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Maximizing the natural light in your home has plenty of benefits, from lower electricity bills to brighter, more inviting spaces. But did you know natural light can also greatly impact your health? Read on to discover how natural light could benefit you in your daily life.

Natural light for a healthier you

Next to diet and exercise, exposure to natural light is one of the most impactful things we as humans can do to increase our overall health and wellness. Here are some noteworthy benefits of optimizing your exposure to natural light:

Elevate your mood

Serotonin is a hormone that helps us feel happiness. It stabilizes our moods and gives us positive feelings. Want your brain to make more of the mood-enhancing chemical? Raise the blinds! Natural light signals your brain to produce serotonin, which not only leaves you with a sense of well-being bu... Read More

It’s that time of year—when family and friends come together in celebration of all things festive. No matter the holiday you observe, special meals are bound to accompany the occasion. So polish the silverware, ring the napkins, and slide glossy chargers under the plates for a dash of elegance, but to truly tie the spirit of the festivities together, dazzle guests with a show-stopping centerpiece.

Embellish with style

Hosting guests for the holidays? Once they have oohed and aahed your beautiful home, dazzle them at the dinner table with an eye-catching centerpiece. Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started:

Simply natural table centerpieces

Sometimes it’s the simplicity in a decoration that imparts its greatest elegance. For an understated yet captivating design, keep it simple. Here’s an idea: Collect some hoops of varying sizes from th... Read More

It’s that time of year for residents to show their holiday spirit! Light up your home, light up your tree and gather all the trimmings. Prizes will be awarded to the most festive displays.

Prizes will be awarded in the form of gift cards in each judging area as follows:
1st Place: $50
2nd Place: $30
3rd Place: $20
Overall Grand Prize: $100

All participants will receive an ornament. Mountain View Electric will credit $75 on the electric bill for the grand prize winner and first place winners from each section.

Meridian Ranch will be divided into nine judging areas. Click here to view a map of the judging areas. All prizes for this competition have been generously donated by DRC No. 1, DRC No. 2 & the Stonebridge HOA

Have your Christmas lights on for judging Monday, December 13th thru Friday, December 17th Between 5:3... Read More

It’s official: Colorado Springs is an amazing place to live. But don’t take our word for it—for the second year running, USA Today reports that Colorado Springs (this year, East Colorado Springs, zip code 80916) is the hottest housing market in the country. This is cause for celebration, because just up the road stands one of the state’s premier master-planned communities: Meridian Ranch.

Driving forces

There is a surge of buyers who have determined that now is a great time to invest in their futures. Desiring to settle down and partake in the real estate market, these buyers, many first-time buyers, are seizing the opportunity, and they’ve decided Colorado Springs is an ideal place to do it. And for good reason: it’s affordable and offers a high quality of life. Homes here start in the $300s and provide easy access to a plethora of outdoor activities (not ... Read More

We all know the brain and body need proper nutrition to function at optimal levels. With the new school year in full swing, now is a great time to find a routine that includes making healthy snacks for the kiddo(s) in your life. Check out these easy-to-assemble, irresistibly delicious snacks that offer a quick recharge after a day in the classroom:

Roasted Chickpeas

Beans are a low-fat, low-calorie source of fiber and protein. Have some cans of chickpeas in your pantry? Drain them, rinse them, toss them in the oven on a cookie sheet, then season to your delight. Go savory with barbeque or ranch; go sweet with cinnamon sugar. All this in less than an hour (of which, only a few moments are hands-on time). Easy and healthy and ready for after-school munching—these finger-lickin’ crunchy bites are oh-so-satisfying.

Try this recipe

Veggies & HummusRead More

Summer is a special time in Colorado, especially for recreation enthusiasts. Statewide there are tons of activities and scenic places to explore, but when you live at Meridian Ranch, adventure is just beyond your doorstep.

Playing outside is fun for the whole family, and it’s also a great way to find health and wellness. In fact, studies show that time spent outdoors:

• Relaxes the body,
• Reduces stress;
• Alleviates anxiety;
• Boosts mood levels;
• Elevates Vitamin D absorption (strengthening bones); and
• So much more!

Want to experience the benefits of an active lifestyle? Check out this list of recreation hotspots in the community that make finding health in the outdoors accessible, convenient, and oh-so enjoyable.

