Category Archives: Living

Lilly Loves Texas!

lilly pulitzer mom michelle me and artist charlotte munyardWho does not love the brand Lilly Pulitzer?  The resort wear and color schemes they offer just makes me smile!  In fact, it’s my mother’s favorite, truly!  In April, my mom came to Houston for a visit and what better place than to take her to her favorite store in Highland Village?  Coincidentally, the boutique had a featured artist that day custom painting clutches and totes!

Sipping bubbly, enjoying lite bites, and shopping, what a combination!  My sister joined in the fun too.  It was the perfect girls’ family outing!

Introducing the one-of-a-kind Lilly Pulitzer "Chako Clutch"!
Introducing the one-of-a-kind Lilly Pulitzer “Chako Clutch”!

A HUGE score, and now dear to my heart, is this custom painted clutch I got of my little fur ball in heaven Chako, let him rest in peace.  The artist captured the spirit of my Persian kitty prince perfectly!  This handbag is by far my most prized possession moving forward and I will wear it close to my heart!  I am so appreciative of this custom creation.

Thank you Lilly Pulitzer for adding a little sunshine into our lives!  Lilly loves Texas and Texas loves Lilly!

If you’d like to visit the Houston store the address is 4035 Westheimer Road or shop online at www.lillypulitzer.com .  See you there, perhaps?

Happy Fondue Year! A Fun Tradition To Get You Through The Holidays!

nye 2017 fondueI love the holidays for so many reasons.  It is this time of year when people amp up their game  BIG TIME with festive decor, cuisine and desserts, music, and all of that shared with quality bonding time with family and friends.

It’s the traditions that fascinate me. In The Schmidt family (my in-laws) for instance, every New Year in Ohio they host a family fondue night.  First off, the natural setting up North is so perfect because it’s cold outside, the fireplace is crackling, we’re all bundled up in sweaters and boots, and this year there was snow which makes it even more magical!  Back to the food, how about hosting a party where your guests are their own chefs?  That’s right, just master the art of gathering and forget the thought of slaving in the kitchen!  That’s why fondue night is such a genius idea.  The fondue fixins are unreal folks and all will forget you did not spend all day and night in the kitchen preparing their meal!  The spread gets more nye 2017 fondue3ambitious every year I think.  Check out this display. Besides the cheese, salivate over the lobster, tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, beef, and oh yeah the veggies!  A new addition to the savory lineup is the ravioli and the truffle tortellini! This tradition takes hours of edible enjoyment and it’s interactive which I love too.  Mix in some German gluehwein to wash it all down or sip some champagne cocktails, laugh and chat a bit, then dive in for seconds, and thirds, nobody is counting!  To finish off the evening with some sweetness, bring on the chocolate with strawberries, pineapple and bananas!  My life is complete!

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The Secret Is Out!

TUTS The Secret GardenYou do not need to travel to the Big Apple to experience real life Broadway musicals these days.  Houston is blessed to be home to the Theater Under The Stars at the Hobby Center.  Amazing productions come through the Bayou City.  In fact, my husband and I just recently saw The Secret Garden.  I actually read this book and I love the story-line.  I couldn’t wait to see it and it sure did not disappoint!

A little history, The Secret Garden is a musical based on the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The musical’s script and lyrics are by Marsha Norman, with music by Lucy Simon. It premiered on Broadway in 1991 and ran for 709 performances.

The story is set in the early years of the 20th century. Mary Lennox, a young English girl born and raised in the British Raj, is orphaned by a cholera outbreak when she is ten years old. She is sent away from India to Yorkshire, England, to live with relatives whom she has never met. Her own personality blossoms as she and a young gardener bring new life to a neglected garden, as well as to her sickly cousin and uncle.

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Louis Vuitton Launch Party

Photo booth fun with Laura Cernock, Hannah Thibodeaux, Anna Kaplan, and a snapshot with Tenley Huste
Photo booth fun with Laura Cernock, Hannah Thibodeaux, Anna Kaplan, and a snapshot with Tenley Huste

Louis Vuitton just got “smarter” but it comes with a hefty price!  July 12th I attended the launch party of the Tambour Horizon Watch at the Louis Vuitton boutique in the Houston Galleria.  All I can say is….WOW!!!  Apple you have some BIG competition in the smart watch division.

