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!
We 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!
My love for John Hardy jewelry is so strong I had to fly across the world to Indonesia to visit their workshop! Ok, my husband and I just happened to be honeymooning in Bali and lo and behold the jewelry company has a workshop in the country hills of Ubud on the island of Bali! How convenient and coincidental for us! “Rich in nature, beauty, creativity, tradition and culture, Bali continues to be our universal source of inspiration,” says the folks at John Hardy. It is known as the island of wonders.
Talking about entering a magical land! This place might just be the most zen work environment I have ever experienced. Taking it all in this atmosphere beyond the rice and bamboo fields is enriched with greenery and traditional Bali-style buildings. They have animals onsite such as rabbits for compost and every day over 700 workers are fed a wholesome vegetarian lunch prepared on property using fresh farm ingredients. My hubby and I also experienced the sumptuous al fresco dining experience. It might have been the freshest meal I have ever enjoyed and in the company of the workshop’s senior management! Side note….through John Hardy’s “Jobs for Life Program” they provide vocational training, financial support, and job opportunities to disadvantaged Balinese orphans.
Spring, champagne, and handbags…you can’t get much more girly than that! Each year I look forward to the Heroes & Handbags charity event benefiting Heroes For Children. On April 27th at 10 a.m. hundreds of women gathered at the River Oaks Country Club to place their bids on designer duds like Saint Laurent, Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch, Elaine Turner, Kate Spade….oh the list is extensive!
Larissa Burns Linton co-founded the charity after her own child battled with cancer. The organization has raised over $2 million in the past decade to help those families with children fighting the deadly disease. Money helps pay power bills, put
Larissa Linton, Myself, and an assortment of lovely handbags!
food on the table, pay for gas, parking fees, etc. Guest speaker and local Fox 26 News Anchor/Reporter Melissa Wilson spoke candidly about her experience as she too has a child who fought cancer. She said their parking bills at the hospital exceeded $6000!!!
Back to the event, my friend Laura and I had so much fun scouting the inventory from table to table, bidding, and silly times at the flower wall photo booth! Bidding was open until 12:30 and I was in a bidding war until the bitter end! It’s such an adrenaline kick I tell you! I eyed a few bags and scored BIG winning this patent leather Louis Vuitton and this glittery rainbow Anya Hindmarch clutch!! Seriously, I am in LOVE with this rainbow one! It’s such a happy handbag and I probably overpaid for it. But, it’s all for charity, right?
Attending a “ladies who brunch” function on a Sunday does not always come without a big purpose. April 2nd at Hughes Manor in Houston there was a full house filled with ladies dressed in their spring fashion best coming together to raise their glass to help fight and end childhood cancer. Hosted by Sky High benefiting St Jude Children’s Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis, you could not help share the love and enthusiasm this group brings to the table. I applaud Brittany Hebert (Founder & CEO), Jessy Deardurff (Operations Director), and Kristina Gutierrez (Event Coordinator) for a job well done. Event Chairs include Helen Winchell, Ashley Butler, and Jordan Simpson.
Also, I want to thank my friend Jill Bollich who introduced me to this organization. She is one of the Host committee members who did a phenomenal job planning this SOLD OUT event! During the brunch the ladies were entertained with a dress up photo booth, silent auction, a live auction, as well as an open mimosa bar, tunes from my friend DJ Senega, and a runway
Two Brides = Double the FUN! February 26th seaside in Galveston I had the pleasure to host a brunch & lingerie shower for blooming brides Lori Geshay & Hollie Wells. The future Mrs Bergeron & Mrs Dorsett were glowing of course surrounded by their besties for champagne, dining and sweets. What better venue to treasure these dolls than at the “Queen of the Gulf” known as the Hotel Galvez. A member of the Historic Hotels of America, Hotel Galvez is a four-star AAA property.
I am not a “crafty” person mainly due to time constraints, however I was motivated with this occasion and spent A LOT of time on Pintrest. Let’s just talk decor for a minute! Going with the lingerie theme I baked heart-shaped butter cookies and
“Trende Brende” the Hostess and future Martha Stewart…LOL
decorated them into cute lingerie and/or bathing suits. Since this was my first attempt the designs were manageable but aren’t they so cute??? I felt like a fashion designer…watch out Victoria’s Secret! Next, what is an event without champagne in my group!? So, I took mini bottles, dipped them in gold glitter, and added cute pink ruffle bows w/ a pink/white straw. I did a similar idea for my wedding favours but the glitter took it to a whole new level! Pink was my colour choice as it’s feminine, fun, and perfect for Spring. Also on the table were ring lotto scratch-offs….and a fun prize included of course for the winner! Fresh floral arrangements for the brides to take home. Fun glasses, veils, hats to play with. Last, Mardi Gras beads for everyone! Yes, this party happened to fall on Mardi Gras….which made it even more festive. A good way to “mark your champagne glass” is to tie your beads around the bottom of the flute. The stem. Choose or “claim” your colour and no confusion there!
Spring is in the air in Houston. In fact, winter never really happened thanks to Mother Nature. But that is quite alright because I am about to get you fully energized and ready to sprint to Saks Fifth Avenue after I show you what is in store for this season!
Friday evening I attended the “Houston Haute Couture” fashion presentation featuring designer Lafayette 148 at Saks Fifth Avenue in the Houston Galleria . Each year the Women’s Council of Realtors Houston chapter get together for fun and fashion benefiting a local charity. This year they partnered with the Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation which raises money for breast cancer research. I am the Founder of this yearly fashion event circa 2014 so of course I would not miss it for the world!!
“The Shoulder Show”
In conjunction with cool vibrations from the DJ, flowing champagne, and passed lite bites by 51Fifteen, this fashion presentation was spot on FUN! Sitting front row allowed me the opportunity to attempt to photograph some of my favorite outfits and take notes as the Lafayette 148 ambassadors painted the perfect Spring picture!
