The Quiet Work of Growth
August is a season of transition in the garden. The bright energy of summer begins to soften, evenings grow a little cooler, and plants quietly prepare for the arrival of fall. One of the most important late-summer plants is milkweed, a wildflower often overlooked despite the life it supports.
Most famous for hosting monarch butterfly caterpillars, milkweed is the only plant monarchs rely on to lay their eggs and feed their young. By August, its leaves are often covered with striped caterpillars preparing for transformation. Milkweed also protects them naturally through compounds called cardenolides, which make the monarch less appealing to predators.
But monarchs are only part of milkweed’s story. Bees, moths, birds, and countless pollinators depend on their fragrant lavender blooms and nourishing habitat. As summer winds down, the flowers give way to seed pods that eventually burst open, sending silky seeds drifting through the warm late-summer air.
Milkweed reminds us that some of the most valuable things in nature are often the easiest to overlook. As August bridges the fullness of summer with the approach of autumn, it offers a quiet reminder that growth, change, and renewal are always happening just beneath the surface.
Late summer has a way of slowing us down enough to notice the details we may have missed earlier in the season, from drifting seed pods to the steady work of pollinators preparing for what comes next.
In many ways, gardens in August are not simply winding down. They are preparing, adapting, and carrying the beauty of one season forward into another.
~ 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.
NEW 3-D Interactive Floorplans now available via:
ACTIVE LISTINGS:
16405 Smith St in Jersey Village – (77070) – FOR SALE – $469,900 – www.har.com/56469455 – 2-story, 3294sqft home with 3 or 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2-car garage. *REMARKABLE* Traditional English Tudor-style home nestled beneath mature shade trees on a quiet street in the heart of Jersey Village. NEVER FLOODED. Roof (2023); brick & Hardie exterior; 3-zoned HVACs; copper piping; tile & wood laminate (NO carpet). Versatile floorplan offers SPACIOUS 1st flr Game Rm w/ spiral staircase leading to loft & private Study—ideal for a home office or hobbies. 1st flr Primary Bdrm w/ 2 closets & remodeled spa bath (2021) w/ dual sinks, standalone tub & walk-in shower. Family Rm w/ floor-to-ceiling brick gas log FP, vaulted beamed ceiling, & windows overlooking yard. Dining Rm w/ wet bar. Kitchen w/ hardwood cabinetry & quartz. 2nd flr: 2 large bdrms w/ walk-in closets, EACH w/ its own updated ensuite bath (Baths #2 & #3). “Flex” Space could easily become Bdrm #4. Utility w/ gas & elec conn. Covered pergola overlooks fenced backyard. Sprinklers. Det 2-car garage. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video
14618 N. Eldridge Parkway in Hunterwood Forest – (77070) – FOR SALE – $395,000 – www.har.com/6193592 – 2-story, 3280sqft home with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2-car garage. *TIMELESS CLASSIC* Longtime owners selling beloved, beautifully maintained French-style home w/ 4 bdrms, 3.5 baths, 2-car det garage in the heart of Hunterwood. Circular driveway provides abundant off-street parking. Roof (2015); Whole-house PEX re-pipe (2016); 2 zoned HVAC systems; Water heater (2025). Designed for the way families truly live. Elegant curved staircase. Private study. Kitchen w/ granite, glass cooktop, convec oven, under-cab lighting, & ample cabinetry. Spacious Family Rm w/ gas log FP & view of backyard. Formal dining or 2nd study. 1st flr Owner’s retreat w/ 2 sinks, garden tub, shower, & 2 walk-in closets. 2nd flr: Gameroom, 3 sizeable bdrms, 2 full baths. Bdrm #2 could be a 2nd primary or guest suite w/ ensuite bath. Backyard retreat w/ large covered patio, lush landscaping, sprinklers, & fully fenced backyard. Never flooded. Neighborhood pool, tennis, & more. Close to shopping, restaurants, & schools. Ready for its next chapter. Perhaps that chapter begins with you. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video
