Let’s face it. Naked windows are not very attractive. Now that you’ve moved into your new Sierra Vista home, it’s time to dress them up. Now, you’re probably asking yourself, “How do I choose the right window treatments?” You aren’t alone. With all the options available—drapes, blinds, shades and curtains—choosing window treatments can be as confusing as trying to assemble a piece of IKEA furniture without instructions. Never fear, we’re here to help you make your windows the talk of the neighborhood.

Function First, Fabulousness Later

Window treatments aren’t just for show. Before diving headfirst into the world of cotton, silk and velvet, consider what your window treatments need to do. Do they need to keep a nosy neighbor from peeking in? Maybe you want them to help regulate room temperature, so your family room doesn’t double as a sauna. And we’re not just whistling Dixie here. Data from the U. S. Department of Energy says medium-colored drapes backed with white plastic can decrease solar heat gain by as much as 33 percent. So, yeah, function does matter.

It’s a Material World

Ah, the materials—velvet, cotton, polyester, oh my! Each fabric has its pros and cons. Velvet screams luxury but can make a room feel claustrophobic. Cotton is versatile and easy to clean, which is perfect for those of us who see dust bunnies as the enemy. Polyester is a no-muss, no-fuss option. Whatever fabric you choose, just make sure it can handle daily life. Pets, kids and even spouses can be hard on window treatments.

What’s Your Window Treatment Personality?

​Your window treatments are an extension of your personality (although like we said, function matters). If you’re a minimalist, sleek roller shades could be your best friend. More of a maximalist? Layered drapes might be your calling. Roman shades offer timeless elegance while wooden shutters are charmingly rustic. Pick something that not only looks good but also makes you happy every time you walk into the room.

The Science of Color

Here’s where it gets tricky. You want your window treatments to complement your furniture, not steal the spotlight. Neutral tones are like the little black dress of window treatments—classic and versatile. But if you’re feeling adventurous, a bold color can be the highlight of the room. If your furniture says comfortable and cozy, floor-to-ceiling velvet drapes are going to look out of place. Your best bet is to grab a color wheel, take photos of your furniture and head out to the store.

Measuring Up

Channel your inner perfectionist, and make sure you measure correctly. No one wants their windows to look like the before picture. First, measure the width of your window. Then, measure the height from the top of the frame to where you want your drapes to end. Don’t just eyeball it unless you enjoy the look of mismatched window treatments. Don’t forget to account for any rods or hardware. If you have crown molding, measure around it, not through it.

Think Hard (Ware)

There’s more to window treatments than material. You’ve got to think hard about curtain rods, finials and rings. Your choice depends on what you intend to hang. Some drapery styles, such as grommet panels, rod pocket, tab top or back tab draperies can only be used on rods without rings. Pleated drapes can be displayed using traverse rods or decorative rods with rings. Finials are the decorative ornaments or knobs on the ends of drapery rods. They punctuate your window treatment style and should enhance both drapes and the room.

Let’s Talk Affordability

You may have noticed that window treatments aren’t exactly cheap. Never fear, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to get that decorator look at bargain basement prices. Thrift stores and online marketplaces are gold mines for budget-friendly finds. Or how about flexing those DIY muscles? A little creativity can go a long way. Re-purpose old sheets or tablecloths into chic drapes. Keeping it simple with blinds is also a great option until you can afford the window treatments of your dreams.

Check Out Our Window Treatments

Need more inspiration? Tour our model homes! Our builders use professional decorators to create 3-D design magazines. Check out their window treatments, then checkout their floor plans. Your new home (and new windows) are waiting for you.

Where your children will attend school is an important consideration. And it’s not just the school — you want to consider the school district, as well. While teachers and staff at a particular school will have an immediate and direct impact on your child, it’s the district that establishes the framework for how a school will operate. This ensures continuity as your child advances through their scholastic career.

Sierra Vista parents are fortunate to have their children attend schools in the Alvin Independent School District. Here are five reasons we love Alvin ISD:

Collaborative Environment

Alvin ISD administrators and board of directors have established a set of core beliefs centered on collaboration among students, parents, teachers, campus leaders and administrators to create an engaging learning environment where excellence is prioritized. The opportunity for each student to reach his or her maximum potential is a focal point.

Teacher Salaries

Alvin ISD offers some of the highest salaries in the region for a beginning teacher with a bachelor’s degree — $69,420 annually. This is thousands higher than in other comparable Houston-area school districts — including Fort Bend ISD, Katy ISD, Houston ISD, Conroe ISD and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD — which report starting salaries ranging from $61,600 to $64,130. This notable distinction is indicative of the district’s drive to attract the most qualified teachers.

