Happy Holidays! Enjoy this “2-in-1” newsletter as we combine November & December into one jam-packed edition for the holidays.
November 2025
The Objects We Keep
The things that stay with us aren’t usually the expensive ones. Instead, it’s the chipped mug we keep reaching for even with nicer ones in the cupboard, the scarf tucked in a drawer for a decade but never donated, the recipe card written in someone’s hand, the makeshift bookmark, or the box of old keys whose locks we’ve long forgotten but still can’t throw away.
A certain intimacy exists in the things we keep. They don’t always make sense to anyone else and maybe they don’t need to. They’re not about style or status or practicality; they’re about memory, about story, about a feeling we weren’t ready to forget.
Sometimes, we hold on to things because they anchor us to a version of ourselves that we don’t want to lose. Other times, it’s about someone else—a moment, a season, or a chapter we closed gently but not entirely.
As the end of the year inches closer and everything around us leans into the themes of clearing out and starting fresh, maybe this is your permission to keep a few things without explanation. Not everything has to be useful. Some things are just allowed to be loved.
Whether it’s a drawer full of mystery items or a sweater that’s three sizes too big, if it still makes you feel something, then maybe that’s enough.
~ Elisa McNinch, Realtor
What’s In Your Freezer And What That Says About You
The contents in someone’s freezer tell a lot about that person.
Not the fridge, which is performative. That’s where we keep the oat milk and the lettuce. But the freezer? That’s where the real story lives.
Open a drawer, sneak a peek, and see if you recognize yourself in any of these:
The Soup Archivist
Your freezer is a neatly stacked museum of well- labeled quart containers—chili from last month, lentil stew from 2022 or a lone miso broth you forgot to date but refuse to throw away. You believe in the future you: organized, aspirational, and possibly running a small soup-subscription business without realizing it.
The Snack Opportunist
There’s a half-eaten pint of ice cream, a tube of frozen cookie dough, and a family-size bag of pizza rolls, even though no children live in your home. You are prepared for cravings, unexpected guests, and emotional plot twists. You believe joy should always be within arm’s reach.
The Frozen Mystery Collector
You have foil-wrapped objects you no longer recognize, three bags of peas that predate the internet, and something labeled “open at your own risk.” You are sentimental and a little chaotic, and you’ve definitely said, “It’s still good” about something that absolutely was not. You live on hope and strong stomach enzymes.
The Minimalist (aka The Ice Tray Only Club)
Only a single ice tray fills your freezer, and maybe a bag of frozen spinach you forgot about. You travel light. You are efficient. You probably get your steps in. You will survive an apocalypse by sheer discipline alone.
The Wild Card
You have frozen banana peels for composting, one Cornish game hen, three boxes of popsicles, and an emergency frozen pizza. No one knows what you’re up to, and, honestly, we love that about you.
No right or wrong way exists to stock a freezer. But if yours is overdue for a mystery cleanout, then now is a great time. Who knows? You might rediscover that soup from last winter—and the version of you who made it.
November & December 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: November & December Events in Houston 2025
Houston Mom’s: Happenings in Houston in November & December
Kids Out and About.com: November & December activities in & around Houston
101 Family Day Trips Around Houston
The Simple Science Behind Calorie Deficit
A calorie deficit happens when you consume fewer calories than your body burns. Your body needs energy every day to function, including such basic processes as breathing, digesting, and maintaining your heartbeat, known as your basal metabolic rate (BMR). In addition, we burn additional calories through daily movement and exercise. Altogether, this is called your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE).
When your calorie intake falls below that number, your body starts using stored energy, mainly from fat, to fill the gap. That’s how fat loss occurs.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “weight loss occurs when energy expenditure exceeds energy intake,” and sustained, modest calorie deficits over time are the most effective and safest path to long-term fat reduction.
The Myth Of The Perfect Table
A lot of pressure exists around Thanksgiving; for instance, the perfect meal, the perfect mood, and the perfect table where everyone gets along, the stuffing is crisp but not dry, and someone brings a tasty gluten-free dish.
