The Summit at Lake Travis - Stunning Views - Home Average Price-Point: Mid $500's

I recently visited master-planned community, The Summit at Lake Travis, which is a beautiful neighborhood nestled in the hills above Lake Travis. When I say “nestled,” I mean it. It truly is tucked away for peace and privacy and with lake views that will make you feel like you’re on vacation every day.

You will love the beauty and serenity of this Hill Country community with glimmering lake and rolling canyon views from your new home. Experience the height of private luxury living, while only being minutes from major employers, the Hill Country Galleria and outstanding dining options.

Come explore how you can enhance your lifestyle. The community is part of the award-winning Lake Travis ISD and LOW tax rates of 1.98% . .can’t beat it!

Lake Travis is a series of man-made lakes in Texas and is a branch of the Colorado River which spans approximately 63 miles. The lake offers a plethora of activities and a cool relief from our fiery-hot summers.

Westin Homes and Drees Custom Homes are the builders. There are available lots for you to custom-build your home and also homes that are built and ready to be yours right away.

A bit about Westin Homes: (Credit from the Westin Homes website)

Westin Homes is proud to lead the market in providing the best product and interior design of new homes in Houston, Texas.  Westin has built a strong reputation as a builder of trust in delivering sophisticated luxury homes to the Houston Community. Our award winning architectural designs clearly set us apart from the competition, and our level of detail transcends all the way from the nail pattern on the roof to the glue pattern beneath the flooring.

Westin Homes fosters an environment that rewards its employees for ideas on improving our building methods and integrating the newest technological advancements.  Recent developments in technology not only introduce new conveniences, such the ability to turn your lights on when you are down the street, but they also save you considerable amounts of money, such as energy efficient windows.  Although our attitude is extremely generous towards the features and special touches of your home, we remain conservative in our pricing structure to insure that we provide affordable sophistication.

Westin Homes not only rewards its employees for their thoughts and ideas, we reward our customers.  Suggestions offered by our clients are often implemented into new practices.  At Westin Homes, we feel that it is critical to understand the ever changing needs of our customers in order to improve our products.

Westin Homes sales agent, Kevin Fogarty, knows the community best and is very friendly and helpful.

A bit about Drees Custom Homes: (Credit from the Drees Custom Homes website)

Out of all of the home builders to choose from, you can count on 90 years of our award-winning experience in custom home building to make your experience easy.

We've learned a lot in nearly a century. In all that time, we have never once shied away from offering our homebuyers the best, from building materials, to floor plans, to interior and exterior design elements, to customer service. We hire and retain experts to deliver the home you're dreaming of. We can't wait to share our knowledge and expertise with you as we build your new custom home together.

Don’t forget, you NEED REPRESENTATION for a new home construction home so protect your best interests and hire a REALTOR to represent you.

My best,

Rachael V. Peterson
Associate Broker/REALTOR® 
Aston & Associates
512 695 8923

Sunfield Community in Buda, Texas

Sunfield is one of our favorite communities in Buda specifically because of the amazing amenities, including the brand new lazy river!

Builders include: Gehan, William Lyons, Centex, Castlerock, Pulte and Chesmar Homes and homes start in the low-mid $200’s.

Nestled in one of Austin’s fastest growing areas is our newest master planned community located right in the heart of Buda, Texas. New construction in this Austin area offers multiple styles of new homes to suit most any family’s lifestyle.

Unique shopping options in historic downtown Buda, restaurants, entertainment and recreation are all minutes from your new home.

Just 15 minutes from downtown Austin and 15 minutes from beautiful San Marcos, Sunfield is strategically located on FM 2001 and I-35. With a small town feel yet minutes away from the big city, Sunfield has it all.

You and your family will enjoy the wonderful amenities showcased within this master planned community.

Offering a splash pad pool, hiking and bike trails, covered pavilion, and an open field for sports, there will always be something fun adults and the kids alike.

**Brand new lazy river amenity center now open. This main attraction has over 25,000 SF of pool deck, picnic tables, pavilions, grill stations, lagoon pool, activity pool and 1,000 long lazy river.

So if you are searching for a great value with a small town feel accompanied by magnificent architectural detail, then Sunfield is the place you should call home.

We’ve represented many clients for their purchase of a brand new home in Sunfield and we would love the opportunity to serve you. Remember, you NEED YOUR OWN REPRESENTATION when buying a new home construction home. The sales agents WORK FOR THE BUILDER, NOT YOU! Plus, many times we are able to negotiate appliance packages, add-ons like blinds/garage door openers and extended home warranties.

