Graduating high school is a monumental achievement, and for the students of Sierra Vista set to cross the stage at Iowa Colony High School on May 23, it’s a chance to honor years of dedication and cherished moments. And what better way to mark this milestone than throwing a party that’s totally “them”? How? Here are a few tips for hosting a graduation bash they will never forget:
Themes with Extra Flair
Graduation parties with themes? Yes, please! Go full college spirit using the colors of your grad’s soon-to-be new school. Take your graduate and guests on a walk down memory lane starting with kindergarten. Outdoors, think tropical vibes that scream “instant vacay.” Make it personal—career goals, favorite sports or that odd fascination with Victorian novels can all inspire. Just keep it as fun, quirky or over-the-top as the grad themselves. They deserve it!
Top Spots for an Epic Grad Party
Time to channel your inner event planner. First things first: location. Hosting at home gives you total creative control. String lights in the backyard? Check. Lawn games? Double check. DIY taco bar? Why not? If you’re not into the whole DIY thing, consider renting a venue. Restaurants, community centers (maybe the Sierra Vista Clubhouse for residents?) and other local spots come with handy amenities like tables, chairs and even catering options. Prefer the great outdoors? Parks offer a blend of charm and open space that’s hard to resist. When it comes to an off-site venue, remember to call and reserve early. There are a lot of seniors looking to party.
Invites That Wow
Invites don’t have to be snooze-worthy. Use Evite or Canva to whip up something fun—school colors, embarrassing photos or even a video message for extra flair. Into paper? Coordinate with the theme. DIY invites can show off your grad’s hobbies or future superstar plans. Just don’t skip the crucial stuff: when, where, RSVP info and a hashtag to make the party the talk of Instagram.
Party Decor That’s Totally Extra
Graduation party decor? Let’s make it epic! Deck the place out in school colors (Iowa Colony High’s burgundy and black, maybe?) or the graduate’s next big adventure theme. Get crafty with DIY photo displays, quirky banners or centerpieces. Show off their journey with awards, photos and keepsakes because, let’s face it, they earned those bragging rights. Mascot? Logo? Sprinkle that in, too! Nail the little touches, and you’ll throw a party they’ll never stop talking about!
Graduation Grub That Steals the Show
When it comes to food, teens want it all. Finger foods like sliders, charcuterie boards and chips with dips are a great start. For mains, go buffet-style with tacos, BBQ or pizza—easy and delicious. Desserts? Themed cupcakes, cookies or an eye-catching centerpiece cake will impress. For drinks, set up a serve-yourself station with lemonade, iced tea and mocktails (because hydration, but make it fun).
Party Games That Even Grandma Will Crush
Make the grad party the talk of the year with games that aren’t lame. Graduate trivia lets people show off, photo scavenger hunts get everyone moving and lawn games bring out hilarious competitiveness. Karaoke is perfect for cringe-worthy moments, and a time capsule adds some future sentiment. Toss in a memory jar, a photo booth and, of course, Bingo, and you’ll have a party people will enjoy.
Congrats Sierra Vista Grads
Class of 2025, your hustle has paid off, and now the world awaits your brilliance—or at least your memes. Whatever’s next, tackle it with confidence, caffeine and a sense of humor. May your future be filled with wins, laughs and perfectly timed Wi-Fi. Congrats, and don’t forget to send a postcard from wherever life takes you!
Bocce ball is a sport for those of us who want competition without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re in the backyard, on the Sierra Vista court or trying to out-roll your friend who insists they’re a “natural,” bocce is here to bring strategic fun. Its laid-back charm and foolproof rules make it a hit for everyone. Ready to roll into glory? Let’s break it down!
Essential Gear
To get started, you’ll need eight balls—split into two colors or patterns, so the teams aren’t arguing over who owns what. Size and weight should be identical unless you’re auditioning for a bocce scandal. Don’t skip the pallino (that little yellow or white target ball everyone obsesses over). Bonus items? A measuring tape to settle those heated ‘who’s closer?’ debates and a bag to schlep your gear like a pro.
The Court
A standard bocce court measures 60 feet long by 12 feet wide. The surface should be flat and firm, with materials like crushed stone, clay or compacted dirt providing the best results. Grass works, too, but uneven terrain may make gameplay trickier. Use chalk, tape or string to mark the boundaries and create a foul line about 10 feet from each end where players must stay behind when tossing. If you don’t want to set up your own, make the move to Sierra Vista, which offers a beautiful court perfect for an afternoon game.
