With this new announcement the first thing I did was make sure my favorite local Starbucks, in The Woodlands, wasn't on the list.  The Woodlands is currently not on the list.    Starbucks Corp. has announced it will close 11 stores in the Houston area as part of a plan to close 600 underperforming outlets around the country. Most of the stores are scheduled to close during the remainder of fiscal year 2008, which ends Sept. 30, and in the first half of fiscal 2009.  Don't worry there are still 108 stores to choose from in the Houston area.   There are 11 local Houston stores that will be closing: • 3821 Shepherd at Farnham • 6001 North Freeway at Red Ripple • 12503 Tomball Parkway at Antoine • 914 Dallas at Main • 1018 Preston at Fannin • 6400 Fannin at MacGregor • 14333 Westheimer at B... 07/19/2008

Houston, Texas has been voted #1 Place to Live by Kiplingers Personal Finance, June 2008. The cities that made the list also represent larger surrounding areas, such as The Woodlands, a mere 30 minutes from downtown Houston. Cost of living was the highest priority in this process.  Other factors included population growth, percentage of workforce in the creative class, income growth, median growth and cost of living to choose the "Best Cities for 2008." Houston's housing costs are 26 percent below the average, and its overall living costs are 13 percent below the average. This means that your dollar has a much higher buying power than in virtually any other city in the country. Consider: The average price for a new single-family detached home of 2,400 square-feet (four bedrooms, two bat... 07/18/2008

Updated Custom Home on Private Lot 42 Fairbanks, The Woodlands, TX 77382 View Map Ready for dining "al fresco?" This home is perfect for entertaining poolside and dining in the gazebo! Or for the more formal affairs, dine in elegance in the formal dining room overlooking the pool and outdoors. Additional grand exterior views are to be found in the private elegant master suite with enormous closet. How about a little indoor entertainment, voila, the media room is perfect for watching your favorite movies! Turn on music throughout the house, patio and garage with this great sound system. Texas-size storage in the garage, attics & bedrooms. Live "large" with plenty of high ceilings and extra floor space. Views of the pool and backyard from most rooms, intricate detailed moldings, split be... 07/17/2008

THE WOODLANDS is the PERFECT mixture of different cultures!  The arts, shopping, influence by the close Big City of Houston, neighborhood intimacy and good old fashioned Texas pride!  THE WOODLANDS gives you the Big City with a small town feel. On a recent trip to Pebble Beach, California ... I couldn't help but parallel the differences between the World Renowned Golf Courses in THE WOODLANDS and PEBBLE BEACH.  Lets take a moment to look at the home prices and golf rates! Golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus are all located in The Woodlands: The Samsung LPGA World Championship and the PGA Shell Houston Open have both been previously hosted at Woodlands golf courses. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Carlton Woods, ranked as the best new private golf co... 07/17/2008

  July 10, 2008, CNBC ran an article stating that Texas ranked top economy in nation by CNBC!!!!  This article goes on to say that "Texas boasts over half of the nation's new jobs created in the past 12 months, and has added over 1.2 million net new jobs in the past five years, more than any other state." Economists have said the increase in home prices can be linked to Texas' positive job market! In the past 12 months, ending in April 2008, Montgomery County added 4,300 new jobs, said Ted C. Jones, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of Stewart Title. If jobs are being created, people want to move to an area and buy homes, which keeps prices rising and sales from slipping too far. If you throw in job creation from Dallas/Fort Worth with the metro area from Galveston to Houston to... 07/10/2008

  CARLTON WOODS, the luxury gated community located North of Houston, in The Woodlands, TX has had  "very, very strong" real estate sales according to Andrew Whitacre, managing partner and broker of Carlton Woods. At least 23 houses, with an average price tag of $1.5 million per home, were sold over a six-month time frame, according to The Woodlands Development Company. This started on November 29, 2007, with 6 homes selling before the start of the New Year. Also, 13 homesites, at an average price of $475,000, have sold since March 17, 2008. Real Estate Sales are attributed to a sound development plan and demographics in The Woodlands, click HERE for 2007 Woodlands demographics. There have been 3 typical type of buyers: 1. "Move-up" Buyers ... they already live in The Woodlands and relo... 07/10/2008

