The Sierra Vista lazy river is nearing completion. Soon our residents will be floating their cares away while enjoying warm water and white sand beaches. Knowing that more fun in the sun is on the way, we’ve compiled a handy list of how you can spend loads of time outside safely:
Slather on the Sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears and hands. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Made in the Shade
Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are by the pool, spend time under a pavilion or in a cabana. Umbrellas also work.
Wear Protective Clothing
Cover up with lightweight, tightly woven clothing that offers sun protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, neck and ears, and choose sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes. There are many swimsuits that provide all over protection.
Slurp Down Water
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when spending time outdoors in the sun. Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of sun exposure and lead to heat-related illnesses.
Check the UV Index
Check the UV index forecast before heading outdoors to gauge the strength of the sun’s rays. Plan outdoor activities accordingly and take extra precautions on days when UV levels are high.
Protect Your Kids
Children, especially babies, have very delicate skin. Protect them from the sun’s harmful rays. Keep infants under 6 months of age out of direct sunlight and dress them in lightweight, protective clothing. Apply sunscreen to children over 6 months old and encourage them to seek shade and stay hydrated. Bring snacks and picnic in a shady area to lessen their exposure.
Be Mindful of Medications
Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, antihistamines and acne medications, can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Be aware of any potential side effects and take extra precautions when outdoors.
Practice Sun Safety Year-Round
Sun safety is important year-round, not just during the summer months. UV radiation can penetrate clouds and cause skin damage even on cloudy or overcast days. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing whenever you’re outdoors, regardless of the season.
Learn More About Our Lazy River
The Sierra Vista lazy river is going to be a great addition to our community’s many amenities. Stop by to view our master plan and learn more about it.
Nine award-winning builders make their home in Sierra Vista. With such a bounty of builders, how will you ever be able to choose? Not to worry. We have some tips that will help you find the perfect building partner.
Consider Your Budget
Before you start builder shopping, consider your budget. How much home can you afford? Take into account any options or upgrades you might want. Builders offer a range of home designs and floor plans at different price points, so it’s important to choose a builder whose homes align with your budget and financial goals.
Hire a Realtor
Yes, you can use a Realtor if you are purchasing a new construction home. Realtors often know the community you want to build in and the builders. They can point you toward builders that offer the floor plan you are looking for at a price you can afford.
Visit Model Homes
Most builders offer virtual model home tours via their website but it’s important to see them in person if you can. Walking through a model gives you a feel for what your new home will be like. You also have an opportunity to see firsthand the quality of construction, design features and finishes offered by each builder.
Review Home Designs and Floor Plans
Explore the home designs and floor plans offered by the builders. Consider factors such as the size and layout of the homes, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, architectural style and customization options available.
Research Builder Reputation
Write down the model homes you liked then research the builders. Look for reviews, testimonials and ratings from past homebuyers who have purchased homes from them. Pay attention to feedback regarding the builder’s construction quality, customer service and overall satisfaction with the homebuying experience.
Schedule Meetings with Builders
You can walk into any model home but for personalized attention, consider setting up appointments with builder representatives. Ask questions about the builder’s construction process, customization options, timeline for completion and financing options available.
Review Home Warranty and After-Sales Service
You want your new home to stand the test of time so be sure to inquire about the home warranty and after-sales service provided by each builder you are considering. A reputable builder should offer a comprehensive warranty program to protect your investment and address any issues that may arise after move-in.
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing a builder. Select a builder who demonstrates professionalism, transparency and a commitment to delivering a high-quality home that meets your expectations.
Choose Sierra Vista
Choosing to live in Sierra Vista ensures you will find a quality builder because only those who meet our exacting standards build here. Stop by and tour our model homes and community today.
The end of winter means no more dead leaves to rake, no more branches to prune and no more dead grass. The end of winter also means it’s time to get your lawn ready for spring. This sets the stage for lush, healthy growth throughout the season. Here are some tips for getting your lawn in shape. Need visual inspiration? Drive through Sierra Vista. Our residents’ lawns are beautiful all year long.
Declutter and Rake
Remove any debris, branches or leftover leaves that have accumulated over the winter. This allows for better air circulation and sunlight penetration. Rake the lawn gently to remove thatch (a layer of dead grass and debris) that may have built up. This helps prevent diseases and allows nutrients to reach the soil.
Aerate and Test
Consider aerating your lawn to loosen compacted soil and improve water and nutrient absorption. You can rent a core aerator or hire a professional for this task. Consider conducting a soil test to assess nutrient levels and pH. Based on the results, you can adjust your fertilization and soil amendment strategies.
Use Lots of Seeds
Got bare spots? Don’t just sprinkle a few seeds on them. Fill in bare patches and promote thicker grass growth by overseeding with a suitable grass seed for your region. Make sure to choose a high-quality seed and follow the instructions for seeding rates.
Don’t Forget to Fertilize
Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer specifically formulated for spring application. This provides essential nutrients for early-season growth without causing excessive flushes of growth that can stress the lawn.