16217 Lakeview in Jersey Village – (77040) – FOR SALE – $440,900 – www.har.com/96733438 – 2-story, 2518sqft home with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage. *CHARMING* Longtime owners of 23yrs selling their beloved home. Amenities: Roof (2016); Double pane windows (2008); Whole-house generator (2011); High-efficiency HVAC (AC 2009 & heater 2022); Blown insulation; Replaced w/ copper plumbing (95%); Hardie board siding on house; Garage door (2020); Exterior workshop or shed w/ electric, insulation, window AC; Ring doorbell & camera sys; & MORE. Wood-like tile flrs in formal living & dining. Kitchen w/ Silestone, under-cab lighting, double convection ovens (2011), DW (2023), & lighted pantry. Spacious family rm w/ wood-burning brick FP w/ gas & wall of windows. 1st flr primary w/ remodeled bath w/ 2 vanities, 2 walk-in closets, & shower (2007). Utility W&D incl. 2nd flr: 3 bdrms, generous closets, & updated bath (2006). Det 2-car garage + carport (GREAT COVERED PATIO &/OR PICKUP TRUCK PARKING!) Pool-sized backyard w/ mature shade trees. Sprinkler sys. Natural gas grill. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video
15310 Philippine in Jersey Village – (77040) – PRICE REDUCED – $497,500 – www.har.com/42955888 – 1-story with 2655sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage. *STUNNING* Gorgeous 1-story home elevated out of the 100-yr flood plain in 2025. Roof w/ architectural shingles & gutters (2024); high-efficiency 16-SEER HVAC (2019); Ace Duraflow epoxy coated pipes (2007); kitchen & 2 full baths updated (2016); circular driveway; iron driveway gate; re-graded yard & new sprinkler sys (2025); & more! Behind 2-car garage (522sqft), BONUS FLEX SPACE (492sqft) features dedicated HVAC, water heater, 1/2 bath, plush carpeting, & plumbing for future full bath. Incredible versatility for home office, gym, gameroom, or future MIL apt/quarters conversion. Island kitchen w/ granite, under-cab lighting, ample cabinetry, 2 pantries. Formal living & dining. SPACIOUS family w/ vaulted ceiling & stacked stone gas/wood FP. Primary Suite w/ 2 sinks, oversized shower, jetted tub, & 2 closets. GENEROUS CLOSET & STORAGE SPACE! Study/Bdrm #4 w/ French doors. Refrig incl. Ideal location for commuters w/ easy access to 290 @ Bltwy 8. Walking distance to JVHS & Post Elem. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video- 312 Travis St in Downtown Richmond – (77469
) – FOR SALE – $174,900 – www.har.com/10014370 – Charming 1-story with 851sqft, 3 bedrooms, 1-bath home located only 6-blocks from historic downtown Richmond. Great opportunity for a new buyer to personalize and customize to make it their own OR investor to use as an rental property. Amenities: Roof (2017), re-pied w/ PEX plumbing (2020), central heating & air via a 13-SEER heat pump w/ electric backup (2014), electrical panel (2014), sewer line (2017), walk-in shower (2021), tile flooring throughout (2009), interior paint (2026). Kitchen w/ tile countertops, gas range, microwave, & refrigerator. Ceramic tile throughout is easy to maintain. 3 bedrooms w/ ceiling fans & lots of natural light. Bath w/ walk-in shower. Ample parking on the side of the house. 100-yr old oak tree canopies the backyard. 10x8ft storage shed is perfect for securing lawn equipment, work tools, or creating a workshop. Home’s exterior is brick & wood. Enjoy no HOA. Close to fire dept, James Long Elementary, daycare, churches, & so much more. Low tax rate: 2.19. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video
PENDING SALES:
5211 Lamonte in Mangum Manor – (77092) – FOR SALE – $245,900 – www.har.com/17259759 – 1-story, 1568sqft home with 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1-car garage. *LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!* Charming 3 bedroom home in Mangum Manor featuring timeless 4-sided brick construction, ROOF REPLACED 2022, & freshly painted (2026)! Original HARDWOOD FLOORS flow through much of home. Flexible floorplan offers generous Living, versatile Dining, & Bedroom #3 that could also serve as a Study. Bonus Room off the Primary Bedroom is ideal for a Office, Nursery, Exercise or Hobby Room & features a lighted walk-in closet with access to the Utility Room. Kitchen offers gas range, microwave, dishwasher, & functional U-shaped design ready for your personal updates. Pavered patio overlooks fully fenced backyard with plenty of room to garden, play, or entertain. 1-car attached garage. Low tax rate, voluntary HOA & convenient access to Hwy 290, Loop 610, shopping, restaurants, & walking distance to Wainwright Elementary. Whether you choose to enjoy it just as it is or make updates over time, this home offers the flexibility to create a space that’s uniquely your own. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video