Sipping on champagne and cocktails mixed with music provided by a resident DJ made for a mix and mingling fashion forward unveiling event!  My friends and I had a great time browsing the latest inventory, socializing with fashionistas, and of course getting familiar with the guest of honor….the Tambour Horizon watch! Thank you Tenley Huste aka Regional Retail Training Manager of Louis Vuitton for presenting to us all of the benefits of this savvy new gadget! It’s a game changer!

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Relais & Chateaux World Tour: “Europea”

Me and my hubby indulging in Europea's 12-course chef's dinner
Me and my hubby indulging in Europea’s 12-course chef’s dinner

I recently traveled to Quebec in Canada and fell in love!  The whole Province is French speaking and everything about Quebec is simply charming.  The architecture, rich history, food, art, and culture, it is not what I expected for Canada.  My first stop was to the city of Montreal , and on the first night my husband surprised me with a romantic dinner at a renowned Relais & Chateaux restaurant.  I did not research for this trip at all (and on purpose) and had zero expectations, and I had no idea what was in store!

europea relais and chateau foodWe pull up to Europea in a charming neighborhood.  I am immediately drawn to the old world look of the building.  When we enter they take us upstairs to an intimate table for two.  As I look around I see a few couples, some business people, and all looked very entertained and pleased.  I glance at the menu (in French) and before I had to make any decisions my husband said “Let’s have the chef’s tasting dinner!”  Lo and behold, a 12-course meal was in queue plus wine pairing!  Celebrity chef Jerome Ferrer and his team of highly trained and engaging servers certainly put on a show.  An almost theatrical kind of affair one would say.  Each course had a surprise.  Courses were served in books, boxes, clay pots for us to hammer open, there was steam, and fire, and grand finale cotton candy trees.  Every plate was a work of fine art and tasted delicious.  They love their fois gras in this town and their dessert too.  Plus, the wines they chose were absolutely exquisite and the perfect enhancing match for each entrée it was served. We were overly stimulated I must say but in the best way and they even sent us home with wrapped gifts!

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Homeownership: 7 Reasons To Take Action Now

Hello Trende Friends,
2717 University Blvd frtN3_1
This year is well under way and I hope you are excited for the Spring!  This means Spring cleaning, Spring wardrobe, Spring decor, Spring landscaping.  Minus the allergies, what’s not to love about the Spring!

If you have a friend or family member who is not quite ready to “Spring” into home ownership, I thought I’d share 7 GREAT reasons why they should consider taking the investment plunge NOW.  Interest rates are only going up, just ask the Fed.

7 Reasons to Own A Home

  1. Tax benefits. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, and some of the costs involved in buying a home.
  2. Appreciation. Historically, real estate has had a long-term, stable growth in value. In fact, median single-family existing-home sale prices have increased on average 5.2 percent each year from 1972 through 2014, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.  The recent housing crisis has caused some to question the long-term value of real estate, but even in the most recent 10 years, which included quite a few very bad years for housing, values are still up 7.0 percent on a cumulative basis. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 10 to15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.
  3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
  4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
  5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-rate mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will likely increase.
  6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle.
  7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years allows you and your family time to build long-lasting relationships within the community. It also offers children the benefit of educational and social continuity.

1606 fowler extThanks again for the continued support.  For each referral I have something special to send your way! When they are ready please have them email me at nicole.brende@sothebyshomes.com. I can assist buyers & sellers anywhere in the world with my Sotheby’s network and in all price ranges.  I do appreciate the referral and I will take great care of them.

