Houston Homeowner | Yamilia Halfon

MAIL

HOUSTON Vol. 2 Issue 7

row, row, row your boat

Gone Fishing

At-Home Healing Surrender to the Spa

French Beignets From Emeril!

Visit San Francisco City by the Bay

Go Fish

TIME FOR TRAVEL San Francisco

Summer’s here … and the fish are biting. Whether you choose a sparkling lake packed with bass or a flowing river filled with salmon, there are plenty of fish to be found in your neck of the woods. All you need to do is plan ahead, hit the best spots, and pack all the right equipment for a relaxing and fun day on the water.

When most of us think of fishing, we think of a rod, reel, line, hooks, and baits or lures. This type of angling requires little practice and it’s perfect for beginners and young children. You’ll need to check with your state laws to be sure you have the proper fishing license before heading out for the day; children 10 and under usually are not required to have a license to fish. You will also want to know if there is a catch-and-

Golden Gate Bridge

City by the Bay

Source: www.visitcalifornia.com

Picture Perfect Alamo Square “Postcard Row” The row of nearly-identical Victorian houses so often photographed with the city skyline behind them are located between 710 and 722 Steiner Street. This scene faces east, making afternoon or evening twilight the best time to try to get your own photograph. However, the hill throws the houses into shade earlier than you might think. To get there, take Geary Blvd. west from downtown and turn left on Steiner Street. By public transportation, San Francisco MUNI bus line 21 stops right next to the park and line 5 stops a block away on McAllister Street.

Source: GoCalifornia.about.com

Ahhh...Relaxation!

Since the dawn of time, humans have been seeking out hot springs and warm thermal waters to ease their body’s aches and sore muscles. Today, most of us still love a warm soothing bath to take away the stresses of the week. But for those with real pain, a soothing hot-tub soak can do wonders for your body as well as your mind. Truth is, you can’t underestimate the powers of a whirlpool bath to help ease what ails you.

History shows us that hydrotherapy has always been a popular way to unwind and feel better. Hydrotherapy is based on the idea that water can improve blood flow and revitalizes one’s health. If you’ve got specific targeted pains, at-home spas can direct low-pressure water to the sore spots providing immediate relief. Temperature, of course, plays a role, with warm water loosening up tight muscles. Luckily, many of today’s finer homes are equipped with a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub, yet not everyone takes the time to use it for its optimal health benefits. There’s nothing better than massaging away aches and pains, all without leaving your home. Floating in the warm water also takes stress off your joints and helps relax muscles. This is a wonder for older people suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other rheumatologic conditions.

Ever lie in bed wishing you could fall asleep? Next time, try a warm soak in the tub a few hours before hitting the hay. A 2012 study published in the Brazilian Journal of Rheumatology determined that hydrotherapy improves sleep quality, physical function, and psychological health in patients with fibromyalgia. Keep the water warm but not hot as this can be draining to your body. And don’t stay in for more than about 15 minutes, at which point you may start to feel tired. Add some soothing lavender bath salts or essential oils, put on some tranquil music, and you’re set for a serious snooze.

And really, who couldn’t benefit from a better night’s sleep?

But perhaps the greatest benefits of a home spa are the psychological ones.

In modern times, we are busy and stressed out. An at-home spa allows for the “me time” so many of us crave. By allowing yourself time to unwind and relax you are able to reconnect with your spirit and with what really matters in your life. So go ahead and indulge in a soak … it’s good for your health!

YOUR HOME

If you’re looking for a different kind of fishing challenge, consider fly fishing. In this artistic style of fishing, an artificial and nearly weightless fly is used to catch or lure the fish above or just on the surface of the water. Because fly-fishing is often complex and it often requires wading into the water to reach fish, it’s often beneficial to hire a professional guide to show you where and how to fly fish. Hand nets can be used to help land the fish and pull it in to shore. Spear fishing is another form of the sport. Instead of a pole, the fisherman is in the water and tries to catch the fish by spearing it underwater. Again, check your state laws as spear fishing is not always allowed and regulations may exist.

For those making a day of it out on the lake, be sure to pack essentials for a fun day: a cooler for drinks and food, sunglasses, sunblock, hats, waterproof shoes, a blanket for a picnic, and towels for drying off. And don’t forget all the fishing gear. So grab your family or friends and enjoy some time together in the great outdoors. You’ll be amazed how much fun fishing can be!

Beignets

INGREDIENTS

INSPIRED FLAVOR!

It may measure less than 50 square miles/130 square kilometers, but San Francisco justly ranks as one of the greatest cities in the world. Famous for grand-dame Victorians, classic cable cars, dynamic diversity, a beautiful waterfront, and a soaring crimson bridge, the “City by the Bay” truly has it all. Trend-defining cuisine ranging from Michelin-starred dining to outrageous food trucks; world-renowned symphony, ballet, theater, and opera; plus almost boundless outdoor adventures, San Francisco justifiably stands out as one of the ultimate must-sees on any traveler’s wish list.

Alcatraz

release policy or if you are allowed to keep the fish you catch for eating.