I LOVE to run through The Woodlands, Texas, on the extensive bike paths!  My kids either ride their bikes or wear roller blades to come along with me.  We spent a few hours the other night exploring Cochrans Crossing. We went past the Woodlands Country Club: These are some of the most GORGEOUS running trails you will ever see!!! We spent time at the lake (where we have caught catfish and fed the ducks), and then ate a snack at the picnic tables by the waterfall.  Then we got back on our bike's and explored a few new neighborhood parks that I have been driving past for a few years but didn't even know existed .... leave it to kids to show you where things are!   After that we went down a gully off of Cochran's Crossing to the creek in back side of Bear Branch Park.   We went by Teal Poin... 07/10/2008

Wilshire Homes recently teamed up with Standard Renewable Energy to build a solar powered home in the neighborhood of Arrow Canyon the Village of Creekside Park. Wilshire is the first production builder in the Greater Houston area to offer a solar energy system as a standard option. The new Wilshire model at 7 North Arrow Canyon Circle is the popular Kensington floor plan and features a state-of-the-art 3.5 kW solar photovoltaic solar energy system. Solar panels, mounted discreetly on the home's roof, convert sunlight into electricity, providing a clean alternative to fossil fuelgenerated electricity. The solar energy system integrates seamlesssly with the homes' current utility power, which continues to provide power when needed (for instance at night or in cloudy weather). The solar e... 07/10/2008

    Village of Sterling Ridge Shopping Center, located at Woodlands Parkway and Kuykendahl.  This is a convenient shopping location for Cochran's Crossing, Alden Bridge, Indian Springs, Sterling Ridge and Carlton Woods. STORE PHONE Amegy Bank 281-465-6300 Anthony & Sylvan Pools 281-681-0505 Beverage Shoppe, The 281-681-9110 Blockbuster 281-292-3263  Boss Chiropractic & Rehabilitation 281-681-2677 Brothers Pizza 281-419-8550 Child and Family Eye Care 281-363-4362 Compass Bank 281-363-8833 CVS Pharmacy 281-419-7681 Diva Boutique 281-364-7467 Driver's Auto Repair 281-681-9330 Edward Jones 281-363-9800 Exxon 281-362-8060 Great Harvest Bread Company 281-362-1343 Kroger Signature Store 281-296-0186 Kenneth W. Griffin, D.D.S. 281-363-3308 Todd J. Hughes, D.D.S., M.S., P.A. 281-681-1118 Jiffy L... 07/09/2008

 Village of Cochran's Crossing Shopping Center, located at Research Forest and Gosling.  This is a convenient location for Cochran's Crossing, Alden Bridge and Panther Creek. STORE PHONE Alamo Joe's 281-367-7382 Animal Clinic at Cochran's Crossing 281-298-7387 Backstage Hair Salon 281-465-4149 Beverage Shoppe, The 281-363-0606 Bike Source 281-367-9495 Blockbuster 281-367-0331 Gene A. Chapman, D.C., D.A.C.A.N., D.A.A.P.M 281-362-7772 Compass Bank 281-367-7727 Copy Central 281-681-9499 CVS Pharmacy 281-364-7277 Darque Tan 281-298-8787 Domino's Pizza 281-298-9444 Honey Bee Ham & Deli 281-364-9200 Huntington Learning Center 281-296-0080 Kroger Signature Store 281-367-1591 Marble Slab Creamery 281-362-9111 Murphy's Deli 832-813-0088 MW Cleaners  281-364-8425 Nails of America  281-292-0511 S... 07/09/2008

    The Woodlands is located on 27,000 acres of forestland, 27 miles north of Houston, Texas. The planned community, developed by The Woodlands Corporation (now The Woodlands Development Company), opened in October, 1974, and has grown steadily to become one of the region's most desired places to live and work. The projected population of 120,000 will enjoy a framework combining residency, industry, churches, schools, public facilities, shopping, recreation and the forest in a convenient and aesthetically-pleasing hometown environment. There are different communities in The Woodlands, each village offers a unique variety of parks, recreation, shopping, restaurants and much more.  Alden Bridge, Cochran's Crossing, College Park, Grogan's Mill, Indian Springs, Panther Creek, Sterling Ridge... 07/09/2008

