The Night Paris Lit Up The World
During September 1937, the Eiffel Tower was reimagined—not just as a marvel of engineering, but as a luminous beacon in the Paris night. During the Paris International Exposition, the tower was illuminated from base to tip in a breathtaking display of electric lights that captured the world’s imagination.
Although the tower had stood since 1889, this night marked one of the first times it was fully lit after dark, which heralded a new age of modern lighting and nighttime urban design. For those fortunate enough to witness it firsthand, the scene was unforgettable.
This moment redefined the Eiffel Tower as a structure and as an experience.
Parisians and visitors alike gathered in awe as it sparkled against the evening sky, setting the stage for a future where cities would glow after sunset. From Times Square to Tokyo Tower, this new approach to illumination would ripple around the world.
Today, the Eiffel Tower’s nightly light shows remain one of Paris’s most-cherished sights. What began as an engineering feat has become a symbol of magic, imagination, and enduring beauty.
~ Elisa McNinch, Realtor
Our Featured Listings
If you are searching for a Realtor to help you list or buy a home, we encourage you to give us a call to see if we are the “right” agent for you.
Take a look at our Featured Listings below:
If you would like to search the Houston MLS system for your next property, click on the Home button on the top menu bar to navigate the main BrunerTeam website.
Note: We are taking new listings all of the time.
ACTIVE LISTINGS:
4132 Deerfield Village Ct in Deerfield Village – (77084) – FOR LEASE $2,350 – www.har.com/47745055 – Patio home ready for immediate move-in. Updated 1-story with 2032sqft, 3 bdrms, 2 baths, & 2-car garage. No pets. No smokers. Features: Roof (2025), Whole-house Generac generator, High-efficiency AC, LVP & ceramic tile flooring (2025), Interior & exterior paint (2025), High-ceilings, & more. Open floorplan w/ lots of natural light. Living w/ wood-burning FP w/ gas connections. Bright, white island kitchen w/ glasstop downdraft cooktop, DW, MW, electric oven. Indoor utility rm. Owner’s suite w/ 2 sinks, sep shower & jetted tub, large walk-in closet, & private atrium. 2 secondary bdrms w/ generous closets + full bath. 2-car garage w/ garage door opener. Covered flagstone patio & fenced backyard. Video: 
15307 Harrow Hill in Deerfield Village – (77084) – FOR SALE $359,000 – www.har.com/15440358 – Stunning 2-story home with 2612sqft, 4 bdrms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage. Features: High-efficiency 16-SEER, 5-ton HVAC (2016); PEX plumbing; Electrical panel (2017); Roof (2013) & Tune-Up (2025); Double pane low-E windows (except 1st flr front); Plantation shutters; & MORE! Spacious living w/ vaulted ceiling, floor-to-ceiling brick gas log FP, built-ins, LVP flooring, & French doors to backyard covered patio. Formal dining. Island kitchen w/ granite, glass cooktop, DW, MW, oven, refrigerator, & pantry. Breakfast rm. 1st flr Owner’s Retreat w/ 2 sinks, walk-in shower, & 2 closets. COMPLETELY UPDATED 2nd flr: Gmrm, 3 bdrms w/ walk-in closets, & bath w/ 2 sinks + combo tub/shower. Fully fenced yard w/ extensive patio, storage shed, & sprinklers. 2-car det garage w/ 2-car carport. Video: https://youtu.be/OsRtWir6R_Q
16218 Capri in Jersey Village – (77040) – PRICE REDUCTION $429,000 – www.har.com/5744745 – Expanded 1-story home creating a 1.5-story home with 2750sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car garage. Two primary suites. All bedrooms on the 1st floor. Only gameroom on 2nd floor. Roof (2021), Energy efficient double pane windows (2018), Electrical panel (2024), LVP flooring (2023), Carpet (2025), Quartz countertops & fixtures in kitchen & all baths (2023), Fence (2023), Copper plumbing, & MORE. True 2-car wide driveway leads to 2-car garage & porte corchere. Living with vaulted ceiling & fireplace. Versatile living spaces could be repurposed. Owner’s ensuite bath with designated vanities & dressing areas, separate tub & walk-in shower. Fully fenced backyard. Sprinkler system. Video: https://youtu.be/15EM4AYsY7w 
