The Year Of The Soft Start

Some years begin with fireworks; others begin with a whisper.

There is beauty in the quiet beginning, the kind that asks for patience instead of plans and that invites you to breathe before you build.

We are taught to begin with urgency—to reset, to improve, and to do better. Yet most meaningful things begin slowly: The tide does not rush in, the sun takes time to cross the horizon, and the first green shoots of spring appear so gradually that we notice only once they’re already there.

A soft start is not about hesitation; it is about honoring the space between what was and what will be. It is the pause that lets us hear our own thoughts again and the moment before the brush touches the canvas.

Strength is in this gentler way of beginning, teaching us to trust the quiet, allowing us to let things unfold without force, and reminding us that momentum built with care carries farther than anything rushed.

So, begin softly. Open the curtains and let the light in. Tidy one small corner. Take the long way home.

Let life reintroduce itself at a pace that feels human.

 ~ 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:

• 9430 Oratorio Ct in Woodwind Lakes – (77040) –  FOR SALE $459,900  – 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

PENDING SALES:

• 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

DECEMBER SOLDS:

• 10502 Landsdowne Pointe in Gleannloch Farms – (77379) –  FOR SALE $499,900  – UNDER CONTRACT IN 4 DAYS – www.har.com/67211503 – Beautiful 2-story, 3451sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3-car garage nestled on HUGE pie-shaped lot (12,000sqft) in the heart of Gleannloch Farms. NEW Roof (June 2025); Double pane windows; Radiant barrier; Zoned HVACs; ACs replaced (2016 & 2018); 2 water heaters (2020); NEW Carpet (2025); FRESH paint (2025), Garage door (2025); Engineered wood flrs. Study w/ French doors. Formal dining or living. Spacious family w/ soaring ceiling, gas log FP, & wall of windows. Island kitchen w/ granite, gas cooking, double door pantry, & frig. 1st owner’s suite w/ wall of windows. Ensuite bath w/ 2 sinks, sep shower & soaking tub, & large walk-in closet. 2nd flr: Gmrm, 3 bdrms, & 2 baths. Fenced backyard w/ extensive covered patio & sep storage building. Full sprinkler system. Enjoy Gleannloch’s prestigious neighborhood amenities: Rec centers, pools, fitness center, parks, fishing lakes, dog parks, equestrian center, sport centers, & more.  YouTube Video

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Hat Tip From Yellowstone

Hold onto your hat—literally! Yellowstone National Park rangers have a message for visitors: While the park’s geothermal wonders might take your breath away, don’t let them take your hat, too.

As of September 2025, crews have fished more than 10,000 items out of the park’s hot springs and mud pots, including over 300 hats, according to Smithsonian. Even the smallest bits of debris, such as peanut shells, can alter the delicate chemistry and temperature of these thermal features.

The lasting effect is a serious issue. During the 1880s, Yellowstone’s famous Morning Glory Pool shimmered a deep purple. Today, it’s orange and red, largely due to trash being tossed into the spring throughout the years.

With more than four million people visiting the park annually, park officials say most “lost” hats are simply victims of the wind. Next time you’re in

Yellowstone, enjoy the view, but hang onto that hat!

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The Homebody Economy

After years of hustle culture, something shifted. More people are staying in, lighting candles, making dinner, and finding joy in slow evenings at home. Economists are calling this shift the “homebody economy,” and it has become a movement, not just a mood.

The pandemic changed how we see our spaces. Homes are now offices, gyms, coffee shops, and sanctuaries. Spending money on home comfort items, from weighted blankets to high-end cookware, has soared. Interior designers say clients now prioritize atmosphere over square footage. People want rooms that feel calm and safe where sensory light, scent, and texture matter as much as furniture.

Psychologists agree. Studies in the Journal of Environmental Psychology link nurturing spaces to lower cortisol levels and greater emotional stability. When your surroundings feel peaceful, your nervous system does, too. House hunters are searching for a feeling in addition to storage or upgrades.

Creating that feeling starts small: Clear clutter, layer soft lighting, add plants, or invest in a good candle. A cozy space can change your state of mind within minutes. The homebody economy reminds us that comfort is restoration, not laziness. The more we value that, the better we live and the better we show up for everything outside our doors.

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January 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: January Events in Houston 2026

Houston Mom’s: Happenings in Houston in January

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

  101 Family Day Trips Around Houston

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Nourish Your Body After The Holidays

The new year is the perfect time to slow down, simplify, and support your body after the busy holiday season.

Skip the crash diets and detox teas. Your body already knows how to restore balance. This 10-day gentle reset is designed to nourish your natural detox systems, reduce inflammation, and restore steady energy during the year ahead.