The Rules
Now for the nitty gritty—how to play! Start by chucking the pallino onto the court like you’re making a statement. Then, alternate turns hurling bocce balls. The aim is to snuggle your balls as close to the pallino as possible while secretly hoping your opponent’s balls roll off into the void. Scoring? Only the team with the closest ball scores—one point per ball closer to the pallino than the rival’s attempts. Play continues until every ball’s been tossed, dreams are crushed and someone reaches the agreed score. Bonus points for pretending you aren’t too competitive.
Winning Techniques for Bocce Ball Success
Want to win? Here’s how. Nail your stance and throw underhand like a bocce ninja—it’s the difference between pro and “what was that?” Smooth courts? Precision heaven. Bumpy surfaces? Adjust your throw like you’re solving a geometry puzzle. Position your balls near the pallino to block opponents or rake in points like a boss. Sharpen your distance skills with practice, and in doubles, talk to your teammate. With these hacks, you’ll go from bocce noob to court legend in no time.
Check Out Our Court
Ready to give it a try? Make the move to Sierra Vista. In addition to a bocce ball court, our Amenity Village offers all sorts of ways to get out and have fun, including a heated lazy river for relaxation, resort-style pool, sports courts, pickleball court and a clubhouse when you want to move the fun indoors. Sound good? Visit us today.
Spring cleaning is a tradition that many of us embrace, but maybe it’s time to rethink how we approach it. Gone are the days of relying solely on harsh chemical cleaners that might leave our homes spotless but at what cost? Instead, let’s explore the world of natural cleaning—a method that’s not only kind to our health but also to our planet.
Why Choose Natural Cleaning Products
Choosing natural cleaning products is more than just hopping on a bandwagon; it’s a smart move with profound benefits. Here are some reasons why:
- Many conventional cleaners are packed with chemicals that can irritate your skin, eyes and even lungs. Swapping these out for natural alternatives means fewer allergens and toxins in your home, making it a safer space for everyone, including pets.
- The Environment. Traditional cleaning products often contain ingredients that, once rinsed away, can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems. Natural products, on the other hand, are usually biodegradable and much gentler on our waterways.
- Synthetic fragrances in many commercial cleaners can be overwhelming and even headache-inducing. Natural products, infused with essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, not only smell amazing but also provide added cleaning benefits without the synthetic overload.
- Many natural cleaning ingredients are everyday items you likely already have at home, like vinegar and baking soda. These are budget-friendly and multi-purpose, saving you money in the long run.
Effective Natural Cleaning Ingredients
- This simple yet mighty liquid is perfect for tackling grime on glass, countertops and bathroom tiles. Its acidic nature helps dissolve dirt and leaves things sparkling clean. Plus, it’s cost-effective and easy to find.
- Baking soda. This versatile powder is a superstar when it comes to scrubbing and deodorizing. It’s gentle enough for most surfaces but tough on stains and odors. Use it to freshen up your fridge, clean sinks or even remove baked-on grime from your oven.
- Lemon juice. Not only does it smell incredible, but its natural acidity makes it great for cutting through grease and leaving a shiny finish. A little lemon juice can brighten up your kitchen and bathroom in no time.
- Hydrogen peroxide. Another gem in the natural cleaning toolkit. It’s a fantastic disinfectant, effective against bacteria and viruses. Use it to sanitize cutting boards, toothbrushes and even bathroom surfaces. Just make sure to store it in a dark bottle, as light can reduce its effectiveness.
- Olive oil. It’s not just for cooking; it’s excellent for polishing wood and stainless steel, leaving a beautiful, streak-free shine. Mix it with a little lemon juice, and you’ve got a homemade furniture polish that’s as effective as it is eco-friendly.
Cleaning with Essential Oils
- Lemon essential oil. A natural germ-fighter with a refreshing citrus scent, it can lift your spirits while you scrub away. Its antibacterial properties make it perfect for disinfecting surfaces, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Tea tree oil. Known for its strong antimicrobial qualities, it can tackle mold and mildew like a pro. Just add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and a splash of vinegar, and you’ve got a potent mold-busting solution.
