Sierra Vista residents love guests. Maybe it’s because their homes offer plenty of space for entertaining or they love showing off their amazing community. Whatever their reasons, with the holiday season underway, they are prepping for a household full of family and friends. If you are, too, here are some tips for making guests feel welcome:

Make Plans and Communicate

Talk to your guests in advance to confirm their arrival and departure dates. If they are flying in, offer to pick them up at the airport. If not, be sure to let them know where they can park. Ask if there are food allergies or dietary restrictions you should be aware of and discuss the favorite foods of younger guests. Ask them if there is anything they would like to see or do. Mark everything on your calendar or create a spreadsheet.

Tidy Up

Spare rooms and closets tend to accumulate items. Clear them out so your guests have room to store their belongings.

Make Them Comfortable

Ensure that your guests have comfortable sleeping arrangements. If you have a guest room, make sure you provide extra blankets. If you don’t or some of your guests will be sharing a room, be sure to have an air mattress or pull-out sofa available.

Stock Up on Essentials

Stock extra toilet paper, towels and soap. If your guests are staying longer than a few days, be prepared to do extra loads of laundry. Stock up on basic groceries and snacks.

Create a Welcome Basket

Greet your guests with a basket full of snacks, bottles of water, extra toothbrushes and a list of nearby attractions. Include any information they might need, such as the Wi-Fi password and emergency contact numbers. If you have room, set up a coffee station in the guest room. That way early rises won’t be fumbling around in the kitchen.

Guests Deserve Privacy

You don’t have to spend every minute with your guests. Respect their privacy and give them some downtime. Communicate your schedule and any plans you have, so they can feel comfortable making their own plans.

Plan Meals in Advance

Make life easier on yourself by planning ahead of time. You will need breakfast, lunch and dinner options. For breakfasts and lunches, consider creating build-your-own breakfast and lunch bars. If you have time, prepare one or two dinners in advance and freeze them. That way all you must do is pop a casserole in the oven.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Don’t feel obligated to do everything. Ask guests to contribute to meals. If they will be staying for a while, assign them simple household chores so you have more time to prepare the holiday meal.

Be Flexible and Considerate

Understand that guests may have their own plans or may want some downtime. Be flexible with your schedule. Be considerate of their needs and check in with them to ensure they’re comfortable and enjoying their stay.

Halloween is a time for creativity and fun, and what’s more adorable than seeing our furry friends dressed up in adorable costumes? If you’re looking for some “pup-u-lar” costume ideas for your four-legged Fido, here’s are some howling good ones.

Up, Up and Away

Show everyone how super your pup is with a superhero costume. With a cute cape and emblem, your furry friend will be ready to save the day as Batman, Superman, Dr. Strange or whoever your favorite superhero might be.

In a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Invite your pooch to share your favorite fandom. Star Wars costumes are all the rage and it’s easy to find Chewbacca, Yoda, Jedi and even Bantha costumes.

Favorite Foods

Taco terrier anyone? Turn your pet into a delightful food item like a hot dog, taco or sushi. Choose your favorite or choose your dog’s — either way you are sure to get some laughs.

Film Fanatics

You can also opt for costumes inspired by famous movie characters like Harry Potter, Indiana Jones or Sherlock Holmes.

Innocent Insects

Dress your dog up as a cute insect. There are plenty to choose from. Maybe a beautiful bulldog bee? How about a spider shar pei?

Classic Monsters

Go for classic Halloween monsters like Dracula, Werewolf or a mummy. These costumes are spooky yet charming when worn by pets.

Funny Animal Swap

Got a big dog? Dress him up as a lobster. What small dog wouldn’t love a lion’s mane? For a simple costume purchase a dog-sized shark fin.

Keep in Mind

When dressing up your furry friend, remember to consider their comfort and safety. Make sure the costume fits properly, doesn’t restrict their movement and doesn’t have small parts that could be a choking hazard. Keep an eye on your pet while they’re in costume, and if they show signs of distress, it’s best to let them enjoy the Halloween festivities au naturel.

It’s finally happening — the highly anticipated H-E-B grocery store in Manvel Town Center is now open! This is great news for Sierra Vista residents who are now just a hop, skip and a jump away from those fabulous tortillas!