Your liver leads the process by metabolizing nutrients and filtering toxins. Research shows it relies on two key detox phases supported by amino acids, vitamins C and E, and compounds in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and kale.

A 2023 Nutrients Today study found that a whole-food metabolic reset improved liver enzymes and antioxidant balance, proving that food, not fasting, drives real detoxification.

Movement matters, too. Gentle, consistent exercise boosts lymphatic flow and lowers inflammation, according to the Journal of Applied Physiology and the American Journal of Physiology. Even during winter, staying active helps your body cleanse and thrive.

How to Reset in 10 Days:

• Hydrate deeply. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Add lemon or electrolytes to aid kidney and liver function.
• Eat protein with every meal. Amino acids like cysteine and glycine help your liver produce glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant.
• Load up on cruciferous veggies. Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower contain sulforaphane, which activates detox enzymes and supports hormone balance.
• Cut added sugar and alcohol. Both slow down detox pathways and increase oxidative stress.
• Support your gut. Add probiotic and fiber-rich foods because they aid elimination and keep digestion steady.
• Move daily. Walking, stretching, or sauna sessions promote lymph flow and improve circulation.
• Prioritize sleep. Seven to eight hours of rest allows your brain’s glymphatic system to clear metabolic waste.

A true reset is about adding in, not cutting out. With ten days of intentional nourishment, movement and rest, you can help your body work the way it’s designed to: efficiently, energetically, and with balance.

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Monthly Recipe: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

From Southern Living, “I’ve brought it to potlucks where it has been devoured.”

“As soon as a chill hits the air in the South, warm and comforting soup recipes enter the dinner rotation. The Southern Living Test Kitchen has developed thousands of delicious soup recipes over the years, but this rich and creamy soup was shared with us by country musician Martina McBride, and first published in her cookbook. It has been a fan-favorite for years, and this is the perfect time of year to enjoy it.”

For more go to:  Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

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The Happiness Index

Every year, the same countries top the world happiness charts: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Their secret lies in how their residents approach daily life, not the perfect weather or endless amount of vacation days they experience.

In Nordic culture, happiness is built into small habits. Hygge is the Danish word for coziness, but it really means creating contentment through presence. Lagom, a Swedish word meaning “just enough,” encourages balance instead of excess.

Examples are lighting a candle when it is dark outside or sipping coffee with a friend instead of rushing through the day.

Although these ideas sound simple, they reflect a deep and science-supported belief that joy comes from moderation, connection, and time well spent.

Research in the Journal of Positive Psychology shows that everyday feelings of warmth, light, and gratitude trigger dopamine, a chemical linked to calm and belonging. And according to studies on “social capital”, which is the value gained from one’s relationships, connections, and sense of community, people who feel a part of a trusted community report higher well-being regardless of their income level.

This month, take a cue from the north: Add one ritual of comfort to your day, such as eating slowly, calling someone you care about, or lighting a candle at your desk when the afternoon slump hits. Happiness is not found in grand moments; it is found in the ordinary ones, done with intention.

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Why Cooking At Home Helps You Feel Better (And Lighter)

Cooking at home saves money and changes how your body processes food. When you prepare a meal, you slow your mind and engage your senses, which trigger what scientists call “cephalic phase digestion.” This is the brain’s signal to the gut that food is coming. Enzymes and stomach acid start to flow, which helps your body digest more easily and absorb nutrients better.

Home cooking also gives you control. Restaurant meals often contain more salt, oil, and sugar than your body needs. Cooking your own food means using fresher ingredients and healthier fats, which maintain blood sugar and support gut balance.

Studies in Public Health Nutrition show that people who cook most of their meals at home eat fewer calories and maintain a healthier weight over time. You do not need to cook elaborate dishes; simple meals made with care are enough.

Cooking isn’t only about which foods you put on the plate; it’s a way to slow down, become aware, and nourish yourself inside and out.

  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 HOMEBUYERS THANKFUL FOR MORE FLEXIBILITY IN NOVEMBER

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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How Your Space Shapes Your Motivation

Some days you sit down to work, and everything flows. However, during other days, you struggle to focus, and your brain will not cooperate. The difference might be with your environment, not you.

Environmental psychology studies how our surroundings impact our emotion and behavior. Levels of light, sound, scent, and even clutter influence the brain’s chemistry.

Research in the Journal of Environmental Psychology shows that bright, natural light can boost serotonin and alertness; dim, warm light promotes calm and creativity.

Clutter has been linked to higher cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, which can quietly drain motivation over time.