16110 Saint Helier in Jersey Village – (77040) – FOR SALE $569,000 – www.har.com/71723904 – Stunning home w/ 1st-floor owner’s suite + sep garage apt—ideal for multi-gen living. AMENITIES/UPDATES: Roof (2023), Stucco, Energy-efficient HVACs, Double pane windows, Water softener, Water heater, UV air purifier, & MORE! Open floorplan w/ continuous tile & LED lighting. Gourmet island kitchen w/ granite, under-cab lighting, range, double ovens, & pantry w/ organizers. Spacious living w/ stacked stone FP. 1st flr owner’s suite w/ 2 sinks, walk-in shower, & customized closet. 2nd flr: 4 bdrms w/ LVP flooring + 2 full updated baths w/ frameless showers. TONS OF STORAGE! Fully finished quarters/garage apt w/ bdrm & bath. Circular drive, 4-car wide driveway, 2-car garage, carport, & shed. Covered wooden deck + outdoor kitchen—perfect for entertaining. Large fenced yard w/ sprinkler sys. Video: https://youtu.be/Px3sTRB4vwg
16529 De Lozier in Jersey Village – (77040) – FOR SALE $575,000 – www.har.com/41338413 – Stunning 2-story 3771sqft, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3 car garage. Ideal setup for multigenerational household. Whole-house Generac generator. Incredible 38’x23′ Auxiliary Dwelling Unit (ADU) – separate, impressive, versatile space that could be workshop, guest house, studio, garage for storing classic cars w/ half bath. Detached 3-car garage w/ 1 bay suitable for lifted truck (8ft tall). Remodeled island kitchen w/ shaker-style cabinets, double ovens, glasstop cooktop, high-end appls. Large family rm w/ gas log FP. 1st flr Primary suite w/ updated bath w/ 2 sinks, walk-in shower, & customizable closets. 1st flr: guest bdrm + full bath. 2nd flr: Gameroom, 3 bdrms, & 2 fully remodeled baths. No carpet. Large utility rm. Covered patio, lawn sprinklers. Video: https://youtu.be/bbIHHuSu8Ow
PENDING SALES / LEASES:
235 W. 30th in Garden Oaks (77018) – FOR LEASE $2,300 – UNDER CONTRACT IN 14-DAYS – www.har.com/15536705 – 1940’s charming 1-story, 2 bedrooms, study, 2 full baths, 1-car garage. READY FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN. Study that could easily serve as a 3rd bdrm. Original hardwood floors in good condition, adds character & warmth. Kitchen w/ granite & gas cooking. Step outside to enjoy a spacious backyard w/ wood deck, shaded by a stunning mature tree that enhances both beauty & comfort. No smokers. Pets considered on case-by-case basis. Video: https://youtu.be/PJ1hEdZ-JnQ
19422 Cypressthorn in Cypress Meadow – (77449) – FOR SALE $249,900 – UNDER CONTRACT IN 10-DAYS – www.har.com/39757553 – 1-story home with 1400sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage. Roof replaced 7/25 & w/ transferrable warranty; Energy efficient double pane windows; HVAC & programmable thermostat; PEX plumbing w/ manifold in garage; Wood laminate & tile flooring (carpet only in 1-bedroom); Interior completely painted 8/25 (walls, ceilings, doors & trim); 9ft ceilings; Refrigerator, washer, & dryer included; Exterior pressure washed 7/25; Huge concrete patio (20×17) in backyard; 2-sides of fence replaced 7/25; Garage door opener; No rear neighbors; Never flooded & flood insurance not required. Video: https://youtu.be/sxwbhaT8LMo
8202 Rustic Falls in Mission Glen (77083) – FOR SALE $228,900 – www.har.com/870416 – MULTIPLE OFFERS – 1-story home with 1175sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2-car garage in quiet cul-de-sac on a spacious pie-shaped lot. Roof (2019). Fresh interior paint & new carpet (2025) create a bright, move-in ready feel. Living area with corner FP, high ceiling, & sliding glass doors that flood the space with natural light & open to the large backyard. Kitchen offers new dishwasher (2025), gas range, & pantry. Enjoy the privacy of a split-bedroom floorplan. Large fully fenced backyard with storage shed (for lawn equipment, bikes, etc). Video: https://youtu.be/yjpDVG6tnoU
