From blighted to bling: 10 revitalized neighborhoods - MSN Real Estate

Awesome examples of what happens when artists or even just people for that matter are allowed to express themselves. I can testify about the Phoenix First Friday event. When it originally started out the artist's were scattered through out downtown. People had to drive from one to the other causing a poor turn out. Shortly after they moved it people started coming out in droves. Police have to direct traffic because of the literally thousands of people walking up and down the street. I was never interested in going before, but now it looks like it could be fun. Check out what they have accomplished by checking out the link below. It will amaze you.

From blighted to bling: 10 revitalized neighborhoods - MSN Real Estate

Western Revival in Santa Fe: Southwest Style and Modern Architecture Come Together

I love this interview with Emily Henry. I've noticed that from along Hayden Rd. from Indian Bend Rd. south all the communities have decided to use color match their paint using dirt. Environmentally friendly doesn't mean earth tones or desert colors. I don't understand why people aren't seeing the big picture. Along Hayden Rd. from Indian Bend Rd. South communities have either the park, mountain views, golf course, or the greenbelt as a back drop. If you stand outside your community and look around what do you see? Do it at different times of the day.

Environmentally friendly means using what nature gave us and creating art. Like using a paint color which changes slightly depending on the angle of the sun. Then allows us to use the absolutely gorgeous art we get from our summer sunsets and capturing its reflection in a reflection pool or some other object. At which point your community can complement your surroundings and not fight it or conflict with it.

Western Revival in Santa Fe: Southwest Style and Modern Architecture Come Together

How to Install a Sprinkler System - Installing an Underground Sprinkler System - Popular Mechanics

Detailed instructions with photos on how to install an irrigation system without digging up your entire yard. After seeing these pictures no wonder sprinkler systems leak so much. I just want to know how you know if you have a leak in the pvc that runs under sidewalks and driveways.

How to Install a Sprinkler System - Installing an Underground Sprinkler System - Popular Mechanics

How to Fight Lawn Disease - Popular Mechanics

Is your landscapers equipment to blame for areas where grass will not grow? Identify and fight fungi infections in your lawns and common areas. In some cases your community needs to be made aware of the infections to avoid spreading them. This includes keeping pets out of these areas.

Natural Lawn Care - Popular Mechanics

Is your community's landscaping maintenace schedule harming our enviroment?

How to Plant Water-Efficient and Chemical-Free Grass - Popular Mechanics

Wondering which grass to plant this summer?

What You Need To Know To Keep Your Lawn Healthy - Popular Mechanics

HOA Landscaping

If your landscaping irrigation needs some repairs or your trying to conserve water.  One must consider all available options and the cost involved.  The costs involved would include the installation and maintenance involved over the long term.  If you save on water but the system is maintenance intensive all the savings is lost and installation cannot be recouped.  However, if the system is maintenance free then the cost of installation can be recouped within a few years, unless you start planting in plants.  Then you lose any savings you anticipated.  Provided that your efforts to conserve reduces your water bill enough to make a difference or not.  For communities if your not seeing a several thousand dollar reduction in your water bill, then you wasted money. 

Painting the Soap Box

I have to get this out of my system.  The way the board in my HOA handled re-painting or re-decorating the community was gone about all wrong.  Mistakes will be made and I know it.  But, don't ask or even bring up the topic unless everyone agrees to interview and hire an expert.  Someone who specializes in both decorating of the exterior of a communtiy as well as the landscaping.  Who will provide multiple visual aids showing several different styles based on the styles and designs used by owners in thier courtyards.  If this cannot be done because of the cost.  Then it should not get done! 

UPDATED Save Suntree aka Indian Bend Village HOA

My intention isn't to trash anyone; I just want to make new people aware of things to watch out for during election time.  The candidates on the Suntree 2011, ballot are a) a click of women wanting to spend money ("We have the money we may as well spend it." Talking about spending reserve funds on landscaping projects.), b) four live on the golf course or have mountain views, and c)two live near the pool and on the golf course.