It’s that time again. Time to make New Year’s resolutions you could totally fail at trying to keep — but hey, it’s the thought that counts, right? Or does it? Instead of the usual (start an exercise program, eat healthy, get outside more) why not think outside the box and craft a list of resolutions that are fun, unique, and totally doable? No promises on life-changing transformations here, but at least you’ll have some fun along the way.
Learn to Cook One Impressive Dish
Forget cooking at home more and concentrate on mastering one impressive dish. Maybe it’s a risotto or maybe it’s a complicated cake that requires three sticks of butter and some elbow grease. Whatever it is, learn it, then make it for every single potluck, dinner date, and family gathering until people start calling it “your thing.” Instant reputation boost.
Start a Collection of Something Incredibly Random
Don’t just start a collection, collect things no one else would. Collect mini ketchup bottles, googly eyes, or those little tags on bread bags. By next December, you’ll either have a quirky hobby to brag about or a very confused friend group.
Have One ‘Main Character Day’ a Month
Once a month, block out a day to channel your inner rom-com star. You know, those movie montages where the protagonist takes a solo trip to a coffee shop, reads a deep book, and maybe dances in the rain? Do that.
Turn Your Pet (or Plant) Into a Social Media Influencer
Your dog? Instagram gold. Your cat? TikTok royalty in the making. Your sad little succulent? Underdog story of the century. Dedicate the year to curating their online persona and watch the likes pour in.
Spend an Entire Day in Pajamas Without Apology
Pajamas all day, no shame, no excuses. Lounge like a pro. Order takeout, binge-watch an entire season of something, and declare yourself the CEO of Comfort, Inc. Sure, it’s not “productive,” but that’s kind of the point.
Quit Without Guilt
Everyone’s all about “sticking it out,” but why not embrace quitting? Pick up knitting, rock climbing, or interpretive dance. Realize it’s not for you? No problem. Move on guilt-free. You’re not failing; you’re just sampling the buffet of life.
Compliment Random Strangers
“Hey, nice shoes!” “Your jacket is so cool!” Imagine a world where people just hyped each other up for no reason. Be the change you want to see. Just, you know, don’t make it weird. We’re going for uplifting, not alarming.
Rename Everyday Chores to Sound More Exciting
Trick your brain into thinking you’re doing something glamorous, even when you’re not. “Laundry” sounds like a drag, but “Fabric Refreshment Ritual”? Kind of intriguing. Vacuuming? Call it “The Dance of the Dust Bunnies.” See? It’s all about branding.
Write Down Every Ridiculous Idea You’ve Ever Had
Start a notebook where you jot down every weird, silly, or completely impractical idea that pops into your head. Open a theme park for introverts? Invent a blanket with built-in snacks? Sure, why not. Who knows? One of those wild ideas might actually work.
Celebrate “Halfway to the Weekend” Wednesday
Monday has its reputation, Friday has its fans, but poor Wednesday gets ignored. Turn it into a mini holiday. Treat yourself to a midweek dessert, a dance party, or some retail therapy. Because surviving half the week deserves recognition.
Bonus Resolution: Purchase a New Home in Sierra Vista
What’s life without a little fun, starting with a new home in Sierra Vista. Our community is fun on steroids with amenities like a heated lazy river (because you deserve a warm blanket of water to relax on), pickleball courts ( because what’s life without a chance to lovingly crush you friends), and a fitness center (because you know staying fit will still be one of your New Year’s resolutions). So, make those resolutions, then come visit us! Your new home is waiting for you!
Buying a home is an exciting milestone at any stage of life, but as we get older, our priorities shift. For many older homebuyers, the goal is to find a home that not only suits their current lifestyle but also supports aging in place. Luckily, many of today’s new homes are designed with these needs in mind, offering thoughtful features that make day-to-day living more convenient, comfortable, and safe.
Easy Movement and Access
Moving around your home should feel effortless, not like an obstacle course. Low-step entrances are a big win for anyone who wants to avoid tripping hazards right at the front door. Single-story layouts mean no more navigating stairs, which is especially handy for anyone with mobility challenges. If you do purchase a two-story home, having the primary bedroom, bath, and laundry room on the first floor will make your home easier to navigate.
Bathroom Features for Safety and Comfort
The bathroom can be a tricky place for anyone with limited mobility or balance concerns. Walk-in showers with slip-resistant flooring help prevent falls, while lever-style taps, rocker light switches, and easy-pull cabinet hardware are easier to use for those with arthritis or reduced grip strength.
Kitchen Design for Accessibility
Kitchens are now being designed with features like pull-out drawers and lower or multi-height countertops, making it easier to grab what you need without excessive bending or reaching. This eliminates the need to climb on stools to reach high shelves or strain your back trying to dig something out of the back of a cabinet.
Lighting for Better Visibility
New homes come with abundant, well-placed lighting to illuminate key areas like the kitchen, hallways, and bathrooms. Larger windows let in more natural light, which improves visibility during the day and can make a home feel brighter and more inviting. At night, strategically placed lights help with navigation, reducing the risk of trips or falls.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology is one of the most exciting developments for older homeowners. Video doorbells let you see who’s at the door without having to get up, while smart locks can be controlled from your phone. Smart thermostats learn your preferences and keep your home comfortable, and smart lighting can be programmed to turn on or off automatically, saving energy and adding convenience.
