Officially it should be Day 2, but it was too cold and rainy yesterday to embark upon a new venture.  Today was DAy 1.  Although we have 5 people who have said they would commit at least most days of the week, only 2 of us showed up and walked.  That's okay.  We gained what we were after and that was a good workout with great companionship.  It's a whole lot easier to walk 4.5 miles when you are with someone you enjoy talking to I can tell you that!  We didn't mean to walk that far, but that's how it ended up.   The group is totally flexible in the route we take and how far and fast we go.  There is a 1.5 mile loop around the park that has a lot of cut-backs for someone who needs to cut the time short.  Or, we can go along Angel Parkway to Stacy Rd (today's route) and beyond. Oh, and so... 05/03/2011

We've noticed the sign located on a heavily wooded area in west Allen several times. We recently stopped by and took a few photos of the Cisterna, a working windmill constructed by internationally recognized artist Brad Goldberg. According to the Montgomery Farm website: Bordering Montgomery Farm on the west is the prestigious Hamilton Hills community, featuring exclusive estate lots, majestic trees and homes by carefully selected luxury custom builders. The neighborhood also offers contemporary semi-custom homes on lots defined by heritage trees, dynamic vistas and quiet, interior courtyards. East Hamilton Hills is being developed as a very exclusive, high-end community on the west side of Montgomery Farm. There are only 22 lots available with prices ranging from $200k to $750k. Sourc... 05/03/2011

Tired of rising gas prices? While the costs are certainly nothing to ignore, there is another elephant in the room- bottled water usage.If the average American were to review the amount of money they shell out on bottled water, they would likely be shocked at the cost. And the reality is that it is an unnecessary expenditure. While of course we would all like to see gas prices fall back to reasonable levels one can actually offset some of the cost by breaking the habit of consuming bottled water.It's estimated that an average American drinking one 16 oz. bottle of water per day for one year is likely spending around $550 annually. For a family of four, we're talking about more than $2000 per year. Plenty of people drink more than one bottle per day, so it is easy to see how the cost ca... 04/30/2011

Big Birthday Party! Friday, July 8 at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. The Fab Four from Down Under are back with this year's most anticipated family event, launching their Big Birthday World Tour in Allen! It's time for a party...The Wiggles Big Birthday party! Join The Wiggles, Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and all the Wiggly Dancers as they celebrate their Big Birthday in Allen! Presale Start TODAY! Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1 Do you want your tickets first? Get a special 50% OFF during presale only! Discount valid on price level three (P3) only from Friday, April 29 to Monday, May 2 by using the code BIRTHDAY here. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10:00 a.m. on May 2. Get your Wiggly tickets here! I know my girls (granddaughters... 04/30/2011

To Be or Not to Be?  That is the question... Gina met with some of the good people at Ashton Woods a couple of weeks ago. As part of the initial develpment of the 32 acres located in west Allen, they are considering being part of the Twin Creeks master planned community. While the numbers have not been firmed up, we extimate being part of Twin Creeks would add about $600 a year to the Homeowners Association dues. In return, owners would have access to all the Twin Creeks amenities including pools, parks, tennis, walking paths, private lakes, and the softball fields. The golf course has optional user fees but would otherwise be available to residents. What do you think? Would you pay an extra $600 a year for The Preserve in Allen to be part of Twin Creeks and have access to all the Twin ... 04/29/2011

  The sense of smell and selling your home are much more interconnected than you might realize. Smell is a very powerful sense and the associations made with aroma can make or break a deal. Some of the odors that most of us find offensive are obvious and should be taken care of immediately. Lingering smells from dogs, cats, pocket pets, and birds can be pungent. Stale smoke is an immediate turn off. And of course any smells left over from cooking can give the entire home a rather unpleasant feel.   When people smell foul odors they tend to shut down to the visual aspects. Your home may look beautiful but having an odor hanging in the air can prevent you from selling your home the instant a potential buyer walks in. If their emotional reaction is negative due to aroma, they aren't going ... 04/27/2011