Rachael V. Peterson
Associate Broker
Aston & Associates
512 695 8923

Are You a Veteran? You've Got Some Awesome Options!

My preferred VA lender & Texas VA Loan Specialist, Chad Bowman, helps to keep me abreast of the VA loans and how YOU can benefit.

Did you know:

Veterans are NOT required to pay mortgage insurance

Veterans can buy a home with ZERO money down

Disabled veterans receive tax breaks on their property taxes for their primary residence

The loan limit for veterans has INCREASED to $510,400 for 2020

If you are a veteran, contact me and I’ll guide you through the process and introduce you to my preferred lender, Chad Bowman, who SPECIALIZES in VA loans and knows all the
ins-and -outs of the program to help you reach your home-ownership goals.

@austinvaloans
@veteransunited
#veteransareamazing
#thankyouforyourservice

Potential Solution for Austin's Homeless Crisis

February 5, 2020

Written by ABoR President, Romeo Manzanilla

Yesterday, the Austin Board of REALTORS® made history.

In our largest donation ever, ABoR announced a $1 million, 10-year partnership between the ABoR Foundation and Community First! Village, an innovative, 51-acre master-planned community by Mobile Loaves & Fishes that provides permanent, supportive housing for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness.

Homelessness is experienced by far too many in our community today. Through a profound, catastrophic loss of family, our homeless neighbors have not only lost a place to call home, but also the hope and dignity inherently deserved by every human being.

Through this partnership, ABoR took a stand on our deeply held belief in the value of “community.” Just as REALTORS® bring families home every day, the ABoR Foundation is taking action to restore home and community to our neighbors who need it most. We intend to accomplish this objective through hands-on volunteer and service opportunities at Community First! Village, as well as through financial support.

I am incredibly proud of this partnership and cannot wait to see what we will accomplish with Community First! Village over the next decade.

Most importantly, I hope you will choose to be a part of it.

If you have never been involved with the ABoR Foundation, now is the time. Join our fight against homelessness with Community First! Village by emailing foundation@abor.com. We’ll be in touch soon with ways you can volunteer and get involved. 

Thank you,

Romeo Manzanilla
2020 ABoR President

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY OLIVE COMPANY

I recently visited the Texas Hill Country Olive Company in Dripping Springs and it was delightful. They offer every kind of flavored olive oil you can think of from blueberry infused to lemon crushed flavors and all the flavored oils are ready and available for you to sample!

Owners, John and Cara Gambini

Co-owner, John Gambini, gave the 30 minute tour that day and it was quite interesting. John described the history of oil, explained the health benefits and allowed us into the facility where the oil is extracted and processed. And where are they getting all the olives, might you ask? Well, they are growing the olive trees right there at the facility, who’da thought?! I then enjoyed lunch at their bistro and enjoyed some of their wine, which they are now crafting along with their flavorful oils; geez, some people are over-achievers, but Iooove it!

Olive oil from the grocery store is much like honey for example; many other fillers are added in to make the good stuff last longer and fill more jars for the producer . . . but not at the Olive Company - they are scrupulous when it comes to making their oils and it’s 100% oil! It’s long been known that the people of the Mediterranean live longer than most and why? . . because they consume gallons of pure olive oil every year!

I ended up purchasing several bottles of oil for Christmas gifts and left with a bottle of their Extra Virgin Olive Oil which is to be un-heated so to keep it’s major health benefits so I use it straight-up on my salads or douse it over whatever I’m eating - it’s delish and it’s seriously taking the place of butter for everything.

My recipe for homemade salad dressing on the spot:

1 TBS Texas Hill Country Olive Company “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”
Juice from 1 (organic) lemon
1/2 TBS white wine vinegar
Salt/Pepper
Any fresh herbs you’ve got growing (fresh thyme is delish!)
1/2 TBS fresh, raw, organic honey (I use the honey from my personal hives)

Mix and pour over your salad (make and use immediately as the antioxidants etc will decline quickly)…

The Texas Hill Country Olive Company also has all sorts of fabulous gift sets and a program you can join where you or friends/family . .or clients, - anyone! . . .will receive the gift sets consistently in the mail so they never run out. You’re really supposed to consume the oil timely because the health-inducing factors minimize over time (every time the oil is exposed to light or you open the bottle and the oil is exposed to air).

