Women from Dallas-Fort Worth have always made indelible marks on history—just as surely as one of them invented a way to correct errors in the way we typed up all that stuff. 

Bette Nesmith Graham, a Dallas secretary, invented Liquid Paper in the 1950s, creating the white-out solution to brush over, and then correct, typos. Considered one of the 20th century’s most formidable female inventors, she belongs to a pantheon of north Texas women. Throughout March, Women’s History Month celebrates them all.

Countless other Dallas-Fort Worth personalities, past and present, include civil-rights leader Barbara Jordan, the first African American elected to the Texas Senate; Bonnie Parker, of Bonnie and Clyde fame; Annette Strauss, Dallas’ first female mayor; and Fort Worth’s Kelly Clarkson, whose hit, “Whole Lotta Woman” says, “Texas women do it bigger.”

Another powerhouse among Women in Texas History, and one of Texas’s first millionaires, Sarah Horton Cockrell owned a quarter of what is now Dallas’s Central Business District.

Even women who are long gone still make news here. Rare footage discovered just last year shows Amelia Earhart landing at Love Field in 1931. The airstrip lies just 15 miles from Lennar’s Elements at Viridian’s 55-plus community of new homes for sale in Arlington, TX.

Okay, so the famed aviatrix disappeared, but Old West lore lives on. That’s especially true at Fort Worth’s National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, where vivid galleries and Western artworks illustrate, as one exhibit says, how local women are “Tough By Nature.”

The distinctive venue sits just 18 miles from Caraway, Lennar’s community with new homes for sale in Haslet, TX, where women comprise 51% of Tarrant County’s population

Women also outnumber men in Collin County, where Lennar’s Arcadia Farms features the Classic Collection. Those new homes for sale in Princeton, TX, lie just 37 miles from Texas Women’s University, the largest state-supported university in the U.S. primarily for women.

How to celebrate the distaff half this month in the Metroplex? Support women-owned businesses. Donate to women’s centers. Read women’s books, watch women’s movies and TV shows, listen to women musicians (crank up Kelly Clarkson!). Mentor a female student. 

Indeed, women helped settle the region, but none have to settle for anything anymore. That’s why Everything’s Included® in Lennar’s new homes, homebuilder’s recognition that upgrades to a new home should be standard, rather than add-ons, with higher costs to you.

In the new homes for sale listed here, a big-ticket standard feature includes The Connected Home by Lennar, a robust suite of smart-home connectivity. Actually, come to think of it, women have been running smart homes for centuries! To connect with Lennar Dallas-Fort Worth’s all-female staff of New Home Internet Sales Coordinators, call (866) 314-4477.

Imagine resort-style living without the country-club price tag. Imagine living in a place that has been a genteel retreat for big-city bigwigs since the 19th century. Imagine owning a low-maintenance home with yardwork done for you, in a community rich with amenities.

Imagine no more, thanks to Lennar’s new Rose Garden Estates-Paired Villas. The duplex community lies just a mile from Cedar Lake and the historic, family-friendly small town of the same name, whose slogan says it all:  “Explore. Relax. Stay.”

Lennar’s Rose Garden Estates boasts unheard-of value in the highly desirable setting, close to every possible convenience, yet tucked in rural serenity. Yes, in fact, Everything’s Included®. That’s also Lennar’s signature new-home package, which provides standard upgrades most other homebuilders consider add-ons, passing those costs on to you.

The community’s paired villas, with two open-concept floorplans to choose from, offer such features as a fully appointed kitchen with an oversized island and GE® stainless steel appliances; a sumptuous and spacious owner’s suite; and generous bedrooms.

Rose Garden Estates

Those are just a few appurtenances included in every new Lennar home. The community itself boasts an array of resort-style amenities, including a swimming pool with a splash pad and a pool house, a picnic pavilion, a playground and tot lot, and plenty of greenspace.

Rose Garden Estates provides a serene walking path that takes you along the sparkling ponds. This community is practically within walking distance of the 800-acre Cedar Lake, the largest natural lake in northwest Indiana. Enjoy beaches, parks, picnic sites, a boat launch and fishing pier, sunset cruises and the Cedar Lake Yacht Club’s weekly sailing regattas.

If your golf swing is more your thing, public, private and semi-private courses surround Rose Garden Estates. Cedar Creek Family Golf Center, South Shore Country Club, Palmira Golf & Country Club and Pheasant Valley Golf Course are all just a few minutes’ drive away.

