1. Create symmetry - Symmetrical light fixtures flanking the front door along with accent pieces such as matching planters, provide a welcome entryway to guests.

2. Add lighting – Add low-voltage or solar lights along the pathway to your front door. They will enhance the appearance of your walkway, and provide added safety for your new home in McKinney as well. Accent lighting for trees also adds a decorative touch to your yard.

3. Design an instant garden – Container gardens can be a welcome addition to your home’s exterior. They’re easy to maintain and add a colorful dimension to your porch or walkway. Create a dynamic setting by using a staggered, asymmetrical arrangement to your landscape.

4. Install window boxes – A quick and easy way to bring color and charm to your home’s exterior is to add window boxes. Choose copper or iron boxes for a traditional look, or painted wood for a cottage feel. Fill the boxes with assorted plants and flowers that suit lighting conditions and your home’s color scheme.

5. Add focal points to your yard – Add an eye-catching element to the landscape of your new home in McKinney by adding a unique, weather-resistant art piece, birdbath or wind chime. Water sculptures also function as yard art, and lend soothing sounds to your home’s ambience.

6. Install planting beds – Bring contrast and color to your home’s exterior by adding planting beds along the driveway or walkway, at the front corners of the yard, or immediately in front of the house. Choose features that compliment and frame your home. Stone and pre-cast concrete make excellent borders. Include a variety of plants in different sizes, colors and textures for optimal results.

Two communities to consider for your new home in McKinney are Shiloh Ranch and Verona Estates by Landon Homes. Priced from the $200s, and offering some of the largest homesites in McKinney, Landon has the perfect home to suit your needs, whether you’re an empty nester looking to downsize, or a young couple with a growing family. Call 866-898-3603 or visit the website for more information.

1. Run your ceiling fans on a low setting to re-circulate warm air down from above, where it will be better appreciated in the room.

2. Make sure your windows are closed up properly and sealed, so warm air doesn’t leak out. Cover your central air conditioning unit to keep moisture out of it during the off-season.

3. Install plug outlet covers on any unused outlet. About 20 percent of the air that escapes your home does so through these outlet openings.

4. Dial down the thermostat to 68 degrees. Every degree you raise the temperature adds 3 to 5 percent to your electric bill.

5. Apply caulk to the cracks and gaps around windows, doors and other areas to prevent air from entering and escaping your new home in Little Elm, TX. But do this when the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, otherwise the caulk may not adhere in the cold weather.

6. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees F, and wrap an insulation blanket around it. This step can cut energy usage by 10% to 15%.

7. Swap out any incandescent bulbs with fluorescents. They use 70% less electricity, give off five times more light, emit 90% less heat and last 10 times longer.

You can also cut down on energy use any time of the year in your new home in Little Elm, TX by remembering to turn off the lights when you leave a room and turn off running water while you soap your hands or brush your teeth.  Landon Homes specializes in building affordable, energy-efficient homes in Little Elm. Visit the website to explore the different floor plans that are available that best suit your family’s needs.

1. Review your finances. It would be very frustrating if you found a home to buy, and then realized you couldn’t afford it. Avoid that scenario by reviewing your income and debt, and then meet with your bank or other financial expert to determine what your ideal mortgage payment would be.

2. Be aware of all costs. An existing home may cost less than a new home, but the upkeep and unexpected repairs could cost you much more in the long run. A brand new home in McKinney, TX built by Landon Homes includes many energy efficient features that can save you money on your utility bills.

3. Gather search tools. When you’re out for a drive, carry a mobile phone – preferably one with a camera and Internet access – so you can use it to take pictures and notes about neighborhoods and new home builders. You can search online for information about schools in the area, for instance, and other amenities you may be interested in.

4. Review and study areas. Choosing a neighborhood to live in affects many aspects of your life, including your work commute, where your children go to school, where you shop, etc. As you whittle down your possibilities, study the areas for traffic and activity. You might even talk with your potential neighbors to see how they like living there, and what type of experience they’ve had with the home builder.

The more prepared you are to buy a new home in McKinney, TX, the happier and more secure you’ll feel when you sign the contracts. Visit the Landon Homes website to see the different new home models that are available in McKinney. If you have any questions, you can conduct a live chat online with our Internet Sales Manager Tanya Smith or call 800-898-3603.