If you are new to Texas, you might not understand why this is such a big deal. No worries. Here’s a primer on all the reasons Texans love H-E-B:

The Tortillas

You can’t talk about H-E-B without mentioning the house-made tortillas. All H-E-B stores feature tortillerias that churn out fresh flour and corn tortillas daily. You can buy them warm from the oven. Pick some up for Taco Tuesdays!

Great Customer Service

H-E-B is known for its excellent customer service. Shoppers often praise the friendly and helpful staff, who go out of their way to assist customers and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Support Local Businesses

H-E-B stocks a wide range of products from local Texas vendors. It’s a great place to find Texan-made goods and support local businesses.

Always Fresh

H-E-B prides itself on offering fresh produce, high-quality meats and a wide variety of groceries. The deli and bakery sections are known for their fresh and delicious offerings, from freshly baked bread to ready-to-eat meals, making it a convenient place for quick and tasty food options.

Always Affordable

H-E-B frequently runs promotions, sales and special offers, helping customers save money on their grocery bills. The store’s private label, H-E-B, offers an excellent balance of quality and affordability. Make sure to watch for their Combo Locos deals!

Commitment to Sustainability

H-E-B has taken steps to reduce its environmental footprint and promote sustainability. This resonates with customers who appreciate a company’s efforts to protect the environment.

Serving the Community

H-E-B is deeply committed to the communities it serves. The company is involved in numerous charitable initiatives and regularly supports local organizations and causes.

Another Reason to Move to Sierra Vista

The presence of an H-E-B is just one of many reasons to consider purchasing a new home in Sierra Vista. You’ll also have access to great amenities, great schools and friendly neighbors. Visit us today.

 

Keeping tabs on the progress of Manvel Town Center? We know we are. Sierra Vista is just a hop, skip and a jump away from what will be one of the largest open-air retail centers in the Houston area.

The 273-acre shopping center located on the west side of the SH 288 and SH 6 intersection in Manvel will feature more than 1 million square feet of retail, entertainment, hospitality, medical and office space.

It will be anchored by the city’s first H-E-B which is slated to open later this year. The new store will be more than 100,000 square feet and include a fuel station and car wash.

Additional confirmed tenants include Aki Steak & Sushi, Marble Slab Creamery, Prime Urgent Care, McDonald’s, Heartland Dental, and AT&T, while additional proposed tenants include Target, Lowes, Wells Fargo and Burlington Coat Factory.

Getting to Manvel Center will be a breeze due to the construction and planned expansion of the Brazoria County Expressway as well as improvements to both Kirby Drive and Highway 6.

Manvel Town Center is just one of the many reasons moving to Sierra Vista makes sense. You’ll get a beautiful home, fantastic amenities and friendships that last a lifetime.

One of the best things about moving to a new community like Sierra Vista is the opportunity for you and your family to make new friends. It can also be the hardest. How do you go about meeting and building a relationship with those living near you? We have some thoughts:

Knock on the Door

It’s a classic for a reason. Bring a small gift such as a plant or a plate of cookies. Introduce yourself. Be polite and open, expressing your excitement about living in the neighborhood. If knocking on the door seems a little too bold, approach them on the weekend when they are tending to their yard or playing outside with their kids.

Go High Tech

Check to see if your community has resident-only social media groups or an app dedicated to local news and events. Introduce yourself virtually. You can also use these platforms to ask questions, seek recommendations and start conversations with your neighbors.

Host a Welcome Party

Invite neighbors for a backyard barbecue, a potluck dinner or a simple afternoon tea. It’s a relaxed way to break the ice and allows your neighbors to mingle with one another as well.

Do What You Love

Common interests can jump start friendships. If your community has an amenity complex, you can take your kids to the pool, invite a neighbor to play pickleball or hang out at the dog park. If there are neighborhood clubs, join or start one of your own.

By participating in activities you enjoy, you’ll naturally form connections.

Be a Good Neighbor

A simple yet effective way to build connections with your neighbors is to be a good neighbor yourself. Keep your property well-maintained, follow local rules and regulations and be considerate.

Move to Sierra Vista

An easy way to make friends is to move to a great community like Sierra Vista. We’ve designed our neighborhoods and amenities to maximize your ability to make connections. Visit today.