Less Upkeep
No one wants to spend their golden years chasing down plumbers or worrying about a leaky roof. That’s where newly built homes shine. With brand-new roofs, HVAC systems, wiring, and appliances, these homes require fewer immediate repairs and less maintenance overall. This translates to less physical effort on your part and more time to enjoy your home instead of managing it.
Community Living
Many new homes are in master planned communities. These neighborhoods feature well-maintained pavements and benches for rest breaks. Walking paths and nearby conveniences make it easier to get outside and meet your neighbors. Plus, shared spaces like clubhouses and outdoor pavilions give you opportunities to socialize and have fun with friends and family.
Age Gracefully at Sierra Vista
Looking for a home that allows you to age in place? Sierra Vista is ready when you are. Our builders’ homes check all the boxes when it comes to checking all the boxes for older homebuyers. Plus, you will be part of a fantastic community of friendly, helpful neighbors you can meet up with at the pool, the Bocce ball court, heated lazy river, and more. Visit us and get started on the next and best stage of your life.
There are a lot of holiday traditions to choose from in Houston but one you don’t want to miss is Zoo Lights presented by TXU Energy at the Houston Zoo. Each night in December after the animals go to sleep, the zoo turns into a wonderland of twinkling lights, dazzling displays, and holiday magic. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season, and with Sierra Vista about 20 miles away, you can go as often as you like!
Returning Holiday Favorites
Each year Zoo Lights is a mix of holiday favorites and new and exciting attractions. What’s returning? Start by snapping a festive photo with the Whimsical Wildlife Tree at the end of the Reflection Pool.
Next, embark on a colorful adventure through the Geo-Prism Safari, presented by PNC Bank. Think vibrant shapes, glowing patterns, and a whole lot of Instagram-worthy moments. Then, let yourself get lost in the Enchanted Forest, sponsored by H-E-B.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without snow. Winter Wonderland, sponsored by Houston Methodist, has you covered! For families, a visit to Santa’s Workshop at Cypress Circle Café is a must. Say hello to Santa, grab a photo, and share your wish list before he heads back to the North Pole on Dec. 23.
And don’t miss the Coca-Cola Polar Bear display at Flamingo Terrace. This classic holiday scene is the perfect way to cap off your Zoo Lights stroll.
Here’s What’s New
Zoo Lights has leveled up this year with brand-new experiences you won’t want to miss! First up is the mesmerizing Iridescent Immersion inside the Great Ape Gallery. This otherworldly experience uses projection mapping technology to create a walk-through light show unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Out at the McGovern Front Plaza, Wild Wonder Lights, presented by TXU Energy, will blow you away with its stunning light projections and vibrant colors. Nearby, the Neon Playground invites you to play, dance, and immerse yourself in glowing, cheerful fun.
Over in the Holiday Grove, you’ll find fountains that seem to dance to the rhythm of the season. Beneath great oak trees wrapped in glowing lights, this spot is pure holiday magic. Finally, swing by the Yuletide Lodge pop-up bar experience. Whether you’re indulging in a festive drink or soaking in the interactive décor, it’s a cozy stop to warm your heart (and your hands) before heading back into the festivities.
Speaking of Drinks
Zoo Lights has eats and drinks to keep you fueled for all the merriment. Craving something sweet? Try the churro fries or a toasty cup of hot chocolate at Jack’s Café. Looking for a bite with a side of holiday cheer? Head to Cypress Circle Café, where s’mores and other magical snacks are waiting to delight your taste buds. Pair your treat with a signature holiday drink and take a moment to savor the joy of the season. And don’t forget to stop by the Zoo Store, where you’ll find all-new holiday merchandise perfect for gifting.
Here’s the Deets!
Zoo Lights, presented by TXU Energy, runs from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. through Jan. 4. The last entry is at 9:30 p.m. Please note that Zoo Lights will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets start at $26.95, and prices are the same for adults and children. Kids ages 2 and under get in for free. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as they won’t be available at the gate. Zoo members receive a discount.
Plan Your Holidays Around Sierra Vista
Zoo Lights isn’t the only holiday tradition Houston is known for. There’s plenty to do, and you can do it all if you make your home in Sierra Vista. Visit us this holiday season to check out our gorgeous new homes and fabulous lifestyle. Once you’ve made your choice, head to Houston for some holiday cheer.
It’s that time of the year again. Time to open your home to friends and family, only to regret it about five minutes later when you realize your guest room looks like a storage closet. No worries, though! With a little thought and some elbow grease, you can transform that multi-purpose space into a welcoming haven your guests will enjoy.
Tidy Up and Clear the Chaos
If your guest room is currently doubling as an office, storage unit, or place where old furniture goes to die, it’s time for some serious decluttering. Toss, donate, or temporarily hide anything that screams, “I don’t belong here!” You don’t want Aunt Carol tripping over your treadmill-turned-clothes rack or dodging stacks of holiday gift wrap. Then get vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing.