But here’s the truth: Most of the time, people don’t remember how coordinated the centerpiece was. Instead, they remember who spilled something, who told the story they always tell, and who sat next to them and really listened.
We can spend hours planning menus and polishing silverware, but the most-meaningful moments tend to happen during the soft spaces, between the burned rolls and the awkward pauses.
If your table isn’t perfectly curated this year, then that’s OK. If the chairs don’t match or someone forgets the cranberry sauce or you end up eating off paper plates, then that’s OK, too. What matters is that someone showed up, someone shared a memory, and someone laughed with their whole body.
Although a perfect Thanksgiving doesn’t exist, a real one does exist. And real always wins.
Monthly Recipe: Apple Pie Dump Cake
Why have just one dessert when you can have two? Or, at least the spirit of two. That’s what you’ll enjoy in this apple pie dump cake. Like our beloved pecan pie dump cake, this dessert takes all the flavors, scents, and textures of one dessert and makes it into another—and an even easier one, at that.
This recipe calls for just five ingredients and five minutes of active time. The rest of the time is just waiting on the cake to bake. To make this easy (and far more tasty), we use cans of fried apples (look for them in the canned fruit aisle), not canned apple pie filling. That’s gloopy, overly sweet filling just won’t do when we want the warm and fragrant spices of real apple pie.
A box of spiced cake mix with some oats for added texture lend this dessert that fully-from-scratch flavor. Served warm with a scoop of ice cream, this dessert hits all those warm and cozy notes you want from homemade pie—er, cake.
For more go to: Apple Pie Dump Cake
What Pie Matches Your Sign
Let’s be honest: Your personality definitely pairs with dessert.
Aries (March 21–April 19): Spicy Pumpkin Pie
Bold and classic but never boring. You bring the heat and aren’t afraid of a little nutmeg with attitude.
Taurus (April 20–May 20): French Silk Pie
Luxurious, rich, and unapologetically indulgent. You’re here for second helpings and soft blankets.
Gemini (May 21–June 20): Banoffee Pie
Slightly chaotic, somewhat charming, and somehow both banana and toffee. People don’t always get it, but they always come back for more.
Cancer (June 21–July 22): Apple Crumble Pie
Warm, soft-centered, and full of comfort. You bring emotional depth and the best leftovers.
Leo (July 23–Aug. 22): Key Lime Pie
Bright, dramatic, and hard to ignore. You’re a zesty spotlight-stealer with flair and just the right amount of tart.
Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): Pecan Pie (with a perfect lattice crust)
Classic with a technical twist. You’re detail-oriented, deeply dependable, and secretly sweet beneath that organized exterior.
Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Cherry Pie
Balanced, beautiful, and slightly messy but in a charming and poetic way. You bring the aesthetics and the emotional depth.
Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): Dark Chocolate Chess Pie
Mysterious, intense, and not for the faint of heart. You’re unforgettable and maybe even dangerous.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): Sweet Potato Pie With Toasted Marshmallows
Adventurous, warm, and slightly unexpected. You tell stories, make people laugh and light the top on fire (in a good way).
Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19): Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pie
Steady, underrated, and surprisingly delightful. You don’t need flash to be iconic; you need only a solid crust and a legacy.
Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): Matcha Custard Pie
Unexpected, innovative, and totally different than whatever everyone else brought. You probably made it yourself, too.
Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20): Lemon Meringue Pie
Soft, soulful, and layered. You dream in whipped peaks and golden edges, and you bring feelings to the table, whether or not anyone is ready.
A Star That Wouldn’t Die
In a cosmic plot twist, scientists recently watched a dying star behave in a way no one expected. For four years, a supernova called SN 2023zkd flared, faded, and flared again defying the typical star-death storyline. The likely culprit? A black hole.
Researchers believe this star was orbiting a black hole and slowly getting ripped apart before exploding. Normally, supernovae are quick flashes in the sky, but this one dragged on like a dramatic farewell tour. It’s one of the most-unusual star deaths ever seen, and AI was the first to spot it.
This discovery offers rare insight into how black holes interact with stars and could change how we understand the end-of-life behavior of massive stars.
Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday, 11/27.
