Category: Texas

White Mountain Partners Landscaping Shares a Texas Landscaping Guide For Your New Home

Published November 22, 2019 / by Harley Spencer

Texas landscaping is tough. We have issues of droughts, and it is expensive to use a lot of water to make up for the drier climate.

At White Mountain Landscaping Partners, we are a quality landscaping firm that can create a beautiful and peaceful oasis in your back and front yards that you will be glad to go home to. The following are some of our recommendations.

The Low Fence Trick

If your home is situated too close to the street, Southern Living suggests that you can create a visual illusion of more space by simply placing a low, picket fence between your home and the street.

Year Round Color With Flowers

If you choose flowers carefully, in our Texas climate, you can enjoy a splash of color all year. It is relaxing to our eyes and spirits to come home each day to potted plants and beds that have flowers such as petunias, snap dragons and crinums will keep you in color.

Southern LIving recommends crinums as one of the toughest plants for Texans. They are well-suited to our dry Texas climate and don’t much care about the condition of your soil. They look like lilies, with a big trumpet and are very aromatic. They like 5 hours of sun exposure per day.

Deer-Proof Flowers

If the deer come through and like to gobble up your flowers, you can choose ones that they hate to eat and leave the roses up on the porch in containers. They love to nibble off tender rose buds.

Good choices of deer-proof flowers include butterfly bush, purple cornflower, butterfly weed and globe thistle.

Pavers Can Create the Illusion of More Space

Pavers create pleasant walkways, break up the turf and create an illusion of more space in a cramped yard.

Creating Unity

The Seasoned Homemaker suggests that creating a unified appearance is best. Unity can be created through repetition, color schemes and/or thematic landscaping. One example of a landscaping theme would be to create a Japanese-type of garden area.

Entertaining

You can create relaxing and private alcoves for entertaining with decking, fireplaces, firepits or outdoor barbecue areas. Vines growing over trellises can create privacy for you and your guests from the neighbors.

Xeriscaping and Grow Green

The City of Austin website has some recommendations for xeriscaping and Grow Green. Xeriscaping is when one gardens in a manner that saves the most water possible.

According to the City of Austin, principles of xeriscaping include a planning and design phase that includes an analysis of the soil before plant selection begins. Design includes turfs and other plants that are drought-resistant. Also, xeriscape embraces irrigation principles that are more water efficient, like drip irrigation. Also, to conserve the water already in the soil, mulches are utilized.

Grow Green involves gardening without toxic chemicals and using native plants.

If you have landscaping needs in Texas, call us at White Mountain Partners Landscaping. These ideas were just a few of the many we have to create an individualized, green and appealing oasis in your yard

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Daniel Doyle Pleasantville Shares 7 of the Best Instaworthy Spots in Texas

Published October 11, 2019 / by Harley Spencer

The expansive state of Texas is home to many picturesque attractions that range from megacities and public parks to beaches. According to Planetware, the attractions that stand out include the Space Center in Houston, Alamo Historic site, Houston Museum District, Galveston Beaches, Guadalupe Mountains National Park and the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas. For curious travelers looking for instaworthy snaps, the state offers abundant opportunities to score points and attract followers.

The 6 Best Instaworthy Spots in Texas


According to a leading travel advisor, Trip to Discover the top 7 shooting locales for Instagrammers are:


The AT&T Stadium – Arlington


The AT&T football arena is usually a hub of activity at the start of the fall football season. It is the home of the beloved Dallas Cowboys football team that plays in the NFL. A visit to the arena presents a perfect opportunity to capture amazing pictures of players and charging crowds. In 2014, the football arena was among the most geo-tagged places by Instagrammers.

Miller Outdoor Theatre – Houston


The theatre was built in 1923 and sits on an expansive 75-acre piece of land in Herman Park. The theatre is nowadays regarded as the home of entertainment and a joyful place to visit, especially during autumn and winter seasons. For Instagrammers who enjoy performance arts, the outdoor theatre is an ideal place to meet friends and snap images of various musical groups.