The community, just a half-mile from U.S. Route 41 and 5 miles from U.S. Route 231, gives homeowners outstanding access to everything they could ever want or need. Distinctive hometown eateries, antique shops, mom-and-pop stores and so much more are virtually around the corner from Rose Garden Estates. Southlake Mall, just 15 miles away from home, features some 160 retailers, including numerous marquee retailers.

With Chicago’s glittering Magnificent Mile and the vibrant metropolis’s storied Loop just 45 miles away, a world of gourmet dining, top-shelf shopping and internationally renowned entertainment and cultural opportunities are at your fingertips.

What more could Cedar Lake possibly offer? For families, the ideally situated Rose Garden Estates sits within just 2 miles of Hanover Community School Corp.’s top-rated schools. 

For more information about Lennar’s incredible opportunity to enjoy a resort-level lifestyle at an unheard-of value in northwest Indiana, register for a self-guided tour or contact:

Welcome Home Center 
14102 Heritage Way
Cedar Lake, IN 46303
(224) 293-3126

One of the best things about living in Florida is pool season all year round. Being able to take a dip into your own at-home pool is one of the most relaxing things you can do. But whether you’re just lounging or watching the kiddos splash around, it’s always important to make safety your top priority.

If you’re dreaming about a new home with plenty of space for a pool, check out Cascata at MiraLago! In addition to great layouts with plenty of backyard space, this private, master-planned community offers two grand Clubhouses with resort-style community pools, kids’ water parks, elegant ballrooms, fitness centers, and more.

At-home pool safety is easy to take for granted, but even older children and strong swimmers can be caught off guard. Below are some tips to keep in mind:

Secure The Pool Area

Underground pools should be surrounded with four-sided isolation fencing with a self-closing and self-latching gate that is out of the reach of a child. This is to prevent any wandering children from falling in. For above-ground pools, secure, lock or remove steps, ladders and anything that can be used for access, such as outdoor furniture and toys. It’s good to make sure all fencing and safety measures are securely in place whenever the pool is not being actively supervised by an adult.

Tips for At-Home Pool Safety

Maintain Constant Supervision

If you’re splashing around with the kiddos, you must be aware of what they’re doing at all times. When supervising others, try to minimize distractions such as using your phone or reading, especially with small children who should remain within arms reach. Keeping an eye on pool users is the best way to prevent an accident or be able to immediately help in case of an emergency. 

Establish & Enforce Pool Rules

Every home has its own set of rules, and so should your pool. Some suggested pool rules are:

It’s important to inform any guests of your rules, and keeping a visible set of pool rules around is the best way to remind everyone how to have fun and be safe. 

Train in Emergency Response

You want to make sure you know how to respond properly in an emergency, as well as make sure your family and caregivers are trained as well. It’s good for everyone to know how to give CPR and be able to recognize signs of trouble. Younger kids should be confident in knowing they need to call for help when they see someone in trouble. 

By following these at-home pool safety tips, you can ensure you’ll have a fun and safe time swimming and lounging by your refreshing pool.

Everyone has heard the term “man cave,” but mom caves are just as important! While it’s good to have a nice family room to hang out, moms deserve their own space where they can unwind and let their worries go. No kids? No problem. You deserve your lady cave, too!

And remember, if you need more space at home for your mom cave or want to integrate one from the ground-up, check out Bent Creek. Bent Creek is a prestigious gated lakefront community nestled within the charming city of Fort Pierce, Florida. This family-oriented neighborhood along the spectacular Treasure Coast features an amazing collection of amenities, and homesites are oversized and waterfront, making Bent Creek a unique gem in the heart of St. Lucie County.

When you’re ready to create your mom cave, here are few tips to get you started:

Pick A Space

Mom caves can be as simple as an unused closet or an entire room. Choose whatever extra space you have in the home to make your own. If closed quarters are not your thing, try choosing a windowed area to help open up the space or put up mirrors. Even in a small room, windows and mirrors can create the illusion of a bigger space. 

Close It Off

Having a door you can close can really help give you the isolated time you need. If doors aren’t a part of the space, room dividers or screens can do the trick. If you wish to close off a corner of a room, a two sided bookshelf is a classy way to create a sectioned off space with decorative storage. 

Lennar Palm Beach

Choose Your Colors

Painting the walls or investing in cute wallpaper is an instant way to transform a space. If you’re not interested in putting in that much effort, sticking to a certain color scheme in your decor is a great way to tie the whole room together. Given the type of space you’re looking to create, research what different colors can help set the mood. Blues and greens are known colors that can give calming vibes. Bright colors, like yellows and pinks, are said to spark creativity, and darker colors, rather than making a space feel smaller, can feel soothing. 