May your Thanksgiving be rich with gratitude, sweet memories, and time spent with the people who make life feel lighter and more beautiful. Sending warm wishes to you and yours.
The Science Of Gratitude: A Little Thanks Goes A Long Way
Gratitude is more than a warm, fuzzy feeling; it’s a biological boost to your brain and body.
Studies using fMRI scans have shown that practicing gratitude activates the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex, which is the region associated with emotional regulation and moral cognition.
Remarkably, this activation can persist for weeks after a gratitude practice ends, which suggests lasting effects on the brain’s wiring.
But the benefits don’t stop at the neurological level. According to a 2021 article from Harvard Health Publishing, consistent expressions of gratitude are linked to improved sleep, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and stronger social bonds. In other words, regularly reflecting on what you’re thankful for isn’t just nice; it’s neuroscience-backed self-care.
And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to write a novel or maintain a daily journal. Even simple habits, such as texting a friend “thinking of you today” or jotting down three things that went right this week, can help rewire your brain for greater resilience, joy, and connection.
SL: 6 Little Luxuries That Make Any Guest Room Feel More Welcoming
From Southern Living, “Hosting overnight guests (and doing it well) is an art that requires attention to detail. However, that also means it’s those small, thoughtful, and often affordable touches that make all the difference.
No one knows how to put together a hospitable guest room quite like a designer, but especially a Southern one. So, we turned to three of them to share what five things we should all be adding to our guest rooms to make them feel more cozy.”
For more go to: 6 Things That Make Your Guest Room More Welcoming
Negotiate For What You Want
Whether you are shopping at a flea market, deciding on next year’s vacation site, or making a contract, lawyer G. Richard Shell says success starts long before the haggling.
First, you have to know what you want most, what you want if that is not possible, and what you will settle for.
Cooperative people may not be clear about what they want most. They should write down their goals, discuss them with friends, and remind themselves that they deserve what they want.
Competitive people are good at aggressively going for what they want. But they should think about how others are affected by their manner and demands, pay attention to the range of goals, and focus more on maintaining goodwill.
Let the other person make the first offer. They may be willing to extend more or take less than you expected. If you have to, make the first offer and ask for your best possible outcome, and be ready to back it up with evidence.
Keep concessions small. Making big trade-offs too soon weakens your position. Keep asking questions during the negotiation. Shell, a professor of legal studies at the Wharton School of Business, says you could find that the obstacle is not what you think it is. After agreement, obtain a commitment.
Don’t Fall For Debt Collection Scams
Sometimes scammers try to get you to pay for debts you don’t owe or don’t exist at all. That’s a debt collection scam — but you can and should check on the collector and the supposed debt before you pay.
If a debt collector calls you, they are required to provide a debt validation notice within five days. This will give the name of the collection agency, the creditor, the account number connected to the debt, and the amount of the debt. If you don’t believe you owe the debt, you can send a letter requesting that the collector provide clear evidence of the debt. Never share any personal information, like a social security number, with a debt collector. You should also check your credit report.
Quotes
Most people are awaiting Virtual Reality; I’m awaiting virtuous reality. —Eli Khamarov
I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days, before you actually left them. —Andy Bernard
Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. —Eckhart Tolle
Set wide the window. Let me drink the day. —Edith Wharton
Just because things hadn’t gone the way I had planned didn’t necessarily mean they had gone wrong. —Ann Patchett
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.
