Cornucopia centerpiece – Create your very own cornucopia centerpiece by dressing up a craft horn. Whitewash the horn with pickling stain and trim the opening. Fill it with pears, cipollini onions, fall squashes and apples.

Wire basket centerpiece – For a stress-free centerpiece, you can turn a wire basket into a beautiful centerpiece by filling it with nuts, fresh leaves, pears and fall squashes.

Acorn basket centerpiece – Use the acorns from your own yard to create a nutty basket. Use a dark color woven basket and hot glue acorns all over. For best results, use acorns with and without caps. When it’s all dry, line the basket with foil or plastic, and place florist’s foam inside. Add pears to shish kebab sticks and place in the foam. Finish off by filling the basket with sprigs of berries, crabapples or other fall foliage.

Golden holiday centerpiece – Make an elegant centerpiece by filling a tall cylindrical vase with wheat and dried beans. Add berry branches to complete the look.

Old-fashion centerpiece – Use a large metal antique scoop filled with fall foliage and fall squashes for an old-fashion feel. This is simple, elegant, and eye-catching.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday!!!

Located in the center of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo offers all the conveniences of a big city but with a small town feel. If you want information about homes for sell in Amarillo or selling your Amarillo home, contact us or visit our website at www.AllAmarillHomes.com.

Now is the perfect time to relocate to Amarillo. Millions of dollars will be brought to the Amarillo region through wind power. Cielo Wind Power is trying to beat a deadline to construct the Spinning Spur Wind Ranch, which is expected to reach $70 million in contracts to regional businesses. The needs include communication tower construction, heavy earth moving, safety equipment, and information technology. More work opportunities will include turbine and tower cleaning prior to assembly as well. A dirty turbine is a bad one; therefore, it’s a unique housekeeping chore that must be done.

This is a $190-millon project set for 20,000 acres on the edge of the Caprock. And, the start date is targeted for December 1st. One company, Southwestern Public Service, already has a contract calling for it to purchase power from the wind facility for the next 15 years. Southwestern is a subsidiary of Xcel Energy. Businesses interested in participating can contact Cielo’s Amarillo office at 806-367-7646.

There are many reasons for adding the Cielo project to Amarillo’s resources. One was the ability to lock in a good price on the Cielo wind Spinning Spur. Spinning Spur has an edge against possible future mandates that would require additional renewable resources. With this technology we will be reducing our carbon footprint in Amarillo.

Next year, the wind power for the utility could double, so the company would only purchase it on an as-need basis. The federal incentives that give tax credits for the amount of electricity generated by wind are scheduled to expire December 31, 2012, which puts the pressure on getting the construction complete.

Located in the center of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo offers all the conveniences of a big city but with a small town feel. If you want information about homes for sell in Amarillo or selling your Amarillo home, contact us or visit our website at www.AllAmarillHomes.com.

 Originally posted at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2581501/wind-technology-bringing-millions-to-the-amarillo-region

Many cities have a hard time keeping up with technology.  However, Amarillo is keeping up with the times and technology for all citizens and soon-to-be citizens. It’s one great place to live when you want or need resources for the local community. Therefore, the City of Amarillo has added the Citizen Action Center to their website. There are now even more benefits to visiting their website for local community information.

Here are some of the resources you can find in Amarillo’s Citizen Action Center:

* Community Connection: In this section you can find FAQ’s, report problems, register complaints, ask questions, view commission meeting videos, view agendas for upcoming commission meetings, view board agenda’s and signup for email notifications.

* Court: This section contains information on jurisdictions, traffic violations, parking violations, misdemeanors, and violations of city ordinances.

* Employers: You will find all the information you need for obtaining a job with the city in this section.

* Building Safety: In this section you will find information on obtaining building permits, neighborhood services, sign permits, and business permits.

* Utility Billing: In this section you can find information on city utility billing service.

* Boards: This section contains information on all city board and commission members.

You can also find more resources in the Citizen Action Center and on their website at www.Amarill.gov.

Located in the center of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo offers all the conveniences of a big city but with a small town feel. If you want information about homes for sell in Amarillo or selling your Amarillo home, contact us or visit our website at www.AllAmarillHomes.com.

Learning how to maximize the space of a smaller dwelling can be beneficial to homeowners. The National Association of Homebuilders says the average size of a single family dwelling was 2,268 square feet until 2006 when the average size fell to 2,100 square feet. Therefore, it is more important than ever for space maximizing tips.