Get Comfortable

Your mom cave really only needs one good chair to make you feel cozy. Choose your seating strategically: seats with soft textures and plush features are better for getting comfy and cozy, while wing-back chairs or ottomans can make you feel cradled. Some women skip on traditional seating and invest in soft rugs and many throw pillows to scatter around the floor for optimal comfort.

Add Your Personality

It’s good to surround yourself with the things you love, whether it’s photos from your favorite vacation or an art piece that inspires you, adding your personal touch will make you never want to leave your space. Be careful not to overdo the amount of decor items you display, as too many can make you feel overwhelmed and the space cluttered. Stick to simple decor and give yourself some good storage to help keep the space clean and calm.

P.S. Don’t forget your “Do not disturb” sign to hang on the door!

Eliminating clutter and organizing your walk-in closet can save time, reduce stress, and improve efficiency as well as your mood. Go about the project relaxed and methodically, and you’ll be breezing through your morning routine and looking and feeling amazing before you know it. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” Here are our top seven tips for organizing your walk-in closet:

Clear Out Your Closet

Don’t spend time organizing things you don’t need. Once a year or even once a season, dedicate an hour or two to cleaning out your closet. Donate items to charity if they no longer fit, are out of fashion or if they “no longer bring you joy,” as Marie Kondo says. If you haven’t worn an item in the last year – donate it. If it has holes, is stained, or is stretched out – throw it away. If it’s new(ish) or still has tags on it – try selling it to a consignment shop. Less stuff will make organizing tips two through seven much easier. 

Separate By Style

Once your closet is completely emptied, and you have only the items you wear and love, you can begin organizing. Start by separating your clothes into categories – dress shirts, pants, skirts, jeans, socks, swimwear, shoes, etc. Taking inventory of what you have will make it easier to create a custom organization plan. 

home closet organization

Customize, Customize, Customize

Choose a design or arrange compartments, shelves, racks, and drawers to accommodate your items. How you choose to display and organize your items will depend on your lifestyle and existing closet space. For example, if you’re a shoe collector, you may opt to display your prized possessions on horizontal shelves up the wall’s length. But if you only own the basics, a small rack on the floor will do the trick. Think about what you own and organize accordingly. 

Organize According to Use

Once you’ve established your closet’s design, you can begin to put things in their perfect place. We recommend starting from the top. This fall season, store your swimsuits, beach towels, sandals, and summer dresses – this helps to stay organized and maximize space throughout the seasons. You can keep your winter hats, jackets, gloves, and boots in bins on the top shelf in the summer since you won’t need to access them regularly. 

Utilize Adjustable Shelves and Hanging Rods

Adjustable shelves and hanging rods can be customized to fit your wardrobe and utilize dead space. Jeans, bulky sweaters, t-shirts, and athletic wear can be folded according to the KonMari Folding Method seen here and placed on shelves by category. Place tops on the top shelves and pants on the bottom shelves. Shoe shelves can also be adjusted to accommodate everything from tall boots to flat sandals. Hanging rods should also be modified according to the clothes you own. Measure the length of your tops and bottoms on hangers and place rods accordingly. 

Clever & Creative Hacks

Make Marie proud by going above and beyond. This space-saving and visually appealing techniques will please even the most type-A personality. Use drawer dividers to separate different clothing items. Organize each category (e.g., shirts, shorts, pants) by color. Not only is it visually pleasing, but it will make matching the perfect outfit easier. Ditch mismatched hangers and replace them with thin felt hangers – your clothes won’t slip off when you’re thumbing through, and their narrow design helps to save space. Use empty wall space or hangers to organize and display your jewelry, belts, scarves, and ties. Label your storage containers according to the seasonal items being stored to make it easier to find things. 

Take It to the Next Level

Create a space that makes you feel like a king or queen every time you step inside. A full-length mirror, elegant light fixture, small area rug, or decorative wallpaper will have you feeling like royalty and make the process of getting ready for the day much more fun.

Save the date because Lennar’s Marshall Ridge community debuts March 6th from 12 to 3 p.m. This new community of only 15 homesites will present a great opportunity for you to own the place you call home in Sandy, OR. If you can’t wait until March 6th, buyers who join the VIP List can now schedule an appointment to tour homesites and reserve their new home before this community opens to the public. Pricing for these new single-family homes start from the mid $400s.