Your neighborhood Realtor,
Nicole Brende a.k.a. “Trende Brende”

“Champagne & Caftans”: An Engagement Soiree

lori_bridal_shower-7group-poolWords cannot express our enthusiasm for our bride-to-be Lori Lemon-Geshay!  She is a lovely lady inside and out and what a privilege to be her friend and be able to help her in celebrating her new chapter in life—marriage!  Our group could not wait to spoil her with all of the things she loves….friendship, bubbly, caftans, pool-side, hydrangeas, Parisian + Italian decor, the color blue, lemons too.  Stop the madness!

lori_bridal_shower-67-lori-eiffel-towerA few weeks ago Houston’s “Blonde Mafia” hosted Lori’s first engagement soiree at the Manhattan Lofts in the Galleria area.  Private room and poolside we sipped champagne, played, danced, and celebrated the gleaming bride.  A group effort from catering, to decor, flowers, sentimental touches, and good old fashioned game time…it was an epic evening full of fun and love for our dear friend.

The Girls:  Lori Lemon-Geshay, Lisa Bridle, Hollie Wells, Liliana Cuellar, Anna Kaplan, Marina Kaplan, Laura Cernock, Joanna Podsiadlik,  Melissa Back McAlpine, Lissa Goldsmith, and me…Nicole Brende!

lori_bridal_shower-53-saladHollie thank you for preparing your famous salad and other healthy and sumptuous goodies!  Liliana and Lisa the champagne kept flowing….a BIG thank you!  Marina and Anna those cupcakes were so cute and loved the gluten-free option!

My hubby and I whipped up lemon lori_bridal_shower-48-dessertchocolate and macchiato desserts for our Ms Lemon…soon to be Bergeron!

Laura the sentimental touches from the photo eiffel tower plus other goodies really set the scene.  Joanna the flowers were blooming with beauty. Melissa thank you for the yummy empanadas. Lissa the bridal game was so much fun!  Learned much more about our Lori!

lori_bridal_shower-104-ring-pop-kissesMore festivities to come!  This is only the beginning!!  As you can see we all adore our Lori Lemon-Geshay. Keep on sparkling up the room my friend! Bisou Bisou!

 

Let’s RIDE!

ride cyclingThis year is well under way, and don’t let these oil prices put you in a slump!  How many of you have a resolution to get back in shape?  I think this is my recurring wish.  Anyway, always accepting to new ideas a friend of mine challenged me to join her for a spin class about a month ago. I loved it so much and now I am addicted (at least on Mondays).

Hillary, Kathryn, Will, Me, and Anna. What a crew!
Hillary, Kathryn, Will, Me, and Anna. What a crew!

There are spin studios all around Houston but the one I am enjoying is called RIDE off of 19th street in The Heights.  The instructor has an awesome playlist and I find myself dancing in my seat for the full 45 minutes!  Not to mention, the lighting changes as if I am at a night club….ok, I sometimes miss those days but sweating it off in a spin class is a much healthier option!  If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, I wanted to share with you my success.  I have since recruited 4 additional friends.  Perhaps I can fill up a class one day with all of my peeps?  What a ride that would be!  Admittedly, after class we go eat lunch, but it’s at Zoe’s Kitchen which offers calorie friendly options.

ride studio mapBack to RIDE.  Your first class is FREE including shoe rental.  Signing up is so easy, just do so on their website.  You also get to select your bike so you are guaranteed a spot. When you do try it out, bring a bottle of water or you can purchase one there. They also provide a locker for your belongings and a clean towel because you WILL SWEAT your tail off!

For more information on the studio and class schedule please go to www.ride-indoorcycling.com or call 281-888-9772.  FYI, my Monday fix is at Noon with Will as the instructor.  He mixes things up so it is never a dull moment!  Remember, first class is FREE! No excuses now.  Feel free to let them know your friend Trende Brende sent you. As they say, RIDE ROCK REPEAT!

It’s Crystal Clear. Say YES to Baccarat!

baccarat hotel signMy recent Sotheby’s top producer award trip to NYC was simply off the charts! Perfect weather, living in luxury at the Waldorf Astoria, and enjoying private art exhibit events at the Sotheby’s auction house, a Broadway performance, fancy dinners, shopping on 5th Avenue, and bike strolls in Central Park and around the city. In the middle of our great adventure we were introduced to the ultra new and ultra luxurious Baccarat Hotel.  This place is my dream! Surround me every day with crystal chandeliers and luxurious decor. All I can say is more more more!

