The Music Of Love

What song makes your heart come alive? Maybe it’s Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” or the triumphant notes of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Whatever your rhythm, music and the heart have always shared a timeless bond, one that science says runs deeper than emotion.

According to Scientific American, music doesn’t just move us emotionally; it can physically calm the heart, lower blood pressure, and ease stress. The Lancet notes that doctors even use musical analogies to teach students how to listen more deeply to the heartbeat. And research in Frontiers in Physiology shows how sound and feeling are beautifully intertwined, even at the cellular level.

Music is more than background noise. It’s a language of love that says what words can’t. A favorite song can rekindle connection, spark joy, and remind you that your heart still knows how to sing.

This Valentine’s Day, let music celebrate every kind of love. Dance in the kitchen with family, sing with friends, or hum a tune while your pet curls up nearby. Send a song that says “I appreciate you” or one that reminds someone they’re not alone. Create a playlist of moments that make your world brighter, from songs that lift your spirit to melodies that help you slow down and breathe.

Let every note remind you to be present, listen, and feel. Whether it’s a gentle ballad, a joyful tune, or the song that makes you smile, let music connect you to what matters most.

Because love takes many forms, and music reminds us to feel deeply, care fully, and keep your heart in tune with life’s beautiful moments.

~ Elisa McNinch, Realtor

 

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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. 

NEW 3-D Interactive Floorplans now available via:

ACTIVE LISTINGS:

• 

  2802 Hazy Creek Dr in Creek Bend Estates – (77084) –  FOR SALE $345,000  – www.har.com/62383263 – 2-story home with 2400sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage. Original homeowners selling their beloved home. AMENITIES: Int paint (2026), PEX plumbing (2023); Double pane windows; Solar screens (2020), High-efficiency HVAC (2010), Electrical panel (2023) & hardwired for portable generator (incl); Whole-house surge protector; Water heater (2023); Roof w/ architectural shingles (2018); 20×15 covered patio w/ tile flr (2016) & firepit (2020); Storage shed (2022); wifi sprinkler sys (2019); Hardie board siding w/ 30yr ext paint; & MORE. Never flooded & flood ins not required. Traditional floorplan w/ formal dining. Dual-sided FP separates spacious living & “hearth rm” off kitchen w/ wood-like tile flr. Updated kitchen w/ Silestone countertop & stone BS, gas range, SS Samsung (2025). W&D incl. All 4 bdrms up. Spacious owner’s suite w/ 2 sinks, jetted tub, updated shower (2021), & large walk-in closet. 3 secondary bdrms+updated bath w/ 2 sinks. Peaceful backyard retreat w/ shade tree, blooming plants attracting birds & butterflies. No rear neighbors. Katy ISD schools.  Homes.com 3-D Floorplan   /   YouTube Video

PENDING SALES:

• 9430 Oratorio Ct in Woodwind Lakes – (77040) –  FOR SALE $435,000  – www.har.com/15267735 – 2-story home with 2789sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, oversized 2-car garage. Charming, cottage-style David Weekley home in prestigious GATED section of Woodwind Lakes. Updates: NEW ROOF (2/25); exterior paint; Zoned high-efficiency HVACs. LARGE pie-shaped lot features elevated gardens, mature fruit trees, & rainwater system—perfect for gardeners. OR envision your own endless backyard possibilities. 2-car garage w/ epoxy flr, workbench, & Gladiator cabinets. Inside, soaring 2-story foyer leads to an open-concept family rm w/ stacked stone gas FP. Island kitchen w/ SS appls, gas cooking, double ovens, & breakfast bar. Formal dining w/ wine vault. 1st flr owner’s suite boasts wall of garden-view windows, & spa-like ensuite bath w/ 2 vanities, sep shower & jetted tub, & large walk-in closet. 2nd flr: 3 bdrms, game/flex rm +updated bath. Backyard paradise w/ extensive covered deck, impressive outdoor kitchen, & cozy firepit. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan /  YouTube Video
• 16529 De Lozier in Jersey Village – (77040) –  FOR SALE $565,000  – www.har.com/10641619 –  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. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video
• 16325 Jersey Hollow in Wyndham Village – (77084) –  FOR SALE $649,900  – www.har.com/82935827 – Timeless classic w/ 3557sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths home nestled beneath mature shade trees w/ swimming pool & spa, detached 3-car garage, & garage apt in exclusive Wyndham Village. Roof & gutters (2024), zoned ACs, interior paint (2025), primary bath (2025), & MORE. Elegant traditional design w/ hardwoods, high ceilings, crown molding. Formal living & dining. Island kitchen w/ granite, wood cabinets, downdraft gas cooktop, butler’s pantry, & 2 refrigerators. Family rm w/ gas log FP. 1st-flr owner’s suite w/ updated spa bath (2025)—quartz, acrylic tub, curbless shower, & 2 walk-in closets. Gorgeous view of pool from much of home. Upstairs: Gmrm, 3 generous bdrns, & 2 full baths. Backyard paradise: pool, spa, firepit, covered patios, fenced yard & no rear neighbors. Never flooded. Garage w/ epoxy floors. Garage apt (716sqft) w/ full bath. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video