God, I love Texas! Everything really is bigger and better here. And we can grow grapes for wine and olives for olive oil and I just LOVE TEXAS!

xoxo, REALTOR R. Victoria Peterson

Article That Follows Credits of TourTexas.com

Move over, Texas Tea; there’s a new oil in town. The last few years have been a boom time for olive oil production in the Lone Star State, and one company in particular has been leading the way. Since its first planting in 2009, the Texas Hill Country Olive Company has grown to become the most awarded olive oil company in Texas. During that time, the only certified organic olive orchard in Texas has developed a signature line of extra virgin olive oils made from trees in the Lone Star State and California. There’s no better place to get acquainted with this fast-growing Texas industry than in the lovely Hill Country town of Dripping Springs.

While olive oil is sold in just about every store, Texas Hill Country Olive Company owners and 3rd- and 4th-generation Italian immigrants John and Cara Gambini invite you to let your taste buds be the judge. Inside their Tuscan-style tasting room, sample the wide variety of delicious homegrown olive oils and balsamic vinegars at the two tasting bars. Be warned: after you’ve tried their offerings made with crushed garlic, lemon, or jalapeño, you certainly won’t be happy with the stuff from the grocery store ever again.

If the tasting room only whets your appetite, head for The Bistro at the Orchard. Order from the bistro’s selection of “lite bites” like cheese, hummus, and crackers; lunch options including soups, salads, and sandwiches; refreshing drinks; and desserts. The bistro also serves locally made wines priced by tasting, glass, or flight. When (not if) you taste something you love, pick up a bottle of it in the gift shop to elevate your home-cooked meals to the next level. They even carry gourmet food items, kitchen accessories, and bath products that feature their olive oil as a key ingredient.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the company offers guided tours of its facility and orchard that gives you an up-close look at the inner workings of the business. John or Cara will regale you with the backstory of how their entire family pitched in to get this labor of love off the ground, and explain the equipment and processes that go into making their products. The 30-minute tours run four times in the afternoon of each day, and you can pre-purchase lunch as part of the tour. Private tours can also be scheduled during the week, and events such as birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, and corporate events may be booked as well.

Even if you can’t make it to Dripping Springs, you can bring the authentic olive oil to you via the company’s Best Fresh Club. You’ll receive quarterly shipments of various oils and vinegars curated just for you, or you can customize your own collections. They’ll have to tide you over until you can visit the Texas Hill Country Olive Company for yourself to see how they’re creating some of the best olive oil in the country.

More Info

Texas Hill Country Olive Company Featured Products

Texas Hill Country Olive Company Social

View Texas Hill Country Olive Company Slideshow

TOP TEN 4th of July PET Safety Tips

Pictured: Victoria's Dog, "Gunnison" and Her Nephew, Hunter July 4, 2016.

Article Excerpted from PetMD.com & Written By Yahaira Cespedes

Like many Americans, you may be planning to have a festive Fourth of July. Along with barbeques and day at the beach, no July holiday celebration would be complete without enjoying the fireworks that celebrate the birth of our nation.

Perhaps you are considering staying at home and planning a get-together with friends and family. Or, you may want to go check out your local professional fireworks display. While putting the finishing touches on your planned celebration, take a moment to consider your pets.

Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell of pyrotechnics with celebrations. Pets are terrified of fireworks, and often panic at the loud whizzes and bangs they produce.

Because of this, the American Humane Association reports that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters. Why? In a 2005 press release the Indiana Proactive Animal Welfare, Inc. (PAW) stated that animal shelters the day after Fourth of July are “inundated with pets that panicked at the noise of firecrackers and fled into the night, winding up lost, injured or killed.”

Both the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and PAW have listed ways you can prevent your holiday celebration from turning into a tragedy. Here are 10 tips on how to keep your pet from panicking this Fourth of July weekend.

10. Keep your Pet Indoors at All Times!

It may seem obvious, but even if your pet is used to being outside, the resulting panic caused by fireworks or other loud noises may make them break their restraint or jump a fence in a terrified attempt to find safety.

9. Don’t Put Insect Repellant on Your Pet that isn’t Specifically for Pet Use

The same tip applies to applying “people” sunscreen on your pet. What isn’t toxic to humans can be toxic to animals. The ASPCA lists the poisonous effects of sunscreen on your pet as, “…drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.” DEET, a common insecticide, may cause neurological issues.