By Chris Beattie, cbeattie@acnpapers.com

Recess should be a time for frolicking fun, not scrapes and bruises. Avoiding pits and jagged rocks shouldn’t be a worry.

Until now, though, the should’s and should not’s were blurred together at Wilmeth Elementary School in McKinney. Around the playground was no grassy knoll, just a danger zone.

Students needed one thing that would make their play time complete.

Chris Beattie/Staff Photo – Leonard McManaman of Landon Homes and Wilmeth Elementary Principal Judy Bragg lead the ribbon cutting Friday during the school’s unveiling of its new athletic field. Landon Homes, which built residences across the street from Wilmeth, donated about $25,000 to complete the project.

“We came up with a plan,” said fifth grader Grant Baker. “We wanted to get a soccer field.”

After months of research, money raising and some corporate generosity, their plan came to fruition Friday. The school unveiled its brand-new athletic field.

“We got an award from Michelle Obama for being a school that’s doing really well with their physical fitness,” said Judy Bragg, Wilmeth principal. “We want to keep that up, and certainly a safe place to exercise helps.”

As does more than free landscaping and more than $9,000 in parent-raised donations. Landon Homes, which built the residential subdivision across the street from Wilmeth, put more than $25,000 and the necessary manpower toward the project.

Day Star Landscapes, which frequently adorns Landon Homes buildings, spent recent weeks laying sod and furnishing the rocky zone with a grass blend similar to that of high school football fields.

“Seeing the field with all of the rocks and just the dirt, it was hard to say no,” said David Rich, Landon Homes DFW division president. “I have small children, too, so it was a no-brainer.”

The outside help came long after students’ initial pleas. Last spring, a group of then-fourth and fifth graders teamed up to transform their school’s recess yard.

Under the direction of teachers Jaime Siefken and Leon Carroll, they researched the health benefits of a usable soccer field. They drafted a PowerPoint presentation and pitched their plan to Bragg and to Wilmeth’s parent-teacher organization (PTO).

Everyone thought it was a great idea.

“We’ve never been able to do a whole lot out there,” said Trina Youree, physical education teacher. “When we did have time, it was pretty rocky.”

So rocky that once PTO members put the plan in motion, students picked up all the stones during a “rock party.” Word quickly spread to parents and other students through t-shirts and posters.

A booster club Fun Run and school carnival — events that typically raise money for only educational purposes — held an unprecedented, grassy focus.

“All the parents were very generous this year,” said Ashley Aleman, PTO fundraising head. “We raised almost double what we typically do, and I think it’s because we had a vision. This is what the kids really wanted.”

But with bids for the project ranging from $25,000-$35,000, the fundraisers weren’t enough. Statewide cuts to education put McKinney ISD in a tough spot — education took precedence over extracurricular activities.

That’s when Landon Homes came to the “sodden” rescue. When the PTO asked for help, the company jumped at the chance.

“We have several homeowners whose kids go (to Wilmeth), and they tell me how much they love the school,” said Leonard McManaman, who directed the project. “It just needed to be done.”

The 11 students with the initial plan on Friday stood happily on the new field, eager to commemorate their hard work. Some are now in middle school, but returned for the triumphant ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Once the ribbons fell, hundreds of Wilmeth students filed over the grassy goodness. They trotted and somersaulted their way around.

There were no more pits or rocks, no fear of falling. Just some frolicking fun.

“It’s going to be so much better,” Bragg said. “When they come out for recess, they don’t want to just mess around. They really want to play.”

1. Bold colors – Orange made a splash on spring fashion runways, so it’s expected to have an influence on interior design this year. Bright, colorful and bold patterns are cropping up in furniture too.

2. Wood patterns – Look for dining room tables with interesting wooden floor patterns that add character to a functional surface.

3. Decorative walls – Wallpaper’s comeback continues to gain momentum as it gets used more for larger spaces like the living room and bedroom.

4. Lighting – Blend styles such as iron and crystal, drum pendants and blown-glass, and colored crystal and organic shapes to add a “wow” factor to your new home in Frisco, TX.

5. What’s old is new – Vintage farm, Americana, Amish influences reflect the “modern country home” in 2012. To achieve this affect, opt for natural hues in the bedroom such as creamy whites, bark browns and sea-glass greens to bring a touch of the outdoors in.