124Baccarat Hotels & Resorts translates the perfect craft and noble heritage of the legendary, 250-year-old French crystal maker into an elegant lifestyle. Combining this rare legacy with modern elegance and elements of unexpected magic, each of the brand’s hotels and resorts has been conceived as a gracious hôtel particulier, welcoming guests with impeccable service and distinctive amenities. Baccarat Hotels & Resorts launched in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship New York property.  Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York will be followed by Rabat, Morocco, in 2016, with additional openings in Dubai and Doha over the course of the next several years.  Rumor has it, add Miami to the mix!

119Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York is a contemporary Manhattan take on a classically elegant Parisian hôtel particulier. It blends influences past and present to create sumptuous spaces, both grand and intimate that inspire wonder with their enchanting surprises and carefully considered details.  Although one night’s stay can range around $1000, in my opinion this is an opportunity of a lifetime.  In the bar area, I enjoyed a negroni cocktail served in a Baccarat crystal glass.  Only the finest dahling! Even the bartenders and cocktail waitresses wear Baccarat crystal jewelry.

baccarat hotel fur chairTheir lounge is set up like a custom home with beautiful seating arrangements and private rooms for entertaining and meetings.  I found my favorite “fur” chair too.  It’s the Texas chic in me 🙂  Sought after Paris-based design duo Gilles & Boissier created nearly every piece of furniture  in fact for the hotel’s soaring salon-style public spaces, as well as the 114 light-filled rooms and suites of the hotel. Weaving artisanal Baccarat crystal elements throughout, they lavished attention on each surface, be it a sparkling mica-covered vaulted ceiling, silver-leafed wood paneling, pleated-silk walls or a monumental marble table. New York design masters Tony Ingrao and Stephen Sills, respectively, handled the 60 residences and the ground-level contemporary French restaurant, Chevalier.

123The next time you go to New York City indulge in some Baccarat elegance because you are worth it! After this experience I think I need to add Baccarat to my wedding registry list.  Move over Waterford, Baccarat has a hotel! Located at 20 West 53rd Street , New York , New York , 10019 across from the Museum of Modern Art, enjoy the radiant glow of this 50 story masterpiece.  You are welcome my friends! Trende Brende has you covered.

 

Bunnies & Beer = Brende Easter Bash!

Brende Easter Eggstravaganza
Brende Easter Eggstravaganza

One of my favorite family holidays is Easter time.  Each year we celebrate at my uncle’s home in the Hollywood hills with perfect weather and picture perfect views.  The traditional prayer, food, egg decorating contests and egg hunts take place.

My favorite event is the adult beer hunt.  Forever kids at heart my cousins and siblings line up with buckets in hand in anticipation for our big hunt.  The goal is

Cousin Steve claiming his prize!
Cousin Steve claiming his prize!

to pick up 5 beers with attached poker cards, any beer with nothing on it is free game, and we must find one Mexican coke bottle usually containing a $2.00 bill on it.  Once we gather back on home base we play poker.  Whoever has the best hand wins first prize. The good news is that the prize table is full and all of us walk away winners.

Now, I have shared this tradition with friends before.  It’s amazing how this concept can grow with creative input!  Alterations to this idea may

Caroline & Alan Brende
Caroline & Alan Brende

include champagne and wine in lieu of beer.  Or, maybe more money is attached to the bottles! However you spin it, this activity is a hit and it will live on for generations to come in the Brende family.

And poor Easter bunny, he always seems to end up in the pool! LOL. Nonetheless he always manages pick himself up and stop by the house for the festivities year after year.

A very dapper Jan-Oliver Schmidt
A very dapper Jan-Oliver Schmidt

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trende Brende scores big!
Trende Brende scores big!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floating Easter Bunny
Floating Easter Bunny