Economics may prohibit you from purchasing a larger move-in ready home. More and more people are leaning toward purchasing homes with a smaller footprint. To maximize your space, you can add the simple addition of a 700 square foot space to a two bedroom, one bath home. When the addition features an open floor plan with a loft accessible by ladder above an all purpose gathering space below, you have maximized your living space.

By tweaking key details to an existing home or smaller home, you can enlarge the space. You can add space by connecting the inside to the outside with décor and landscaping. Remove some of the interior walls to enlarge the area with an open floor plan for the appearance of a larger space. Paint the interior with a light color throughout the house and continue with the same type flooring throughout the home for a larger feel.

In small spaces, you need multi-functionality. For example: you can line one side of a long hallway with shallow shelving for books to create a home library. Keeping clutter at bay and having plenty of storage to allow for easy access to stored items will give you more space at the same time. Storage can be in long flat containers that fit under furniture such as beds, sofas or chairs. A kitchen counter extension can double as a home office. You can use a rolling cabinet with drawers to rest under the counter top when not in use to store your files and office supplies and tuck it out of the way when not in use.

Downsizing and creating a livable space in a smaller area takes planning. Doing your homework and gathering as much information as possible will make your home quaint, comfy and enjoyable; even in a smaller space.

Originally posted at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2560355/learn-how-to-maximize-space-in-a-smaller-dwelling

Amarillo, TX has made the 2011 list in the American Cowboy magazine’s two best places to live in the West. The April/May issue of American Cowboy has the featured list which you can also see it on their web site at www.americancowboy.com. The ideal Western life is all about a place where the free spirit of the Western version of the American Dream can take place. Picture a place where you can experience cowboy culture, beautiful scenery, true history and a great steak, and you have Amarillo, TX. The cities on the list are all good places to hang your hat for good or for a nice long stay.

Amarillo can boast about their wide open spaces, the night skies filled with stars that seem close enough to touch, four seasons of outdoor fun, lots of clean air, affordable housing, low unemployment and true Texas hospitality. Amarillo is home to many of the Western icons such as Palo Duro Canyon which is the nation’s second largest canyon. The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is the largest history museum in Texas, and in Palo Duro Canyon State Park they have the Outdoor Musical Drama “Texas”, which has run for 46 seasons.

The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum is an amazing place to visit as it is dedicated to the horses and people who tamed the West. Home of the world famous 72 ounce steak dinner can be visited at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Of course Route 66 is the “Mother Road” to so many dreams. And, last but not least, another fact that makes Amarillo a great place to live the West is one of the largest private livestock auctions in Texas is held right here in Amarillo.

American Cowboy magazine based their selections on outdoor appeal, historical significance, regional ranching, and the number of Western events throughout the year. They also factored in average land price, population, average household price and median age of residents. Amarillo is truly an ideal place to live and a great place to visit any time.

For more information about Amarillo, TX real estate, contact me, Amarillo Realtor® Tom Kile or visit my website at: www.AllAmarilloHomes.com.

Originally posted at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2550421/live-the-west-in-amarillo-tx

Why choose Downtown Amarillo, TX? Well, the most obvious answer is the fact that the downtown area has more than 800 single-family residences, which includes the Plemons Eakle neighborhood; a prestigious Historic District. The entire area is diverse and has homes dating back to the early 1900s. Another good reason is because back in 2008 a Strategic Action Plan was adopted by the City of Amarillo to outline a vision for the downtown urban area where people could live, play and work. The plan sets goals for the financial, business, and entertainment sectors of downtown. There are also plans to attract urban living.

Here are some of the key goals in the plan:

* Maintain Downtown Amarillo and the Panhandle as the financial, government and civic center for both areas.

* Attract development of urban lifestyle within downtown and adjacent areas.

* Develop 400 to 600 new housing units in the area.

* Reinforce key entertainment areas and a retail center for the City to include cultural amenities, night clubs, cinema theaters, civic event, festivals, restaurants, and retail shopping.

* Attract new restaurants/night club venues.

* Create development support for the Civic Center with one or more quality hotels.

* Create an urban design open space to assure that Downtown Amarillo is a beautiful and comfortable area for residents and visitors with more focus on landscaping, parks, and public art.