Please note: This community will open by appointment only and Lennar will be following all health and safety protocols, so face coverings are required and no more than five people will be allowed in a model home at once.

“We’re excited to bring brand-new home opportunities to a fantastic Sandy area that is less than two miles from downtown and near well-regarded schools, mountain trails and riverbanks for incredible outdoor recreation,” said Kelli Cunningham, Director of Sales for Lennar Portland. “Floorplans will showcase contemporary design details both inside and out and offer tremendous value with our Everything’s Included® program coming as standard in every new home we build.”

Marshall Ridge is made up of only 15 homesites with four two-story floorplans to choose from, ranging from approximately 1,980 to 2,333 square feet with three to four bedrooms, two and one-half to three bathrooms and two-bay garages. Homes offer open-concept layouts, where the stunning kitchen with center island overlooks the Great Room and dining room, ideal for entertaining or simply relaxing, as well as lavish owner’s suites with spa-like bathroom. Select plans also offer flexible spaces like a study, loft or bonus room, which can be transformed into a home office, learning area, gym, hobby/rec room or anything your distinctive lifestyle could benefit from.  

Marshall Ridge kitchen

New homes also feature Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® program, which provides desirable home upgrades and appointments at no extra cost. Enjoy luxury countertops, designer-selected cabinetry, home automation, wifi designs with no dead spots and much more – all included in the price of the home.

Right around the corner from Marshall Ridge is Bornstedt Park, a public park that offers fields, paths, a playground, splash pad and community garden boxes. From multiple golf courses, its own transit system, museums, retail stores, concerts in the park, city festivals and much more, Sandy is a wonderful place to call home and raise a family. Plus, Sandy serves as a gateway to the popular Mt. Hood, so you’re never too far from some skiing.

Marshall Ridge is located at 38487 Maple St in Sandy, OR 97055. For more information, visit www.lennarportland.com or call 888-208-0503.

Lennar is consistently innovating its floor plan designs to offer homeowners functional spaces that cater to their modern living needs. With so many of us working from home these days, and many children still transitioning back to the physical classroom, it’s important to provide homeowners with comfortable environments in which to work and learn. 

Home Office

Thoughtfully arranged within the home to provide a private work setting, Lennar’s innovative office space designs make it easier than ever for homeowners to transition from the vibrant atmosphere of family living to a quiet workspace. These new home office spaces are designed with plentiful windows to offer an abundance of light for an enjoyable workspace that is sure to inspire homeowners. Spaciously designed, Lennar’s home offices also feature extra room for shelving or additional seating, making it easy to store work documents, display your favorite family photos, or add your favorite recliner for when you need a little break. 

flex space

Flex Spaces

Many Lennar homes now offer flex spaces, which can be adapted to suit homeowner needs. With the kids spending more time at home these days, flex spaces are a great way to provide children with their own space in which to learn and play. There’s plenty of space for the kids to enjoy floor games, watch enriching shows on TV, read their favorite stories, spread out with some crafts, or just enjoy downtime on the couch with family. Whether you’re looking for a cozy space in which to relax and read, or need a playroom for the kids to run around, these flex spaces are innovatively designed to offer endless possibilities for your home. 

Everything’s Included®

Lennar sets itself apart as one of the nation’s leading builders with its Everything’s Included® approach to homebuilding. Providing all the innovative features you want at the best possible value, Lennar has reimagined the homebuying experience to make it simple! Having reliable internet within our homes is more important now than ever before, and Lennar’s wifi guaranteed offers top name brand devices on select homes to keep your family connected in their innovatively designed new work-from-home spaces. Lennar makes it easier than ever for families to enjoy their new home from the moment they move in, providing the fundamental start to an exceptional new-home experience. 

Lennar has reimagined working from home in order to consider every member of the family and provide the most efficient spaces possible. Coupled with Lennar’s Everything’s Included® approach to homebuilding, these innovative new spaces make it easier than ever to adapt to modern living needs and working styles. For more information on these innovative new plans and Lennar’s Everything’s Included® program, be sure to ‘like’ Lennar on Facebook.

New home opportunities are on the way to Longview, a beautiful city in Washington that is known for its green countryside, waterways and sloughs, old-town ambience and the Nutty Narrows Bridge, the only bridge designed and built strictly to avoid squirrel casualties. Lennar’s Mt. Solo Place is anticipated to debut spring 2020 and will introduce 92 homesites just a short drive away from family-friendly amenities like Altrusa Park, Mt. Solo Trail and Roy Morse Disc Golf Course. With a variety of new home designs including Next Gen® – The Home Within A Home®, interested buyers are encouraged to join the VIP List to receive the latest information on these new homes. 