JULY / AUGUST SOLDS / LEASED:
9311 Cantata Ct in Woodwind Lakes – (77040) – FOR LEASE – – $2,350 a month – www.har.com/67694690 – 1-story cottage-style home with 1692sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage. ***AVAILABLE 6/15*** Lovely Victorian nestled on a quiet street in the GATED community of Woodwind Lakes. Built by David Weekley. Energy efficient Daikn HVAC sstem (furnace & AC) 2025. Home features a front porch – perfect for rockers. Formal Dining/Study. Island Kitchen w/ granite, elec range, MW, DW, breakfast bar, & pantry. Refrigerator, washer, & dryer incl. Spacious Living w/ gas log FP & windows overlooking back. Wood laminate flooring, High ceilings & Crown molding. Primary Bdrm w/ French doors to yard, ensuite bath w/ 2 sinks, shower & garden tub, & walk-in closet. 2 secondary bdrms w/ carpet & full bath w/ vessel sink & tub shower. Fully fenced yard. Alarm. 2-car garage w/ openers & 2-car wide drive. Woodwind Lake amenities: Lake & walking trail, swimming pool, playground, etc. Pets considered on case-by-case basis. No smokers. YouTube Video
***312 TRAVIS ST in RICHMOND (77469)*** Join me on SUNDAY, 7/9 FROM 12-2PM Great location as this home is walking distance to historic downtown Richmond, nearby churches, and shops. Great home for first-time home buyer, empty nester, or investor.
***MULTIPLE OPEN HOUSES IN HUNTERWOOD FOREST (77070)*** Join us on SATURDAY, 8/15 FROM 1-4PM as listing agents collaborate to have their homes open to the public (although some may be a different times). You & your family can tour homes of varying ages, sizes, amenities, & price points. If you’ve been searching for your perfect home in Hunterwood Forest, come take a look at our incredible properties and all this community has to offer. Don’t miss this opportunity!
***MULTIPLE OPEN HOUSES IN THE CITY OF JERSEY VILLAGE (77040)*** Join us on SATURDAY, 8/22 FROM 1-4PM as listing agents collaborate to have their homes open to the public (although some may be a different times). You & your family can tour homes of varying ages, sizes, amenities, & price points. If you’ve been searching for your perfect home in the City of Jersey Village, come take a look at our incredible properties and all this community has to offer. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Texas’ Tax-Free Weekend
Sales Tax Holiday Weekend is Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9. From Texas Comptroller, “The Comptroller encourages all taxpayers to support Texas businesses while saving money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) during the annual Tax-Free weekend. Qualifying items can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. In most cases, you do not need to give the seller an exemption certificate to buy qualifying items tax free.
The 2026 sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 7, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9.
The sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items you buy during the sales tax holiday. Items you buy before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.
For a list of qualifying items, please go to: Texas’s Tax-Free Weekend
August 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: August Events in Houston 2026
Houston Mom’s: Happenings in Houston in August
Kids Out and About.com: August activities in & around Houston
101 Family Day Trips Around Houston
Hot Days, Healthy Heart
August is often the hottest and most humid stretch of the year. Even as hints of fall begin to appear, late summer can place extra strain on the body, especially for anyone living with heart disease or high blood pressure. While sunny days and outdoor activities remain part of the season’s appeal, it is important to recognize how extreme heat affects the heart.
As temperatures rise, your heart works harder to keep the body cool. For every degree your body temperature increases, your heart may beat about ten additional times per minute. Healthy hearts can usually manage the extra effort, but for people with cardiovascular conditions or prolonged heat, humidity can become dangerous. Dehydration adds to the strain by thickening the blood and forcing the heart to work even harder. According to the American Heart Association, heat-related cardiovascular risks are expected to increase as summers grow hotter and longer.