6. Opposites attract – The nature motifs of the past few years are becoming more refined. Unusual combinations will make a big impact such as lambskin with acrylic or wood with polished metal.

7. Bigger is better – Think big when it comes to lighting and wall space. Try wall-length floor mirrors or huge art pieces. They become breath-taking elements in otherwise low-key rooms.

Landon Homes has a professional design center that offers selections in cabinetry, countertops, flooring, window treatments, lighting and more for your new home in Frisco, TX. Their staff is well versed in the latest home design trends and can guide you through each decision, large or small. Visit the website today to learn more.

1. Make a list. Plan ahead to determine what supplies, food and drinks you’ll need for the party. Then, delegate some of the work to family members or even some of your guests. It will take some of the stress off, so you’ll be able to enjoy the party along with everyone else!

2. Cook ahead. Get as much of the food preparation done before the party. Plan something special to eat, but don’t experiment with any strange foods.  You want your guests to enjoy what’s on their plates.

3. Deck the halls. Go for the unexpected when it comes to holiday decorations for your new home in Frisco. Set out bowls with vintage ornaments (from your family collection or a flea market) grouped by color or style. White twinkle lights inside a glass bowl will also create a striking look. Or try hanging some ornaments off a bare branch placed inside a vase.

4. Create comfort.  If you’re having a casual get-together, don’t worry about seating everyone around the dining table. Set up a buffet instead, pulling the table away from the wall so there are four sides available so people can get to the food easily.

5. Add joyful sounds. Set the mood with a mix of your favorite holiday tunes. Just keep the music low so it doesn’t overpower the conversation.

6. Be a graceful gift giver. Have a few gifts on hand so you won’t be caught off-guard by a friend who springs an unexpected gift exchange. Consider buying a case of wine or champagne to divide among guests. Or do some extra baking. No one can resist a tin filled with homemade holiday goodies!

7. Greet your guests. Most importantly, ask a friend or family member to help out with other party matters, so you can be available to say “Happy Holidays” to each guest.

If you’re still searching for a new home in Frisco, check out the Villages at Willow Bay, Austin Ridge at Lonestar Ranch or Grayhawk Estates.  Landon Homes has beautiful and affordable, energy efficient homes for sale in each of these three communities. Contact our Internet Sales Manager Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347 for more information or visit our website.

1. Obtain credit history and credit score.  It’s no secret that mortgage lenders have become much more conservative with regards to funding. Lenders use your credit score to determine your loan’s interest rate and terms. It’s in your best interest to know that information ahead of time. You can obtain a free copy of your credit history from AnnualCreditReport.com and then pay for your credit score (about $9).

2. Demonstrate good credit behavior. Lenders regard borrowers with credit scores above 780 as their best customers. If your score is below that level, you should eliminate any errors and practice good credit behavior to improve your score. The best way to do that is to pay your bills on time and in full each month.

3. Determine how much home you can afford.  Before you start looking for a new home in McKinney, take a close look at your income, savings and obligations to see what you can afford. Bankrate has a mortgage calculator you can use to determine your monthly payment. Remember to factor taxes and insurance into your total housing cost.

4. Obtain financing.  You can save time and make your closing process go more smoothly if you get preapproved for your loan ahead of time. Gather all of your documentation (W2, tax returns, account statements, etc.) before you talk with a lender so you’ll be able to obtain a mortgage loan that fits your budget.

5. Evaluate home builders. If you’re in the market for a brand new home in McKinney, check out the reputation of the home builders in the area you want to live. Walk through some completed homes and ones under construction. Ask about materials used and any challenges in the area. Find out if the builder’s projects are completed on time, and talk with residents about their experience.

One of the top home builders in McKinney is Landon Homes. Headed by John Landon, a leading force in home building since the 1980s, this visionary builder offers homes that respect both the environment and your budget. Contact us today to find out more about our affordable green homes for sale in the north Dallas area.

If you have time for only one holiday event, consider Christmas in the Square in Frisco. This one of a kind extravaganza is the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in Texas, with over 175,000 lights, 11-1/2 miles of wiring and 8 miles of extension cords!