Excellent Rankings

It’s not just us saying Alvin ISD is a good school district; Niche.com gives Alvin ISD an “A” for its overall grade, citing diversity, college prep, sports, academics and teachers as stand-out considerations. It ranks No. 119 out of 1,052 districts on the website’s list of Best School Districts in Texas and is in the top 2 percent nationally for Best School Districts for Athletes.

A Plan for Educational Excellence

Alvin ISD has developed strategies to create meaningful instructors who lead learning, value student experiences and prioritize student engagement. Specifics include:

• A multi-tiered plan that guides new teachers through the first two years of service
• Developing transformational processes that create safe and engaging learning environments district wide
• Comprehensive learning models that support a teacher’s ability to design authentic and relevant learning experiences.

Community Support

Supporting the teachers, programs and students of Alvin ISD is the Alvin ISD Education Foundation, which over 18 years has contributed more than $1.2 million to the district. With broad support from the community, the foundation has funded:

• Teaching grants
• Campus grants
• Scholarships for students, teachers and paraprofessionals
• Recognition of outstanding employees and administrators
• Education programs and opportunities such as the Alvin ISD Book Bus and STEM Bus that are not covered in the district budget

Young Sierra Visita residents attend Nichols Mock Elementary (located onsite), Meridiana Elementary, Jackie Doucet Junior High School and Iowa Colony High School. Learn more here.

Pearland Town Center is more than just a shopping center. It’s a hub of community life for anyone looking to enjoy community spirit and have a little fun. The center hosts many family-friendly events throughout the year but fall has it all going on! Here’s a look at what’s coming:

Latin Festival
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Free

The Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to experience Latin culture with live performances, vendors selling a variety of Latin food favorites, cultural items and clothing. There will also be dancing, Hispanic Hero Scholarship awards and so much more!

LIMITLESS Car Show
9-11 a.m. Sundays, Sept. 15 and Nov. 24
Free

The Car Culture is bringing out muscle cars, imports and European cars for your enjoyment. Check out the Cadillac CTSV and the Corvette Z06, Subaru BRZ, STI, Nissan 300ZX, Honda s2000, Porsche 944, Lamborghini Huracan, BMW F80 M3 and many more!

Vendor Fair
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 21 and Nov. 30
Free

Support local businesses and find unique items at this monthly market. There will be food and live music, so why not make a day of it?

The Famous Market Fall Festival
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Free

Celebrate fall in all its “gourd-y!” There will be vendors, food, music, arts and crafts, a kid’s zone, photo booth and, of course, pumpkins!

Head for the Cure 5K Run/Walk
7-11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Free

The 12^th annual 5K race benefits MD Anderson Brain & Spine Center, Brains for the Cure and other national brain cancer programs, education and initiatives. The race begins with a kid’s fun run at 7:45 a.m. followed by the 5K at 8 a.m.

Country, Folk and Red Dirt Festival
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
$5 adults, free for children ages 12 and under

Pearland Town Center will come alive with the sound of music! It’s 10 straight hours of CMA, Grammy Award and Billboard Top 10 artists performing live, plus a visual artist market, farmers market and gourmet food garden featuring craft beer and wines.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19

The annual event benefits the American Cancer Society. Participants take turns walking around a track lined with luminaria bags. Cancer survivors walk the first lap of the day. There will also be entertainment, opportunities to fundraise and more.

The Famous Market Halloween Market
Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20

Grab a costume and the kids for a fun Halloween celebration featuring a costume contest, local vendors, food and music.

Trick or Treat on Our Street
4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

The sweetest Halloween festival around will take place at Pearland Town Center. Kids can fill their treat bags at stores then enjoy a Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Haunt-cert followed by a costume contest for kids 12 and under.

Tree Lighting Ceremony
6-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30

Kick off Christmas with dancing to live music, lighted swings and seesaws and shopping. Santa will light the tree and set off a brief fireworks display.

Make Your Home With Us

Sierra Vista is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Pearland Town Center and all these fantastic events. Stop by and tour our model homes, You might even be home for the holidays.

School is well underway and with it the dreaded homework. Homework at the beginning of the year can prove to be a little frustrating to kids because they are being introduced to new concepts and, in the case of middle and high school students, more homework than they may be used to. How can you help? Here are some tips.

Make It Routine

Set aside a specific time each day dedicated to homework. It should be a time when you know you will be available to assist if needed. Setting up a routine ensures your child knows when to focus on homework. It reinforces the idea that homework is a priority. It also lets them know that you care enough about their education to set aside time to help them.