8. Alcoholic Drinks Poison Pets

If your pet drinks alcohol, they can become dangerously intoxicated, go into a coma, or in severe cases, die from respiratory failure. Yes, even beer is toxic; fermented hops and ethanol are poisonous to dogs and cats.

7. Going to a Fireworks Display? Leave Your Pet at Home

The safest place for your pet is at home, not in a crowded, unfamiliar and noisy place. The combination of too many people and loud fireworks will make your beloved pet freak out and desperately seek shelter. Locking them in the car is also not an option; your pet may suffer brain damage and heat stroke.

6. Have Your Pet Properly Identified

If your pet manages to break loose and become lost, without proper identification it will be that much harder to get them back. Consider fitting your pet with microchip identification, ID tags with their name and your phone number, or both. It is also a good idea to have a recent picture of your pets in case you have to put up signs.

5. Keep Your Pet Away from Glow Jewelry

It might look cute, but your pet could chew up and swallow the plastic adornments. The ASPCA states that while not highly toxic, “excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.”

4. NEVER Use Fireworks Around Pets

While lit fireworks can pose a danger to curious pets and potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws, even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Some fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as arsenic, potassium nitrate, and other heavy metals.

3. Don’t Give Your Pet “Table Food”

If you are having a backyard barbeque, you may be tempted to slip some snacks to your pet. But like beer and chocolate, there are other festive foods that could harm your pet. Onions, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough are all possible hazards for dogs and cats.

2. Lighter Fluid and Matches Are Harmful to Pets.

The ASPCA lists chlorates as a harmful chemical substance found in some matches that, if ingested, can cause your pet difficulty in breathing, damage blood cells or even cause kidney disease. If exposed to lighter fluid, your pet may sustain skin irritation on contact, respiratory problems if inhaled, and gastric problems if ingested.

1. Citronella Insect Control Products Harm Pets, Too.

Oils, candles, insect coils and other citronella-based repellants are irritating toxins to pets, according to the ASPCA. The result of inhalation can cause severe respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, and ingestion can harm your pet’s nervous system.

***

The safest and best bet for celebrating this Fourth of July with your pets is to exclude them from holiday festivities, at least this time around. Instead, find a safe, secure spot in the home for your pets while you go out and enjoy the loud bangs, bright lights and spectator fun. Your pets will appreciate the quiet a lot more than you’ll enjoy the noise.

CENTRAL TEXAS SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE

I'd have to say that attending summer camp every summer as a child impacted my life so positively.  I was able to get away from the normalcy of my town and meet new friends, learn more about my talents and build my self confidence.  I am still friends with many of my cabin mates from years ago at Camp Longhorn, one of the best overnight camps in the state of Texas, in my opinion.  I was a camper for years there and went on to be a counselor. 

I've included a variety of camps dotted throughout Central Texas including: adventure, arts, music, science, dance, faith, special needs and equestrian based camps.

Be sure to read the notable questions you should be asking before choosing a camp for your child.

I thank my preferred title company, Independence Title, for putting together this awesome guide that is sure to impact your child for the best for years to come.

10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Camp for Your Child:

 

(1) What’s the camp’s philosophy? Is it one you're comfortable with as a parent? Is it a good match for your child's temperament? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? If it's a camp run by a religious organization, what religious observances or practices are part of the program?

(2) How does the camp recruit, screen and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training?

(3) What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 40-60 percent of the staff returns. If the number you're given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better.

(4) What's the ratio of counselors to campers? ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18. Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.

(5) How old are the counselors? The ACA recommends that 80 percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.

(6) What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? While most states have regulations for camps, there is no federal oversight of camps' health and safety. The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child's needs.

(7) What is the camp's approach to discipline and how does the camp handle conflicts between campers? Find out what the camp's rules are and what breaches would result in a camper being sent home. You should be comfortable that the camp's practices are in line with your parenting practices.

(8) What does a typical daily schedule look like? This will help you decide if your child will be happy with the level of physical activity or the amount of time devoted to arts and crafts. Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities.

(9) Will the camp be transporting the children? What vehicles are used and how often are they inspected? Who drives them and what training do drivers have? Ask for references.

(10) Finally and most important, get the names of parents with children the same age who have attended the camp.

