift of an experience. A lot of people have called me on the fact that if everyone stopped buying, the economy would collapse, and they might be right (I never really understood economics past my piggy bank so I’m assuming). Thankfully, gift less giving is a great way to bolster your local economy (emphasis on local there) and still keep yourself out of the whole production cycle.

Next page: A few ideas for ya:

• Give someone a class that they never would have bought for themselves. I have an odd dream of someday learning to play the entire E.L.O. catalog on the bagpipes but for some reason have never looked into lessons. How psyched would I be if my wife read this and sent some kilt wearing Scotsman by the house to teach me how to play “Wild West Hero” (can someone please send this to the missus for me)?

• Clean up someone’s junk mail by signing them up for a junk mail reduction service. There are plenty of companies to take care of this for you, like Greendimes, who will actually plant five trees for you while they are at it. How cool is that? Eradicate their junk mail and plant some trees in their name–two gifts in one!

• Help someone else in the name of those you care about. By supporting a cause in someone else’s name, you not only help someone else, but you involve your recipient in creating a better world, and perhaps turn them onto something they might not have known about before. We send out a holiday e-card every year and let people know that we have made a micro-loan through Kiva to someone in a developing country. These loans (as small or large as you’d like them to be) help others pull themselves out of the poverty cycle by allowing them to build businesses. We link the newsletter to the actual persons page and the following year update everyone on how we did. Since we started this, every year we have been able to write that the loan we made the previous year was successfully paid back and then invest it in the next person. It’s a great way to share the holiday spirit and involve people in something good.

• Make something. Make a painting, a sculpture, dinner, their bed–whatever it is you think they might like. This is a much more personal way to show someone you care and has the added benefit of potentially costing little to no money.

These are just a few ideas and as always, I’m interested in hearing yours. The important point in all of this is that we show those that we love how much we care about them by NOT adding to the consumption/waste cycle. Let people know that you have strayed from the norm this year (whatever that is) and let them know why. My guess is they’ll appreciate it and you all the more.

Is it crowded under your sink with bottles of cleaning products? Healthy cleaning at home starts with some basic ingredients that keep toxins at bay, the EcoNest sparkling and your pocketbook happy. Below are great tips for creating pure and natural cleaning products for your home.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Ingredients

Baking soda: An all-purpose cleaner especially effective on glass coffee pots and glassware, baking soda also removes red-wine stains from carpeting. A paste (made with water) can shine stainless steel and silver and can remove tea stains from cups and saucers. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a Castile or vegetable-based liquid soap and a drop of essential oil (tea tree or lavender) to clean sinks, countertops, toilets and tubs. To clear a clogged drain, pour 1 cup down the sink followed by 3 cups of boiling water.

Boiling water: Use weekly to flush drains and avoid clogs.

Coarse salt: Cleans copper pans and scours cookware. Sprinkle salt on fresh spills in the oven, and then wipe off. Sprinkle salt on rust stains and squeeze a lime or lemon over them, let sit for several hours and wipe off.

Essential oils: Mix lavender or tea tree essential oils with water and spray on kitchen or bathroom surfaces for an environmentally and people-friendly antibacterial spray.

Grapefruit-seed extract: Add a few drops to water in a spray bottle for an odorless way to kill mold and mildew.

Lemon juice: Use as a bleaching agent on clothing, and to remove grease from your stove and countertops. Add 2 Tbsp lemon juice to 10 drops of (real) lemon oil and a few drops of jojoba oil to clean and polish wood furniture.

Olive oil: Use to lubricate and  polish wood furniture (three parts olive oil to one part vinegar; or two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice). As an alternative, you can use linseed oil.

Potatoes: Halved potatoes can remove rust from baking pans or tin ware - follow with a salt scrub or dip the potato in salt before scrubbing.

Tea tree oil: Can be added to vinegar/water solutions for its antibacterial properties. Use it to kill mold and mildew, and on kitchen and bathroom surfaces instead of chemical products. Add 50 drops to a bucket of water to clean countertops and tile floors. You can combine it with vinegar.