The spaces we inhabit cue our brains about which kind of energy to bring. A clear desk signals focus, whereas a cozy corner invites rest. Even small sensory details—such as the sound of soft music, the smell of citrus, or the feel of a weighted mug—can shift your mood within minutes.

This month, take ten minutes to audit your environment and then open a window, clear your workspace, and add a plant or candle. Tiny changes can create the conditions for big motivation and remind you that the space you build around yourself can be the first step toward the energy you bring into the world.

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“Sacred space is not a place to escape the world, but a place to return to it renewed.”— Marianne Williamson

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SL: How To Help Your Lawn Survive The Winter—And Thrive Next Season

From Southern Living, “Cool-season and warm-season grasses have different needs, but both require basic care when the weather turns cold.

Some lawn grasses remain green through the winter months while others go dormant. Both require ongoing care through winter to promote a lush, healthy lawn. Cool-season grasses such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues require the most maintenance during the winter months, as they remain green and continue to put on new leaf growth. Warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass, centipede grass, zoysia, and St. Augustine enter winter dormancy to varying degrees, depending on where you live. Even when dormant, these grasses require basic upkeep to maintain soil moisture and manage weeds. Use this guide to learn the best winter care practices for both types of grass and keep your lawn looking its best all year round.”

For more go to:  How To Keep Your Lawn Healthy In Winter

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The Real Reason You’re Often Tired

Fatigue is rarely only about sleep. More often, it stems from how your body manages energy through blood sugar, hydration, and hormones. When those systems fall out of rhythm, even a full night’s rest can leave you drained.

Blood sugar and hormones. When you skip meals or eat foods low in protein and fiber, your blood sugar can drop quickly. The body releases cortisol to compensate, which helps raise glucose but increases stress on your system. Eventually, elevated cortisol can interfere with insulin sensitivity and worsen energy swings. Studies published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism and Diabetes Care show that unstable blood sugar is strongly linked to fatigue, mood changes, and reduced alertness.

Hydration and brain function. The brain is nearly 75%  water, and research in the Journal of Nutrition shows that even mild dehydration can impair focus, short-term memory, and coordination. A 2023 study in BMC Medicine found that consistent hydration supports healthy brain aging and reduces feelings of mental fatigue over time.

Energy balance and recovery. When blood sugar fluctuates or hydration drops, your nervous system perceives stress. Energy is redirected toward survival functions, leaving less of it for clarity, focus, and stamina. Research in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience highlights that short recovery breaks, steady hydration, and balanced meals help the body return to its natural energy rhythm.

What helps. Start the day with protein and fiber to stabilize glucose. Sip water steadily through the morning. Step outside or stretch after meals to support circulation. And recharge your mind via short pauses between tasks.

Sometimes tiredness isn’t about needing more, it’s about doing less, with intention. When your body feels balanced, your energy does, too.

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Low Tire Pressure Can Be Dangerous

Taking proper care of the tires on your car not only saves money, it could save your life. Here’s some advice from the Rubber Manufacturers’ Association:

• Inflate tires properly. Under-inflation makes it more likely that you will lose control or skid. Yet most cars have underinflated tires. Tire pressure can be low without tires looking flat.
• Check the label on the door, in the glove compartment, or on the fuel door for air pressure guides. Some makers recommend different pressures for front and rear tires, especially for SUVs.
• It’s best to test pressure when tires are cold. Check every couple of weeks and before leaving on a trip.
• Avoid fast starts and stops, don’t bump the curb when parking, and don’t overload the car. 

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Daily Productive Habits

Success is based on how you use the time available to you every day. To make the most of every minute, follow these simple rules:

• Use a day planner. Whether you rely on technology or old-fashioned pencil and paper, plan every day for maximum efficiency. Start with a daily to-do list for both short- and long-term projects, carry over unfinished business to the next day, and check your list frequently so nothing important drops off your radar.
• Set priorities. Don’t just work on tasks randomly. Identify your most important goals, your secondary objectives, and routine items that you can’t ignore. Plan your day around the work that supports your top goals, moving on to other projects when time permits.
• Eliminate procrastination. This can be tough, but it separates the truly successful people from the also-rans: Don’t waste time on nonessentials. Get quickly to the point in every conversation and move on as soon as you’re finished. Plan your work, but don’t over-prepare. Decide what you need to accomplish, and then do it.

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November & December 2025 Trivia Answers

November Question: What country did pumpkins originate?

Answer: Mexico

Winner: David Villareal

December Question: What popular holiday song was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas?

Answer: Jingle Bells

Winner: 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!

January 2026 Trivia Questions

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

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