Antler Creek Golf Course

According to scientists, green spaces have a positive imp... Read More

One of the many benefits of living in a master-planned community is the amenities—and the convenience they provide. The family of establishments at The Shops at Meridian Ranch is here to help you “live local” in Falcon: shop local, eat local, spend local, and—most importantly—enjoy local!

As spring blossoms to summer, new shops are opening at the community’s commercial hub. Read on to see what’s happening at The Shops at Meridian Ranch.

Grand openings

Cockpit Craft Distillery

Did someone say distilleryRead More

Are you ready for spring? We are! As we begin to experience fewer snowflakes falling and instead notice promising green leaves emerging from the earth, all signs point to warmer weather ahead. As you prepare your home for this transitional time of year, why not incorporate an uplifting, beautiful spring bouquet into your decor?

Here are some suggestions for inspirational arrangements:

Select for color

A dramatic pop of color adds flair to the ushering in of a new season. Stunning spring colors include:

• Pretty in pink: tulips and dianthus
• Whimsical whites: daisies and calla lilies
• Sunny yellows: sunflowers and daffodils
• Hues of blues: hydrangeas and delphiniums
• Show-stopping orange: daylilies and alstroemeria

Maximize with long-lasting varieties

Some flowers fare better in vases than others. ... Read More

For many of us, fire safety doesn’t register on our radars as we go about daily life. And that’s a good thing—it means we benefit from the regulations and safety measures established after our ancestors learned the hard way. Unfortunately, however, this oftentimes results in us taking for granted that we’ll be prepared if disaster strikes.

Preparing for fire safety is an activity that absolutely should be a part of every family’s (and homeowner’s) annual to-do list. The Falcon Fire Department website makes the process easy, boasting a wealth of no-nonsense information to educate and inform Meridian Ranch residents about fire safety.

Ready to get started? Here are three all-important tips to ensure your family and home are ready in case of emergency:

Tip 1: Evaluate your home

To start, take an hour or two to visually inspect the readiness of th... Read More

How many times do you check your phone throughout the day? If you’re like most people in today’s fast-paced world, the number is probably quite high. Maybe embarrassingly so. It’s safe to assume you didn’t set out to be tethered to your device; rather, it was repetitive action that reinforced what has now become a habit.

Habits aren’t activities we add to the calendar. They are behaviors baked into our daily routines. These actions rarely even blip on the radar. So, if habits are mindless, why bother assessing them? The answer is simple: if our behaviors operate on autopilot, we can just as easily benefit our daily lives as we can damage them. So why not harness powerful, positive habits that will result in a more prosperous future?

Small Actions Make a Big Impact

Have you decked your halls with boughs of holly yet? According to reporters at the Washington Post, families are eager to get their holiday decorations up early this year. This eagerness stems from the desire to bring brightness and cheer to what has otherwise been a challenging year for many.

But just as Newton theorized, what goes up must come down. Once the holidays come and go, it will be time to pack and store your wreaths, ornaments, linen, strings of lights, and garland until next year’s festivities. A few key supplies—boxes, bags, and bubble wrap, along with a Sharpie and maybe even a label maker—make easy work of this task.

Pack Like a Pro

Here are 5 tips to pack your holiday decorations like a pro this season:

Lights

Whether nestled in your tree or hanging from your eaves, a glistening string of lights can become a knotted mess if... Read More

Prepping for the impending holiday season? If you’re feeling unsure of what to expect, you’re not alone. It’s true, celebrations in 2020 may look a little different than in years past. And that’s OK—it just means we have to be flexible and creative in our thinking. And patient. Who knows? Perhaps this holiday season is a perfect opportunity to establish new traditions that reflect what’s really important to each of us.

Prepare Yourself: Adjusting Expectations

In 2020, an expectation reset is in order. If you’re used to hosting a sprawling turkey dinner—your home bustling with family, friends, and neighbors—you may find the event is a bit quieter on November 26. Maybe in years past you enjoyed participating in an annual community cookie swap. Perhaps in 2020, instead of baking three recipes for a swap, you go all out with an elaborate gingerbread house... Read More

Crisp morning air, leaves bursting with red and golden hues, and the aroma of pumpkin spice steaming from your coffee mug—these are the undeniable signs that autumn has arrived. With the change of seasons upon us, it’s an important time to prepare your home and garden for the impending winter elements. 

