Monthly Archives: April 2014

The Annual Brende Beer Hunt!

Cousins! Nicole Brende & David Brende
Cousins! Nicole Brende & David Brende

Most of my family lives in sunny southern California.  Every year it is tradition to visit.  My uncle hosts a massive party on Easter Sunday.  Besides all of the festivities including egg decorating contests, pop quizzes, egg hunts, count the jelly bean in the jar contest, traditional holiday food like lamb, ham, and the fixings, the adults participate in a beer hunt / poker game!  In the past few years I have shared this concept with my friends and some have reported back to me and decided to create one of their own as well!

Beer hunters getting set!
Beer hunters getting set!

In simple terms this is how the official Brende Beer Hunt game works:  count your hunters, hide beer bottles knowing that each hunter can pick up 6 beers or whatever amount you decide, place a poker card on some of them, money on others for fun, then the hunters can only pick up 5 beers with cards (a complete poker hand) then the rest is a free for all.  When all hunters gather they get one chance to trade cards they do not like with the dealer.  The person with the best hand gets 1st prize, and so on.  Basically we all get a prize.  We have a table full of prizes including bar accessories, liquor, BBQ stuff, etc.  If you are not a beer person substitute it with soft drinks, champagne, wine (mini bottles), or flavored waters.  Get creative.  I recommend getting a big plastic pail to carry the goods in too.  A basket would not be strong enough.

So have fun hunting your favorite liquids next year! No matter how old I get, this is something I truly get excited about.  It’s fun, some of us get really competitive, and a cool bonding experience too.

Nice prize Jan Schmidt!
Nice prize Jan Schmidt!
Trende Brende scores big!
Trende Brende scores big!

“Houston Is Haute” fashion show at Tootsies

wcr fashion show check inGlamour girls, real estate gurus, and industry friends came out for one haute night here in Houston.  April 16th The Women’s Council of Realtors hosted a fashion show at Tootsies in West Ave benefiting The Women’s Home.  Over 250 fashionistas filled the 15,000 square foot fab retail space for a sold out event raising thousands of dollars for the charity.  I was honored to be the event chair of this inaugural fashion event.  A special thanks to our amazing food sponsors Mr Peeples restaurant, Chef Soren Pedersen, and Osaka sushi.  Food was definitely abundant as well as wine and sippings from Dripping Springs Vodka. 

wcr fashion show modelsOur models for the evening strutting their stuff on the Tootsies catwalk include top performing area realtors Peggie Pentecost, Stephanie Finch, Monica McNeill, Tammy Bateman, Barbara Vaughn, and MaiLan Trinh. The lovely Rachel McNeill from KPRC Local 2 was our emcee.  These spring trends are sure to keep us cool this summer. Let’s go shopping!

Sunshine, Shades, Selfies and a Tennis Tourney!

Laura, Lori Lemon Geshay, Nicole Brende, Lori Freese
Laura, Lori Lemon Geshay, Nicole Brende, Lori Freese

Sunshine, shades, selfies, and a tennis tourney!  For the past two days I had the pleasure to attend the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship at the River Oaks Country Club here in Houston.  Admittedly, I did not see much tennis as I was socializing amongst the fabulous patrons.

Ladies were all dolled up in their dresses, big hats, and spring colors.  The Gents looked ever so handsome in their suits and boasting their summer hues too.   All day and to the night there was plenty of activity.  From fashion shows, luncheons, live bands, to tented areas catered by Beck’s Prime and cocktails galore, photo booths, and outdoor TVs, it was quite the set up!

Enjoy schmoozing? This is the perfect event to take a client by the way.  It’s on my list every year! Oh, and no worries if you parked a mile away from the club. PediCabs or bike taxis are at your service, and so much fun too!

Nicole Brende & Kara Schwartz
Nicole Brende & Kara Schwartz
Laura Cernock, Lori Lemon Geshay, Nicole Brende
Laura Cernock, Lori Lemon Geshay, Nicole Brende

tennis tourney board

Lemon & Trende pedicab selfie!
Lemon & Trende pedicab selfie!
Bryan/Bryan vs. Guccione/Hewitt photo by Lori Lemon Geshay
Bryan/Bryan vs. Guccione/Hewitt
photo by Lori Lemon Geshay

 

“Houston Is Haute” Spring Trends Fashion Event at Tootsies

houston is haute invite finalGet ready to be Wowed! April 16th the Houston Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors will be holding their inaugural fashion event, “Houston Is Haute”, at Tootsies. The night will feature a runway fashion show filled with the latest spring trends and will be emceed by KPRC Local 2 anchor, Rachel McNeill. I am the Event Chair and would be honored to have you there to support such a wonderful cause. ALL proceeds from tickets sales will directly benefit The Women’s Home and their WholeLifeSM model of care. It’s fashion with a heart; fashion with a purpose, and a really fun way to give back. Perks include lite bites from Mr Peeples restaurant, cocktails by Dripping Springs Vodka, wine served by Tootsies, and raffle prizes galore!
To reserve yours today, go to The Women’s Home website at www.thewomenshome.org and click on the “Houston is Haute” event link. VIP tickets are $50.

Event coordinators are asking guests to bring one or more gently used designer clothing or accessory item for The Women’s Home. All those donating items will receive a $25 gift certificate to Tootsies.