The Allen Americans, in conjunction with the Central Hockey League have announced the dates and times for games one and two of the Berry Conference Semi-Finals between the Americans and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.  Game One will take place Friday, April 29th at 7:30 PM, while Game Two will follow on Sunday, May 1st, with puck drop scheduled for 6:00 PM. Both games will take place at the Allen Event Center in Allen, Texas. Friday night all fans will receive a free t-shirt as part of an Allen Event Center RED OUT, while Sunday night fans will receive thundersticks  For all games in this round, fans will once again be able to enjoy $2 food and beverage specials at the Allen Event Center.  The rest of the dates for the series, home and away will be announced soon. Continue to monitor w... 04/27/2011

In short, volatile organic compounds are toxins that you're exposed to every day. The compounds, also known as VOCs, enter your body through normal daily activities such as breathing. These compounds turn into free radicals over time and can cause serious illness, including cancer. The increase of VOCs in the air and in the average household has been staggering. As the population grows so does the vast exposure to volatile organic compounds.   The two most common producers of VOCs are cars and industry. Despite stricter laws regarding the emission release from vehicles the release of ground level ozone and VOCs is increasing. In urban areas the air quality can be so congested with toxins and contaminants that the population experiences health problems on days when the heat and humidity ... 04/26/2011

The use of green cleaners in your home is a choice that you'll make when you're fully informed. When using regular cleaners you are literally bringing in toxins and contaminants that can adversely impact your overall health. The harsh chemicals that are found in regular cleaners are dangerous, especially to young children and your companion animals. When you're choosing the cleaners to effectively scrub your household clean, you're definitely going to want to go green.   When green cleaning products originally came to the market there was a question of how well they did the job they were intended to do. Over time, the green cleaners for the home have improved and have become just as effective as the toxin based regular cleaners. Some of the green cleaners are even more effective than re... 04/23/2011

American Cancer Society - Relay For Life of Allen - Teams of Hope Friday, May 13th at 7:00 p.m.     The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Allen is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes the community to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. Teams of (6 to15 members) will gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising walk in the nation.   As the sun sets over campsites and darkness falls, the night is brightened by the glow of illuminated bags called luminaria, each bearing the name of someone who has battled cancer. Some celebrate cancer survivors, while others help us honor and remember those gone too soon. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the fami... 04/22/2011

  Colors have been scientifically linked to how people feel. When you're selling your home you want people who walk through the home as potential buyers to feel good and optimistic when they enter. The right color choices can have a great impact on how the potential buyers are going to feel about your home and whether they are going to make an offer.   Colors like green can be soothing. However, choosing a pea soup green or a brown green can be a turn off. Using traditional blue can actually create (as one might expect) a saddened or more downtrodden mood than red or yellow. Painting the walls such bold colors is a very risky move as not all potential buyers will see the potential of your home if you have painted the walls in primary colors. You want to use the cheerful and inspiring co... 04/22/2011

PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOES AND HEAD TO WATTERS CREEK FOR “DANCING BY THE CREEK” Free Dance Classes With Arthur Murray Dance Instructors                   WHAT: Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm is proud to announce the return of Dancing by the Creek held the last Wednesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting April 27 through September.  Enjoy free step-by-step dance lessons by Arthur Murray Dance Studio instructors taught creek-side. Dancing by the Creek takes place on The Green.  Each week will feature instruction on a different dance style. The Arthur Murray dance school was founded in 1912 and has specialized in teaching various dance styles to clients throughout the world.  Arthur Murray is known for training some of Broadway’s best and teaching dance steps to Hollywood ... 04/20/2011

We've been following this project ever since the sign went up on the 32 acres in west Allen. We drove by the other day and the developer has started breaking ground! Most of the large native oak trees had protective rings installed around them so the heavy equipment operators would avoid damaging them. Once the basic layout is completed, they can begin installing utilities and pouring the roads. We spoke to Ashton Woods and they are on-schedule to start pre-selling in November 2011. We'll post updates as more becomes available. Source: http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2011/04/19/groundbreaking-in-the-preserve-in-allen/ 04/19/2011

Wow - I knew it would be a big deal, but WHO KNEW it would be THAT big???  The first ones to arrive at the store as customers camped out near the front door beginning at 5:00AM for a 11:30am Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening at 12:00PM....THAT'S dedication!  (or part of the craziness!) By 11:00AM people were wrapped from one end of the outside of the store to the other, waiting (im)patiently for the Official-ness to begin-and-end so that they could shop.  As can be expected, the ceremonies ran a bit late and the door didn't officially open until 12:05PM.  Talk about a rush of people! With over 100,000 sq ft of space filled with over $8M in hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor gear there is something for every enthusiast.  In my case, my sole purchase was a baseball cap for Big Guy comm... 04/15/2011

