Royal Oaks Country Club Lifestyle

November | December 2013

www.HeritageTexas.com 281.679.0101

11689 Westheimer, Suite C • Houston, TX 77077

Featured Cover Property 11602 Versailles Lakes Amazing CUSTOM Estate with contemporary style! Quiet cul-de-sac with panoramic golf course views of the lake & #6 signature island green.

Library, master and craft/secondary bedroom down, master bath spa retreat with his & her boutique closets, game and billiard area at 1st floor, guest rooms with baths in suite. Private balcony, sprawling gourmet kitchen with incredible storage and prep space, butler’s pantry, wet bar, holiday storage room and secret wing to the tower/meditation room, summer kitchen, pool, spa and garden.

Holiday Traditions

Creating A Season To Remember

2906 Shire Wood Immaculate Villa | 3/2.1/2 Spacious floor plan and an abundance of natural light

11611 Versailles Lakes Stunning Custom Estate Home | 5-6/5.1/3 Elevator, gourmet kitchen and amazing golf course views

2707 Tudor Manor Elegant and Immaculate Villa | 3/4.5/2 Exquisite details & finishes throughout

3332 Bridgeberry One Story Home on Golf Course | 3/3.1/3 Courtyard, casita, wood floors, granite, custom master closet, study

11611 Gallant Ridge Beautiful, Spacious Home | 4/3.1/3 Ideal finishes: wood floors, granite, California Closets

2806 Tudor Manor Beautiful Villa on Interior Lot | 4/3.5/2 Two Master Suite options, backyard retreat

www.HeritageTexas.com BRANDEY HECKEROTH

JOANNE ESKRIDGE

AMANDA WALSH

Brandey@HeritageTexas.com

JoAnne@HeritageTexas.com

Amanda@HeritageTexas.com

281.679.0101

281.250.1864

281.451.8107

CHARLIE ESKRIDGE

281.827.9912

Charlie@HeritageTexas.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Consumer Confidence Is Seasonal Spending An Indicator Of The Housing Market?

Fall In Love With Peli Peli’s World Famous Boerewors

Royal Oaks Country Club Cover Home

Featured Exclusively By Heritage Texas Properties

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Peli Peli 281.257.9500 | PeliPeli.com

N OVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013 The holidays are almost here! Why not make this the year you create winter memories that will last a lifetime?

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa, holiday traditions will help you build family time that will be cherished for years to come. Here are a few festive ways to make this winter season one to remember.

First, make your home magical. Whether it’s placing your tree or menorah in the same special spot year after year or creating an ornament theme that grows and grows each Christmas, building rituals into your holidays will make them truly unique. A few more decorating ideas to consider: Hang elegant stockings

SOUTH AFRICAN BOEREWORS AND TOMATO GRAVY SAUSAGE INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs of chuck beef (fat and gristle removed) 8 oz of beef fat 1/2 tbsp of ground coriander

1 tbsp of salt A pinch of nutmeg 1/4 c vinegar 1 1/2 oz of pork casings

DIRECTIONS: Cut the meat and fat into small cubes. Sprinkle the seasoning over the meat, mix well and then mince together. Add the vinegar and mix lightly, but thoroughly.

Stuff into casing and refrigerate for 24 hours in a covered, non-metal container. For a great garlic flavor, add finely crushed and chopped garlic. Grill sausages 12-15 minutes over slow coals.

TOMATO GRAVY INGREDIENTS: 4 tomatoes 1 pinch salt & pepper - to taste 1 onion 1 green chili 1/2 green pepper 1 tsp pureed garlic 1 tsp brown sugar 1 tsp vegetable oil DIRECTIONS: Grate tomatoes with a cheese grater. Do not add the flesh. Slice the onion, dice the green pepper and chop the chili. Remember to discard the stem and the tip of the chili. Braise onion in pot using vegetable oil. Add green pepper to braised onion. Maintain at a medium heat. Add grated tomatoes to the onion and pepper. Add garlic, salt, pepper, sugar and chili. Stir over heat and let the mixture come to a light boil, then turn the heat down to simmer. The gravy should thicken slightly. Remove from heat and serve with the boerewors!

for Santa to fill, each embellished with your children’s names; get a second children’s Christmas tree that only the little ones can trim; don your staircase and mantle with evergreens and all-white candles; and don’t forget to hang mistletoe or a kissing ball for lovebirds who pay you a visit.