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER:
- Sat 12/6: Jersey Village Multiple Open Houses: 15301 Ashburton, 16529 De Lozier, & 16325 Jersey Hollow from 1-4PM
- Sat 12/13: Deerfield Village Multiple Open Houses: 18307 Harrow Hill from 1-3PM
- Sat 12/20: Woodwind Lakes Multiple Open Houses: 9430 Oratorio Ct from 1-3PM
ACTIVE LISTINGS:
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
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. Video: https://youtu.be/uw0AH7L-BKs
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. Video: https://youtu.be/_OZNqwIYMVc 
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. Video: https://youtu.be/bbIHHuSu8Ow
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. Video: https://youtu.be/Egb0iVQ5W4s
PENDING SALES:
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. Video: https://youtu.be/3h1ZOcs0CWk
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER SOLDS OR LEASED:
13114 Foxburo in Tower Oaks Meadows – (77065) – REPRESENTED BUYER: FOR SALE $255,000 – UNDER CONTRACT IN 4 DAYS – www.har.com/35366659 – 1-story, 1460sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage. Renovated 3 bed, 2 bath shines with freshly painted interior & exterior, new vinyl flooring throughout, new light fixtures, new kitchen, new landscaping, 2022 roof, & much more! Remodeled kitchen impresses with new custom cabinetry, new stainless-steel appliances, new deep single-basin sink, plus a sunny bay-window dining nook. The light filled living space features airy vaulted ceilings with beam detail & is anchored by a beautiful brick fireplace. Spacious primary is complete with bay window, large closet, & en-suit bath. Both baths have been thoughtfully refreshed over the years. Enormous backyard offers room to play, garden, & entertain. Home is tucked toward the end of a low-traffic dead-end street. Enjoy quick access to HWY 290, I-249 Tomball Pkwy, & Beltway 8, plus the neighborhood pool/park/playground are just a few blocks away. NO HOA. Walking distance to the elementary school. Homes with this combination of updates, location, & lot size are rare.
8602 Rauch Ct in Jersey Village – (77040) – REPRESENTED SELLER: FOR SALE $395,000 – MULTIPLE OFFERS / UNDER CONTRACT IN 5 DAYS – www.har.com/76117148 – Rare 1-story, 2211sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3 car garage, & saltwater pool. Updates: Fully re-piped w/ PEX (2025); Roof w/ transferrable warranty (2024); Pool replastered & changed to salt water chlorination system (2020); Trane high-efficiency HVAC installed (2017); Interior paint (2025)! Spacious family w/ high ceiling, gas/wood-burning FP, & wall of windows overlooking courtyard (6 double pane windows). Floorplan revolves around courtyard that provides privacy & lots of natural light! Bright white kitchen w/ glasstop cooktop, convection oven, MW (2025), DW (2021). Ref incl (2020). Formal dining or study. Owner’s suite w/ granite, 2 sinks, walk-in closet, & walk-in shower. 3 secondary bdrms w/ carpet & generous closets. Guest bath w/ granite, 2 sinks, & sep bathing area w/ tub shower. Det 3-car garage. Large fully fenced backyard w/ saltwater pool, mesh safety fence, storage shed (10×8), full lawn sprinklers. Video: https://youtu.be/z9uvtG7gIj0
16218 Capri in Jersey Village – (77040) – REPRESENTED SELLER: FOR SALE $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 
1726 Summerlyn Terrace in Spring Branch – (77080) – REPRESENTED LANDLORD: FOR LEASE – $2,600 – www.har.com/88462131 – 2-story, 1991sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage in gated community. Pulte home is 4 yrs young & only minutes away from I-10, Bltwy 8, & Hwy 290 making it extremely accessible to Memorial City, City Centre, Galleria, & Downtown. Energy efficient w/ double pane windows, radiant barrier, high-efficiency HVAC. Open floorplan w/ wood-like tile. Spacious living w/ room for sectional sofa. Breakfast/Dining. Large island kitchen w/ 42in cabs, Silestone counters, tile backsplash, gas cooktop, oven, DW, & pantry. 1st flr view of BEAUTIFUL backyard w/ covered patio. Wood stairs w/ wrought iron spindles. All 3 bdrms up. Owner’s ensuite bath w/ 2 sinks, soaking tub, shower w/ bench, & walk-in closet. 2 secondary bdrms + full bath. Large 2nd flr utility. Ref, W & D incl. Front & back sprinklers. Attached 2-car garage. HOA INCLUDES WATER, SEWER, TRASH, ACCESS GATE & COMMON GROUNDS. Dog park & guest parking. Close to shopping, restaurants, Spring Branch ISD! Pets on case-by-case: up to 2 small dogs. No cats. No smokers. MOVE-IN READY. Video: https://youtu.be/yK0NKUU3CgU
12243 Fetlock in Steeplechase – (77065) – REPRESENTED TENANT: FOR LEASE – $1,850 – www.har.com/32095436 – 1-story, 1748sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage. Enjoy this 1-story home with an oversized covered porch that has dual outdoor ceiling fans, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Home has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms that are updated with granite/quartz countertops. Has laminate or tile floors throughout home. Spacious kitchen includes refrigerator, mounted tv, gas stove, above-stove microwave, large sink with matching faucet, along with a breakfast bar. Living room has soaring ceiling, ceiling fan, additional recessed lighting, a wood burning fireplace flanked by floor to ceiling windows. Opposite den wall has 4 large symmetric cutouts to increase the open concept floorplan, even more. For added comfort this property comes with a generator. Home has quick access to Hwy 290 and Beltway 8, is close to supermarkets, malls, restaurants, and shopping centers and is zoned to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD schools. Community offers parks, playgrounds, pool & walking trails for exercise or leisure in a quiet, friendly atmosphere.
