Whether you’re shipping off or staying in Houston for spring break, we’ll help you pull off the perfect getaway from the everyday with our handy tips and tricks.

Preparing for your Trip
Make this year’s trip something the whole family will enjoy with organized, upfront planning:

• Make a Plan (But Don’t Stick to It)
  Whether you’re going to the beach (Maybe something a little more blue than Galveston? Even though that's where I'm from:), a city or a national park, it’s important to plan vacation activities ahead of time. By pinpointing sights to see and activities you’d enjoy, you can add structure to your days and give everyone something to look forward to.
  
  But be careful not to over-plan. Draft a list of things you’d like to do on vacation and gather your family to narrow down the options. Be open to spontaneous detours along the way. If your beach plans are washed away, check out the shopping. Or if the weather is simply too gorgeous to be spent inside a museum, visit a local arts and crafts fair.
• Pack Smart & Light
  Check the average weather of your destination before packing, and make sure to bring only what you need. Planning to shop? Leave space in your luggage for new items.
  
  If you’re flying, my wife Marisol who works for Continental Airlines will tell you to definitely put necessities in your carry-on bag in case you get separated from your luggage. First-aid supplies, your itinerary, important phone numbers and even a change of clothes should be with you on the plane. If you're going out of the country make copies of your passports and carry one with you as well as slipping one into each suitcase right on the top. As a general rule, check your airline’s security guidelines since there are often restrictions for carry-on items.
• Get Ready for a Road Trip
  If getting to your destination requires a lengthy drive, plan to make the most of your time in the car. Bring portable video game systems, DVD players, mp3 players and books. Audio books are always a great way to entertain the entire family, too.
  
  Consider playing games to pass the time. Have passengers keep an eye on the license plates of nearby cars, and make a list to see if you can spy all 50 states before you return from your travels.
  
  Reduce the number of pit stops by packing meals. 

The Great Staycation
Even if you’re staying local over break, there are still lots of ways to enjoy your time off. Get creative and let loose with a few of our staycation ideas:

• Visit Local Attractions: The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is currently on from March 1-20th and has something for everyone! Also Cirque du Soleil's OVO is from March 10-April 3rd.

  Houston has amazing museums and parks... there is so much to do and see right here! 

• Do a Daring Dinner: Use your time off to try something new. Visit restaurants with unfamiliar foods and order a variety of dishes you’ve never tried before. It’s a great way to bring family and friends of all ages together for an evening of adventure. If you have any favorites please list them below on the comments.
• Take up a New Activity: On these rare occasions when you find yourself with a little extra time to spare, consider taking up a new past time. Try your hand at gardening, cooking, organizing or anything that’s generally not your area of expertise.
• Or... JUST RELAX!!!

Enjoying Your Space!

 

                                                             
Most every room has a weakness or two—perhaps it’s an unsightly fixture or a clunky furniture configuration. No matter the conundrum, we at DavidTheLocator have easy ideas for fixing trouble spots and creating a fresh, customized space that’s completely yours.

Three Quick Fixes for Décor Dilemmas

• Mask Blemishes: If your walls feature nicks and bumps, try coating them in a fresh coat of matte paint—unlike satin or glossy paints, a flat finish deflects light and hides imperfections. If you don’t want to paint, hang a large piece of artwork over the trouble spot.

Tip: If there’s a permanent feature that you wish were out of sight, simply conceal it. For example, cover a small, out-of-place window and create a sense of symmetry by hanging drapes—it doesn’t matter if there are actually windows behind them!

• Retire Outdated Fixtures: Making small changes can give way to major impact. Replace old lighting fixtures with new sconces, try a fresh fabric on your window treatments and swap in some updated accent pillows.

Tip: Try changing the color scheme in your room—check out different color schemes at your local paint stores or home improvement stores

• Make Inspired Changes: Looking for a bigger change? Re-arranging your furniture or reinventing the purpose of your space can give you a complete change of heart. We have turned a guest bedroom into an office, or divided a large room into a space with multiple seating areas. Be creative, get excited!

Tips for Customizing Your Space

• Add Style: Create a room that speaks to who you are.
• Add Scent: A touch of freshness can instantly transform a room into your favorite space.
• Create a Feeling: When you fall in love with a space, you fall in love with the way it makes you feel. Add décor accents that remind you of special friends or vacations and textures that you find soothing to the touch.

Make it who you are...it's your space...enjoy it! David Moore:)

This is a neat little idea...6 Uses for a Hanging Shoe Organizer !

From the kitchen to your entryway closet, fill your home with shoe organizers without actually splurging on footwear. Designed for vertical storage, their multiple pockets make them a must-have companion for organizing an endless number of items while maximizing space.

Our Top 6 Uses

1. Bathroom Essentials & Cleaning Products: Hang your shoe organizer from a linen closet or on the back of a bathroom door. The pockets are great for items like hair dryers, toilet paper and small towels. Plus, you can store cleaning supplies in high-up pockets to keep them out of children’s reach.

Tip: Plastic shoe organizers are great for easily seeing the items you have in each pocket and they’re easy to clean.

2. Kitchen Items: Free up shelf space in your pantry by hanging a shoe organizer on the inside of your pantry door. While the options are nearly endless when it comes to what you can place in the pockets, try using them to organize potholders, snacks, reusable bags, pet treats and hand towels.

Tip: Reserve a row of pockets for dinner ingredients. As you go in and out of the pantry throughout the day, slide ingredients you know you’ll need into the row. By dinnertime, you’ll have most of your ingredients all in one place.

3. Winter Gear: Whether in a mudroom or entryway closet, a shoe organizer is handy during winter months. Place gloves, hats, scarves, earmuffs and more into the pockets and consider designating a row of pockets for each family member.

Would you like to be a guest on my blog???

                                                   


Calling all businesses! During the next few months I am going to invite other business owners to be a guest on my blog. I'm looking for other companies that relate to real estate in some way. From pest control companies to remodeling companies, I would like to join with you to provide helpful information to those who read and follow my blog as well as my website.


If you're interested please take the time to write a few paragraphs to promote your company and share helpful information that could be used by anyone who lives in a home or apartment. After I have approved this information I will let you know when it will appear on my blog.


To view our blog site please visit us at www.davidthelocator.com


To submit your information please e-mail it to me at davidthelocator@yahoo.com


Thank you and have a great day!

FICOs and FHA: 2 big lenders loosen up | Inman News

FICOs and FHA: 2 big lenders loosen up | Inman News