- Lavender oil. This is a fantastic addition to your laundry routine. A couple of drops in your washing machine can give your clothes a lovely scent while adding an extra layer of cleanliness.
DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes
- All-purpose cleaner. Mix one part water with one part vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance and extra cleaning power.
- For tough stains. Make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply it to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub away with a sponge. This mixture is perfect for tackling grime in your kitchen sink or bathroom tiles.
- Carpet odors. Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. Your carpets will smell fresh and clean.
- Pour half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar into the bowl. Let it fizz and bubble for about 10 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush.
- Wood furniture. Mix olive oil and lemon juice in a 2:1 ratio. Dab a soft cloth in the mixture and polish your wood surfaces for a lovely shine and a fresh scent.
Have you been wondering what’s coming next to the Manvel Town Center?
Just 5 miles from Sierra Vista, the 273-acre retail center developed by the Weitzman Group is coming to life with exciting dining, shopping and self-care options opening.
The upscale, luxury 5,000-square-foot Milano Nail Spa announced its Manvel location is opening in March near H-E-B.
Marble Slab Creamery & Great American Cookies is also now open. The dessert shop joins other drool-worthy dining options, like Smoothie King, Whataburger, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s and McDonald’s that have opened since H-E-B’s debut in October 2023 in the open-air shopping center.
You’ll soon be able to dig into deliciousness at the 4,000-square-foot Aki Steak & Sushi restaurant, too.
Home improvement retailer Lowe’s registered construction of its project with the Texas Department of Licensing & Registration in January for its new store that’s supposed to open in the third quarter of this year at 21606 Hwy. 288 in Manvel. The store was confirmed for Manvel Town Center last fall.
According to permit filings with the TDLR, a 10,400-square-foot shell building is also underway in the center and will house various retailers.
Additional businesses are coming soon as well, including AT&T and more yet to be announced. The Houston Business Journal reported last fall that the city of Manvel and the Weitzman Group were in preliminary talks with Target for a store next to the coming-soon Lowe’s.
Memorial Hermann GoHealth Urgent Care, Great Clips and Teal Ridge Dental Care are already operational in the center.
In total, the Manvel Town Center is slated to include approximately 1 million square feet of retail, entertainment, hospitality, medical and office spaces; with only a handful of businesses occupying the center so far, there’s still so much excitement to come.
As we head out of winter and into spring, there is one thing every Texan looks forward to — crawfish season! This year is expected to be particularly tasty given the warm, wet weather we’ve (mostly) been having. Where do you get them and why do people love them? We’ve got the lowdown.
When is Crawfish Season?
Forget Christmas, crawfish season is the most wonderful time of the year. People gather mostly in March, April and May to bond over buckets of crawfish, swapping stories and spices like old friends. You can also get your fix over the summer, but spring is where it’s really at.
It’s All About the Flavor
When it comes to why people love crawfish, first up is the flavor. Crawfish are like the sponges of the seafood world, soaking up all those glorious spices and giving your taste buds a kick they won’t forget. It’s a blend of sweet, spicy and savory that’ll have you questioning why you ever bothered with plain old shrimp.
There’s the Social Component
Crawfish boils are the social events of the season. Think of it as a Southern-style BBQ but with a Cajun twist and a whole lot more napkins. Gather your friends, roll up your sleeves and prepare for some competitive peeling action.
It’s A Vibe
Crawfish boils are casual, communal and messy—three things that make for an unforgettable time. No one cares if you’re dripping in butter or if you have a stray piece of crawfish shell stuck to your cheek. It’s all part of the charm.
It’s Satisfying
There’s something oddly satisfying about the whole process: the peeling, the dipping the eating. It’s like a culinary treasure hunt where the prize is a mouthful of spicy goodness. And let’s be real, there’s no better feeling than mastering the art of crawfish peeling and then showing off your skills like a seasoned pro.
There are Side Dishes
Sure, crawfish are the stars of the show, but the supporting cast is just as impressive. Corn, potatoes and sausage all cooked in that same spicy bath—it’s like a flavor explosion with every bite. And for those who like to live on the wild side, there are endless ways to jazz things up with garlic butter, lemon or even some crazy concoctions you dream up on the fly.
Where Are They?
Want to give them a try? Here are some places near Sierra Vista known for their crawfish culinary skill.