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 RAKES IN ANOTHER MONTH OF GROWTH AS PRICES STAY STEADY
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
December
The Gift Of Small Moments
As 2025 winds to a close, we tend to think about the big milestones: the goals we set, the challenges we faced, and the changes that shaped our year. But sometimes the most-lasting gifts are the small, everyday moments that quietly leave their mark.
Those moments might be the smile from a stranger when you least expected it, the laugh shared with family around a messy dinner table, or the relief of a friend arriving when you needed help. These little sparks of kindness and connection truly light up the season.
The holidays remind us that generosity doesn’t always come wrapped in paper or tied with bows. It can be as simple as holding open the door, listening with patience or making space for someone else’s joy. When we add up these small acts, they create something bigger: a community in which people feel seen and cared for.
As we step into this holiday season and look forward to 2026, let’s carry this thought with us that the best gifts aren’t always bought, and the best moments are often the simplest. Together, those moments shape a brighter story for everyone.
Little acts of kindness and connection can become the biggest treasures of all.
~ Elisa McNinch, Realtor
December Blues
Have you ever noticed that December stirs up more stories, tears, reflection, and longing?
Science gives us a few seasonal, biological, and deeply human reasons why December feels different, other than the holidays:
Light, Sleep, and Rhythm. Shorter days disrupt our internal clocks. Less light lowers serotonin (our mood stabilizer) and increases melatonin (our sleep regulator). The result? More fatigue and more wistfulness.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For some people, the shift is sharper. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that late fall often begins SAD symptoms, such as low energy, mood dips, sleep changes, and even social withdrawal.
Memory & Meaning. December also cues reflection. The year’s end naturally invites us to take stock, and our brains are wired to revisit unfinished stories or unresolved emotions. That mix of nostalgia and longing can weigh heavily on some people.
Social Contrast. Holiday gatherings, media, and traditions amplify comparisons. If life doesn’t look like the highlight reels, then the gap between expectation and reality can deepen sadness.
However, brains are adaptable. Small actions, such as being outside during daylight, using bright lights indoors, moving your body or maintaining social connections, help reset mood and energy.
Although December might carry extra weight, it can sharpen our awareness of what matters most. By leaning into the season with gentleness and intention, we can turn the blues into an invitation: to rest, to reconnect and to begin again.
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
– Albert Camus
SL: 8 Things You Can Add To Mop Water For Fresher-Smelling Floors
From Southern Living, “Get a good clean and great smell at the same time.
While I’m not a fan of mopping (because really, who wants to carry around a heavy bucket and wear their back out scrubbing floors?), I’m a huge fan of the outcome: the fresh smell. Even when I make a simple solution of warm water and soap, there’s a subtle scent that lingers in the air for a short period of time. Curious to know if there’s anything else I can add to my mop water to give my floors and even better smell, I spoke to two cleaning experts for their favorite mop water additions. Here are the eight things they said you can add to mop water for fresher-smelling floors. I can’t wait to try them!”
For more go to: 8 Things You Can Add To Mop Water For Fresh-Smelling Floors
What To Do With Leftover Candles
(No need to toss them; repurpose them beautifully instead.)