The exterior of your home should not be forgotten either. Get into the holiday spirit by lighting up a few spectacular trees in your yard or highlighting some of the unique architectural aspects of your house. Each year, your family and neighbors will look forward to your light extravaganza. Need inspiration? Head to the zoo to see its dazzling display of holiday lights.

Looking for a way to appreciate all the holiday lights in your own neighborhood? Try the old tradition of caroling from house to house. Gather your friends and family, pass out some festive sheet music, and don’t forget your holiday cheer. Best part about caroling? You can make it a White Christmas simply singing the song

by Bing Crosby, even if the weather

does not wish to participate.

Finally, there’s no better place to build holiday traditions than in the kitchen. After all, nothing says the holidays better than warm

Happy Holiday Spending!

In 2012, consumers spent 3% more on their holiday spending than the previous holiday season which resulted in over $579 billion in seasonal spending. Will the 2013 holiday season see a return of the Grinch or will consumer spending increase again?

US economy. Strong consumer confidence means that consumers feel that their standard of living is increasing. Confident consumers are more likely to spend more and make bigger purchases - such as a speedy car or new dream home.

Consumer Outlook

Retailer Outlook

“Consumer confidence” is an actual economic indicator which measures the degree of optimism that consumers feel about the state of the economy and their own personal financial situation. There are several “indexes” that provide a numeric measure of consumer confidence. The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) is based on data from a monthly survey of 5,000 US households consisting of five questions addressing current economic conditions. The CCI dipped slightly in September, 2013 to 79.7 but this is a far cry from the 16-year low index of 57.2 in May, 2008. Overall, the CCI indicates that consumers are currently “positive” about the state of the

Baynote, a company that helps multi-channel retailers increase consumer engagement, predicts a strong holiday season for mobile, online and “brick and mortar” retailers. In their August holiday retailing report, Baynote predicted that 2013 holiday consumer spending could increase by as much as 11% over 2012. In their report, Baynote indicated that consumers can look forward to flash sales, free shipping and Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) offers throughout the 2013 holiday season.

There are only 25 days between the Friday after Thanksgiving (aka “Black Friday”) and Christmas this year, as compared to 32 days in 2012.

gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa. Make the winter holidays special for the little ones by making homemade holiday cookies and treats (maybe even start up an annual cookie swap for friends and neighbors).

The kids or grandkids will really enjoy building a beautiful gingerbread house and will look forward to this event year after year. Create a photo album of your gingerbread houses through the years as a special memento.

While you’re in the kitchen, why not plan a holiday dinner that every member of the family will look forward to year after year? Forego the normal roasts and casseroles and prepare your partner or child’s favorite meal instead, even if it’s a nontraditional choice. Voila … instant family tradition. And don’t forget to whip up a signature seasonal cup of cheer – think cranberries, cinnamon, and spice. Happy holidays!

Weekends are the busiest shopping days during that timeframe and there are only four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas versus five last year. As a result, one-third of retailers have said that they will begin holiday promotional offers as early as October. This means that neither retailers nor consumers can procrastinate during this year’s holiday shopping season.

The historically popular apparel and accessories category are projected to increase sales by 2.8% compared to 2012.

Also, sales in electronics and appliances are predicted to increase 2% compared to last year, with tablets and smartphones continuing to be wildly popular.

No Grinch To Be Found With the combination of strong consumer confidence and retailer’s positive outlook on holiday spending, there is no Grinch in sight for 2013. Although there are fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, consumers will still be able to take advantage of many promotional offers throughout the holiday shopping season in order to fill all those stockings hanging by the fireplace!

