Go To Girl's World

go to www.texasgotogirl.com

2010-11-23T13:08:00.001-06:00

This blog has moved. Please go to www.texasgotogirl.com Thanks! 8-)

Ugh! Poor salad bar etiquette drives me crazy!

2010-08-05T22:15:00.000-05:00

So today I'm at Jason's Deli (www.jasonsdeli.com), one of my all-time favorite places. I love it there because it's fresh, quick, and healthy (depending on the choices you make!) My sweet husband and I always get the salad bar and I have a cup of Tortilla Soup. So again today, I was reminded of people's ridiculous concept of salad bar etiquette. At Jason's the salad bar offers different

Skincare solved!

2010-08-05T22:04:00.000-05:00

For over half my life, I have been on a quest to find the knock-my-socks-off, lightning bolt solution for what will give me the clean, clear, sun protected complexion that I have been longing for. I think I first bellied-up to the Estee Lauder counter when I was barely driving, so in North Dakota, that means I was about 13! I know I'm not alone in this quest. People everywhere want to have a

4th of July Festivities in The Woodlands

2010-06-29T15:55:00.000-05:00

Red, Hot & Blue Festival Highlights Fourth Of July Weekend Celebration In The Woodlands The Woodlands tradition continues with one of the largest Fourth of July fireworks displays in the greater Houston area as the Red, Hot & Blue Festival enters its 13th year of celebrating America’s birthday. The Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival, produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors

Interview with Jackie Key

2010-05-03T20:38:00.003-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down the the songstress herself! I was able to ask her some questions about her new CD, BELOVED. The following are excerpts from our conversation. You’ve just finalized your first studio CD. Did you write the songs? Yes, initially. Part of the whole recording process is that you come up with a batch of songs you’ve written when you

Gorgeous New Listing!

2010-04-21T20:00:00.005-05:00

Have you ever been truly amazed with a product? Enough that you find yourself thinking, 'Wow - this performs exactly the way I need it to!'? This entire house evokes that feeling. Original owners have thought of everything, even down to a trash chute in the center of the island so that you don't have to drag your crumbs across the floor to get them into the trash can. Home sits on over two

LOL Annual Pig Roast - April 17th - YUM!!!

2010-04-12T13:48:00.004-05:00

It's that time again! Time to enjoy the goodness of a pig roasted in a spit all-night-long. Some gentlemen from the congregation begin cooking the pig literally at midnight Friday night! Not only is the pig delicious, but there is also a live band, cold beer, silent auction, and those reknown LOL desserts! Proceeds benefit the pastor's discretionary fund. What's not to love? Come check

Grogan's Mill Shell Car Care - Knockin' it out of the PARK!

2010-04-09T09:39:00.003-05:00

Everybody dreads having their car worked on, right? It's expensive, time consuming, inconvenient, and when you get it back, it's not newer, faster, etc....just still the same car. Well, I recently had a car-fixing experience that left me quite pleased. Since this was a new experience for me, I thought I would tell you about it.A few days ago, I took my car in for it's annual inspection and an

Lots of cool free outdoor entertainment - "Along the Waterway" and "Concert in the Park" Info

2010-03-29T10:42:00.004-05:00

The Woodlands Announces Entertainment Line-up for 2010 Along The WaterwayFrom holiday celebrations and live music to outdoor movie screenings and magicians, The Woodlands will once again become a spot for residents and visitors to gather as The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau unveils an exciting roster of family-friendly events for 2010. Catch some of the hottest, live music acts as “

St. Paddy's Recipe - Guiness Stout Brownies

2010-03-22T14:00:00.002-05:00

The original version of these brownies was developed in Ireland. The malt in the Guinness stout beer intensifies the flavor of the chocolate in these delicious brownies. The texture is an interesting combination of fudge, mousse, candy, and traditional brownies. Although decadently chocolate, they are surprisingly light due to the eggs. You won't taste the beer at all. Great for St.

Happenings around The Woodlands

2010-03-13T16:10:00.002-06:00

The Woodlands Township has some great programs for all to enjoy! Check out the list, of just a few below and get all the details on their web site at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. Want to set sail on a Cruise? Then join us for our Cruising 101 class, its free! Whether you are going solo, as a couple or the entire family, this informative class goes over the many enjoyable options

Don't Let You Pipes Freeze!