AUGUST SALES / LEASES:
16106 Acapulco in Jersey Village – (77040) – FOR SALE $319,9000 – UNDER CONTRACT IN 4-DAYS – www.har.com/77062985 – Charming 1-story home with a swimming pool. Family of 48yrs selling beloved home featuring 1987sqft, 4 bdrms, 2 full baths & 2-car garage. Recent updates: Energy-efficient double-pane windows, RUUD HVAC (7/22), pool pump & Polaris (2024), pool replaster (approx 2019), & new sewer line (4/23). Imagine transforming this inviting space w/ updates that reflect your style & needs. Formal living could be repurposed to a home office. Formal dining w/ built-in China hutch and server. Galley-style kitchen w/ Silestone countertops, tile backsplash, double ovens, electric cooktop, & pantry. Eat-in breakfast nook. Family rm w/ beamed ceiling, engineered wood floors, & brick gas log FP. Primary suite w/ 2 walk-in closets, dedicated dressing area, & tiled walk-in shower. Outdoor gas grill. Sparkling pool w/ handrail & diving board in a fully fenced backyard—perfect for entertaining. Video: https://youtu.be/hpPPWxEBElA 
8309 Koester in Jersey Village (77040) – FOR SALE $439,900 – www.har.com/70520969 – 2-story, 3061, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, & 4-car detached garage. Double pane Low-E windows, Plantation shutters; 2-zoned HVACs (upstairs HVAC 2023), Updated kitchen with quartz, stainless steel appliances, 2 Primary Suites (1st & 2nd floor), Interior paint, Porcelain tile/Distressed wood laminate/Carpet, Updated lighting & more! Living with vaulted ceiling & gas log fireplace. Kitchen with shaker cabs, gas cooking, convection oven. Formal dining. 1st floor owner’s suite with 3 closets, 2 sinks, clawfoot tub, & shower. 2nd floor: 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, gameroom, & additional “flex” room. Porte corchere + 4-car garage with 220 receptacle. Fully fenced backyard, gazebo. Video: https://youtu.be/-14FQUf28ZQ
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER:
- Deerfield Village Multiple Open House on Sat 9/6 from 1-4PM
- City of Jersey Village Multiple Open House on Sun 9/7 from 1-4PM
Logging Off To Tune In
As summer fades, a growing number of people are quietly unplugging. The emerging trend is a “digital quiet season,” in which users delete apps, reduce screen time, and post more intentionally. According to a 2025 Pew Research report, more than 34% of Americans under forty have removed at least one social media app since June, and several more are using such features as Focus Mode or setting time limits to reclaim their attention.
Instead of constant updates, people are turning to private group chats, voice notes, and face-to-face hangouts. The energy has shifted from “look at me” to “be here now.”
This shift reflects growing digital fatigue and a hunger for a deeper and more personal connection. For many people, social media feels more like work and no longer feels fun or fulfilling. And during a time when attention is the most valuable currency, people are choosing to invest their attention more wisely.
There are growing micro-movements, too, such as screen-free Sundays, app-free phones, and the return of the analog planner. A surprising number of Gen Z users are embracing flip phones and digital cameras for more-deliberate and less-curated content creation. Others are simply turning their attention toward hobbies, community, or real-world experiences that don’t come with like counts.
Whether it’s a full-on social detox or simply muting your stories for a few days, September is shaping up to be the perfect time to hit reset. Think of it as spring cleaning—for your brain. The best part is that you don’t have to delete everything to feel better; you only need to be intentional.