A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas Hubbard Stage | November 15-December 29 713.220.5700 | AlleyTheatre.org Houston’s seasonal favorite the Houston Press described as having “spectacular London sets… the inimitable Dickens’ tale-spiced with the usual fog and an unusual twist on the ghosts past, present, and future.” A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Carol instills a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of the holiday season.

Architecture Tour of Asia Society Texas Center Asia Society Texas Center November 16 & December 7 713.496.9915 | AsiaSociety.org Guided tours of Asia Society Texas Center give you the opportunity to see Yoshio Taniguchi’s first freestanding structure in the United States and will focus on the materials, influences, and ambience of the building. Tour stops will include: the Water Garden Terrace, Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall, Elkins Foundation Water Garden, plus more!

21st Annual TXU Energy Turkey Trot Dillard’s By the Galleria | November 28 info@HoustonTurkeyTrot.org TurkeyTrot.ShelteringArms.org The 20th annual Turkey Trot was officially the best trot yet! More than 13,700 participants trotted together to raise a record amount of funds for seniors in Houston. Trot includes a competitive and nontimed 10K/5K for runners/walkers of all ages! Your participation, volunteering, and fundraising help more than 72,000 seniors, kids, and their caregivers whom Neighborhood Centers and Sheltering Arms assist every day.

Buffalo Bayou Kayak Trip Allen’s Landing | December 7 713.752.0314 | BuffaloBayou.org Meet at Allen’s Landing and paddle east to Buffalo Nature Park. Celebrate Houston in a whole new way and join the Buffalo Bayou Partnership for a kayak adventure through Houston’s stunning urban wilderness.

Holly Jolly Symphony Spectacular with the Houston Symphony Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | December 12 281.364.3011 | WoodlandsCenter.org Frolic in our Winter Wonderland, complete with snow, as the symphony performs holiday classics and popular carols. The North Plaza feels more like the North Pole as it’s all decked out for holiday fun.

Guests can visit with Santa, Frosty, and other holiday characters, listen to carolers sing, and much more.

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Peli Peli 281.257.9500 | PeliPeli.com

N OVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013 The holidays are almost here! Why not make this the year you create winter memories that will last a lifetime?

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa, holiday traditions will help you build family time that will be cherished for years to come. Here are a few festive ways to make this winter season one to remember.

First, make your home magical. Whether it’s placing your tree or menorah in the same special spot year after year or creating an ornament theme that grows and grows each Christmas, building rituals into your holidays will make them truly unique. A few more decorating ideas to consider: Hang elegant stockings

SOUTH AFRICAN BOEREWORS AND TOMATO GRAVY SAUSAGE INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs of chuck beef (fat and gristle removed) 8 oz of beef fat 1/2 tbsp of ground coriander

1 tbsp of salt A pinch of nutmeg 1/4 c vinegar 1 1/2 oz of pork casings

DIRECTIONS: Cut the meat and fat into small cubes. Sprinkle the seasoning over the meat, mix well and then mince together. Add the vinegar and mix lightly, but thoroughly.

Stuff into casing and refrigerate for 24 hours in a covered, non-metal container. For a great garlic flavor, add finely crushed and chopped garlic. Grill sausages 12-15 minutes over slow coals.

TOMATO GRAVY INGREDIENTS: 4 tomatoes 1 pinch salt & pepper - to taste 1 onion 1 green chili 1/2 green pepper 1 tsp pureed garlic 1 tsp brown sugar 1 tsp vegetable oil DIRECTIONS: Grate tomatoes with a cheese grater. Do not add the flesh. Slice the onion, dice the green pepper and chop the chili. Remember to discard the stem and the tip of the chili. Braise onion in pot using vegetable oil. Add green pepper to braised onion. Maintain at a medium heat. Add grated tomatoes to the onion and pepper. Add garlic, salt, pepper, sugar and chili. Stir over heat and let the mixture come to a light boil, then turn the heat down to simmer. The gravy should thicken slightly. Remove from heat and serve with the boerewors!

for Santa to fill, each embellished with your children’s names; get a second children’s Christmas tree that only the little ones can trim; don your staircase and mantle with evergreens and all-white candles; and don’t forget to hang mistletoe or a kissing ball for lovebirds who pay you a visit.