2010-01-07T08:19:00.005-06:00

We're expecting a hard freeze for the next couple nights (I think it's been cold enough already - and I'm from North Dakota!)Here's what the Texas Department of Insurance has to say about preventing frozen pipes/pipes bursting.Stay Warm! Texas Department of InsuranceFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 6

Market Street Announces New Additions for 2010

2009-12-30T15:10:00.003-06:00

Market street will be adding several new shopping and dining venues in 2010. Check them out here!http://woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=33940

2009 Holiday Events in The Woodlands, TX

2009-11-19T20:05:00.004-06:00

Pardon my absence - I delivered a healthy baby boy on September 12th and have been enjoying him these past months!It's that special time of year again, and as usual, The Woodlands has much to offer in the way of festivities!Lighting of the Doves - Saturday, November 21st, 20092-7 PM at Town Green Park along the WaterwayIce Carvers, Snow Play Area, Kids Activities, Visit from Santa,

Pizza by Marco - 2 Thumbs Up!!

2009-08-21T01:30:00.003-05:00

Almost a year ago, I was able to travel with my family to Italy. Of course while in Italy, we ate pizza for almost every meal. We COULD NOT get enough! The crust was thin and flaky with that brick-oven authenticity, the toppings were simple and fresh, and you could get it everywhere! They serve it individually to each person (who would be able to share this stuff?), it's not cut, and it's

Best Lunch Deal in The Woodlands!

2009-08-13T06:26:00.004-05:00

The other day, I had lunch at Americas, and it seemed like the food just never stopped coming! When you're in the late stages of pregnancy, this is a good thing. 8-)All included with the price of your lunch is a salad or soup, your drink, their family-style vegetable tray, dessert, and coffee! I ordered the Chicken Encamisado, which is a fave of mine. It's a crispy chicken breast served with

Wow! Forbes.com just published their list of Top 25 places to move...The Woodlands, TX was #14!

2009-07-14T11:47:00.003-05:00

Check it out for yourself! Link below the picture of our waterway taxi!http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/07/relocate-relocation-cities-lifestyle-real-estate-affordable-moving_slide_15.html

Water Restriction in The Woodlands has reached Stage 3 - NOW MANDATORY

2009-06-30T13:34:00.007-05:00

I don't know about you, but given the patch of dry, crunchy lawn in front of our house, I have been seriously considering doing some research on the most proper and effective way to do a raindance. WE NEED RAIN!!!! I grew up in a farming community, and can vividly remember drought being a common topic of conversation. I guess back then I didn't have a lawn nevermind any crops, so I didn't

Water Conservation in The Woodlands

2009-06-21T08:37:00.003-05:00

The following was set from WoodlandsAlert - great resource for information about The Woodlands!Neighborhood Services Message - Water ConservationDue to extremely dry conditions and high water demand, The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency has initiated Stage 2 of their Water Conservation and Drought Contigency Plan. Stage 2 is a voluntary water restriction and limits outdoor irrigation to no more

Waterway Square Restaurants, Fire Dept., Farmer's Market

2009-06-12T14:50:00.002-05:00

The seven restaurants in The Waterway Square District, located on and near Waterway Avenue in The Woodlands Town Center, have launched a 14-week program of special offers and discounts beginning June 8 and extending through September 13, 2009. The restaurants participating in the program include Américas, Baker Street Pub & Grill, Crush Wine Lounge, The Goose’s Acre, Hubbell & Hudson, Rio24

Dive-In Movie Schedule for The Woodlands Pools

2009-06-04T15:51:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again! The Woodlands pools are getting set to open for the season, and we now have the schedule for this year's Dive-In Movies!The Dive-In Movie series begins in June. Float in the pool while watching a movie on a big screen at the pool’s edge. Pools open at 8 p.m. with movies beginning at 8:30 p.m. Admission is only $5 per person. Children three and under are admitted

Property Tax Panic? Relax and Read on...

2009-04-25T08:47:00.005-05:00

It's that time of year again...the time of year when my popularity skyrockets because people identify me as someone who knows what to do about those shocking Property Tax Appraisals! I truly don't mind. I do know what to do, and I am happy to help! First, did you just buy your home (

Help out The Sunshine Kids and win an Audi A6!