JANUARY SOLDS:

• 15301 Ashburton in Jersey Village – (77084) –  FOR SALE $496,000  – www.har.com/85902746 – Charming Tudor-style 2-story home with 3029sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, w/ swimming pool and detached 3-car garage. Longtime owner selling. Pride of ownership! Roof (10yrs); Aluminum-clad double pane windows; Plantation shutters; PEX plumbing; 3 HVAC systems; Exterior paint (5yrs); Hardie siding; Mahogany exterior doors (2025); Camera security system; Carpet (2025); & MORE. Spacious living w/ vaulted ceiling, Travertine flrs, floor-to-ceiling brick gas log FP, wall of windows, & French doors. Lots of natural light! Island kitchen w/ Silestone, gas cooktop, breakfast bar, large pantry. 1st flr owner’s suite w/ sitting area. Ensuite bath w/ 3 closets, marble flrs, 2 sinks, sep jetted tub & walk-in shower. Large utility w/ electric & gas. 2nd flr: Two LARGE bdrms w/ dressing areas, generous closets, Jack & Jill bath. Large backyard w/ multiple patio areas, sprinkler system, mature shade trees, sparkling pool. YouTube Video
• 15307 Harrow Hill in Deerfield Village – (77084) –  FOR SALE $359,000  – www.har.com/64386067 – 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. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video

2802 Hazy Creek – Open House on Sat 2/7 from 1-3PM

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Will Winter Stay Or Go?

On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil,

Pennsylvania’s groundhog extraordinaire, will again stick his head out of his den. The nation awaits his verdict.

Groundhog Day is said to have its origins in ancient Germanic and Celtic weather lore where the prognosticator was often a badger or a sacred bear. In the United States, its origin is said to come from a Pennsylvania German custom.

If Phil, peeking from his burrow, fails to see his shadow, winter will soon be over. If the sun happens to be shining and Phil sees his shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks.

The first trek to meet with Phil began in 1887.

He has been emerging from his burrow in Pennsylvania ever since, always eager to greet his public.

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Thank A Sheep: The Ancient Story Behind Your Sweater

When you pull out your winter clothes or remember the hand-knit sweaters your grandmother made, you can thank the humble sheep. For thousands of years, these animals have provided the wool that humans use to make clothing, blankets, and other essentials.

Humans began selectively breeding woolly sheep as early as 6,000 BC. By the Bronze Age (2,300 to 600 BC), sheep resembling modern breeds were common throughout western Asia. Wool became a major industry in ancient Greece and Rome, where large-scale sheep farming and textile production were well established. As the Roman Empire expanded, the tradition of wool making spread across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Wool has remained popular for millennia because it is practical and versatile. It was often cheaper and more available than plant fibers like linen, and its durable texture make it ideal for everyday wear. Wool also insulates against both heat and cold, and its natural oils help it resist stains and weather, making it one of the most valuable fibers in human history.

The next time you pull on a soft sweater or cozy blanket, remember that you are wrapped in a story of love, nature, and warmth that began thousands of years ago.

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February 2026 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: February Events in Houston 2026

Houston Mom’s: Happenings in Houston in February

Kids Out and About.com: February activities in & around Houston

  101 Family Day Trips Around Houston

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Gear Up Safely For Your Winter Run

Winter running has its challenges, but the right gear helps you stay warm, visible, and comfortable. With smart layering and preparation, you can make cold weather miles enjoyable.