The good news is that a few simple precautions can make a major difference. Try to limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Drink water consistently throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, and take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. If you take heart or blood pressure medications, speak with your doctor about whether heat may affect how they work.
Late summer is still a season to enjoy, but August is also a reminder to slow down when needed and pay attention to your body. Listening to the signs of heat exhaustion early can help protect your heart and allow you to safely enjoy the final weeks of summer.
Monthly Recipe: Spiced Peach Crumbled Bars
From Southern Living, “The 1 Peach Recipe You Have To Make Before Summer Ends. Our Spiced Peach Crumble Bars are the dessert of the season.
I thought I knew what a peach tasted like. Then, I moved to the South. There is truly nothing like the sort that grows down here. Juicy, sweet, but also bright and slightly tart, I could live without the humidity down here, but I suppose it’s a fair trade for such great stone fruit.
If I’m honest, though, the peaches are usually so good I’m hardly tempted to bake with them. The most I might do is quickly caramelize a split half in a skillet and top it with soft whipped cream. That is, until I have too many on the counter and not enough time to enjoy them so simply. That’s when I get the oven preheating.
Peach pie usually feels like too much fuss. Cobbler is delicious, but not something I crave often. But these Spiced Peach Crumble Bars with a jammy fruit center and buttery topping—well, they hit the sweet spot. ”
For more and the recipe go to: Spiced Peach Crumble Bars
National Aviation Day
Each year on August 19, National Aviation Day celebrates humanity’s long fascination with flight. For centuries, people dreamed of soaring through the sky, from the winged myths of ancient Greece to the kites, gliders, and balloons that slowly brought those dreams closer to reality.
Everything changed in 1903 when the Wright brother achieved the first successful powered flight at Kitty Hawk,
North Carolina. In just a few generations, aviation advanced from a
twelve second flight to jet travel, moon landings, and reusable rockets designed for future missions to Mars.
Today, every airplane overhead is a reminder of humanity’s endless curiosity and determination to reach farther than ever before.
Power That Follows You
Portable chargers have become part of everyday life, but a new invention from solar power company Jackery takes the idea much further. Unveiled at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, the Solar Mars Bot is a self-driving battery on wheels designed to follow both the sun and its owner.
The futuristic device can spend the day outdoors automatically tracking sunlight and recharging itself using retractable solar panels that generate up to six hundred watts of power. It can also follow a person around at walking speed, carrying a massive 5kWh power reserve capable of powering phones, laptops, appliances, and even a small cabin for days.
Built for outdoor use, the Solar Mars Bot is waterproof, rugged, and designed to handle demanding environments. Jackery believes it could eventually become a valuable tool for camping, rescue operations, off-grid homes, and van life enthusiasts looking for reliable portable energy.
The Solar Mars Bot has not been released yet, but it offers an exciting glimpse at how technology may change the future of portable power.
SL: 7 Things To Deep Clean Before The Kids Head Back To School
From Southern Living, “A little deep cleaning now can make those hectic school mornings feel much more manageable.
Most of the time during summer, your house is full, kids are home from school, and you might even take a vaction or two. As the end of summer approaches and the first day of school nears, it is the perfect time to deep clean a few areas and get ready for the year ahead. These little resets can help you prepare for a busy year and get your home organized so you don’t have to spend mornings looking for last-minute items.
You don’t need to deep clean every square inch of your house before the school bus arrives. Instead, focus on the areas that see the most use during the school year. A few targeted cleaning projects now can make your home feel fresher and help keep daily routines running more smoothly once everyone’s schedules get busy again. Here are eight things worth deep cleaning before the kids head back to school.”
For more go to: 7 Things To Deep Clean Before The Kids Head Back To School
The Truth About Fat
For years, fat was treated as the enemy of healthy eating. Low-fat products dominated grocery shelves throughout the 1980s and 1990s, leading many people to believe that all fat was unhealthy. Today, nutrition experts understand things very differently.