2009-04-16T09:51:00.004-05:00

As a Prudential Gary Greene REALTOR®, I support The Sunshine Kids Foundation. The Sunshine Kids is an organization that raises money to send groups of kids battling cancer on weeklong getaways (usually a ski trip) each year. Last year, Prudential Gary Greene raised over $400,000! We are all very proud to be affiliated with The Sunshine Kids, and to see the pictures of the kids enjoying

Interesting...Forbe's article stating that CEOs should be on Twitter and Facebook

2009-03-13T11:12:00.003-05:00

What are your thoughts? I guess I would know already if you were my friend on Facebook, or if I were following you on Twitter. Yes, these activities can sometimes bring to mind thoughts of, 'Who Cares!'. But overall, it's a pretty great way to stay in contact with people you know, or learn more about people/companies you don't, even celebrities! I never thought I would know anything about John

$8000 IRS Tax Credit with home purchase in 2009.

2009-02-20T11:10:00.002-06:00

It's finally settled. The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan has gone through the House and the Senate, and is now a reality. The plan includes provisions to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, as well as provisions to keep interest rates low so that homeowners can re-finance their current Fannie May or Freddie Mac loans to today's low rates. But perhaps what is exciting about the plan

Is now the time to buy? Heck yes!!!

2008-12-08T11:05:00.003-06:00

I just got off the phone with a lender friend of mine. He told me that he did a loan on Friday for 4.875%! WHAT?? I never thought there would be a day where mortgage loans would ever be below 5%! The feds are clamoring to bring mortgage rates down to 4.5%. I'm not here to pontificate over whether or not that would be good for the economy overall, although I think it would. I am here to share

October 2008 Market Reports for The Woodlands

2008-11-11T23:10:00.003-06:00

The data is in! Here is a collection of market reports for the month of October for The Woodlands. Admittedly, the numbers are not as patent leather shiny as they have been in the prior two record-breaking years, but it's important to note that they're not mud puddle murky, either. Take a look through...you'll note that our months supply of inventory has increased, but is still below the 6 months

New Listings and a Reduction!

2008-11-03T21:26:00.010-06:00

There's lots going on in the real estate market around here! I've got two new listings and a price reduction to share.First is a horse property, east of Tomball in Belmont Farms. It's on almost 6 acres, has horse pasture and a 4 stall barn. The main home was built in French country style, there is a 2 bedroom guest house, and too many neat features to describe! Offered at $990,000, it's a

What's going on at the TPC?

2008-10-14T09:51:00.004-05:00

It's very exciting, actually. We are hosting the Administaff Small Business Classic - Champions Tour!The leader board is clearly visible from my back deck, and all residents living on the course were given passes. So, if you're interested in checking it out, let me know!Below is a rough schedule of events.Monday October 13 -United Healthcare Pro-AmTuesday October 14 - Junior Pro-Am, Professional

Yikes - Ike!!

2008-10-08T13:56:00.002-05:00

This is probably too little too late, but just incase you're still dealing with the fallout from Ike, don't hesitate to call if you need names of painters, flooring guys, tree removal, etc. I have personal experience with almost every type of professional you can imagine and am happy to pass on a good name.I hope everyone is safe and dry!CourtGo To Girl(832)326-5787courtney@courtneyfoster.com

Houston cited as Best Place to Earn a Living by Forbes Magazine

2008-08-28T10:34:00.002-05:00

Best U.S. Cities To Earn A Living - Matt WoolseyThough Houston has plenty of fat cats, this is not a story about America's Most Overweight Cities.Rather, Houston is recognized here for its dynamic business environment, low unemployment and high wages relative to income. These factors make Houston the best city to earn a living by our calculations.A record amount of money has been made off oil and

New Listing - Crighton Ridge

2008-08-04T10:50:00.004-05:00

Gorgeous One Story on over an Acre!8772 Skyline DriveLive here and avoid the MUDs of The Woodlands and the taxes of Conroe! Just minutes from I-45, you have the best of both worlds just outside your front door. This single story Trendmaker all-brick home boasts both formals, beautiful tree-filled lot, enormous kitchen, four spacious bedrooms, and a three car garage. Lot size is just over an acre

Watch out for plumbers in The Woodlands

2008-07-16T14:14:00.002-05:00

Wow! I have never even considered blogging about something negative, but I have now stumbled upon a situation I think is so out of control, I feel compelled to get the word out.It all started several weeks ago when my water source heat pump heating and cooling units began making a high pitched whining noise. My heart sank as I shut them off and contemplated what the next week would entail (

Helpful Hint: GOOG-411 or (800)466-4411

2008-07-02T09:20:00.002-05:00

Even with a wireless air card for my laptop, the internet on my phone, etc. It seems there are still times that I need to call information. I've tried some other services that claim to be free, and they are indeed free, but you don't always have the time (or frankly the desire) to listen to all their advertisements that make them free. Anyway, I just found this great Google application (no

Yowza!!! I have found it...the perfect summer cocktail!