The exterior of your home should not be forgotten either. Get into the holiday spirit by lighting up a few spectacular trees in your yard or highlighting some of the unique architectural aspects of your house. Each year, your family and neighbors will look forward to your light extravaganza. Need inspiration? Head to the zoo to see its dazzling display of holiday lights.

Looking for a way to appreciate all the holiday lights in your own neighborhood? Try the old tradition of caroling from house to house. Gather your friends and family, pass out some festive sheet music, and don’t forget your holiday cheer. Best part about caroling? You can make it a White Christmas simply singing the song

by Bing Crosby, even if the weather

does not wish to participate.

Finally, there’s no better place to build holiday traditions than in the kitchen. After all, nothing says the holidays better than warm

Happy Holiday Spending!

In 2012, consumers spent 3% more on their holiday spending than the previous holiday season which resulted in over $579 billion in seasonal spending. Will the 2013 holiday season see a return of the Grinch or will consumer spending increase again?

US economy. Strong consumer confidence means that consumers feel that their standard of living is increasing. Confident consumers are more likely to spend more and make bigger purchases - such as a speedy car or new dream home.

Consumer Outlook

Retailer Outlook

“Consumer confidence” is an actual economic indicator which measures the degree of optimism that consumers feel about the state of the economy and their own personal financial situation. There are several “indexes” that provide a numeric measure of consumer confidence. The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) is based on data from a monthly survey of 5,000 US households consisting of five questions addressing current economic conditions. The CCI dipped slightly in September, 2013 to 79.7 but this is a far cry from the 16-year low index of 57.2 in May, 2008. Overall, the CCI indicates that consumers are currently “positive” about the state of the

Baynote, a company that helps multi-channel retailers increase consumer engagement, predicts a strong holiday season for mobile, online and “brick and mortar” retailers. In their August holiday retailing report, Baynote predicted that 2013 holiday consumer spending could increase by as much as 11% over 2012. In their report, Baynote indicated that consumers can look forward to flash sales, free shipping and Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) offers throughout the 2013 holiday season.

There are only 25 days between the Friday after Thanksgiving (aka “Black Friday”) and Christmas this year, as compared to 32 days in 2012.

gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa. Make the winter holidays special for the little ones by making homemade holiday cookies and treats (maybe even start up an annual cookie swap for friends and neighbors).

The kids or grandkids will really enjoy building a beautiful gingerbread house and will look forward to this event year after year. Create a photo album of your gingerbread houses through the years as a special memento.

While you’re in the kitchen, why not plan a holiday dinner that every member of the family will look forward to year after year? Forego the normal roasts and casseroles and prepare your partner or child’s favorite meal instead, even if it’s a nontraditional choice. Voila … instant family tradition. And don’t forget to whip up a signature seasonal cup of cheer – think cranberries, cinnamon, and spice. Happy holidays!

Weekends are the busiest shopping days during that timeframe and there are only four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas versus five last year. As a result, one-third of retailers have said that they will begin holiday promotional offers as early as October. This means that neither retailers nor consumers can procrastinate during this year’s holiday shopping season.

The historically popular apparel and accessories category are projected to increase sales by 2.8% compared to 2012.

Also, sales in electronics and appliances are predicted to increase 2% compared to last year, with tablets and smartphones continuing to be wildly popular.

No Grinch To Be Found With the combination of strong consumer confidence and retailer’s positive outlook on holiday spending, there is no Grinch in sight for 2013. Although there are fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, consumers will still be able to take advantage of many promotional offers throughout the holiday shopping season in order to fill all those stockings hanging by the fireplace!