CENTRAL TEXAS SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE

I'd have to say that attending summer camp every summer as a child impacted my life so positively.  I was able to get away from the normalcy of my town and meet new friends, learn more about my talents and build my self confidence.  I am still friends with many of my cabin mates from years ago at Camp Longhorn, one of the best overnight camps in the state of Texas, in my opinion.  I was a camper for years there and went on to be a counselor. 

I've included a variety of camps dotted throughout Central Texas including: adventure, arts, music, science, dance, faith, special needs and equestrian based camps.

Be sure to read the notable questions you should be asking before choosing a camp for your child.

I thank my preferred title company, Independence Title, for putting together this awesome guide that is sure to impact your child for the best for years to come.

10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Camp for Your Child:

 

(1) What’s the camp’s philosophy? Is it one you're comfortable with as a parent? Is it a good match for your child's temperament? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? If it's a camp run by a religious organization, what religious observances or practices are part of the program?

(2) How does the camp recruit, screen and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training?

(3) What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 40-60 percent of the staff returns. If the number you're given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better.

(4) What's the ratio of counselors to campers? ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18. Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.

(5) How old are the counselors? The ACA recommends that 80 percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.

(6) What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? While most states have regulations for camps, there is no federal oversight of camps' health and safety. The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child's needs.

(7) What is the camp's approach to discipline and how does the camp handle conflicts between campers? Find out what the camp's rules are and what breaches would result in a camper being sent home. You should be comfortable that the camp's practices are in line with your parenting practices.

(8) What does a typical daily schedule look like? This will help you decide if your child will be happy with the level of physical activity or the amount of time devoted to arts and crafts. Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities.

(9) Will the camp be transporting the children? What vehicles are used and how often are they inspected? Who drives them and what training do drivers have? Ask for references.

(10) Finally and most important, get the names of parents with children the same age who have attended the camp.

10 BAD HABITS THAT CAN COST HOMEOWNERS IN THE LONG RUN

This is a quick read I thought I'd share with you from the Austin American Statesman from May 21, 2018 regarding a few mistakes that many homeowners make and how to avoid them.

By Daniel Bortz Special to The Washington Post

Every homeowner makes mistakes.

The real trouble, however, starts when these blunders become habits that cost a lot of money over time. Some behaviors also create safety issues.

If you're guilty of these bad habits, break them-pronto.

1. Inadvertently clogging pipes Be mindful of what you're putting down your drains, advises Krystal Rogers-Nelson, home safety and maintenance expert at AS ecu re Life.com. "Don't flush anything down your toilet besides toilet paper, especially heavier materials like paper towels, diapers or cotton swabs, and paint, oil or harsh chemicals," she says.

"Even 'flush able' wipes aren't recommended."

If you notice warning signs of clogging-a gurgling when you use the toilet, for instance, or low water pressure-call a plumber ASAP.

2. Not cleaning gutters Over flowing gutters can damage your house's roof, siding or foundation, says Eddie Zielinski, a Lowe's store manager in Har per Woods, Mich. Zielinski recommends clearing gutters of leaves, pine needle sand other debris at least twice a year. If you're worried about falling, you can hire a professional gutter cleaner for about $150, Home Adv is or says.

To prevent clogs, install gutter guards such as screens, foam inserts, fine mesh or surface tension covers, says Brendon De Sim one, brokerage manager at Houlihan Lawrence real estate in Bed ford, New York.

3. Letting trees overgrow Many homeowners forget to trim their trees, and that can create safety problems, De Simone says. If you have trees near your house, prune them every two years to keep limbs and branches away from your home. For large or hard-to- reach trees, the risk of injury is high, so consider hiring a trimmer.

On average, a tree costs $200 to trim, Home Adv is or says, but costs can vary depending on the size and location of the tree. (Trees near power lines, for example, require additional time because crews can't just toss the branches down as they work. ) One way to mitigate risk is to have a certified arborist inspect your trees for disease, weak limbs and rotting every five or so years.

4. Slamming the front door This habit might seem harmless, but repeated slamming can pull the door out of alignment and create gaps that allow outside air into your house-potentially driving up utility bills, Zielinski says. If your front door is slamming shut because of its weight, though, a heavy-duty door closer might solve the problem.

5. Letting dryer lint build up There are about 2,900 clothes dryer fires a year, and they cause an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.Letting lint build up can also increase energy bills because the dryer has to work harder with each spin cycle.