2008-06-25T12:30:00.004-05:00

Last weekend, while enjoying a date at Jasper's with my lovely husband, I stumbled upon a little secret...a martini not on the martini menu...a little something extra that you have to ask for special. (it's much yummier looking than this boring martini photo)Since I was so fortunate, I now want to share my knowledge with you! It will be WELL worth the time, money, energy, and effort to get

Workout clothes that work! (and don't cost a fortune!)

2008-06-20T15:14:00.002-05:00

Recently, I've been doing a lot of shopping around for workout clothes (see previous post for news about my addition to Bikram Yoga). What I have been finding on-line and in stores is that a lot of the brands seem quite pricey (should one yoga costume really cost $150??), and they also stop at size 12. I realize that people that are using workout clothes are probably not larger sized, however,

GREAT FIND! The Showboat Drive-In Movie Theater in Tomball!

2008-06-06T10:20:00.005-05:00

Who doesn't love the drive-in movie, right? Well, we're in luck because there's a great one right in our backyard!The Showboat Drive-In is 12 miles west of Tomball on 2920, and it is FANTASTIC! They have two screens, and show double features on each screen. To get in, it's $5/adult $4/child (3-12), and the concessions are EXTREMELY reasonably priced. (I think popcorn starts at $1.35) but they

Do yourself a big favor and go to Bikram Yoga The Woodlands!

2008-05-21T07:30:00.005-05:00

This might be my most impactful post yet...I'm talking about Bikram Yoga! I know on the face of it, the thought of being in a room heated to 105 degrees fahrenheit and 87% humidity seems a bit nuts, but let me tell 'ya, it's FANTASTIC!! It involves 26 beginner yoga poses, the same ones in the same sequence every class. The challenge is staying in the room, and eventually going deeper into the

Huge Ave. Sales Price increase in The Woodlands!!

2008-05-07T13:44:00.003-05:00

Holy cow!!! This statistic is going to knock your socks off...According to MLS statistics, for the month of May, the average sales price in The Woodlands was an astounding $383,310. This is a record, folks! Comparing that to May's average sales price from 2006, it has gone up a whopping 31.3% WHOO HOO!!! So glad I live in The Woodlands!In addition, Months Supply of Inventory (meaning: if there

Check the status of your refund here!

2008-04-29T12:41:00.001-05:00

I just found a link to the IRS where you can check the status of your return. You'll need a couple pieces of information (SSN, type of return, expected refund amount). Check it out!http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html

Just in...Property Tax Appraisals - YIKES!!

2008-04-18T11:49:00.002-05:00

Not sure if you were as blown away as I was by my tax appraisal that arrived yesterday, but thought I’d give you some information just incase you were! My home's valuation went up a whopping 72%, so I feel like I need to take some serious action! I just spoke to a guy I know that is a tax protester. I asked him if I had a fighting chance of getting my appraisal amount and subsequently my taxes

Three sources for getting ride of junk mail!

2008-04-16T20:21:00.002-05:00

I have just learned about something that I am very glad to know. So of course I have to pass it on! Did you know that one hundred million trees are ground up each year to produce junk mail? That's right...100,000,000!!! I for one, really dislike receiving all the credit card offers, strange catalogs, etc. So, here's some good news!To get rid of unwanted catalogs, you can go to

New Listing - Walden on Lake Conroe

2008-04-14T08:45:00.006-05:00

This beautiful brick 3/2/2.5 is perfect for that lake lover. Garage has extra space for boat parking or a workshop, home features high ceilings, crown moulding, spacious backyard, and surround sound. Neighborhood boat launch is right around corner, new grade school being built within walking distance! For more information, go to www.har.com/2170331

New Listing - Patio Home in The Woodlands

2008-03-30T18:07:00.003-05:00

54 North Crossed Birch Place This 3/2/2 beauty is perfect for lock and leave convenience! It's spacious but not too big, has beautiful crown moulding and arches, and an updated kitchen including granite and stainless steel appliances! Wait until you see the arbor in the backyard...this relaxing sanctuary is perfect for unwinding or entertaining. Priced at $250,000, this one will not last!