A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas Hubbard Stage | November 15-December 29 713.220.5700 | AlleyTheatre.org Houston’s seasonal favorite the Houston Press described as having “spectacular London sets… the inimitable Dickens’ tale-spiced with the usual fog and an unusual twist on the ghosts past, present, and future.” A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Carol instills a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of the holiday season.

Architecture Tour of Asia Society Texas Center Asia Society Texas Center November 16 & December 7 713.496.9915 | AsiaSociety.org Guided tours of Asia Society Texas Center give you the opportunity to see Yoshio Taniguchi’s first freestanding structure in the United States and will focus on the materials, influences, and ambience of the building. Tour stops will include: the Water Garden Terrace, Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall, Elkins Foundation Water Garden, plus more!

21st Annual TXU Energy Turkey Trot Dillard’s By the Galleria | November 28 info@HoustonTurkeyTrot.org TurkeyTrot.ShelteringArms.org The 20th annual Turkey Trot was officially the best trot yet! More than 13,700 participants trotted together to raise a record amount of funds for seniors in Houston. Trot includes a competitive and nontimed 10K/5K for runners/walkers of all ages! Your participation, volunteering, and fundraising help more than 72,000 seniors, kids, and their caregivers whom Neighborhood Centers and Sheltering Arms assist every day.

Buffalo Bayou Kayak Trip Allen’s Landing | December 7 713.752.0314 | BuffaloBayou.org Meet at Allen’s Landing and paddle east to Buffalo Nature Park. Celebrate Houston in a whole new way and join the Buffalo Bayou Partnership for a kayak adventure through Houston’s stunning urban wilderness.

Holly Jolly Symphony Spectacular with the Houston Symphony Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | December 12 281.364.3011 | WoodlandsCenter.org Frolic in our Winter Wonderland, complete with snow, as the symphony performs holiday classics and popular carols. The North Plaza feels more like the North Pole as it’s all decked out for holiday fun.

Guests can visit with Santa, Frosty, and other holiday characters, listen to carolers sing, and much more.

November | December 2013

www.HeritageTexas.com 281.679.0101

11689 Westheimer, Suite C • Houston, TX 77077

Featured Cover Property 11602 Versailles Lakes Amazing CUSTOM Estate with contemporary style! Quiet cul-de-sac with panoramic golf course views of the lake & #6 signature island green.

Library, master and craft/secondary bedroom down, master bath spa retreat with his & her boutique closets, game and billiard area at 1st floor, guest rooms with baths in suite. Private balcony, sprawling gourmet kitchen with incredible storage and prep space, butler’s pantry, wet bar, holiday storage room and secret wing to the tower/meditation room, summer kitchen, pool, spa and garden.

Holiday Traditions

Creating A Season To Remember

2906 Shire Wood Immaculate Villa | 3/2.1/2 Spacious floor plan and an abundance of natural light

11611 Versailles Lakes Stunning Custom Estate Home | 5-6/5.1/3 Elevator, gourmet kitchen and amazing golf course views

2707 Tudor Manor Elegant and Immaculate Villa | 3/4.5/2 Exquisite details & finishes throughout

3332 Bridgeberry One Story Home on Golf Course | 3/3.1/3 Courtyard, casita, wood floors, granite, custom master closet, study

11611 Gallant Ridge Beautiful, Spacious Home | 4/3.1/3 Ideal finishes: wood floors, granite, California Closets

2806 Tudor Manor Beautiful Villa on Interior Lot | 4/3.5/2 Two Master Suite options, backyard retreat

www.HeritageTexas.com BRANDEY HECKEROTH

JOANNE ESKRIDGE

AMANDA WALSH

Brandey@HeritageTexas.com

JoAnne@HeritageTexas.com

Amanda@HeritageTexas.com

281.679.0101

281.250.1864

281.451.8107

CHARLIE ESKRIDGE

281.827.9912

Charlie@HeritageTexas.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Consumer Confidence Is Seasonal Spending An Indicator Of The Housing Market?

Fall In Love With Peli Peli’s World Famous Boerewors

Royal Oaks Country Club Cover Home

Featured Exclusively By Heritage Texas Properties