Zielinski recommends cleaning your dryer's lint trap before each run and cleaning the exhaust every 90 days. You can do these tasks relatively easily with a vacuum, but if your vent is clogged, it might be worth hiring a dryer exhaust technician to clean it for about $125 to $175, according to Angie's List.

6. Forgetting to change furnace filters "Your furnace won't run as efficiently if you don't change the filters," says Zielinski, who recommends replacing furnace filters every 90 days. "A lot of programmable thermostats will remind you when it's time to change your air filters," he added.

This is a task you can do yourself-just be sure to start by turning off the furnace and getting the right replacement. A filter with aplastic frame is reusable, but you have to clean it periodically with a vacuum and water and let it dry completely before re inserting it, Consumer Reports says.

7. Not changing batteries in smoke detectors Smoke detectors work only when they're juiced up. Unfortunately, 1 in every 5 home fire deaths results from malfunctioning smoke alarms, the National Fire Pro tec ti on Association reports. In fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not sound, almost half (46 percent) of the devices had missing or disconnected batteries.

Them oral: Rep lace or change your smoke detector batteries according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

8. Leaving lights on Sure, it's okay to leave a bathroom light on when you go to bed-and, for safety reasons, it's good to keep a porch light on when you're out of town. But, in general, it's cost-effective to turn off the lights when you leave a room.

To maximize your savings, consider buying energy-efficient light bulbs.

They cost more upfront but use a lot less energy and can significantly reduce your electricity costs in the long run.

9. Taking long, steamy showers Long showers-showers lasting more than 10 minutes-can strip your skin of moisture, make you itchy and, of course, increase your water bill. And although they feel great, steamy showers can create mold and mildew. Aim for five-minute showers and avoid blasting the hot water.

10. Wearing shoes in the house Want to keep a clean home? Wearing dirty shoes in the house spreads dust, toxins and allergens.

In fact, researchers at the University of Houston found that nearly 40 percent of soles carry Clostridium difficile, or C. diff, that nasty bacteria often spread in health-care facilities that can cause infections. Moreover, abrasive soles can scratch or scrape floors and turn your beautiful hardwood into a disaster zone.

The solution is simple: Take off your shoes at the door

R. Victoria Peterson's Top Picks for Texas Native Plant Nurseries in Central Texas

We live in a very interesting climate here in Central Texas.  We are technically a "ZONE 8b" and that's helpful in determining what to plant, however we can go from sunny and 90 degrees to the next day dropping to windy and cold! The summers are fiercely hot and the winters oftentimes bring freezing cold temperatures that even some of our established plants can't handle. 

With that being said, the best way to make your investment in the plants you buy for your landscape last is to buy tough, native Texas plants; these plants are called TEXAS SUPERSTARS  and have been tested and selected to last in our crazy climate.

                                                                Cape Plumbago

            Flare Rose Mallow Hibiscus

                        "Fiesta" Lantana

                                                               Mexican Bush Sage

Finding Texas Superstars or even simply native Texas plants can be difficult if you don't look in the right places.  The "big-box" stores like Home Depot and Lowes, although they do offer so many needed things and have their place to fit our many needs, are not the places you want to waste you time (or money) on regarding their selection of plants.  These stores tend to offer plants that are NOT suited for our climate and will only continue to disappoint the uneducated gardener.  In the past, I'd see a pretty plant, buy it, plant it and only to watch it slowly reach its demise . . I became discouraged and labeled myself as having a "black thumb." - which is simply not the case!  - I just wasn't planting the correct plants.  Let's work with nature, not against it.  Buy plants that are meant for this area.  There are some really beautiful flowering plants that can outlast our Texas heat and attract appreciated pollinators like honey bees, solitary bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

My top picks for nurseries in our area that provide native plants to Texas are:

         It's About Thyme Garden Center

It's About Thyme in Austin - this nursery is located in South Austin near the intersection of Manchaca Rd and FM 1626 (near The Smith Academy and Texican Cafe). 

It's About Thyme has endless greenhouses, unique trees and shrubs, organic materials, seeds and of course, a wide selection of Texas natives.  I also love the fact that the owners, Chris and Diane Winslow, are on site most days, along with a great staff, to answer your questions and offer advice; having a knowledgeable staff is a must for planting guidance.  For the diverse variety and knowledgeable staff, the prices are reasonable.  They offer an excellent monthly newsletter with valuable information as well.

