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 addition to the green creek, there will be plenty of other fun festivities, including:

Saturday, March 12
Get serenaded by a bagpiper at The Londoner from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Enjoy live music from Day Job on The Green from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday, March 17
Enjoy food and drink specials all day at The Londoner including green beer, corned beef and cabbage, and party favors.
Get another chance to be serenaded by a bagpiper at The Londoner from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Enjoy more live music from Lauri Murdock Band on The Green from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where is Watters Creek?

Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm is located at 970 Garden Park Drive (U.S. 75 and Bethany Drive) in Allen, Texas. You'll find it at the SW corner - once you see the Cheesecake Factory, P.F Changs, Brio and Market Street - and then the green creek you know you're there!

Living in the 'burbs of Dallas just keeps getting better!

Growing up in Carrollton, TX I remember having to drive to downtown Dallas or Arlington, TX for major entertainment. After I married and started a family in McKinney, TX (northeast of Carrollton) I was absolutely fine knowing that my commute to things like the concerts & pro sports games at the American Airlines Center, Six Flags in Arlington or the new "Jerry World" (aka Cowboys Stadium) would require me to drive 30-45 minutes or more. After all, that's the trade off you make when you choose the suburbs over the city, right?

Well, I couldn't be more wrong! And with all the entertainment that keeps coming to the Collin County area in the last 5-7 years, I just laugh when my "city" friends claim that because I live in the "sticks" or "Southern Oklahoma", that there's nothing going on other than a nice family dinner at Applebee's or a "date" at a Home Depot.

Case in point:

Last night my nine year old, Mason, and I went to a professional hockey game for a little "mom & son" date night. It took us a total of 13 minutes to get to The Allen Event Center - home to the Allen Americans - where we parked for FREE. Tickets are CHEAP - our tickets were $9 each. EACH! The brand spanking new arena features hockey seating for 6,135 fans. It's conveniently located on the southeast corner of Highway 75 and Stacy Road inside The Village of Allen. Upon its completion in late 2009, the venue totals 188,000 square feet, 29 suites and two ice rinks.

Prior to last year if we wanted to see a pro hockey game, we would have had to drive to Dallas to see the Stars play, pay ~$20 to park, go the game where we would have paid a minimum of $30 per ticket and commute time would have been an hour and a half. Boo.

A Little About the Allen Americans

The Allen Americans are part of the CHL (Central Hockey League). The CHL is in its 19th season with 18 member teams playing across 12 states.  This season marks a historic one for the league after the CHL and the International Hockey League (IHL), boasting 59 years of professional hockey, joined forces on June 1, 2010.

According to the CHL website: the CHL and IHL combined to draw close to three million fans during the 2009-10 season.  Arguably the most significant change over the past 19 years came in May of 2001, as the Central and Western Professional Hockey Leagues joined forces that combined the top markets within both organizations under the CHL banner. The merger has been highly successful, with the CHL reaching several significant attendance marks in each season since. In the 2009-2010 campaign, close to two million people walked through the gates at games in the CHL.
 
Check it Out!

We had JUST AS MUCH FUN, if not MORE than if we had driven south to Dallas. There were fun intermissions, cheerleaders (called the Ice Angels), LOTS of good food to choose from, up close interaction with the players, blimps flying around dropping prizes, a crazy Elvis impersonator, T-Shirt cannon guys, "chuck a puck" game and human ice bowling. Having a really talented team that KILLED our opponents from Laredo didn't hurt either (we won 7-3)!

 

"This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain Kodak Video Challenge contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK PLAYTOUCH Pocket Video Camera, great for realtors looking to create wide angle home tours and real estate marketing videos!"

If you're a "Real Housewife of Collin County", then you KNOW birthday parties. Or at least you SHOULD. Birthday parties are big business nowadays. But if you're NEW to Collin County you may not have the foggiest idea of some great places to celebrate your little one's birthdays.

The fact that you're reading this blog means you're IN LUCK. I just so happen to have hostessed not one but TWO birthday parties this past weekend. SCORE!

Birthday party #1:

For: My 9 year old, Mason

Where: The Rodenbaugh Natatorium in Allen, TX

When: Friday night, from 6 to 8.

