Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Jul 15, 2010
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The sunny summer weather encourages outdoor entertaining. In Houston, we are fortunate enough to endure longer warmer months so spending time outside is really an extension of our home. Granted, I highly recommend shade and adding some outdoor fans, but when it comes to cool new furniture, modern comes to mind. Inspired to decorate my own patio, I found some pieces that are unique and exude ultra chic style. The first piece you see is called the "Maui Bed". It reminds me of my canopy bed but this one is not for the bedroom! Add some sheers to it and you are good to go and certainly the envy of patio elitists. Any trendy hotel better step aside. I found this piece at www.inmod.com and on sale for $1598.
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Jun 24, 2010
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What’s not to love about Houston? It’s a large city offering ample job opportunities, an affordable real estate market, the finest in arts & entertainment, exquisite cuisine, and to top it all off, the people are so friendly and philanthropic!
A recent study by “Charity Navigator” crowned Houston as 2nd best in the country in most charitable cities. The top 10 list includes Pittsburgh, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Kansas City, Miami, Orlando, Minneapolis/ St. Paul, New York City, and Washington D.C. To achieve the ranking, the cities were judged by performance levels based on fundraising efficiency, expenses, revenue growth, CEO compensation, total assets, etc. Houston’s median total contribution exceeded $5 million!
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Jun 24, 2010
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Designer extraordinaire Nancy Hill, has joined Blue Leaf, the Houston-based home furniture, accessories and unique treasures boutique snuggled in a quaint corner of Rice Village as sales manager. Ms. Hill joins an energetic and enthusiastic family of employees, adding the extensive experience she has in the home and furniture design business.
“We are elated to have Nancy join the Blue Leaf family. Her more than thirty years of experience in the industry, attention to detail, and enthusiasm will be an invaluable addition to the company,” said Cathy López Negrete, Blue Leaf owner and operator.
Ms. Hill has previously employed her talents in a wide array of companies and projects. She began in California at the 45,000-square-foot showroom for designers, Showplace South, and continued at Gallerie of Interiors. Nancy then started her own Newport Beach business, with projects as significant as furnishing and decorating a 30,000-square-foot Italian villa. Most recently, Nancy managed Houston retailer St. James Furniture and was a designer with Alyson Jon.
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Apr 23, 2010
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In prelude to the Grand Wine & Food Affair’s “Sienna Sip & Stroll” culinary celebratory event set for the public this Saturday, April 24 at the master planned community of Sienna Plantation, Builders and developer Johnson Development kicked off a pre-party with their favorite real estate agents. (View event photos at the end of this story)
Thursday, April 22nd at the beautiful resort style recreational center in Sienna Plantation, Realtors were wined and dined by new home builders such as Pulte Homes, Meritage Homes, Triumph Homes, and others. Besides the festive prize giveaways, mai tai drinks, wine, and catering provided by Berry Hill, the model homes were open for business showing off their latest floorplans and designs available for today’s homebuyers.
During April 21st thru the 25th, The Grand Wine & Food Affair celebrates its sixth year with more wineries, talented chefs and a host of culinary events to please the most persnickety palate. Fifty celebrated award-winning chefs from all over the United States to South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Spain and many others proudly offered exotic and sumptuous samplings. Over 100 wineries are in attendance to make five inspiring days truly memorable.
Posted by: Jen Roosth
on Apr 15, 2010
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Raise the Roof for Breast Cancer Research
Take a stroll through a fabulous European country home and join the fight against breast cancer. Tour Houston’s fifth Pink Ribbon House®, a designer showcase home being built to “raise the roof” for breast cancer research at The Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). The multi-million dollar showcase home located at 10807 Bridlewood Street in Hunters Creek Village will open for public tours April 16-18, and April 23-25, 2010. Chairs for the 2010 Pink Ribbon House® are Deb Parks, Trish Hayes and Gail Rauhut. Honorary Chairs are Diane and John Riley.
Established in 2003 by the Breast Center Advisory Council at BCM, the Pink Ribbon House® project raises funds and awareness for breast cancer research and patient care at BCM through the design, decorating and touring of showcase homes. Since its founding, the Pink Ribbon House® project has raised over $2 million for breast cancer research at BCM.
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Mar 17, 2010
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Spring is in the air and I am not talking about my allergies. Now is the time to freshen things up and add some life to your living space. For a quick and easy fix, here is what I recommend:
1. Think plants. Greenery and flowers are a lively way to welcome the warm weather. Big or small mix them all. If you do not have a green thumb (like me), go for some artificial plants that do NOT look cheap. Think your table tops, kitchen window, and add a plant or tree in the corner of your room. If you are not a colorful person, stick with a natural look like a white orchid plant for example.
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Dec 23, 2009
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Congratulations to the Highland Village Pet Adoption Center Open House for setting a new record! Over 50 furry felines and canines were adopted just in time for the holidays! The adoption center will remain open this week for last minute adopting opportunities. (photographed: event chairs, Tena Faust and Tama Lundquist and Buster's Friends board member Heather Fields)
The Story: What began three years ago as a four-week holiday mobile pet adoption program has turned into a year-round initiative to save thousands of Houston’s cats and dogs from being euthanized. When Tena Faust, Tama Lundquist, and Tim Maloney approached Highland Village owner, Haidar Barbouti, about using space at Highland Village as a “Home For The Holidays” for cats and dogs on the verge of being euthanized, Barbouti, an animal lover, said absolutely. And, “Home For The Holidays” was born in the old GAP building on Westheimer. Hundreds of volunteers and dozens of Houston-based rescue groups came together and adopted several hundred animals the first year.
Posted by: Carolyn Farb
on Jul 17, 2009
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Everyone is high on Houston! In the July 9th, 2009 edition of The Economist, an article entitled, "Lone Star Rising" expressed how great our city is.
Joel Kotkin, an urbanologist based in California compiled a list of the best cities for job creation over the last decade. Among those with more than 450,000 jobs, the top 5 spots went to the 5 main Texaplex cities. He particularly admires Houston, which he calls a perfect example of an "opportunity city"-a place with lots of jobs, lots of cheap housing and a welcoming attitude to newcomers. Not many cities could have absorbed 100,000 refugees post-hurricane Katrina. Houston has vibrant Asian communities, a balanced Hispanic community, a good mix of white and black, with no discernable racial tensions and more foreign consulates than any other American city with the exception of New York and Los Angeles.
Houston stands out as America's most enthusiastically cosmopolitan city, a place where the future has already arrived.
Posted by: Energy Efficient Beth
on Jul 7, 2009
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Calling all you downtown working girls (think Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, not Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman). Did you know that any cab ride within downtown Houston costs only $6? Yep, it's true. Why? Glad you asked. As part of an effort to offer an alternative to current daytime mass transit options in Houston, the Mayor's office wants you to commute faster and at a flat rate.
Posted by: Carolyn Farb
on Jul 1, 2009
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1. The ebullient spirit of our citizens
2. Our eclectic demographics are setting a precedent for other cities to follow
3. The entrepreneurship and opportunities afforded to everyone who is willing to step up to the plate
4. My personal hero and grandfather was Jakie Freedman who founded the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas and really knew the real Rat Pack
5. When Jakie asked Judge Elkins what would happen if he took his money out of First City National Bank, the Judge said it would fold, so he is credited with saving the bank during the Depression
Home & Living