Start with layers. A moisture-wicking base layer made of wool or a synthetic blend keeps sweat off your skin. Add an insulating mid-layer for warmth and top it with a windproof, waterproof shell. Avoid cotton because it stays wet and chills you fast.

Protect your extremities. Wear a hat or headband that covers your ears, and a light neck gaiter to shield your face from cold air. Thermal gloves and moisture-wicking socks are must-haves to keep fingers and toes warm and dry.

Your jacket is essential, even if you plan to shed it mid-run. Choose one that is light, breathable, and easy to stash in a running vest or pack. A good pack should fit snugly to reduce bounce, include reflective details for visibility, and have space for a water bottle, keys, or your phone.

Insulated running tights or pants will keep your legs warm while allowing freedom of movement. Look for versions with zippered pockets or ankle zips for convenience.

Because winter often means darker runs, a headlamp is crucial. Choose one that illuminates both ahead and behind and add reflective strips or lights for extra safety.

Before heading out, hydrate with warm water or tea to stay balanced in the dry winter air. After your run, change into dry clothes quickly to avoid a chill. And do not skip sunglasses since snow and ice can reflect sunlight and strain your eyes.

Finally, remember that winter running is about consistency, not speed. Go at a steady pace, watch your footing, and focus on maintaining your fitness until spring.

Quick Tips For A Better Winter Run:

• Run with a partner or let someone know your route if you’re heading out in low visibility
• Shorten your stride on icy surfaces to improve stability and reduce the risk of falls
• Reward yourself afterward with a warm drink and a good stretch to help with recovery

Cold-weather running can build both your endurance and your mindset. With the right preparation, you’ll finish every run feeling stronger, clearer, and ready for whatever winter brings.

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The New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8.

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Monthly Recipe: How A Kentucky Motel Owner Turned Sawdust Pie Into A Southern Icon

From Southern Living, “Behind the funny name is a touching family story.

Some recipes just can’t get a break. 

Beaten biscuits, dump cake, and Kentucky sawdust pie must have been named by people who never made them. Did they not know how good they taste?

Take that ooey-gooey sawdust pie. It originated in the 1970s with the late Patti Tullar, who, along with her husband Bill, opened a motel, restaurant, and ice cream parlor in Grand Rapids, Kentucky, what was a sleepy little town about 30 minutes east of Paducah.

The gooey pie is a mix of chopped pecans, coconut, egg whites, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs, which is baked and topped with sliced bananas and whipped cream. It became a favorite with tourists at Patti’s 1880s Restaurant. But it was relatively unknown until Patti received a letter from Bon Appetit magazine in 1983 asking for the recipe.

A reader from St. Louis had enjoyed a slice while visiting Kentucky. While Patti normally didn’t give out her recipes, this was too good of a marketing opportunity. So she sent the magazine the recipe, and thereafter her sawdust pie was on the map.”

For more and the recipe go to:  Sawdust Pie

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Self-Improvement Hacks To Try In 2026

Celebrate your mistakes. Everyone slips up sometimes, but mistakes are not failures. They are feedback. Instead of beating yourself up, take a moment to breathe, learn, and move forward stronger and wiser than before.

Set your intentions each day. Start your morning with a few quiet minutes to ask yourself what you want out of the day. What do you hope to feel, achieve, or experience? A clear intention can turn even an ordinary day into something purposeful and fulfilling.

Take a walk, preferably outside. Step away from your desk and get some fresh air. Even a quick walk can clear your head, spark creativity, and boost your mood. A change of scenery is sometimes all it takes to reset your energy.

Wake up early and own your morning. Give yourself the gift of time before the day begins. Enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, stretch, read, or simply breathe. When you start the morning intentionally instead of rushing, you set the tone for calm confidence all day long.

Ask for feedback. Reach out to someone you trust and ask for their thoughts on your work, goals, or progress. Honest insights from others can open new perspectives and help you grow faster than you could on your own.

Recognize your own worth every single day. You bring something unique to the world, and it is worth celebrating. Focus on your strengths, the things you have accomplished, and the qualities others admire in you. On tough days, that self-respect will keep you steady and strong.

Keep building, keep growing. Self-improvement is not about one big breakthrough but the small, steady steps you take each day. Continue to challenge yourself, stay curious, and keep becoming a better version of who you already are. Growth is not a season; it is a lifelong mindset.