The scoop: Combine FIFTEEN eight and nine year old boys with the sugar/carb mix that comes from ice cream cake and cake balls. Add to that some sugary juice and pizza. Energy IN must equal energy OUT, correct? YES! That's where the marvelous indoor water park at the Rodenbaugh Natatorium comes in handy! The boys had so much fun going down the large indoor slides, chasing each other in the lazy river and whirlpool and climbing on the play structures. The best part? It only cost $45 to rent a party room and just $4 for each boy that attended. Oh, but even better than that? That even though it was just my husband and I chaperoning the party we didn't have to worry about drowning kids! The 7 life guards on hand had our backs! Whew! The party was a SUCCESS!

Birthday party #2:

For: Two toddlers: My 3 year old, Gavin in conjunction with my 4 year old niece.

Where: Metroplex Gymnastics & Swim

When: Saturday afternoon from 3 to 4:30

The Scoop: If you thought 15 boys ages 8 and 9 was scary, then how about 23 TODDLERS??? And NO, it was not just my hubby and I going solo on THIS party...even though it could have been. My sister-in-law and I joined forces for a joint birthday party for our kiddos. The first half hour of the party was the sugar intake part of the party (cake and ice cream) and then for a good HOUR afterwards they completely unloaded all of their energy in the giant gymnasium filled with 2 bounce houses, balance beams, trampolines, foam pits, trapeze, zip line and even the FLOOR was bouncy. Talk about FUN! Oh yeah...the kids loved it too! This mom gives it 2 thumbs up...WAAAAAAYYYY UP! Oh, and guys...even though I accidentally planned the party during the TX-OU game, it was featured on the flat screen in the lobby area. So, yeah.

Thank you, Allen, TX for providing two great birthday hot spots for my kiddos.

If you live in the area, what are YOUR favorite birthday party places?? Don't keep 'em a secret!

Incredible deal in North Bethany Lakes in Allen, TX. This 4,000 square foot home with salt water pool offers SO MUCH living space! For $225,000 you just can't beat it!

Amazing 4000+ sq ft Allen, TX Home with Pool/Spa UNDER $250K!

Price: 225000 Beds: 4 Baths: 3.5 Sqft: 4022 Year Built: 2001 Property Address: 1707 Lake Tawakoni Dr. Allen, TX 75002 If you have been looking for a home in sought-after Allen, TX with 4,000+ square feet of living space AND a pool/spa for UNDER $300K, then you can stop your search NOW! This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home has so much to offer! North Bethany Lake Estates is located in Allen ISD - minutes from 75, shopping, dining and schools - this location can�t be beat. A Texas-sized family room is located at the front of the home and offers a brick fireplace. The spacious kitchen and breakfast nook offer a breakfast bar open to the grand foyer, island and cabinets with custom pull-out drawers to maximize storage. Upstairs you�ll find the master retreat equipped with a see-thru fireplace. You�ll be finding excuses to relax in the garden tub next to a roaring fire! Bring all your games, a pool table or LOTS of toys and have fun in the gameroom! A Jack-n-Jill bath connects two bedrooms, a third bedroom makes a great guest retreat and a home office complete the 2nd floor. Inside the home you are greeted by a dramatic staircase and many architectural details that make this home stand out, including: art niches, soaring two-story foyer with arches, rounded drywall corners, plant ledges, tray ceilings in formals & master and moldings. The formal living and dining rooms make entertaining a breeze! New lighting fixtures have been installed throughout the home for an elegant feel. Car enthusiasts will LOVE the garage with tiled floor! Utility room has space for extra fridge/freezer Energy-efficient Solar Screens Upgraded carpet, ceramic tile entry and kitchen, wood floor at staircase landing Study upstairs could be 5th bedroom Ceiling fans throughout - including garage! Foley Pebble Tech Pool & Spa Enclosed Dog Runs for the 4-legged family members Contact Information d + b real estate Kim Daugherty 207 E. Virginia Suite 203 McKinney TX 75069 972-838-5394 More Listing Information d + b real estate - McKinney\'s Newest Boutique Real Estate Choice! Email Me

McKinney, TX Spotlight on Yogolution - the newest place in town to get a sweet, healthy and COLD treat!

Oh, how I love being the first to find a new hot spot in town. And I really think I'm really on to something here. Like I'm Indiana Jones and I've just discovered a rare hidden jewel...

What is it? YOGOLUTION!

Located just South of the McKinney/Allen border on Hwy 121, tucked into the new shopping strip that faces Lifetime Fitness, Yogolution's modern sign subtley calls out, "Try Me".

And so I did.