Make the Bed Cozy and Comfortable
Want a five-star guest review? Start with clean linens. Add a cozy comforter, a throw blanket for those who are always cold (you know who you are), and a selection of pillows ranging from soft as a cloud to just shy of concrete (again, you know who you are). Bonus points if you toss on some decorative pillows that serve absolutely no functional purpose but look Instagram-worthy.
Stock Up on Must-Haves for Your Guests
Save guests from an awkward scavenger hunt by providing a few essentials. Empty hangers? Yes. Space in the dresser? Make it happen. A wastebasket? Vital. Add a power strip for all their devices, a spare phone charger for the perpetually unprepared, tissue box for winter sniffles, and a little bowl for jewelry so they’re not frantically retracing their steps before checkout time. Oh, and don’t forget a bedside lamp for late-night reading—or scrolling.,
Add a Touch of Luxury
You don’t have to go full-on five-star luxury, but small touches can make all the difference. Set up a small coffee maker so your guests can caffeinate. Include some packaged snacks for midnight munchies. Toss in a couple of brochures to local attractions. And of course, bottled water, because nobody wants to stumble around your kitchen in the dark, trying to figure out which cupboard holds the glasses.
Help Your Guests Feel at Home
Go the extra mile. A vase of holiday flowers instantly says, “I care.” Leave a cute note card with the Wi-Fi password. Throw in a few books, magazines, or games in case they need some downtime. Provide robes just in case they forgot theirs, a full-length mirror for those outfit-check selfies, and a holiday-scented candle with a candle warmer (or matches, if you are feeling brave).
Don’t Overlook the Bathroom
Start with fresh towels. Add a basket with mini toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (unscented, because you don’t need any surprise allergic reactions on your hands). Stock up on extra toilet paper. Be sure to provide pain reliever medication just in case. If your guest room doesn’t have its own bathroom, make sure your shared bathroom is guest ready.
Give the Room a Try-Out
Put yourself in your guests’ slippers. Spend a few minutes hanging out in the room to see if it’s comfortable. Are the lights bright enough for reading? Does the temperature feel right, or is it arctic-level freezing? Check for noise, too. If the room faces the street or your neighbor’s yappy dog, consider leaving out earplugs. And if the room gets blasted by early-morning sunlight, throw in a sleep mask.
Your Perfect Guest Room in Your Perfect Home
Ready to bask in the glory of your Pinterest-worthy guest room? Why not add to the grandeur with a new home in Sierra Vista? Our builders offer a range of floor plans, including ones with guest suites so visitors don’t have to share with your toddler and home office and you don’t have to move your printer to another room. Visit us today!
This Thanksgiving, as we gather around the table to share what we’re thankful for, living in Sierra Vista should be on the list. From beautiful homes to award-winning schools, whether you’re already a resident or considering making the move, there are so many reasons to feel grateful for everything Sierra Vista has to offer.
Beautiful Homes in Sierra Vista
One of the best things about Sierra Vista is the variety of gorgeous homes available thanks to seven notable builders—HistoryMaker Homes, Adams Homes, CastleRock Communities, Century Communities, Davidson Homes, Smith Douglas Homes, and Terrata Homes. With countless floor plans and customization options, it’s easy to create a home that feels uniquely yours. If you’re not ready to buy, there are incredible rental home communities like Alterra at Sierra Vista and Willow at Sierra Vista that offer all the perks of living in our community.
Sierra Vista’s Prime Location
Location is everything, and Sierra Vista’s couldn’t be more convenient. Situated along the Highway 288 corridor, it’s just a 20-minute drive south of downtown Houston. This means you’re close to major employers, top-rated dining, and world-class attractions like the Houston Zoo and the Museum District. But you don’t have to go far for your everyday needs. Manvel Town Center and Pearland Town Center are right around the corner, offering plenty of shopping and dining options.
Resort-Style Amenities at Sierra Vista
Living in Sierra Vista feels like being on vacation every day, thanks to its jaw-dropping amenities. Picture yourself floating down the heated lazy river or enjoying a sunny day at the resort-style pool. If you’re the active type, there are multiple sports courts, pickleball courts, and bocce ball courts to keep you moving. The fitness room, outdoor pavilion, and playground ensure there’s something for every member of the family. There’s even a splash pad for the little ones and a hammock area for those lazy afternoons.
Excellent Schools for Sierra Vista Residents
For families, Sierra Vista offers access to some of the best educational opportunities around. The award-winning Alvin ISD is known for its strong academics, talented teachers, and focus on student growth and development. Plus, Sierra Vista is home to highly regarded private schools, daycares, and preschools, so parents can find the perfect fit for their children’s educational needs.
Sierra Vista’s Community Spirit
What truly sets Sierra Vista apart is its people. It’s more than just a collection of homes, it’s a community where neighbors look out for each other and go out of their way to lend a hand. Whether it’s a friendly wave, a quick chat while walking the dog, or neighbors coming together for events, the sense of connection here is undeniable.
Make Sierra Vista Your Home
With so many things to be grateful for, shouldn’t you consider making Sierra Vista your home? Drop by during the holidays or any time to discover what makes Sierra Vista great.