Prevent Weeds Before They Start
Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weeds from germinating and emerging in your lawn. Follow label instructions carefully and avoid applying in areas where you’ve recently seeded. If you prefer a more organic approach, sprinkle cornmeal gluten, often called corn gluten meal, in areas you want to keep free of weeds. The corn gluten inhibits seed germination. This can often be found in specialty garden stores.
Ready, Set Mow
Start mowing your lawn once it begins actively growing. Set your mower blades to the appropriate height for your grass type, typically around 2.5 to 3 inches. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time to prevent stress.
Moisturize
Ensure your lawn receives adequate moisture. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Early morning is the best time to water, minimizing evaporation and fungal issues.
Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Keep an eye out for signs of pest infestations such as grubs or insect damage. Signs include brown patches, spongy turf and holes. Once you detect pests, visit your local gardening center to discuss solutions.
Mulch It Up
Apply a fresh layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your landscape.
Need a quick trick for decorating your Sierra Vista home in a way that promotes health and wellness for the entire family? Houseplants. Incorporating houseplants into your interior design improves air quality and reduces stress. Plants are also visually appealing and add beauty and vitality to your living space. Here are some tips for choosing and caring for houseplants.
Choosing Plants
What Kind of Light Do You Have?
Determine the amount of natural light available in your home and choose plants that thrive in those conditions. For low-light areas, consider plants like pothos, snake plants or peace lilies. For bright indirect light, options include spider plants, philodendrons and ZZ plants. High-light areas can accommodate plants like succulents, cacti and certain varieties of ferns.
How Much Time Do You Have?
Some plants require minimal attention, while others may need regular watering, pruning or fertilizing. Choose plants you have the time and energy to care for. If you’re new to houseplants, start with easy-to-care-for varieties like pothos, spider plants or snake plants.
How Much Space Do You Have?
Consider the size and layout of your home when selecting houseplants. Choose plants that fit the available space and complement your existing decor. Tall, upright plants like fiddle leaf figs or palms can add height to a room while trailing plants like ivy or philodendron can be displayed on shelves or in hanging baskets.
Do You Have Children or Pets?
If you have pets or young children, research the toxicity of houseplants before bringing them into your home. Some plants can be harmful if ingested, so it’s important to choose pet-friendly or non-toxic varieties.
Caring for Houseplants
Remember to Water Them
Pay attention to the watering needs of your plants and water them accordingly. Most houseplants prefer slightly moist soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry and allow excess water to drain away.
Some Plants Need Humidity
Some houseplants, especially tropical varieties, benefit from increased humidity. Mist your plants regularly with a spray bottle or place them on a tray filled with pebbles and water to create a humid microclimate. Humidity-loving plants love bathrooms.
Get to Pruning
Remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to encourage healthy growth and maintain the appearance of your plants. Prune as needed to control size and shape and repot plants when they outgrow their containers.
Feed Them
Feed your plants regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause nutrient imbalances and damage roots.
Pests Get Inside
Keep an eye out for signs of pests such as aphids, mealybugs or spider mites, as well as common diseases like powdery mildew or root rot. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and adjust care practices as needed to prevent future problems.
Keep an Eye on Them
Finally, pay attention to your plants and observe their behavior and appearance. Notice any changes in growth, foliage color or overall health, as these can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.
If you want to skip crowded restaurants and movie theaters on Valentine’s Day, there’s no better place to celebrate than your new Sierra Vista home. Doing so can be incredibly romantic. Following are some ideas to make it special. (Pro tip: Send the kids to Grandma’s house).
Make a Romantic Meal
Nothing says love like preparing a meal together in your beautiful new kitchen. Choose a recipe you both love or try something new. Set the mood with romantic music and a glass of wine while you cook.
Picnics Are for Lovers
Picnics are romantic and your game room or family room is perfect for an indoor one. Lay out a blanket, grab a bottle of wine, prepare a charcuterie board, dip some strawberries and get ready to dine and snuggle.
Open Bottles of Wine
Get out your wedding toasting glasses and arrange a mini-tasting event at home. Each of you choose a favorite vintage, cover up the labels and see how well you know each other by guessing what it is.
Sweet Movie MarathonTurn your media room into romance central. Pick your favorite films to watch together. They don’t need to be romantic just something not created for kids. Set up a cozy movie area with blankets, pillows and popcorn.
Send a Love Letter
Write love letters to each other. Share your feelings, memories and dreams for the future. Exchange the letters and read them aloud to each other over a candlelit dinner.
Romantic Song and Dance
Create a special playlist of songs that mean something to both of you. Curl up on the couch together to listen and reminisce or clear some space and enjoy a private dance.
Get Creative
If you are both of an artistic bent, unleash your creativity. Paint, draw or craft together. If you enjoy writing, agree on a romantic theme then take turns adding a sentence or paragraph. Read the finished product out loud.
The Lovely Stars
When the stars align, romance is in the air, so why not grab some blankets and view them from your patio? Set up a telescope or just try to decide if that light in the sky is a star, planet or satellite.