Anglers usually have to adhere to a bag limit on the number of specific types of fish they can keep, so be sure to know this ahead of time as well. You can fish from the shore of a lake or river or choose to rent a boat and fish farther out from shore.

¾ c ¼ c 4 tbsp 4 c

lukewarm water (no hotter than 110 deg) sugar softened butter, plus more for greasing all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting Confectioners’ sugar, for serving

¼ oz 1 1 c ½ tsp

active dry yeast (1 pkg) egg evaporated milk salt

DIRECTIONS Add the water, yeast and sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer with the dough hook attached.

Lightly whisk to combine. Allow the yeast to bloom for 5 minutes, until bubbly. Add the butter in pieces, the egg, milk, and half the flour and mix on low until combined. Add in the remaining flour and salt and mix on low until combined. Increase the mixer to medium and mix for 5 minutes until soft dough is formed. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently into a ball. Grease a medium bowl with butter, add the dough, turning around to coat.

Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. After the dough has poofed, punch down the dough, cut it in half, and knead gently to form two balls. Leave one ball covered with a clean towel in the bowl, and place the other half on a lightly floured work surface. Use a rolling pin, roll out the dough to a 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough using a sharp knife into 2 1/2-inch squares. Repeat with the remaining ball of dough. Allow the beignets to rest 10 minutes before frying.

Emerils.com

Fill a large pot 1/2 full with vegetable oil and preheat the oil to 350 degrees. Fry the beignets in batches of 6 to 8 at a time for 1 minute on the first side until golden and puffed, and turn over to fry on the second side for 1 minute longer. Remove from the hot oil and drain on a paper-lined tray. Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar sifted through a fine mesh sieve. Continue with the remaining pieces of dough. Dust the beignets a final time with more confectioners’ sugar.

Go Fish

TIME FOR TRAVEL San Francisco

Summer’s here … and the fish are biting. Whether you choose a sparkling lake packed with bass or a flowing river filled with salmon, there are plenty of fish to be found in your neck of the woods. All you need to do is plan ahead, hit the best spots, and pack all the right equipment for a relaxing and fun day on the water.

When most of us think of fishing, we think of a rod, reel, line, hooks, and baits or lures. This type of angling requires little practice and it’s perfect for beginners and young children. You’ll need to check with your state laws to be sure you have the proper fishing license before heading out for the day; children 10 and under usually are not required to have a license to fish. You will also want to know if there is a catch-and-

Golden Gate Bridge

City by the Bay

Source: www.visitcalifornia.com

Picture Perfect Alamo Square “Postcard Row” The row of nearly-identical Victorian houses so often photographed with the city skyline behind them are located between 710 and 722 Steiner Street. This scene faces east, making afternoon or evening twilight the best time to try to get your own photograph. However, the hill throws the houses into shade earlier than you might think. To get there, take Geary Blvd. west from downtown and turn left on Steiner Street. By public transportation, San Francisco MUNI bus line 21 stops right next to the park and line 5 stops a block away on McAllister Street.

Source: GoCalifornia.about.com

Ahhh...Relaxation!

Since the dawn of time, humans have been seeking out hot springs and warm thermal waters to ease their body’s aches and sore muscles. Today, most of us still love a warm soothing bath to take away the stresses of the week. But for those with real pain, a soothing hot-tub soak can do wonders for your body as well as your mind. Truth is, you can’t underestimate the powers of a whirlpool bath to help ease what ails you.

History shows us that hydrotherapy has always been a popular way to unwind and feel better. Hydrotherapy is based on the idea that water can improve blood flow and revitalizes one’s health. If you’ve got specific targeted pains, at-home spas can direct low-pressure water to the sore spots providing immediate relief. Temperature, of course, plays a role, with warm water loosening up tight muscles. Luckily, many of today’s finer homes are equipped with a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub, yet not everyone takes the time to use it for its optimal health benefits. There’s nothing better than massaging away aches and pains, all without leaving your home. Floating in the warm water also takes stress off your joints and helps relax muscles. This is a wonder for older people suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other rheumatologic conditions.

Ever lie in bed wishing you could fall asleep? Next time, try a warm soak in the tub a few hours before hitting the hay. A 2012 study published in the Brazilian Journal of Rheumatology determined that hydrotherapy improves sleep quality, physical function, and psychological health in patients with fibromyalgia. Keep the water warm but not hot as this can be draining to your body. And don’t stay in for more than about 15 minutes, at which point you may start to feel tired. Add some soothing lavender bath salts or essential oils, put on some tranquil music, and you’re set for a serious snooze.

And really, who couldn’t benefit from a better night’s sleep?

But perhaps the greatest benefits of a home spa are the psychological ones.

In modern times, we are busy and stressed out. An at-home spa allows for the “me time” so many of us crave. By allowing yourself time to unwind and relax you are able to reconnect with your spirit and with what really matters in your life. So go ahead and indulge in a soak … it’s good for your health!

