Looking to get away for the day or fend off another round of “I’m bored”?

Take a short drive to Hermann Park, a 445-acre recreational destination, just about 20 minutes from Sierra Vista. There’s something fun here for nearly every interest — from outdoor spaces to a science museum, miniature train, theatre performances, and more.

For the outdoors fans

Dating back to a gift to the city of Houston from George Hermann in 1914, Hermann Park features a host of outdoor spaces, including expansive gardens, trails and picnic spaces.

  • Smell the flowers in the 15-acre McGovern Centennial Gardens complex, featuring a rose garden, hundreds of trees and shrubs, perennials and more.
  • Stroll through the Japanese Garden, a 5-acre retreat from busy city life with its beautiful blooms, waterfalls and stone paths.
  • Grill and enjoy a picnic in the Lake Picnic Area located between the Miller Outdoor Theatre and Lake Plaza, which also features a trail and swings for after-dinner fun.
  • Play 18 holes on the historic Hermann Park Golf Course, the first public golf course in the U.S. to welcome all races.
  • Spot wildlife like red-cockaded woodpeckers, ospreys, deer, squirrels and more creatures as you take the Tudor Family Pine Hill Walk through the piney woods.

For the art enthusiasts

The outdoors and the arts merge within Hermann Park with an outdoor theatre and art displays.

  • Catch a concert or play at Miller Outdoor Theatre, an open-air theatre offering free admission with family-friendly performances throughout the year, such as the Star-Spangled Salute by the Houston Symphony on July 4, summer symphony nights and the Houston Shakespeare Festival.
  • Browse art around the park, including life-sized elephant sculptures that were just installed permanently in the Cece and Mack Fowler Art Grove along the trail parallel to Fannin Street in May.

For the family

From playgrounds to train rides, there’s something for the youngest park goers to enjoy, too.

  • Take a ride on the Lott Family Carousel with a $6 day pass.
  • All ages can catch the miniature train at Kinder Station or at one of three other stops for a 20-minute scenic trip ($6-$7).
  • Enjoy fun on the the PNC ImagiNature Playgroundwith sensory experiences and nature-based interactives to build gross and fine motor skills.
  • Rent a 4-person pedal boat for $14.50 to explore McGovern Lake.
  • Go catch-and-release fishing at Bob’s Fishing Pier if you’re under age 12 or over age 65.

For the science and history buffs

Beat the heat indoors with a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston.

  • Check out the butterfly center, a three-story glass cone filled with tropical plants and exotic butterflies.
  • Browse the Hall of Paleontology with more than 450 fossils and fossil replicas.

For the animal lovers

  • Take your dog to the 2-acre McWilliams Dog Park located near the intersection of MacGregor Way and Cambridge Street.
  • Hit up the Houston Zoo, a 55-acre expanse in the middle of Hermann Park with more than 3,100 exotic animals to learn about.

For quick access to all this fun and more, find your new home at Sierra Vista now.

Owning your first home is an exciting milestone! With the paperwork signed and the move complete, you may be asking yourself, “What’s the next step?” It’s time to focus on making it your own with personal touches, hosting friends and staying on top of upkeep. Here are some tips to help you ease into this new chapter of home ownership.

Even New Homes Need TLC

Even new, never-before lived in homes need a little TLC. Start by giving your HVAC system a tune-up before summer and winter, because Texas weather likes to keep you guessing. Next up: gutters. Clean them twice a year or go all out with gutter guards. Meanwhile, the sun is out there plotting against your home’s exterior. Texas summers will roast your siding, paint and roof if you’re not watching, so check for wear and tear.

Planning Ahead

Owning a home comes with both planned and surprise expenses. Set up an emergency fund for unexpected repairs and budget annually for upkeep. Account for ongoing costs like utilities, property taxes and HOA fees, along with seasonal expenses to stay prepared.

Making Your New Home Yours

Your new home has blank walls and endless possibilities. Start with the big stuff — furniture that fits your space instead of trying to dominate it. Then, it’s time to bring the personality. Art that makes you smile? Check. Family photos? Double-check. Décor that whispers “I’ve got style.” Yes, please. Add pillows, rugs and curtains to give each room its own vibe. Oh, and plants. Always plants.

Hosting Guests in a Fresh Space

Your new home is probably a lot bigger than your old space, and you know what that means? Time to party! Dress up your new patio for backyard barbecues. Take advantage of the open-floor plan to host holiday parties. Stock up on snacks and extra coffee for informal gatherings That new game room is perfect for game nights and slumber parties. Before long, you will be the official host with the most.

Getting to Know the Locals

Apartment living is kind of anonymous. Buying a new home means being a part of a community. So how do you get to know the locals? Take a lap around the neighborhood, it’s like a meet-and-greet, but with fresh air. Say hi, smile, or just comment on someone’s lawn. If you’re feeling daring, host a casual get-together. Not the hosting type? No worries. Sign up for a local club or lend a hand at a community event. Before you know it, you’ll be on a first-name basis with everyone.

First-time Home Ownership Rocks at Sierra Vista

If you’re ready to take the leap into homeownership, consider Sierra Vista as the place to start your journey. Our builders craft high-quality homes that are easy to care for and our Amenity Village is where you’ll relax and meet your neighbors. Cypress Green is the perfect place to start your home-owning journey. Visit us today.

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.