Pool Or No Pool?

When it comes to local Real Estate Parker County Mama Alicia Snowden Brunson can offer a bit of good advice when it comes to adding specialty structures to your property. Summer is here and a question on many mom's minds is should we dive in and build a pool? Before you take the plunge here are some things to think about.

1. How long are we planning on living in this home? Plans change all the time, before you invest several thousand dollars in to building that dream pool you should make sure that you will be there long enough to enjoy it. The last thing you want to do is build a pool this summer, only to move the next.

2. Where does my house fall in my neighborhood? Are you the biggest, nicest home in your neighborhood? If so you might want to reconsider investing more money into it. If you are the average sized home in a neighborhood and you plan on living there for five or more years, it's probably a great investment!

3. Don't expect to get your money back when you sell. Build a pool so you can enjoy it, but don't build one expecting to increase the price of your home.

4. The value a pool brings depends on the buyer. Pools in Texas are usually a great selling point, some buyer's specifically look for a property that already has a pool. However, some buyer's will not purchase a home simply because it has a pool, while others are willing to pay more for a home with a pool.

All in all, summer memories playing in the pool are priceless and putting in a pool is a great decision for many families. Pools provide great entertainment during these hot Texas summers. Just make sure that before you jump in you have realistic expectations of your investment.

Alicia Snowden Brunson has been a licensed Texas Realtor since 2003 and has seen the market completely change. She enjoys the challenges that real estate brings, it's definitely something different every day. Most of all she loves working with people and helping them achieve their real estate goals, "cliche I know but it's really true! Working with buyers and sellers, the thrill of negotiating that deal, and putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together, there's nothing like it! I would love to assist you, your family & friends with all your real estate needs big or small. I'd love to hear from you!"

Thank you to Alicia for her real estate insight & support for http://www.parkercountymama.com/. Make sure to take a look at her website http://www.myrealtoralicia.com/ or http://myrealtoralicia.blogspot.com or even connect with her on facbeook, Real Estate By Alicia.

Local Art Studio Aspiring Little Artist In Parker County

Nestled down in the little city of Aledo is a special place helping local children learn to draw & paint. The Stone House Studio & Gallery is a unique place for art. Owner Pamela Gordimer grew up an artist's daughter and began painting in her mother's studio at the age of six. Over the years Pamela continued to develop her skills as an artist and knew that she wanted to continue to share her talents not only with adults but with children of all ages!

This summer Pamela is offering Children's Art Classes. She currently offers group or private lessons. Lessons are once a week for an 8 week period. Supplies are included in the cost of the class. Pamela is also donating $10 from each registration to Cooks Children's Hospital Creative Arts Program. A special place where Pamela use to teach artistic healing to patients.

You can find exact class information & times on the Stone House Studio & Gallery Website. http://stonehousestudioandgallery.com/ Make sure to tell Pamela that Parker County Mama sent you!

Enjoy! Ms. Gordimer is also a proud sponsor of http://www.parkercountymama.com/
Thank you for supporting our website!
Rebecca, Parker County Mama

Tips for great vacation pictures

Before you head out on that super fun vacation this summer, why not do a little homework so you can come back with album worthy pictures to show off to your friends? Here are some tips to help you do just that!

Did I remember that?
Create a checklist of all your camera supplies, so nothing gets left behind. Pack your camera, memory cards (or film if you shoot film), battery charger, extra battery, camera bag, camera strap, camera manual (just in case!), any lenses you may want to use, etc. These are pretty obvious, but replacements can get expensive in certain places. And since you brought it along, be sure to always have it on you. You just never know where or when a perfect picture opportunity might happen!

Where are the best photo opportunities?
Before you leave, look at vacation planners and on-line sites about the area, to see what some of the best photo opportunities are, such as a famous sign or other landmarks. You will also get some inspiration as well.




Create a story
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so, many pictures should tell a story, right? Only if you have the right pictures. ;) Look for unique subject matter that might not be found anywhere else except your vacation destination. Find fun details at the places you go. Look for interesting compositions in your viewfinder. These make fun storytelling images.






Be sure to capture details such as restaurant signs that you ate at, maps of the subway you rode, menus at the local coffee shop, etc. These will also help you remember where you went, because someone will ask! It also might be wise to take a small journal with you so you can jot down funny sayings, or memorable experiences that will help enhance the pictures and help tell the whole story that the pictures might not be able to.





Get the whole picture!
Not only do you want detail shots, you will want to take some scenery images. These are the ones that will set the stage for where you went. Shoot wide, and even try a panorama (multiple shots that are stitched together). The detail shots will complement them and fill in the well, details! ;)




Did Mom go on that vacation?
Don't forget to take pictures of the people on your trip as well! Capture them in front of signs, at the table enjoying the local flavor, enjoying the rides and sites. And, try to get a group picture. There is most likely a timer on your camera, so use it. You will be very happy you did. Find a table, a park bench, anything to set your camera on safely and set the timer. Also, hand that camera off to someone else every now and then. You, the photographer, need to be in pictures too! You will be very happy years later that you did.






Do I have to smile?
No you don't! Some of the most memorable pictures are the ones where everyone is enjoying themselves, capturing life as it happens. So, let the kids be kids and it's okay if they are not looking at the camera.


Have a safe and happy summer!



Pamela Powell is a photographic portrait artist in Parker County Texas. Pamela received her BFA in art-photography from Sam Houston State University and is a member of the Professional Photographers of America.
You can view more of Pamela's fine portrait work by visiting: http://pamelapowellphotography.com (coming soon!)