One of the biggest myths is that eating fat automatically causes weight gain. In reality, weight gain happens when the body takes in more calories than it burns, regardless of the source. Healthy fats found in foods like avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fish can actually help people feel fuller longer and support a balanced diet.
Another common misconception is that all fats harm the heart. In truth, unsaturated fats are considered beneficial for cardiovascular health, while trans fats and heavily processed foods remain the biggest concern. Moderation and overall eating habits matter far more than avoiding fat completely.
As late summer gives way to fall routines, it may be the perfect time to leave a few outdated food myths behind and focus on healthier, more balanced choices.
Are You Using Sunscreen Correctly?
Most people believe they use sunscreen properly, but health experts say many still apply too little or forget to reapply often enough. As August brings some of the strongest sun exposure of the year, protecting your skin remains just as important as it was at the start of summer.
Dermatologists recommend choosing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it at least fifteen minutes before going outdoors and make sure to cover commonly missed areas like the ears, scalp, shoulders, lips, and the backs of the legs. Lip balm with SPF protection can help prevent sun damage to sensitive skin around the mouth.
How sunscreen is applied matters, too. Lotion sunscreen should be used generously, about a shot glass amount for the entire body. Spray sunscreen should be applied until the skin visibly glistens, then rubbed in evenly for full coverage. Sunscreen sticks require several passes over the skin to provide proper protection.
Most importantly, sunscreen does not last all day. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
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 GAINS MOMENTUM IN JUNE
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
Keep Pests Out Before Fall Arrives
As August begins to wind down, many insects and rodents start searching for warm places to shelter before cooler weather arrives. Unfortunately, homes often become the perfect target. Taking a few preventative steps now can help keep unwanted pests from moving indoors later in the season. Late summer is the ideal time to seal up small openings, reduce moisture, and clear away outdoor areas where pests like to hide before fall temperatures send them searching for warmth. Even small cracks around doors, windows, and foundations can provide easy access once the weather cools. Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly tiny openings, making early prevention especially important. A little preparation now can help prevent larger and more costly problems later.
Seal cracks and gaps. Inspect the outside of your home for small openings around windows, foundations, doors, and utility pipes. Even tiny gaps can give pests a way inside.
Repair screens and door sweeps. Damaged window screens and worn door sweeps make it easier for insects and rodents to enter as temperatures begin to cool.
Trim plants away from the house. Overgrown shrubs, tree branches, and garden debris create hiding places for pests and easy pathways into the home.
Store firewood properly. Keep firewood, lumber, and other stacked materials at least twenty feet away from the house whenever possible.
Keep moisture under control. Damp basements, crawl spaces, and clogged gutters can attract insects. Use dehumidifiers if needed and make sure water drains away from the home.
Keep food sealed and surfaces clean. Crumbs, pet food, and unsealed pantry items can quickly attract pests searching for shelter and food sources.
SL: How To Ripen Bananas Overnight With 1 Simple Kitchen Trick
From Southern Living, ” It doesn’t get easier than this.
Waiting days for bananas to ripen can feel frustrating, especially when you have a recipe in mind that calls for soft, sweet, ripe bananas. Whether you’re making banana nut bread, muffins, pancakes, or even a cheesecake, the difference between a green banana and a perfectly ripe one can completely change the flavor and texture of the final dish.
The good news? You don’t have to wait it out. With one easy kitchen trick, you can help speed up the natural ripening process overnight.”
For more go to: How To Ripen Bananas Overnight
How To Protect Yourself From Porch Pirates
Package theft continues to rise as online shopping and home delivery become more common. Experts estimate that millions of packages are stolen each year, costing consumers billions of dollars annually. Taking a few precautions can help reduce the risk and make stolen deliveries easier to recover.
Avoid confrontation. If you witness a package theft, do not approach the thief directly. Your safety should always come first.
Document the incident. If it is safe to do so, take photos or video from a distance. Try to capture identifying details such as clothing, vehicles, or license plates.
Report the theft quickly. Contact local police and notify the retailer or delivery company as soon as possible. Many companies may offer replacements or refunds for stolen packages.
Use security devices. Video doorbells and outdoor security cameras can help deter thieves while also providing valuable evidence if a theft occurs.