Choose the Right Time

Some children work better right after school, while others may need a break first. Observe when your child is most focused and schedule homework during that time.

Designate a Homework Space

Ensure your child has a quiet, well-lit area stocked with necessary supplies like pencils, paper and reference materials. This can help minimize distractions and create a conducive learning environment. Many Sierra Vista builders offer options to include data or homework centers.

Resist Doing It Yourself

While it’s important to be available for support, resist the urge to do the homework for them. Encourage your child to tackle assignments independently, offering guidance when needed. This approach helps them develop problem-solving skills and boosts their confidence.

Encourage Questions

There are no wrong questions. Encourage your children to ask for clarification and help. If they don’t feel comfortable asking a teacher for help, find out why and then go with them to provide support while they ask for help. Feeling comfortable asking questions is a life skill that will serve them in good stead.

Break It Down

If your child has a large assignment, help them break it into smaller, manageable tasks. That way they don’t feel overwhelmed. Think about how you approach a large project at work. Demonstrate how you would tackle it. Make sure your child takes breaks and doesn’t try to do it all in one sitting.

Reduce Distractions

Creating a focused environment is crucial for effective homework sessions. Limit distractions from electronics, noise and other interruptions to help your child concentrate. Establish rules about phone use, TV and other distractions during homework time.

Be Supportive

Being present and supportive can make a significant difference in your child’s attitude toward homework. Offer encouragement and praise their efforts, which can motivate them to keep going.

Recognize Accomplishments

Recognize your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small. Remember, your child is learning something new, and learning is hard work. If you know your child struggled with an assignment but gave it their all, celebrate when they are finished. It’s about the journey not the destination.

Communicate with Teachers

Staying in touch with your child’s teachers can provide valuable insights into homework expectations and any challenges your child may face. Attending parent-teacher conferences and asking questions about how you can best support your child at home will help you help them.

Your Children Can Attend Alvin ISD Schools

A great education starts with a great school district. Sierra Vista students attend highly regarded schools in the coveted Alvin ISD. Niche gives Alvin ISD an A rating and ranks it 119 out of 1,052 on a list of the best school districts in Texas. Visit us to learn more about our homes, our community and our schools today.

If your dog is getting tired of always being on the leash, you might want to consider a trip to the dog park. Dog parks are great places for dogs to unleash their energy, socialize and take a little walk on the wild side. If you are interested in dipping a paw into dog park territory, here are some dos and don’ts.

Dos

Research the Park

Not all dog parks are the same. Look for parks that have separate areas for small and large dogs, ample space and features like shade and double-gated entrances. Knowing the park’s layout can help you avoid potential dangers.

Exercise Beforehand

Take your dog for a walk or a light jog before arriving at the park. This helps to release excess energy, making your dog less likely to overwhelm other dogs and more likely to socialize appropriately.

Bring Essentials

Always pack poop bags, water and a first aid kit. Some parks may have facilities like dog washes, so be prepared for a post-play clean-up

Unleash Responsibly

When entering the park, unleash your dog in a designated area away from the main play zone to prevent overwhelming them with other excited dogs.

Stay Present

Engage with your dog while at the park. Avoid distractions like your phone, as monitoring your dog’s interactions is crucial for their safety and enjoyment.

Know Your Dog’s Body Language

Understanding how dogs communicate through body language can help you intervene if tensions rise or if your dog feels uncomfortable.

Limit Toy Usage

Bringing toys can lead to possessiveness and potential fights. It’s best to avoid toys altogether in a communal setting.

Don’ts

Avoid Peak Times

Visit the park during off-peak hours to reduce the likelihood of overwhelming your dog and to minimize potential conflicts among dogs

Don’t Bring Young Puppies

Puppies under four months old may not be fully vaccinated, posing a health risk to them and others. Wait until they are fully vaccinated before introducing them to the park environment.

Leave Food at Home

Bringing food or treats can attract unwanted attention from other dogs and lead to fights. It’s best to keep snacks at home.

Don’t Force Interaction

If your dog seems hesitant or uninterested in playing, respect their feelings. Forcing them into social situations can lead to stress and anxiety.

Avoid Intact Dogs

Unspayed females in heat or intact males can cause disruptions and fights. Ensure your dog is spayed or neutered before visiting the park.

Yes, Sierra Vita Has a Dog Park

When it’s time to find a new home, make sure its one where your pooch can play. Sierra Vista has its on dog park plus a number of other amenities that humans enjoy. Visit our model homes and plan your next move.