State of Fair of Texas – Dallas


The popular state fair is held annually at Fair Park. Instagrammers have a great opportunity to take pictures of various attractions such as the 55 foot tall “Big Tex” cowboy, in-house Ferris wheel and the magnificent Dallas skyline. The fair is held in September and runs for 3 weeks.

Congress Avenue Bat Bridge – Austin


Bats are a common feature in Austin. The city hosts one of the largest colonies of bats in an urban setting. The bats usually create an astonishing scene flying across the Congress Avenue Bridge. Instagrammers can capture these frenzied images and showcase them to the world.

Fort Worth Stockyards – Fort Worth


Some of the most fascinating images about Texas can be taken at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. The stockyards plays host to several events during the fall season. The events that attract the biggest crowds include Championship Rodeo and live music concerts. The true essence of Texas is reflected in the cobblestone streets and longhorn cattle.

The Alamo Christmas Tree – San Antonio


The 55 foot tall Alamo Christmas Tree comes alive every year at the tail end of November. The fir tree is normally adorned with hundreds of lights and inordinate decorations to keep the holiday mood alive. Travellers visiting San Antonio can also catch a glimpse of the magnificent Alamo Historic site in the backdrop. The mission station was built back in 1744 by Franciscan missionaries.

Tips to capture best Instagram photos


With advances in technology, you can easily snap great Instagram photos using a pocket-size digital camera or smartphone. Daniel Doyle Pleasantville is a well-established photography expert and a studio owner. He previously worked in Queens, New York before setting base in Pleasantville, Ohio. Dan Doyle Pleasantville knows what it takes to create Instaworthy photos.

Here are his 4 simple tips:


• Learn to work with natural light instead of flash
• Avoid overexposing your images
• Capture elements that draw people’s attention
• Use depth to your advantage

Dan Doyle Pleasantville usually makes his Instagram images stand out by incorporating elements like symmetry, vivid colors, captivating backgrounds and patterns. Daniel Doyle Pleasantville areas of focus include architecture, landscape and wedding photography

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Ismail Sirdah Discusses Photography In Texas

Published July 16, 2018 / by Harley Spencer

Not only is Texas a big state, but it has so many unknown nooks and crannies. It is the perfect state to take a road trip and locate a place for a photoshoot.

Ismail-Sirdah

From historic indoor places to unknown scenic routes, the Lonestar State is filled with pleasant surprised for every photographer.

Ismail Sirdah says, “Traveling around Texas for photoshoots has always been my favorite thing to do. You just never know what you will find and how your story can change — for the better.”

Don’t be afraid to pull off the side of a road and take in the majestic views of the plains, the desert, or the woods. Maybe you’ll even find a secluded lake or lagoon.

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Discover Harlingen, Texas, The Perfect Spot For A Winter Home

Published November 8, 2017 / by Harley Spencer

Texas is synonymous with big things. Big living, expansive farms and ever-bigger cities. The real estate industry is exceptionally vibrant on the heels of the California boom in the west. However, there are a few rare niches that present attractive options for the home buyer.

The city is business friendly with the possibility of free trade status. It is close to a host of favorite holiday destinations. Contrary to popular belief, the cost of living is unbelievably low, and the winters are pleasant.

Highlights

For those who love wide-open urban spaces and the outdoors, there is plenty of free space, water sports, and recreation spots just close to the city. It is ideally located midway between two bigger cities, McAllen and Brownsville. Unlike the rest of Texas urban areas, there is light traffic on the roads, and an average commute will take you less than half an hour. It is an excellent destination to spend your winters.

The population is still below the hundred thousand mark with the majority being Hispanic. The people are incredibly nice and helpful. The diverse culture brings with it a global cuisine including some world-famous Buffalo wings joints.

Think proximity to the Gulf Coast and the numerous attractions there. For example, you are less than forty minutes away from South Padre Island, one of the best beaches in the continental US. There are numerous benefits to owning a home so close to a world-famous beach, top of which is the beach weather. It consists of a tropical climate with low rainfall and a southwestern feel to it. In like manner, you are also an hour from Mexico.