YOUR HOME

If you’re looking for a different kind of fishing challenge, consider fly fishing. In this artistic style of fishing, an artificial and nearly weightless fly is used to catch or lure the fish above or just on the surface of the water. Because fly-fishing is often complex and it often requires wading into the water to reach fish, it’s often beneficial to hire a professional guide to show you where and how to fly fish. Hand nets can be used to help land the fish and pull it in to shore. Spear fishing is another form of the sport. Instead of a pole, the fisherman is in the water and tries to catch the fish by spearing it underwater. Again, check your state laws as spear fishing is not always allowed and regulations may exist.

For those making a day of it out on the lake, be sure to pack essentials for a fun day: a cooler for drinks and food, sunglasses, sunblock, hats, waterproof shoes, a blanket for a picnic, and towels for drying off. And don’t forget all the fishing gear. So grab your family or friends and enjoy some time together in the great outdoors. You’ll be amazed how much fun fishing can be!

Beignets

INGREDIENTS

INSPIRED FLAVOR!

It may measure less than 50 square miles/130 square kilometers, but San Francisco justly ranks as one of the greatest cities in the world. Famous for grand-dame Victorians, classic cable cars, dynamic diversity, a beautiful waterfront, and a soaring crimson bridge, the “City by the Bay” truly has it all. Trend-defining cuisine ranging from Michelin-starred dining to outrageous food trucks; world-renowned symphony, ballet, theater, and opera; plus almost boundless outdoor adventures, San Francisco justifiably stands out as one of the ultimate must-sees on any traveler’s wish list.

Alcatraz

release policy or if you are allowed to keep the fish you catch for eating.

Anglers usually have to adhere to a bag limit on the number of specific types of fish they can keep, so be sure to know this ahead of time as well. You can fish from the shore of a lake or river or choose to rent a boat and fish farther out from shore.

¾ c ¼ c 4 tbsp 4 c

lukewarm water (no hotter than 110 deg) sugar softened butter, plus more for greasing all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting Confectioners’ sugar, for serving

¼ oz 1 1 c ½ tsp

active dry yeast (1 pkg) egg evaporated milk salt

DIRECTIONS Add the water, yeast and sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer with the dough hook attached.

Lightly whisk to combine. Allow the yeast to bloom for 5 minutes, until bubbly. Add the butter in pieces, the egg, milk, and half the flour and mix on low until combined. Add in the remaining flour and salt and mix on low until combined. Increase the mixer to medium and mix for 5 minutes until soft dough is formed. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently into a ball. Grease a medium bowl with butter, add the dough, turning around to coat.

Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. After the dough has poofed, punch down the dough, cut it in half, and knead gently to form two balls. Leave one ball covered with a clean towel in the bowl, and place the other half on a lightly floured work surface. Use a rolling pin, roll out the dough to a 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough using a sharp knife into 2 1/2-inch squares. Repeat with the remaining ball of dough. Allow the beignets to rest 10 minutes before frying.

Emerils.com

Fill a large pot 1/2 full with vegetable oil and preheat the oil to 350 degrees. Fry the beignets in batches of 6 to 8 at a time for 1 minute on the first side until golden and puffed, and turn over to fry on the second side for 1 minute longer. Remove from the hot oil and drain on a paper-lined tray. Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar sifted through a fine mesh sieve. Continue with the remaining pieces of dough. Dust the beignets a final time with more confectioners’ sugar.

HOUSTON Yamilia Halfon

Vol. 2 Issue 4

A long time Houstonian, Yamilia Halfon has in-depth knowledge of Houston’s finest neighborhoods and evolving marketplace.

Yamilia specializes in luxury residential sales in Houston’s most distinctive neighborhoods including Tanglewood, the Memorial Villages, River Oaks, West University, Bellaire, and Sweetwater.

Yamilia Halfon 832.247.7618 YHalfon@MarthaTurner.com

A dedicated professional who is totally committed to her clients,

CLUB ON THE GREEN

Fore!

Yamilia’s reputation for market knowledge, quality service and professionalism precedes her. Her dedication, attention to detail, and light hearted attitude combined with her drive and enthusiasm to surpass her client’s expectations have ensured her excellent reputation in the real estate industry. With a serviceoriented philosophy, Yamilia always puts the interest of her clients as her first priority. Her integrity is unquestionable and she brings professionalism and commitment to every transaction.

Completely bilingual in English and Spanish, Yamilia is adept at working with foreign nationals who make Houston their new home.

She enjoys showing them the city and all that Houston has to offer

Unrivaled Service.

and, in the process, building life-long relationships with members of Houston’s international community.

Providing you with the

Clients who work with Yamilia have access to Sotheby’s concierge

highest level of service,

services, auctions, and relocation services. Affiliation with

experience and proven results.

Sotheby’s International Realty offers enhanced market exposure and distinctive benefits, including access to a global network of buyers and auction house clients along with a website which allows for property searches by both location and lifestyle.

Yamilia Halfon 50 Briar Hollow Lane | Suite 700W | Houston

Har.com/YamiliaHalfon If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by Upscale Real Estate Marketing | 877.660.0996 | UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com

The Coolest Room in the House Get Your Garage in Gear

Sonoma County Wineries Bounty of Grapes

Fall in Love with Cheese Fondue from The Melting Pot