Monthly Recipe: This Legendary Texas Pie Has A Wild Name And An Even Wilder Ingredient List
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From Southern Living, “It’s packed with candy, cookies, pretzels, and pure joy.
JB and Jamie-Len Royer, along with the entire team at Royers Round Top Cafe, want to talk a little trash. Texas Trash Pie, that is. It’s one of the most popular menu items at this legendary cafe that describes itself as “a Texas country bistro serving gourmet comfort food.”
The tiny town of Round Top is about an hour’s drive from both Austin and Houston, but the café’s reputation has traveled much farther. It’s a small place that seats about 40, with walls adorned with memorabilia as part of what people affectionally describe its funky vibe.”
For more go to: Texas Trash Pie
How To Recover From A Summer Of Late Nights
Summer’s long days and late nights can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. If you’re feeling the effects now, then you’re not alone. September is the ideal month to reset your circadian rhythm. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends fifteen to twenty minutes of early-morning sunlight, reducing screen time after 8:30 p.m., and adding magnesium-rich foods, such as pumpkin seeds or dark leafy greens, into your routine.
Consistent sleep and wake times are key. Try winding down with a book instead of a scroll and make your room as dark as possible. Yes, even that blinking router light counts. If you prioritize rest now, then your fall energy will thank you later.
The Great Pasta Alternative
Are you craving a big bowl of pasta but not the gluten, dairy, or calories that usually tag along? Then hearts of palm pasta might be your dream dinner shortcut. Naturally gluten-free, vegan, low-calorie, and grain-free, it’s the perfect base for any Italian-inspired dish. No boiling or guilt required.
With its tender bite and mild flavor, hearts of palm noodles hold up beautifully under red sauce, tossed in olive oil and garlic, or twirled with pesto and veggies. You can swap them into just about any recipe that calls for wheat pasta—and they’re ready straight from the can or pouch.
According to a 2022 Frontiers in Nutrition study, replacing refined carbs with such fiber-rich vegetable alternatives as hearts of palm can support blood sugar regulation and digestive health.
If you’re desiring a fast, feel-good way to eat more plants without missing out on comfort food, then this pantry staple might become your new weeknight go-to.
September 2025 Happenings In Houston
Take a look at some events and activities Houston offer. Take a look at The Hobby Center; Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion; The Alley Theater; Toyota Center, Theater Under The Stars; Houston Zoo; Houston Symphony; Houston Ballet, Miller Outdoor Theater; Wortham Theater; Jones Hall; N.A.S.A & Space Center Houston; Art Car Museum; Arboretum & Nature Center; Natural Science Museum; Kemah Boardwalk; & SO MUCH MORE! Take a look at some of the events in the links below for you, your family, & friends to enjoy in Houston & the surrounding areas:
Southern Living: 20 Best Things To Do In Houston
Visit Houston: September Events in Houston 2025
Houston Mom’s: Happenings in Houston in September
Kids Out and About.com: September activities in & around Houston
101 Family Day Trips Around Houston
One-Minute Heart Hack: Breathe Like This
Here’s a health trick that takes almost no effort:
Breathe in for four seconds and out for six seconds. Doing this for sixty seconds can lower your heart rate, calm your nervous system, activate your parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” mode), reduce stress, and support cardiovascular health.
A 2023 study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that this kind of slow, controlled breathing—especially with a longer exhale—had a more significant effect on stress reduction and heart rate variability than mindfulness meditation. It’s free, instant, and requires no yoga mat. Just breathe.
Fall Into Gardening
Summer might be ending, but your garden can keep thriving. September is actually one of the best times to plant cool-weather crops, such as kale, radishes, arugula, and herbs. These fast growers thrive in cooler temperatures and shifting sunlight.
No yard? No problem. Windowsill gardens and compact grow setups have become more popular than ever. From countertop hydroponic systems to soil-free kits, growing your own greens has never been easier—or more accessible.
It’s a simple way to care for yourself and the planet—and the fresh flavor (and peace of mind) is well worth it.