Toothpaste (white, plain): Cleans silver; can remove water stains on wood furniture - dab on, allow it to dry and wipe off.

White vinegar: Cleans linoleum floors and glass (from windows to shower doors) when mixed with water and a little liquid soap (Castile or vegetable). White vinegar cuts grease, removes stains, removes soap scum and clean toilets (add a bit of baking soda if you like and a drop of your favorite essential oil). Pour down drains once a week for antibacterial cleaning. Add to water in a spray bottle to kill mold and mildew.

THE WOODLANDS, TX - (Tuesday, November 17, 2009) – The Village Holiday Carnival rings in the holiday season at Alden Bridge Village Center on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 10 am until 2 pm with free entertainment, petting zoo, music, hourly prizes and the grand prize – a $1,000 shopping spree to Alden Bridge Village Center - according to Susan Vreeland-Wendt, director of marketing for The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC).

At the Village Holiday Carnival, children will enjoy a special appearance by Santa Claus on his hometown fire truck from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. Puffy Claus, The Woodlands’ lovable mascot Puffy Pine Cone dressed in holiday attire, will pose for free photos, from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm, courtesy of Walgreen’s in Alden Bridge Village Center. Walgreen’s is collecting new toys for Toys for Tots at its Alden Bridge location, so bring your donations.

Puffy will be distributing free gifts while supplies last. Performances by Conroe ISD school choirs and local talent will be included during the event: Sally K. Ride Elementary at 10:00 am; Nick Venzin at 10:30 am; Lamar Elementary at 11:00 am; Kathryn Hallberg at 11:30 am; and a combined performance from Bush Elementary and Buckalew Elementary at 12:30 pm.

Free carnival rides for the children include Rock Walls, Boxer Jocks, an Obstacle Course, Moonwalk, Remote Race Cars, Sports Challenge, mini train rides, a free petting zoo, free face painting and much more. 

Adults can shop at exhibitor’s booths and enjoy hourly prize drawings.  Register to win the perfect holiday gift--a $1,000 shopping spree to Alden Bridge Village Center.  The drawing will take place at 1:45 pm. You must be present to win the shopping spree.

The Village Holiday Carnival is sponsored by the merchants of Alden Bridge Village Center and TWDC.  Alden Bridge Village Center is located at the intersection of Research Forest Drive and Kuykendahl Road.

The Woodlands is a 28,000-acre master-planned community located 27 miles north of downtown Houston.  It is a project of The Woodlands Development Company, a limited partnership of Morgan Stanley and General Growth Properties, Inc.

Located at the Northeast Corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines Drive

Paid Parking: $5 at the parking lot at Six Pines and Lake Robbins Drive

Free Parking: Town Center Garage-located adjacent to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Six Pines Drive

Open Daily: November 21, 2009 through January 18, 2010

Ticket Prices:

Weekdays (Monday-Friday)

$9.50 for 2-hour skate session (includes $2.50 skate rental)

$5 for 2- hour skate session for children 5 and under (includes $2.50 skate rental)

Weekends (Saturday-Sunday)

$10.50 for 2-hour skate session (includes $2.50 skate rental)

$6 for 2-hour skate session for children 5 and under (includes $2.50 skate rental)

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Thursday: 3pm to 9pm

Friday: 3pm to 11pm

Saturday: 10am to 11pm

Sunday: noon to 7pm

Holiday Hours:

School Holidays: 11am to 10pm

Thanksgiving Day: 1pm to 9pm

Christmas Eve: 11am to 6pm

Christmas Day: 2pm to 8pm

New Years Eve: noon to 1am

New Years Day: 11am to 9pm

Concessions: Hot Dog: $2, Nachos: $3.25, Popcorn: $3, Candy: $2, Chips: $1.25, Soda: $2.50, Bottled Water: $2.50, Hot Chocolate: $3, Coffee: $2.50, Specialty Coffee: $3.50

Specialty Coffees Include: Espresso, Café Mocha, Café Latte, Cappuccino, French Vanilla Cappuccino, Chai Latti, Chai Mocha, Chai Tea, and French Vanilla Latte