Choose safer delivery options. Consider requiring a signature, using a lockbox, redirecting packages to a workplace or pickup locker, or scheduling deliveries when someone is home.
Stay connected with neighbors. Sharing information about suspicious activity can help others stay alert and may prevent additional thefts in the area.
The Real Cost Of Food Delivery
Food delivery apps make dinner incredibly convenient, but the true cost is often much higher than people realize. Restaurants frequently raise menu prices on delivery apps to help cover the commissions charged by third-party services. Then come the added service fees, delivery charges, and tips.
By the time a meal arrives at your door, the total can easily double compared to ordering in person. Financial analysts have found that some fast-food meals costing under $10 at the restaurant can end up closer to $20 or more through delivery apps.
Those extra charges may not seem significant at first, but they add up quickly over time. For many households, regular food delivery can quietly become one of the largest convenience expenses in the monthly budget.
SL: Hot Luck Fest Is Returning To Austin This October With An All-Star Chef Lineup
From Southern Living, “Hot Luck returns to Austin October 16-17, bringing its signature mix of live-fire cooking, drinks, and live music back to Franklin Barbecue and Assembly Hall. Tickets are now on sale at hotluckfest.com.
Friday, October 16: The festival kicks off on Friday with Giddy Up, Hot Luck’s signature live-fire feast at Franklin Barbecue. Inspired by backyard gatherings and the communal spirit of shared meals, Giddy Up puts chefs front and center, creating unique bites for a stroll-and-sample feast that sets the tone for the best-tasting weekend of the year. Following Giddy Up, Whole Enchilada pass holders receive complimentary admission to Hot Luck’s marquee music showcase at Mohawk, with performers to be announced soon.
Saturday, October 17: On Saturday, Hot Luck heads to Assembly Hall for House Party, the festival’s largest culinary event. Dozens of dishes, one lively indoor-outdoor party: chefs from across the country serving their most creative plates while the drinks stay cold and the music stays loud.
For more go to: Hot Luck 2026 in Austin, TX
Immediate Relief for Bee Stings
First aid for bee stings can be effectively managed with these steps recommended by Bottom Line Health. Begin by removing the stinger with a dull knife or a credit card, scraping it out carefully to avoid squeezing more venom into the skin. Next, moisten an Alka-Seltzer tablet to initiate fizzing upon application to the sting site. This reaction is beneficial because Alka-Seltzer contains baking soda to reduce inflammation and aspirin for pain relief. The fizzing action helps these components penetrate beneath the skin quickly, providing prompt relief from discomfort. It’s important to monitor for any signs of allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling beyond the sting site, or dizziness. Seek medical attention promptly if these symptoms occur, especially in individuals known to have severe reactions to bee stings.
Dive Into Fitness
Amidst the sweltering summer heat, that swimming pool looks inviting, so dive in for fun and fitness. Water exercise, also known as aqua fitness, is making a splash in the fitness world, providing a range of benefits for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Unlike traditional land-based workouts, water exercise offers a low-impact environment that is gentle on the joints while providing resistance and buoyancy. This combination creates an ideal setting for achieving cardiovascular fitness, building strength, and enhancing overall well-being.
Here are some easy water exercises:
- Water walking: This simple, yet effective exercise mimics the motion of walking or jogging on land, but with the added resistance of the water. Begin in waist-deep water and take brisk strides, engaging your arms for added propulsion. The water’s resistance provides a challenging workout.
- Aqua jogging: Similar to water walking, aqua jogging offers a fantastic cardiovascular workout without the stress on your joints. Strap on a buoyancy belt to maintain an upright position in the water, and then jog or run in place.
- Water aerobics: These group exercise sessions typically incorporate movements such as jumping jacks, leg kicks, arm exercises, and dance-inspired routines, all performed in waist-deep or chest-deep water.
July 2026 Trivia Answers
March Question: What is the largest desert in the world?
Answer: Antarctica (this one actually surprised me)
Winner: Melanie Davidson
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!
August 2026 Trivia Questions
Question: How many hearts does an octopus have?
Everyone who contacts Elisa via email (Elisa@BrunerTeam.com) or phone (832-746-7911) with the correct answer by August 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