“We’re very excited to be bringing new single-family homes to Longview that will attract first-time homebuyers and families looking to put down roots in a great area,” said Kelli Cunningham, Director of Sales for Lennar Portland. “For added value, style and comfort, our new homes are outfitted with the market’s most desirable features and upgrades through our Everything’s Included® program at no extra cost to you.”

Mt. Solo Place will present a collection of seven home designs ranging from approximately 1,564 to 2,341 square feet. Designed for modern lifestyles, plans will showcase open living areas ideal for entertaining, stunning kitchens, sophisticated owner’s suites, flexible bonus rooms on select plans and more. 

Mt Solo

Additionally, Lennar’s Next Gen® – The Home Within A Home® design provides two homes under one roof – a main home plus an attached private suite with its own separate entrance, living area with kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom. This plan is completely flexible and can be used for multigenerational living, a home office, learning area, hobby/craft room or anything your lifestyle could benefit from. 

New homes also feature Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® program, which provides desirable home upgrades and appointments at no extra cost. Enjoy luxury countertops, designer-selected cabinetry, home automation, wifi designs with no dead spots and much more – all included in the price of the home.

Lennar is building new homes for sale in Longview near family-friendly recreation, entertainment and amenities, like Altrusa Park which offers a kids play area with swings, slide and picnic shelters; Roy Morse Park which features a baseball field; disc golf park; Lake Sacajawea Park which offers a scenic lake and playgrounds, Old Town Longview with small shops and restaurants, Lower Columbia College and more. 

Join the VIP List to receive up to date information on these new homes for sale in Longview. 

When it comes to Black History Month—and all year long—the Metroplex has much to celebrate, thanks to a myriad of musicians, artists, writers and cultural icons who continue contributing to the rich and vibrant African American traditions here.

Bet you didn’t know, for instance, that Charley Pride, the late Grammy-winning crooner who was the first African American inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame, hailed from Dallas. Once a baseball player, he was a huge Texas Rangers fan.

You can still hear his Texas-twanged songs on the radio and almost feel his presence at Globe Life Park, where he sang the National Anthem before the last game at the stadium in 2019. The team later moved to Globe Life Field, just 25 miles from Lennar’s new homes for sale in Fort Worth, TX in Parkview Hills Classic.

Black History Month

The Lennar community also lies just 16 miles from Fort Worth’s National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, where you’ll find a tribute to Cathey William, the only documented female Buffalo soldier from the 1860s—an absolutely must-see exhibition.  

A few miles away, the Texas & Pacific Terminal houses Jeff Gottfried’s aluminum-and bronze “Freedom Train,” honoring African Americans who helped build the railroads.

A different kind of “railroad”—the Underground Railroad—is remembered in Quakertown, an 1880s African American settlement, only 11 miles from Lennar’s Hillstone Pointe community, with new homes for sale in Little Elm, TX. The town, long gone but with a 1904 home now serving as a museum, is named for the Quakers who helped fugitive slaves. 

Fast forward to 21st-century DFW. Today, neo-soul singer Erykah Badu turns often to her Dallas roots, while Jim Schutze’s powerful cult classic, “The Accommodation: The Politics of Race in an American City,” will be re-released in September by Deep Vellum press.

Literary lights shine regularly in The Dock Bookshop, billed as the largest African American bookstore in DFW. The Fort Worth shop, offering Black bestsellers past and present, has featured signings with Tyrese Gibson, Russell Simmons, Kirk Franklin and many more.

In film, Fort Worth-raised Chyna Robinson has garnered multiple awards with her romantic thriller, No Ordinary Love, featured in the American Black Film Festival in 2020.

In visual arts, one of the nation’s largest collections of Black folk art resides at the African American Museum, just 24 miles from Riverplace Brookstone. The Lennar community, with new homes for sale in Garland, TX, also showcases new Lennar homes in Riverplace Parks.

African American arts and culture are included in sites and experiences throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, adding to the diversity and inclusivity here. Everything’s Included® in Lennar’s new homes, too, with standard upgrades that add even more to life. To celebrate yours, call Lennar’s Dallas-Fort Worth New Home Sales Consultants at (866) 314-4477.