Ready to get started? Here’s a helpful checklist to get your home and garden ready and protected for the cold season ahead: 

Home

• Clear all gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris. 
• Schedule a furnace checkup. 
• Remove screens and swap them out with sto... Read More

People all over the West benefit from the practice of water conservation, and residents in Falcon, Colorado’s, Meridian Ranch community are no exception. As fall approaches on the heels of a hot and dry summer, employing a few smart water-saving techniques goes a long way to ensuring there is enough water for us all.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Conserving water inside the home is easy. All it takes is a little consideration and a tweak of your daily habits. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Turn it off:

Conserving water is as simple as nixing the flow from the faucet. Put an end to wasteful water habits and be sure to turn the water off as you do the following tasks:

• Hand washing
• Teeth brushing
• Shaving
• Washing dishes

Check for leaks:

A leaky faucet or toilet can waste tens of gallons o... Read More

There’s no denying it: life looks a little different these days as families prepare for back to school. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in the Falcon District 49 will follow a “Return to Learn” plan devised to keep families, teachers, and administrators safe during this unique time. On August 17, students will head back to the classroom . . . virtually. This means that until (at least) Labor Day, all learning will be done at home.

Is your family ready for this unique back to school? Here are some tips to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible:

Be in the know

Information is constantly being updated to reflect current CDC and district recommendations. Make a habit of checking this daily by visiting your school’s website. When equipped with this knowledge, you’ll have peace of mind as you approach each day.

Follow a sched... Read More

Meridian Ranch is proud to be a hub community for the 2020 Parade of Homes. Three Meridian Ranch builders: Century Communities, Covington Homes and David Weekley Homes will be featured in the event which will take place from September 11 – 27. The Parade will be open from 10am – 6pm, Wednesdays thorough Sundays (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Tickets go on sale in September and may be purchased at SpringsParade.com. Below is a map of the participating homes in Meridian Ranch:

Read More

Don’t miss out on the fun – join us for Line Dancing Classes at the Meridian Ranch Recreation Center! Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4-6 pm. This is a progressive class that begins with an introduction to line dance. During the 2-hour class the dances become progressively more challenging so that everyone, at any level, can find the right time to drop in or out. Please no cowboy boots or scuffing shoes. A comfortable shoe with good arch support is all that is required. Social distancing guidelines will be observed throughout the class.

The class will be taught by Carrie Bauer, a National Teachers Association certified instructor with 6 years of experience.

Call 719-495-7119 ext. 2 for more information or email aquatics@meridianservice.org.

We’re pleased to announce the return of private swim lessons to the Meridian Ranch Recreation Center beginning July 13^th.  A 4-pack of 30 minute lessons is available for $80 (residents) and $100 (non-residents).

Lessons are available at the following times:
Monday – Friday: 8am-12pm and 3-6pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
No lessons on Sundays

Currently, semi-private and group lessons are not available. Call 719-495-7119 ext. 2 for more information or email aquatics@meridianservice.org.

Father’s Day is coming soon—Sunday, June 21—and what better way to let Dad know you care than to prepare a lovely Waffles Breakfast meal? At a time when social distancing is top of mind for many, a delicious brunch at home is a wonderful option for your celebration. Even if it’s just for your immediate family, this is an opportunity to show how much you appreciate and care for the special father(s) in your life.

6 Brunch Recipes Dad Will Love

Brunch is the ideal meal: not too early, not too late, a little breakfast, and a little lunch. From sweet to savory, there are plenty of recipes to satisfy any palate.

Here is sampling of some delicious recipes sure to wow:

Sweet

Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Focus on Dad, not food prep, with this overnight option that makes Father’s Day morning a breeze. A soft, spongy base topped with a crumb... Read More

Thinking of growing your own food this season? At a moment when our world seems out of whack, there’s no better time to plant a garden. Not only is it an outlet for your energy but it also delivers a certain satisfaction in knowing where the nourishment for your body comes from. And best of all—it’s fun!

Get Outside and Start Growing

There’s no hard and fast rule about when to plant outdoors in Colorado, but with Mother’s Day behind us, it’s generally a safe time to get started. Here are some tips to get you on your way:

Choose Your Food

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, we all have our favorites (and least favorites!). What do the people in your household tend to gobble up? Make a list of everyone’s preferred f... Read More