My husband and 22 month old son, Gavin, made our way over to the new spot right after a butt-kicking of a Spin class at Lifetime Fitness. And what better way to replenish the 600 calories we just burned? A frozen, sweet treat! And while they didn't have the exact calorie and nutritional content on hand, the writing on the wall was there. Literally (from their website):

These phrases, as seen on their under-construction website, were written all over the interior of the shop. I immediately felt better, all guilt gone away. I wasn't eating something BAD, rather something oh, so very good!

So how is Yogolution different, and why should you check it out?

The store is self-serve. I believe there were 12 flavors ready to be sampled...I had watermelon, blueberry, coconut, strawberry and chocolate samples. It was some of the best frozen goodness I had ever eaten.

After grabbing my own cup, filling it up with how ever much I wanted, of whatever flavor I wanted, I made my way to the check out where there was a topping bar. The topping bar had fresh fruit, cheesecake pieces, brownie bites, candy, and everything you'd expect to find as a "mix in" at many other ice cream shops.

Not bad for only 39 cents per ounce!

Inside the yogurt shop was a very calm modern feel - glass tiled walls with blue and white accents made a very clean backdrop to this new destination. There was an adjacent patio with tables for enjoying your yogurt when the weather invites you outdoors.

I asked the cashier when they opened, and was surprised to learn just 5 days ago!

And back to why you should try it out.. I think this picture should say it ALL!

If you are new to Allen, TX and are looking for a place to celebrate the Easter holiday, then I would like to invite you to my home church - Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church in Allen, TX.

Located on the South side of Hwy 121 between Lake Forest and Stacy Rd, Cottonwood Creek offers a tremendous worship service, excellent children's programs and a special place to fellowship.

Enjoy this special weekend with your family and friends.

God Bless!

He is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed!

I couldn't be more excited to announce that my home church, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, is hosting an Avalon concert on February 22. They will also be with us in worship that morning! This is just one reason I am proud to call CCBC my home church.

Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church is located just across McKinney/Allen city lines on 121 in Allen, TX. What first drew me to CCBC was the incredible children's ministry. My son, then 18 months, enjoyed attending church and preschool there. We joined in 2003, and 6 years plus another little boy later, we are still calling CCBC our home.

If you have been searching for a Collin County church to call home, then I would encourage you to attend a service and see if Pastor John Mark Caton speaks to you like he does me.

If you've been looking for a home in desirable Allen, TX with over 4,000 square feet of impressive living space, a pool & spa then you can stop your search! For only $274,900 you can have this home that has enough space for everyone!

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If you have been looking for a home in sought-after Allen, TX with 4,000+ square feet of living space AND a pool/spa for UNDER $300K, then you can stop your search NOW! This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home has so much to offer! North Bethany Lake Estates is located in Allen ISD - minutes from 75, shopping, dining and schools - this location can’t be beat. A Texas-sized family room is located at the front of the home and offers a brick fireplace. The spacious kitchen and breakfast nook offer a breakfast bar open to the grand foyer, island and cabinets with custom pull-out drawers to maximize storage. Upstairs you’ll find the master retreat equipped with a see-thru fireplace. You’ll be finding excuses to relax in the garden tub next to a roaring fire! Bring all your games, a pool table or LOTS of toys and have fun in the gameroom! A Jack-n-Jill bath connects two bedrooms, a third bedroom makes a great guest retreat and a home office complete the 2nd floor. Inside the home you are greeted by a dramatic staircase and many architectural details that make this home stand out, including: art niches, soaring two-story foyer with arches, rounded drywall corners, plant ledges, tray ceilings in formals & master and moldings. The formal living and dining rooms make entertaining a breeze! New lighting fixtures have been installed throughout the home for an elegant feel. Car enthusiasts will LOVE the garage with tiled floor!	Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3.5 Parking Spaces: 2 Square Feet: 4022 Year Built: 2001 Floors: 2 MLS #: 11142993
Location
Click to view map: 1707 Lake Tawakoni Dr. Allen TX 75002
Links
d + b real estate - McKinney\'s Newest Boutique Real Estate Choice! Photo Slide Show - Over 30 Photos! Listing Website

If you would like to request a showing of this home, it's very easy! Call d + b real estate, McKinney's newest boutique real estate office, and one of our agents can assist you. You can even text our cell phones. Or email us. Hey - you can even drop into our office in beautiful Historic downtown McKinney. We're flexible - and we're here to help, with NO SALES PRESSURE! Call 972-838-5394!