Heaven on Earth is only 2 1/2 hours from The Woodlands!!!

2008-03-23T19:25:00.002-05:00

My family, some friends, and I were fortunate enough to be able to spend this Easter weekend enjoying just a small portion of the amenities of The Lost Pines Hyatt Regency Spa and Resort outside of Austin. After only a couple short hours of enjoying the numerous pools, lazy river, water slide, water fountain for kids (like at Market Street), and a few of the Carribean-esque it was unanimous

New Listing - $160,000 in Imperial Oaks

2008-03-20T12:00:00.003-05:00

31302 Perlican Dr.This home is cute as a button and neat as a pin! Several upgrades include; wainscotting, wood floors, surround sound, and the list goes on! Get more information by clicking www.har.com/775349 Call me today (832)326-5787 to schedule your showing!

Warbirds! Today is the last day!

2008-03-02T07:27:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, Saturday (3/1), my son and I were on a walk and kept hearing what sounded like a really loud, low-flying plane. When I looked up to see what it was, it looked like an old bomber. We lived in Midland for a time, and Midland is home to the Confederate Air Force (it's called something different now). The plane I saw flying reminded me of those planes at the CAF. Anyway, you can go up

Economist says Housing Affordability will lead to Texas Boom

2008-02-28T14:03:00.002-06:00

Real Estate Market FocusEconomist: Housing Affordability Will Lead to Texas BoomBy Alton Gary SimpsonCOLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - Housing affordability will be the "most significant growth stimulant" for Texas over the next 25 years, according to Dr. Jim Gaines, research economist for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. In mid-2007, the median sales price of a home in the state was

Save Friday Night Lights!!

2008-02-24T22:45:00.002-06:00

Okay, so this is both a recommendation and a plea...please help me save Friday Night Lights. It truly is the best show on TV. From the excellent casting to the fine acting, and the completely authentic portrayal of a small Texas town (they have groceries from HEB!), this one is spot on! There aren't any new episodes airing right now as the 2nd season has been cut short due to the writer's

Buyer Need in Grogan's Mill

2008-01-22T20:56:00.000-06:00

I have a buyer looking for a 3-4 bedroom home in Grogan's Mill. They would like a large backyard, possibly with a pool, and the square footage needs to be 2300-3500. It's important that the kitchen be a ways from the master bedroom to accomodate an early cook and a late sleeper. Please send me an e-mail at courtney@courtneyfoster.com if you might be interested in selling a home that meets

New Listing - This one has been COMPLETELY re-done!

2008-01-16T15:13:00.000-06:00

This home in Olde Oaks has had a complete facelift! New hardiplank, new roof, new A/Cs and furnaces, pool re-plastered, granite kitchen, and a projection tv and plasma that stay with qualified offer! Check it out!

No bubble here, folks!

2007-09-24T07:13:00.000-05:00

With the flurry of negativity on the news about the downturn in real estate, I want to report what is really going on here in The Woodlands. In a nutshell, we never experienced a meteoric rise in prices, so there is no proverbial bubble to burst. The following are a couple pieces of supporting info.2006 was a record setting year, so though 2007 is trailing slightly, we're still on pace to have

Green Chile Festival at Chuy's in The Woodlands - WHOO HOO!

2007-09-02T16:01:00.000-05:00

I used to not care about this 6 week long event, as I never ordered any of the specialty items, but lastnight I changed my ways, and I'm here to tell you that it was DELICIOUS!Everything at Chuy's is very tasty, from the margaritas to the creamy jalapeno to the boom-boom sauce. So I am never unhappy with anything I have there, but lastnight I tried the deep fried avocado that's on the Green Chile

The 'front' of The Woodlands...the next 'Heights'?

2007-08-30T00:07:00.000-05:00

Some may be leary of 'older homes', some may not prefer contemporary architecture, some may desire fewer trees...these are the things I hear in the real estate world when talking to people about their choice to live in the 'back' of The Woodlands. By 'back' of The Woodlands, I'm refering to those neighborhoods beyond Kuykendahl. I understand that it's all about different priorities, you know the