Harlingen is a brilliant spot to own a retirement home. It is famous throughout Texas for its warmth and hospitality to the senior citizens. There is an international airport right in the city enabling you to connect to global destinations quickly. There is plenty of fresh produce with seafood a primary staple. It is also home to the largest shrimp farms in the country. Harlingen is rated as one of the cheapest places to live in the country.

The city also has a vibrant economy with services such as healthcare, education, social amenities and the retail sector contributing the biggest chunk. The Jackson Street district is considered the city’s hub. The international airport, as well as the seaport of Harlingen, ensures a busy transport industry. Additionally, it is right next to the Free Trade International Bridge.

Development advantages

Harlingen is rapidly growing. Numerous companies are opening up manufacturing facilities in the area. This is driven by readily available labor, the free trade framework and proximity to cheaper ocean shipping from the international seaport. Diverse ranges of industries including food processors, petrochemical manufacturers as well textiles have found a new home here. The local real estate market is opening up to new investors in every corner.

The home market

Harlingen is one of the few gems worth snapping up in Texas for those looking for unique opportunities away from the beaten path. Financial services have also become readily available. For example, Tweed Financial Services provides comprehensive financial advisory you can leverage to secure a home.

You can get a modest place in the city at under two hundred thousand dollars. Trulia places the median home price at seventy thousand. The bulk of the homes in the city are in the $50-$100 range.

The typical home has a fitted kitchen with a snack bar that is perfect for family meals such as breakfast. They also have indoor laundry facilities as well as swimming pools for the mid-market homes in the city. Tweed Financial Services will help you choose a sustainable mortgage plan from a range of fixed and flexible rates to fixed-term options.

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Tips for Picking the Right Diamond Jewelry Store in Texas

Published July 18, 2017 / by Brandon Colker

There are numerous jewelers in Texas. Some of them make the best items and sell them to their loyal clients. The jewelry industry is huge in the state of Texas because almost everyone owns a piece of jewelry. Jewelry is used to symbolize social status and enhance beauty. Also, people buy diamond rings, bracelets and earrings to show love to others. Diamond is one of the rarest metals, which makes it a valuable item. Finding the right diamond jeweler can be tricky because the quality of the diamond differs from one vendor to another. Below are a few tips from Inspired Silver on how you can choose the best diamond jewelry store in Texas.

Follow your heart

Sometimes it’s advisable to follow your instincts when shopping for diamond jewelry. It’s important to involve your emotions in making the final decision, especially if the jewelry is meant for a special occasion. Take time to think about whether the recipient of the diamond item will like it. Think about which store they’d like to get the item from. This way, it will be easier to pick the right jewelry shop. Also, talk to different vendors to determine the one you can trust to provide you with quality diamonds.

Get value for your money

Diamond is expensive. So, you need to make sure that you get what you pay for. Look for a store that offers the best diamond quality. To determine the quality of the jewelry, check the clarity, color, cut and carat. Look for a jewelry store that maximizes the cut of diamonds. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on diamond items, you should ensure that you get high-quality jewelry for less.

Find designer brands

Luxury items are distinguished with their designs. There are jewelry designers in the diamond business who are known for making high-quality items. Find out the best designer brands and locate stores in Texas that sell items from those companies.

Go to a store with ready stock

The majority of the diamond store in Texas don’t have enough stock. When you order jewelry, they go ahead to order it from their main supplier. This can cause you a lot of inconveniences. It’s wise to pick a store that can offer you what you need, and when you need it. A good jeweler should have goods ready for purchase and delivery.

Research thoroughly

Read articles online and in magazines to find out the best diamond jewelers in the state of Texas. Go through jewelry review sites to see what buyers have to say about different stores. Happy customers are a good indicator of a good jeweler. Some of the web resources you can use for your research include iVouch, Google+ and Yelp.

Check for credentials

When opening up a jewelry store, the vendor is required to meet certain standards. Also, they must have licenses and certifications to prove they’re running a legitimate business. While shopping for diamond items in Texas, find stores with GIA credentials. The seller should be a member of the Gem Society. These credentials are excellent indicators of quality.

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