* Attract family oriented venues, events and programs that will bring groups to the area such as a minor league ballpark and mixed use entertainment venues.

* Develop police and security programs to ensure public safety day and night.

* Attract more educational opportunities from higher education at West Texas, Amarillo ISD, Amarillo College, and Texas Tech.

With all these great plans in place, Downtown Amarillo is definitely a great place to be. For more information about living in Downtown Amarillo, contact me, Amarillo Realtor (R) Tom Kile or visit my website at: www.AllAmarilloHomes.com.

Originally posted at:  http://activerain.com/blogsview/2539086/why-choose-downtown-amarillo-tx.

This fall the Popcorn sale will build on last year’s successful sale. Not only is the popcorn delicious, but this official fundraiser for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Venture Scout will benefit all of these groups, with 70% of all sales going back to local Scouting. You can purchase popcorn today from your local Amarillo Scouts or by calling the Golden Spread Council at 806-358-6500.

A look at the scouts program

The Boy Scouts have been having the time of their lives for over 80 years. They get to make new friends and learn new things that will help them to be successful in the future. They do everything from building their own pinewood derby car to learning how to cook at the campouts.

If your son is 7 to 10 years, then he can be having fun with the Cub Scouts. Ages 11 to 17 have a fantastic opportunity to prove themselves in challenges that test their courage and their nerves on the Boy Scouts side of the program. If your son loves the outdoors and likes to be challenged physically and mentally, the Boy Scouts is the place for him.

You can help support your local Amarillo Scouts by supporting them in all their efforts and make a change in a young man’s life that he will carry with him forever.

Originally posted on Active Rain: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2527331/boy-scout-popcorn-on-sale-in-amarillo.

* Start with the exterior of the property looking closely at the roof. I,f there has been a storm since the inspection you should look for damage to the roof.

* Run the sprinkler system, if there is one, available to make sure it is running properly.

* Examine the outside of the home for changes since the inspection. Test outside faucets and look at the downspouts and gutters for any changes.

* Be sure to check any repairs your seller promised to be made to the home to make sure they are completed and are in proper condition after repair.

* Ask the seller for all the operational manuals, records of sales, warranties and repair receipts for all the homes systems and appliances. Store these records in a file for future use.

* Look in and around the basement area for stains or leaks around walls and by plumbing. Check for signs of pests in this area. Be sure to check the attic and basement, if accessible, too.

* Check tubs, toilets, sinks, and faucets for leaks and to make sure they run properly. Inspect under sinks for leaks as well.

* If there were areas that were inaccessible during the inspection due to personal storage, furniture, etc., you want to be sure to check these areas for repair needs.

* Check all operating systems such as appliances, garage door openers, lights, alarms, intercoms, and items not covered in a traditional home inspection.

* Last of all, check to make sure the seller has notified you of any changes made to the property since the inspection.

Originally posted on Active Rain: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2515888/tips-for-the-final-walk-through-of-your-new-home.

Amarillo is finally seeing cooler temperatures and this ushers in an excellenttime period for homeowners to focus on their lawns. Autumn is a great time to recover or maintain your home lawn; therefore, I have found some tips to accomplish just that.

The perfect height

When mowing your lawn, the height range for home lawns is at 2.5 to 4 inches depending on temperatures in your area. With hotter temps, you should stick to the 4 inch rule.

When to fertilize

Nitrogen and potassium will encourage lush growth and healthy turf and phosphorous is an essential element to establish new growth. Fertilizing in the early fall will give your lawn optimal results.

When to seed and how much

Mid August to mid September is the best time to seed over any bad spots in your lawn and begin the recovery process. Buying only certified seed will get you the best results. Certified seed carries the smallest amount of weed seed compared to other bags. Use 2 to 4 pounds per 1000 square feet and be sure to seed before mid September because young grass does not handle winter temps very well. Keeping the soil moist is important because soil-to-seed contact is needed for the seed to germinate. Use a starter fertilizer because it holds 1.2.1 of the ratio needed for essential growth. It is high in phosphorus which is what young plants need. And, very importantly, do not treat seeded areas of your lawn with herbicides.

Originally posted on Active Rain: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2503842/tips-for-this-2011-fall-lawn-care.

This blog originally posted on Active Rain at the following link: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2491956/amarillo-real-estate-leading-the-way.