Choosing a new home in Dallas, Texas can involve taking interest in many great suburbs, many of which have great historical stories that represent the development and growth of the community through time. From the early to late 1800’s to the mid-1900s, there has been wonderful growth and development within Dallas, TX, with great restoration and preservation through the late 1900’s to the early 21st century. Today, you can find suburbs of all levels, influences, and sizes, including Allen, TX, a small city located within Collin County, situating a northern section suburb in Dallas. There have been over 30,000 new residents introduced to Allen, TX since 2000, with a 2007 estimated population at 77,644. The neighborhood follows a Council-Manager government, which is greatly appreciated wit... 04/13/2011

Happy 100th Birthday Allen ISD- Allen Texas Although the town of Allen, Texas was established in 1872, the school system was not put into place until 1911.  For more history, visit the City of Allen official website. FREE EVENT! Education is something to celebrate!  There will be a 100th Birthday Party for the Allen Independent School District on Saturday, March 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. on the plaza in front of the Allen Event Center in the Village of Allen. Entertainment includes children's singer Eddie Coker in concert, guest performers, a petting zoo, carnival games and prizes. Admission is free. The event is sponsored by Allen ISD, Leadership Allen and the Allen Americans hockey team.     03/20/2011

Doggy Day Out - Allen Texas   Sunday, March 27, 2 - 4 p.m., Bethany Lakes/Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 1201 E. Bethany Cost: $10 Katie the much-beloved Schnauzer puppy has a party to attend!  We will join other dog lovers for this special family event. Maybe even Dad will come this time...?          Participants will enjoy a walk around Bethany lakes while receiving important pet health information, free local dog services and fun games for your dog! All participants will receive a doggie goodie bag and will be eligible for prizes awarded to the best dressed dog and the winner of the Easter Treat Hunt. Pictures with the Easter Bunny will be available. Click here to register to attend the Doggy Day Out party with your four-legged friend! Hmmmm....I wonder what she should wear?  I guess ... 03/20/2011

  Average Sales Price per Square Foot in Allen $88.27 Lowest Sales Price per Square Foot in Allen $42.23 Highest Sales Price per Square Foot in Allen $150.69     Average Days on Market in Allen 110 Fewest Days on Market in Allen 2 Most Days on Market in Allen 366     Average Size of Homes Sold in Allen 2,988 Smallest Home Sold in Allen 984 Largest Homes Sold in Allen 6,204     Average Ratio: Sales Price/List Price in Allen 96% Lowest Ratio: Sales Price/List Price in Allen 81% Highest Ratio: Sales Price/List Price in Allen 104%     Average Year Built 1998 Oldest Year Built 1960 Newest Year Built 2010     Number of Single-Family Homes Sold in Allen 71   The above sales statistics are based on MLS sales of single-family homes throughout Allen, Texas. The MLS sales were handled by various r... 03/14/2011

WATTERS CREEK CELEBRATES ST. PATRICK'S DAY BY DYEING CREEK GREEN No, you haven't drunk one too many green beverages...the creek really WILL be flowing GREEN in Watters Creek! In honor of St. Patty's Day, Watters Creek will "go green" on Saturday, March 12 at noon as they dye the creek that runs through the center green. I don't know of anywhere else in the Metroplex where you can see a GREEN CREEK (on purpose)! But is it safe? We all know that sometimes things that are green aren't all that "healthy"... YES! It is safe. The SAFE, non-toxic ingredients used to dye the creek green biodegrade naturally, gradually turning the water to its original color within a week with no harmful effect on wildlife. Just try not to fall in...try to explain THAT to your co-workers or neighbors! In additio... 03/11/2011

Join us for the 3rd Annual Allen Eagle Run! All proceeds benefit teacher/staff scholarships through the Foundation For Allen Schools, Allen ISD campuses and campus PTA's, and the student scholarship fund of the Allen Council of PTA's. Date:  Saturday, March 5th Time:  Registration begins at 7:00am, Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:00am, 5k begins at 8:30am Location:  Heritage Center, 100 E. Main Streeet, Allen   Cost:  $25.00   Have fun, get your walk/run in, AND support the Allen ISD!             03/04/2011