“It’s not what is new, it’s what is next!” said the Lafayette 148 ladies from NYC. Think the shoulder show. Shoulders are in! Pair with some wide leg trousers or skinny pants and you’re good to go!
“Dusters, Lasers, and Leather oh WOW!”
Next, mono style….all one color. So fresh and clean, don’t you think?
Trench dressing. It’s not just for Sherlock Holmes and Inspector Gadget, OK? Crop the sleeve. Pair with a dress, and off you go looking fabulous!
Light leather jacket, gotta have! Loving the pop of color too.
And stripes are “so in”. My nautical friends will be happy.
Long flowing cardigans they call “dusters” are HOT. Think linen, light weight. Button them up, wear them open. Wear with a dress or trousers.
Ultra light suede is making a comeback. I know Houston gets steamy hot but you’d be surprised how well this breaths and it’s super light in weight.
And, your Spring look is not complete without laser cut embroidery. Looks like lace! Super feminine with an edge.
“Pocket Play”
Pockets are the “in thing” too! Check out these dresses with pockets. I love the effortless look, plus not to mention “functional” and “comfortable”. Side note, I am a Realtor and I need my pockets when I am out showing property! I am loving this trend so so much and I hope it stays because I can fill my wardrobe with this style. Notice the length too. I can appreciate just below the knee.
Last but certainly not least…..drum roll please…….The outfit turning heads, creating the only standing ovation of the evening , with by far the biggest applause goes to this black jumpsuit! I know we’ve seen them on trend already but this outfit
“Jumping for jumpers”
in particular really got our crowd excited. The edgy yet sophisticated and slip-on-and-go look really works. Dress it up, dress it down. Winner Winner!!!
Thanks again to Saks and Lafayette 148 for putting this amazing event together. It’s always nice to give back to local charities, combine it with a group of business professionals like the Women’s Council of Realtors, and refresh our minds with Spring fashion. Bravo! This is one of our favorite events of the year.
Now, it’s time for me to clear out my closet, donate things I have not worn in ages, and make room for new fabulous stuff!
“The Crew” of WCR Houston
Here are some links to keep in mind from this article:
Hello Trende Friends,
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks 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”
Houston nailed it as host city to Super Bowl 51! Thank you to our Mayor Sylvester Turner, city officials, and to the thousands of volunteers who helped make this all possible! Celeb interviews repetitively mentioned how friendly and hospitable Houston is, as well as organized I should add! For a town known for its traffic, honestly I too can attest I was very impressed with the “flow” of our city.
Discovery Green
Starting with Discovery Green as our official ground zero for events and live reports, there could not have been a better place! From carnival rides to the NFL Experience exhibit there was plenty of action and activities for families from day to night. Here is a photo my father took just days before the “BIG DAY”. Every day the grounds were open to the public and at night private parties galore to explore! I think the media scored the highest because after all they were needed at all hours to capture all of the action!
Trellis Spa at The Houstonian Hotel
My friends Lori, Lisa and I happened to be at The Houstonian Hotel’s Trellis Spa just days prior to the big game. Little did we know it was media appreciation day and we happened to slip right into the middle of all the action as they sipped champagne and performed live shots post their spa services. We made some new friends that day! When in Rome, right? Thanks for the free bubbly and entertainment!
True Foods specialty drink
Then came actual Super Bowl Sunday!! You should have seen the HEB parking lot off San Felipe! We could not find a parking spot so we went around the corner to Rice Epicurean Market. Sadly their lot was pretty much empty but lucky for us they had everything we needed! This being a good Texas steak, potatoes, guacamole, queso, and chips, plus beer and other fixins. You know, football food! Thank God hubby and I walked to True Foods for breakfast hours before off of Post Oak Blvd in Uptown. We drank our nutrients and burned off some much needed pre-game calories.
Tom Brady & Gisele Bundchen
Wherever you watched the game I am sure it was a blast. My friend Holly had a party bus, my friend Lori invited me over to her house, my cousin Allison actually had tickets to the game….so jelly! I had some options! I am not much of a football fan but after watching the Pat’s lose so bad in the first half then came back historically in a half-time showdown?!?! I could not believe my eyes! I am not the biggest Tom Brady fan, he’s hot and all, and his wife Gisele is cool…but I give him major credit for what he was able to do to ultimately win the game. Sorry Atlanta Falcons. I know you were the underdog. You put up a great fight.
Lady Gaga
The biggest winner of the evening hands down was Lady Gaga!!! Consider me one of your little monsters my lady! For those who did not even know they were a fan they probably are now! To pull off starting at the top of NRG Stadium then flying throughout her whole performance. True talent deserves the utmost applause. Lady Gaga, you are welcome any time to Houston. We heart you!! And if you missed her performance here it is! This YouTube channel has had millions of hits.
Words 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!
A 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!
Hollie 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 chocolate 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!
More 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!
Today marks the first day of this year’s Sales Tax Holiday! That’s right! From Aug. 5 – 7 get out and enjoy the savings for items such as clothing, footwear and school supplies. The exemption applies to each eligible item that sells for less than $100, regardless of how many items are sold on the same invoice to a customer. For example, an $80 shirt will sell for $80. No tax! But, if you buy a $110 shirt, sorry, it’s taxed for the full amount. Key in point, only buy items under $100! Shoppers save about $8 on every $100 they spend. Hey, money is money!
We can’t get too carried away though. Tax is not waived for the sales of accessories, including jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and similar items. Oh darn, I know!
The Legislature sets the dates for the sales tax holiday each year. Thank you government! Oh, and if you have any questions just read the fine print. I don’t pretend to know all of the rules. I just like tax savings where I can get it!
We 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!