                                                                            Vivero Growers 

Vivero Growers in Dripping Springs - located near Pieous on highway 290.  This nursery offers predominantly Texas Native plants and some unique plants that grow well here and are beautiful.  The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.  The prices are a bit high, in my opinion, but it's always enjoyable to walk the nursery and see what neat things they have to offer.

            Solstice Outdoors -
          Garden Design and Fine Art                               Destination

Solstice Outdoors: Garden Design and Fine Art Destination - in Dripping Springs.  This shop offers unique art, landscape design, native plants and more.  While you're in the Dripping Springs area be sure to visit the brand new Belterra Village, 90 acres of medical offices, shops, food and a cinema.

                                               King Feed 

King Feed in Wimberley is always a treat to visit, especially in the spring when they have baby chicks and ducks for sale.  This is a general hardware store with things from tools to chicken feed and plant food to lawn chairs.  Walking the grounds is lovely and the array of native plants is good.  The prices are high, in my opinion, but the trip is worth the enjoyment and one-stop shopping experience.  While in Wimberley, be sure to visit the square with cute shops including a few of my favorites: Wall Street Western, River House, and The Gypsy Market.

                          Cross Plants & Produce

Cross Plants & Produce in Kyle - offers a pretty good selection of native plants and herbs, but what I like most about this nursery is they sell organic and locally-sourced meats, eggs, veggies and honey.; it's a perpetual farmer's market, daily!  Cross Plants offers a large grassy area nestled under the shade of post oaks with picnic tables, swings and a donkey and mini-horse to love on.  It's a nice place to bring a picnic and enjoy the outdoors, but be sure to browse the shop for the locally-sourced foods to add to your picnic.  Their plant prices are good, in my opinion. While you're in Kyle, stay for dinner at my most favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant, Piscis Seafood & Mexican Grill; hands-down the BEST salsa around and the food is much better than the high-dollar places.

                         Garden Center at HEB in Kyle 

Finally, I have to include HEB in Kyle yes, HEB,  the grocery store.  The HEB garden center, or Texas Backyard, has a seriously surprising selection of native plants and the prices are good too.  I love that I can go grocery shopping AND buy Texas natives in one swoop, not to mention the super cute boutique located in the middle of the store: Mia's Mirror, that sells a nice selection of clothes, some great cowboy boots and gifts, including Kate Spade items.

Bottom line, quit wasting your money and time on plants that just aren't equipped to handle our climate in Texas.  There are indeed a beautiful array of options that are sure to please and will continue to grow and thrive in your yard, helping add value to your property.

Spring is Finally Here in TEXAS! A Few Tips to Get You Started.

NOW  (March) is the time to plant seeds and transplants in your gardens and landscapes; don't wait!  You must plant now so the plants have time to strengthen their root systems and establish themselves before the HOT Texas heat is abundant. 

We are in ZONE 8b here in Central Texas so be sure to only buy seeds and transplants that are suitable for this area, otherwise you are wasting your money and not setting yourself up for success.

Click HERE for a clear and easy to read planting guide for our area in Central Texas, produced by Texas A&M.

Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and peppers are some vegetables you want to get going right now.  Have you heard of "phytonutrient gardening?"  Most of the vegetable varieties we have available to us in the grocery store are no longer very nutritional, because of pesticides and soil depletion; even the organic vegetables are not as good as they could be. 

Have you ever heard of an "Armenian Cucumber" or "Malabar Spinach"?  . . .these are just two of the many extra nutrient-rich vegetable varieties available to you through seed - you just have to look for them.

Joe Urbach provides an awesome resource for "Phytonutrient Gardening;" find out more HERE.

Now is also the time to plant beautiful, native Texas flowering plants to enhance the look of your landscape and provide nectar and pollen for pollinators like honey bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.  Having pollinators in your garden will help your vegetables to produce, on average, 20% more!

There are a variety of lovely and colorful tough plants that you won't have to "babysit," because they are known as "Texas Superstars!"  Check out more HERE.

A few of my favorites include: Yellow Bell Esperanza, Blue Plumbago and Salvia - these colorful and strong plants come back year after year (perennials) and offer so much color and depth to my landscape, plus the honey bees, hummingbirds and butterflies LOVE them and it's fun to watch them busily collect pollen and nectar (especially the hummingbirds!).

I'm actively enrolled in the Hays County Master Gardener course and am learning SO much!  Please connect with me if you have questions or need help with your spring plantings.

With love, Victoria Peterson  512 695 8923     RealtorRVictoria@gmail.com