Although the holidays may be over, the scents of pine, cinnamon, and vanilla often linger thanks to half-burned candles. Instead of tossing those jars of leftover wax, try one of these creative and sustainable ways to give them new life.
1. Make a New Candle
Do you have a few candles with similar scents or colors? If so, then combine them into one fresh creation.
How: Gently melt the remaining wax in a double boiler, then pour into a clean glass jar, mug, or teacup. Add a new wick (easy to find online or at craft stores) and let it set.
2. DIY Wax Sachets
Bring a gentle fragrance to closets and drawers, with no flame required.
How: Pour melted wax into silicone molds or muffin tins, then sprinkle in dried herbs, flower petals, citrus peel, or a drop of essential oil. Add twine if you’d like to hang them. These sachets make thoughtful gifts or a natural way to refresh linens.
3. Homemade Fire Starters
This idea is perfect for cozy nights by the fire or your next camping trip.
How: Fill old egg cartons with shredded paper, dryer lint, or small pinecones. Pour melted wax over the top, let harden, then cut apart. They light quickly and burn long. Bonus points if you gift them with a box of matches!
4. Repurpose the Jars
Instead of tossing those pretty vessels, clean them out with hot water and dish soap, then reuse for:
- Cotton rounds or Q-tips
- Loose tea, herbs, or salt
- Hair ties, jewelry, or bobby pins
- A mini succulent planter or bud vase
5. Layered “Surprise” Candles
Turn scraps into a one-of-a-kind statement piece.
How: Pour a thin layer of melted wax into a jar and let it harden before adding the next one. Continue layering different colors or scents. The result is a striped candle that changes fragrance as it burns, similar to a scent journey.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas on December 25. May this Christmas bring quiet moments of joy, sweet memories, and the soft kind of magic that reminds us what truly matters.
A+ For Winter Wellness
‘Tis the season for vitamin A, found in abundance in such winter favorites as sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, and squash. Known for supporting vision, skin health, and a strong immune system.
Vitamin A plays a starring role in maintaining your health through colder months. It’s also fat-soluble, so pairing it with olive oil or avocado helps your body absorb more of the good stuff. Whether roasted, pureed, or tucked into a soup, it’s a delicious way to nourish from the inside out.
The Success Factor
Woody Allen once offered a line that has since become a widely accepted axiom: “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
In an interview with The Motley Fool, he explained where that thought came from:
“I made the statement years ago which is often quoted, that 80 percent of life is showing up. People used to tell me they wanted to write a play, a movie, a novel. The few who actually sat down and did it were already 80 percent of the way there. Everyone else struck out without ever stepping up to the plate.
Once you actually do the thing—write the script, draft the novel—you’re more than halfway toward something good happening. That’s the life lesson that has held up. All the others have failed me.”
The message is simple: progress requires action. Whatever you want to achieve, you must begin, even if the starting point isn’t perfect.
That might mean taking a training class, enrolling in a college course, or simply opening a blank document to start your novel. Maybe you want to become a citizen, buy a home, or simply move your career forward.
The formula is the same: get up, dress up, show up…and keep going.
Fast Lane For Families
Air travel with children is rarely simple. Parents juggle strollers, diaper bags, car seats, and the occasional toddler tantrum while trying to keep pace in a busy security line. To make the process smoother, the TSA is launching a new program called “Families on the Fly.”
The initiative will provide a dedicated security lane for families who have young children. By having their own line, parents can move at the pace they need to fold strollers, manage bags, and calm fussy kids without feeling rushed or pressured by the crowd behind them.
The program was first tested at Orlando
International Airport, where it proved a success. Families moved through security with less stress, and other travelers benefited from shorter and faster-moving lines. Because parents and children were in their own lane, business travelers and solo flyers could pass through security more efficiently, too.
SL: The Best Things To Do In Grapevine, The Christmas Capital Of Texas
From Southern Living, “Hallmark Channel, this town is calling your name.
Christmas can’t be officially trademarked, but historic Grapevine, Texas, just north of Dallas and Fort Worth, has given it a shot. The state senate issued a proclamation more than a decade ago declaring this town the Christmas Capital of Texas.