SL: How To Clean Your Window And Door Tracks In 4 Steps
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From Southern Living, “It’s an area you may have forgotten all about. You already have several areas in your home on your weekly cleaning list, but one that often goes unthought of? The tracks on your windows and doors. It’s easy to forget that these hidden areas need a good wipe down from time to time, especially since they’re notorious for housing dirt, dust, grime, and even mold. Yes, cleaning your window and door tracks adds a chunk of time to your cleaning spree, but it’s a great practice to get into that isn’t hard to perform. Here’s how to clean your window and door tracks for an allergen-free home and how often you should clean these areas.”
For more go to: How To Clean Your Window and Door Tracks
The Rise Of The 5-Minute Hobby
Think you don’t have time for a hobby? Think smaller. Micro-hobbies—bite-sized activities that take five to ten minutes—are trending during 2025 by offering a low effort way to recharge your brain without overhauling your schedule.
Popular picks include doing origami, learning one word in a new language each day, partaking in five-minute sketches, and brewing a perfect cup of tea. These quick bursts of creativity or calm act like mental palate cleansers by helping reduce stress and boost focus.
They’re also surprisingly habit-forming; what starts as five minutes can easily turn into something more meaningful. And in a world that’s always rushing, these tiny rituals offer a gentle way to slow down.
Backseat Projectiles
If you’re wearing a seatbelt and driving 45 miles an hour, you’ll stay in place if you have to slam on the brakes. Whatever is in the back seat or back window of your car will continue to move at 45 miles an hour. These flying objects cause 65,000 injuries each year. During accidents, loose objects could knock you unconscious at a time when you need to think fast and clearly.
Mechanical engineers at Rowan University in New Jersey say that in SUVs, use the rear luggage area where the seats will keep most items in place. Use the cargo net if one is provided.
Drivers of passenger cars should keep cargo in the trunk or on the floor of the back seat.
Transportation injury researchers at the State University of Buffalo in New York say you should scan the vehicle for loose objects each day and get rid of them.
SL: 20 Best Border Plants For Your Garden
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In the Age Of AI, Being Human Is The New Superpower
In the near future, no human—no matter how brilliant—will likely be the top expert in any field. Artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining what it means to be accomplished, and our children and grandchildren will grow up in a world where intelligence is no longer a uniquely human advantage.
Writing in The Free Press, economist Tyler Cowen and Avital Balwit of Anthropic describe a looming identity crisis sparked by AI’s ascent. As machines outperform us in knowledge, strategy, and creation, the question becomes: How do we stay relevant?
Their answer: Double down on the things only humans can do.
Here’s how we adapt:
Get Your Hands Dirty. Carpenters, electricians, and tradespeople remain irreplaceable for now. Blue-collar work might evolve into a new status symbol of skill and independence.
Inspiration Will Still Matter. Coaches, speakers, and leaders who move people emotionally will continue to be essential. The ability to stir hearts isn’t something AI can fake.
Charisma Is Currency. People who can genuinely connect will stand out. In a world where machines are smart, being human will be rare.
Human-Only Spaces. Hobbies, art, relationships, and family—areas in which presence and emotion matter—will grow more valuable.
As AI surpasses human expertise, our relevance will depend on embracing uniquely human traits—like emotional connection, hands-on skills, and personal charisma—that machines can’t replicate.
Houston Housing Market Review
Multiple Listing Service of the Houston Association of REALTORS® includes residential properties and new homes listed by 50,000 REALTORS®
VERY INFORMATIVE: “Active listings reached an all-time high in July, exceeding 40,000 available homes in the Houston area.” See video and link below.
HOUSTON HOME PRICES EASE IN JULY AS SUPPLY HITS RECORD HIGH
For a DETAILED review from the Houston Association of Realtors, take a look at their comprehensive review posted at https://www.har.com/content/department/mls
September Home Tips
Now is the perfect time to give your home’s exterior some attention. These easy end-of-season updates will help keep your property looking sharp and transition-ready.