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  Houston Housing Market Review

Multiple Listing Service of the Houston Association of REALTORS® includes residential properties and new homes listed by 50,000 REALTORS®

HOUSTON HOUSING MARKET DELIVERS A STRONG, MORE BALANCED YEAR IN 2025

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

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The Tiny Hippo Stealing Hearts Worldwide

There’s a little heartthrob stealing the spotlight at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Kansas. Meet Mars, the chubby-cheeked pygmy hippo calf who’s melting hearts with every splash and snuggle. His playful dives, curious glances, and sweet bond with his mom have quickly made him a fan favorite both at the park and online.

Not long ago, Moo Deng, the lively baby hippo from Thailand, became a global sensation for her adorable antics. While her viral fame has quieted, Mars is now carrying the cuteness crown, charming everyone who meets him with his gentle spirit and joyful personality.

Beyond all the “awws,” Mars has an important role to play. With fewer than 3,000 pygmy hippos left in the wild, he serves as a tiny ambassador for his rare species. His presence helps raise awareness and reminds us how love and care can protect even the smallest creatures.

This February, as love takes center stage, Mars reminds us that sometimes the biggest hearts come in the smallest, squishiest packages.

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SL: 8 Plants That Grows Faster With Rice Water

From Southern Living, “When you soak and rinse rice before cooking, starch and other nutrients are absorbed by the water. This milky-looking liquid happens to contain common elements used in fertilizer, like phosphate, potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Rinsing rice is a daily practice in some cultures, so many people use the leftover wastewater on plants. While rice water isn’t equivalent to commercial fertilizer, research has shown that it does make vegetables grow faster and bigger.1 Plus, you’re conserving water rather than dumping it down the drain.

You can try this on your plants at home every time you cook a rice dish. We’ve provided a list of plants known to perk up when you fertilize them with rice water, but you can experiment with rice water on any plant that needs fertilizing. Since overfertilizing can harm some plants, fertilize at the same rate you would a liquid organic fertilizer. Also, use it sparingly indoors. Watering houseplants with rice water can cause problems with mold, ants, and fungus gnats. Here are eight plants you can fertilize with rice water in the garden.”

For more go to:  8 Plants That Grow Faster With Rice Water

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day on Sat, February 14th 

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Keep Cut Flowers Looking Fresh

Florists say cut flowers will use water faster and wilt faster if they are placed in bright sunlight or in drafty locations. The cooler they are kept, the longer they will last, which is why florists keep flowers in a refrigerator. Misting cut flowers also helps to prolong their life. 

Flowers often wilt because air bubbles trapped in the stem won’t let them absorb water. Trimming stems under water will keep this from happening.  

Stems can also get plugged with bacteria. Changing the water each day helps. Before ever placing flowers in a vase, remove the lower leaves to prevent bacterial overgrowth. 

If the flowers have been out of water for a while, cut off the bottom inch of the stem for a cleaner cut. Cut at an angle so the stem won’t stand flat in the vase. 

Sometimes you can revive wilted flowers. Wrap them in newspaper so the stems are straight. Put the stem and paper in a vase of water until the stem stands up again.

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Celebrate Mardi Gras in Galveston Feb 6-17

For more information: Galveston Mardi Gras

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Foxgloves Bring Beauty And History To Your Garden

Visualize stately spires five or six feet high and covered with pink, red, or golden bells. That’s what foxglove looks like. Some species can climb up to seven feet high, while others grow just two feet high. Whether you want a tall border at the back of a flower bed or colorful spikes in the center, foxglove can fill the bill.  

Gardening expert Ken Druse says many types of Digitalis originated in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The Latin name comes from the word for finger, digitus. The flower resembles a finger, the finger of a glove, or a bell. Druse, author of The Collector’s Garden (Timber Press) says that according to legend, foxes wore them as finger gloves to keep their paws dry. In medieval England, the plant was called foxes glofa, or foxes bells. 

The most reliable perennial species is D. grandiflora or D. ambigua (USDA Zones 3-8). They are about two feet tall and produce large yellow flowers for more than a month during summer, with a few flowers appearing after that.             

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January 2026 Trivia Answers

January Question: What is the only food that doesn’t spoil?

Answer: Honey

Winner: Mark Sullivan

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!

February 2026 Trivia Questions

February Question: What is the only month that can have no full moon?

Everyone who contacts Elisa via email (Elisa@BrunerTeam.com) or phone (832-746-7911) with the correct answer by February 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!

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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