The festive event includes a model train show, carriage rides and for the time in over ten years in the DFW area, an outdoor ice skating rink. In addition, Christmas in the Square features the same snow machines used by Disney to create a “winter wonderland” on the sidewalks of Frisco Square.

A light show of a different sort takes place in nearby McKinney with the 2^nd annual Heard Trail of Lights. Walk along a half-mile section of the Heard nature trails to see thousands of holiday décor and lights, many synchronized to holiday music. You and your family can take photos with Father Christmas and Mother Nature in a festive, decorated cabin along the trail, and listen to live holiday music in the Heard amphitheater while sipping hot beverages.

More holiday lights are on display during the annual Rotary Christmas Light Parade in historic downtown McKinney. Featuring beautifully decorated, lighted floats, this holiday event culminates with an appearance by that jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus!  Who knows, if you’ve been good this year, Santa might grant your wish of being in a new home in Little Elm by Christmas!

But you don’t have to rely on Santa. The “elves” at Landon Homes can help you find a perfect new home in Little Elm to buy. Their Lakeview communities offer some of the best value for homes for sale in the Frisco Independent School District. Residents can take advantage of four amenity centers with pools, parks, trails and more.  And the Reserve at Lakeview features some of the biggest homesites in the area. Visit the Landon Homes website to learn more about the better built, affordable green homes for sale in Little Elm.

1. Twist on a traditional wreath – Evergreens make lovely wreaths, but so do citrus fruits! Attach oranges, clementines, kumquats and limes to a circular piece of florists’ foam and tie it off with a piece of velvet ribbon. Or transform a pine cone wreath into a winter wonderland by spray painting it white.

2. Ornament display – Create a sparkly centerpiece for your table by placing vintage ornaments on a cake stand nestled with leaves.

3. Festive front door – Tie big jingle bells to your front doorknob with festive ribbon

4. Stemware flair – Tie different color ribbons around the stems of champagne flutes or wine glasses for an extra bit of festivity. This stylish trick also helps guests keep track of their drinks!

5. Silver bell arrangements – Add sparkling style to your table by filling a glass snifter or other glass container with shiny silver bells of different sizes.

6. Faux fabulous – Transform plastic greenery into faux fabulous décor by placing boughs of holly, evergreens or mistletoe in clear glass jars or vases. Group different sizes together to make a bold statement for your table.

7. Sweet sensations – Fill pretty glassware with sugar and mini marshmallows. Then, stuff peppermint sticks inside for a decoration that looks good enough to eat!

If you haven’t found a new home in McKinney yet, visit Shiloh Ranch or Verona Estates. Built by Landon Homes, these quiet communities feature the most energy-efficient homes for sale in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with huge backyards, and top quality schools including the exemplary J.R. Wilmeth Elementary School right across the street. For more information about homes for sale in McKinney, contact Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347.

1. Shake up your menu – Every family tends to settle into a set Thanksgiving dinner menu. But why not shake things up? Try introducing a new dish each year, or preparing a familiar dish in a new way.

2. Renovate old traditions – Look for ways to update old traditions. If your family always used the same centerpiece year after year, for instance, it’s probably in need of a makeover. Update it with new materials or fresh flowers.

3. Dinnerware – Buy a special set of dishes to use only for Thanksgiving. Or if you don’t want to go to the expense, purchase some special salt & pepper shakers or a turkey platter.

4. Preserve the memories – Take a family photo before everyone sits down to the dinner table. It will be fascinating to look at those pictures 5, 10 or 20 years later and see how the family has grown and evolved.

5. Giving back – Take time out during the holiday season to give back to those less fortunate than you. Consider donating time or food to a homeless shelter a few days before the holiday or on Thanksgiving itself.

6. Play games – Play a special game after dinner – choose from your favorite card or board game. Or maybe a family game of charades!

7. Give thanks – Come up with a unique way to give thanks – after all, it’s what the holiday is all about. Have everyone around the table say something they’re thankful for. Or make a game out of it by having people write their “thanks” on a piece of paper, putting it into a hat, and have everyone guess who it belongs to.

If you’re still looking for that perfect new home in Frisco, Texas, visit the Landon Homes website to learn about our affordable green homes for sale. As one of the premier Texas homebuilders, Landon conserves energy resources and minimizes your monthly utility expenses while maximizing design impact and flex space. At Landon, our homes are better built by design.