Friday, February 24, 2012

5 Reasons to Love Our Master Planned Communities

Houses in a planned community have a unique history and place in the American housing market. Going as far back as 1565, the earliest city in the nation, St. Augustine, Florida, started off as a township planned around the most efficient use of community resources. Since the humble beginnings, many other city planners are working to plan the use of resources to give citizens a greater quality of life.

By increasing the access to many social services, such as waste collection, utilities, and green spaces citizens find their lives easier. Since they are supported by a carefully planned network of service providers, these homeowners live a life free from worry. Here are five reasons you will love your new home in one of the best master planned communities.

1. Greater Land Area

Perhaps the best reason to move into a planned community is for the massive availability of space. Typically, one of these communities will cover a massive land area. Because of the abundance of space, the community can offer extensive options for recreation, such as golf courses, parks with hike and bike trails, and even water features like lakes. This allows homeowners to live the healthy and active lifestyle they have always dreamed of living.

2. Access to Commercial Centers

Successful communities will have easy access to retail shopping, grocers, and other commercial amenities to provide community members with every material good they could ever possibly want. Most communities integrate residential and commercial sectors, making access to high quality foods, consumer goods, and other amenities as easy as crossing the street.

Monday, February 13, 2012

The Art of Classic Quiltmaking



From the numbers of page markers that stick out with reference notes, it's no wonder I have always consider this book as my quilting bible. Through all of the years of quilting, it is the book I have reached for time and time again if I was trying something new and needed a little guidance to get me past the first quilt block.
A quilt block, by itself can make a charming pillow top, pot-holder or hot pad. Put several in a row and you have a table runner. Make a whole bunch and sew them together to make a bed cover. The question may be, just how does one go about making one of these blocks? The directions of making a quilt block into beautiful heirlooms come to life chapter after chapter in The Art of Classic Quiltmaking.
How many times have you seen a finished quilt that you would love to make but your inexperience stops you from purchasing the pattern and attempting it? Fear quilting no more, Harriet Hargrave and Sharyn Craig will guide you through your qualms from the pages within their book.
Names of various quilt blocks and explicit directions on cutting, yardage required and piecing are all included. Each section is written to provide the novice quilter the ability to understand the techniques. The experienced quilter will read and re-read finding new tips and techniques to enhance their passion of making quilts.
This book takes you from choosing the best type of material for your project through to finishing the job And should be considered as a must-have for any quilters' library, regardless of their quilting expertise.