- Mow Tall One Last Time: Before putting the mower away, give your lawn a few final trims at about three inches high. Longer grass retains moisture better and provides more shade to protect roots when temperatures fluctuate. It also helps crowd out weeds and crabgrass and prepares your lawn for a healthier comeback next spring.
- Refresh House Numbers: Consider upgrading, more-readable numbers in a clean, bold style. This small update improves visibility for guests, deliveries, and emergency responders.
- Add Driveway Reflectors: With shorter days ahead, adding reflectors to your driveway helps guide visitors and increases safety. They’re especially helpful if your home is on a dark street or in a rural area. It’s a low-cost, highimpact improvement.
- Repair Walkways While Weather Holds: Fall is your last good stretch of weather for outdoor repairs. If your walkway is cracked or outdated, then consider replacing it with interlocking pavers.
- Transition Flower Boxes To Fall: Replace tired summer blooms with fall favorites, such as mums or autumn sage. When those start to fade, cut them back and tuck in evergreen branches for a simple way to keep things looking fresh into the holiday season.
- Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture: Before winter hits, wipe down patio furniture and store it in a dry place or cover it securely. This prevents weather damage and extends its life, so it’s ready to go when warm weather returns.
A little upkeep now can go a long way toward maintaining your home’s charm—and saving you time and effort later.
SL: This Underrated South Carolina Region Is Full Of Antique Shops, Blooming Gardens, And Historical Stops
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From Southern Living, “This string of towns is perfect for a road trip.
Living in the South means experiencing an eclectic region that has a little bit of something for everyone. Such is the case with South Carolina’s Olde English District, where you can experience arts and culture, learn history, and shop to your heart’s content all in one place.
Like the name indicates, the Olde English District brims with opportunities to take a step back in time, which could mean walking through a well-established botanical garden by day and discovering the secret code to enter a moody speakeasy by night. No matter your itinerary needs, this collection of counties has something to match.”
For more go to: South Carolina’s Olde English District
A Guide To Freezing Fresh Harvest
Here are three simple methods for freezing fresh tomatoes to extend their shelf life and savor their garden-fresh flavor all year round. Whether you choose to freeze sliced tomatoes on a cookie sheet, fast freeze them in a rigid airtight container, or opt for the whole tomato freezing technique, these easy-to-follow steps will help you store your tomato harvest efficiently and deliciously.
- Slice tomatoes into at least 1/2-inch slices. Put slices on a cookie sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Remove slices and put them into freezer bags or containers.
- Slice tomatoes into at least 1/2-inch slices. Package in a rigid airtight container and fast freeze.
- Wash tomatoes. Dip whole tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen skins. Core and peel. Freeze whole or in pieces. Pack into containers, leaving one inch of space at top. Seal and freeze.
August 2025 Trivia Answer
Question: Which U.S. President is credited with having the first telephone installed in the White House?
Answer: Rutherford B. Hayes
Congratulations to Nicole Schneider !
Your name was randomly selected from all of the correct entries. You’ve won a $50 gift card to one of the following: Amazon.com, Target, Khol’s, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Home Depot, Academy, Petsmart, Outback, Carrabba’s Italian, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, Chili’s, Red Robin, Panera’s, OR IHOP. IT’S YOUR CHOICE!
September 2025 Trivia Question
Question: Which animal can sleep for up to three years at a time?
Everyone who contacts Elisa via email (Elisa@BrunerTeam.com) or phone (832-746-7911) with the correct answer by September 25th will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to one of the following: Amazon.com, Target, Khol’s, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Home Depot, Academy, Petsmart, Outback, Carrabba’s Italian, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, Chili’s, Red Robin, Panera’s, OR IHOP. It’s your choice!
Facebook Page
Dear Readers,
You are welcome to check out my business Facebook page where I post our latest listings as well as real estate tips, etc throughout the month. Just go to ElisaMcNinchRE.
And as always, thank you for allowing me to be your real estate consultant for life. I love what I do because of clients like YOU!
– Elisa McNinch, Realtor