Over the holiday season, Grapevine hosts 1,400 events in just 40 days, including the biggest Christmas parade in North Texas that features more than 100 floats. You’ll see enough string lights to outshine the runway at DFW Airport. To round out your Christmas getaway, visit the town’s many shops and boutiques, as well as bustling bistros and wineries, that are all in on the festive fun. With more businesses opening in this festive town each year, it’s sure to become a favorite holiday destination you’ll return to for Christmases to come. Here’s how to spend a spirited weekend in Grapevine, Texas.”
Seeing Santa Claus
A grandmother took her grandson to the shopping mall in December to see Santa Claus. The young boy was very excited to sit on Santa’s lap.
“Now, little boy,” Santa said, “tell Santa what you want for Christmas.”
In a very loud voice, the boy said, “I want a
NINTENDO, and a NEW BIKE, and some BOOKS, and—”
“You don’t have to shout,” Santa chuckled. “Santa isn’t hard of hearing.”
The boy leaned forward and whispered, “No, but my grandma is.”
Stress Dreams Are Universal
It’s finals week during your last semester of college, and you realize something terrible: You have to take the final exam for a class you forgot to attend all semester. How could this happen? How could you be so irresponsible?
You jolt awake with a gasp, and it takes you several seconds to remember something: You finished college 20 years ago.
So why do you keep having dreams like this?
You’re not alone, according to the Atlantic. Dreams about school stress are incredibly common among adults, even decades after they finish their formal educations. While some wake up in a panic about a class they never attended, others dream about exams written in hieroglyphics or showing up to school in unusual clothes.
As Harvard dream researcher Deirdre Barrett explains, these dreams often occur when we’re anxious in our waking lives, and they reflect formative early experiences of success or failure or interactions with powerful authority figures.
But why do we have these dreams over and over, and why are they the same in so many people? Some researchers say that it might be an evolutionary advantage. Our prehistoric ancestors were surrounded by threats, and dreams provided a safe space to practice detecting and evading predators. Unfortunately, in our modern environment and culture, this mechanism has evolved with us to create dreams about finding out that you must return to high school at age 47 to re-take calculus.
SL: This Beloved Houston Pie Shop Was About To Close—Until The Community Stepped In
From Southern Living, “You should be able to break a pie crust by staring at it a little bit too hard. If it’s picture perfect, it’s not a good crust, and that’s just how it is,” says Heather Leeson as she whisks me through the small production area behind the counter at Flying Saucer Pie Co. in Houston’s Independence Heights neighborhood.”
For more go to: Flying Saucer Pie Company
A Fun Gift For You And Your Dog
If you are looking for a useful and fun place to go with your dog, try training classes — it can be a great experience for both of you.
Most localities have dog training groups that hold classes indoors for the winter (and possibly all year round). You’ll find classes are arranged in different categories: puppy classes, basic training classes, trick classes, and agility classes, to name a few.
Even older dogs can benefit from basic training classes, and so can an owner. You can learn how to walk the dog without pulling, for example, and socialize the dog to other canines — useful for visiting dog parks and just walking around town.
Classes usually involve 10 to 15 people, all of whom get a certificate at the end of the training.
Quotes
Whatever it is you’re seeking won’t come in the form you’re expecting. – Haruki Murakami
Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. – Eckhart Tolle
Just because things hadn’t gone the way I had planned didn’t necessarily mean they had gone wrong. —Ann Patchett
Set wide the window. Let me drink the day. – Edith Wharton
October 2025 Trivia Answer
Question: Which U.S. president made Halloween an official holiday at the White House by hosting the first-ever trick-or-treating event there?
Answer: President John F. Kennedy
Congratulations to Teri Dykman!
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!
November & December 2025 Trivia Questions
You have TWO opportunities to win a $50 gift cards. Answer trivia questions for November, December, or both.
November Question: What country did pumpkins originate?
December Question: What popular holiday song was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas?
Everyone who contacts Elisa via email (Elisa@BrunerTeam.com) or phone (832-746-7911) with the correct answer by December 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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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