  The other day I went for a bike ride with my kids to the back side of Bear Branch Park, between Cochran's Crossing and Alden Bridge, in The Woodlands. We went down one of the many gullies to get there. It was amazing that there is a forest back there, it was beautiful!!!   You can rope swing, mountain bike, walk your dog, walk through the forest, jog, catch frogs, play in the creek or fish.          Walking, running, hiking, jogging, fishing, biking, or walking your dog ... the Woodlands is where you need to be.  Click HERE for an interactive park pathway guide.   Looking to buy a house or sell your home? Contact Pippa MAC, ReMax REALTOR for more information on homes for sale in The Woodlands. 07/08/2008

How many times have you seen the "Promo Code" box when you go to check out on an internet site and wished you kenw the promo code to save some bucks?? Well, recently I heard about sites where individuals register promo codes for various companies to help you save money.  So, last week when it was time for me to order my dog's heart worm meds for 1800petmeds.com I decided to do a search for "promo codes for 1800petmeds".  Several sites came up including www.retailmenot.com. With five minutes of searching I found a promo code that saved me $20.00 or 1/3 of the total bill for a year's supply of Interceptor Heartworm Tablets. After that purchase, I ordered my son's  day and night contacts which were originally 199.00 before the mail in rebate, but with yet another promo code I received 15% ... 07/08/2008

HOW TO SELL A HOME IN 1 DAY IN THE WOODLANDS! 2 PETAL PARK , STERLING RIDGE, THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS If you are planning to BUY OR SELL a home in STERLING RIDGE, COCHRANS CROSSING, ALDEN BRIDGE, CARLTON WOODS, INDIAN SPRINGS, CARLTON WOODS CREEKSIDE, COLLEGE PARK, WINDSOR HILLS,  PANTHER CREEK, CREEKSIDE, EASTSHORE, GROGANS MILLS or GROGANS FOREST Planning and Preparation is critical! I listed this property with my sellers on February 2, 2008, they had made this home PERFECT!  These sellers had triplets and they had done everything to STAGE this home to perfection!  I give 100% credit to the sellers.  They had cleaned out the closets, bedrooms and extra toys to make this home presentable to a BUYER.   Over the course of a month (before selling) my sellers focused on the huge task of downsi... 07/08/2008

The Village of Indian Springs:   The Village of Indian Springs is located at the corner of Woodlands Parkway and Kuykendahl.  Making this a convenient shopping location for Carlton Woods, Indian Springs, Sterling Ridge, Alden Woods and Cochrans Crossing.  Indian Springs Village Center STORE PHONE NUMBER Animal Clinic at Indian Springs 281-298-5509 Bahama Blue Pool & Backyard Supply 281-419-6500 Bank of America 281-296-1030 Chase Bank 281-419-3416 Chili's 281-419-2529 China Spring 281-419-9961 Curl, Kenneth H., D.D.S. 281-367-6777 Double Dave's Pizzaworks 281-419-3283 Edible Arrangements 832-813-7200 FastFrame 281-419-4140 Great Clips 281-419-3302 H-E-B 281-292-8006 Interiors Of Distinction 281-681-9144 It's A Grind Coffee House 281-296-0898 JW Tumbles 281-298-7755 Kid to Kid 281-419-333... 07/08/2008

INDIAN SPRINGS  The Woodlands Texas, SOLD Real Estate Market Report June 2008 (edit/delete) The Village of INDIAN SPRINGS, SOLD in The Woodlands, TX,  Luxury Home Market (Houston Suburb) in the month of June, 2008.  These numbers are according to the Houston Association of Realtors, MLS in The Woodlands, Texas INDIAN SPRINGS. The Village of Indian Springs is known for its rolling topography, abundant trees, and overall peaceful setting. As one of the smallest villages located on the south side of The Woodlands, there are many big advantages such as the John Cooper School, a private college preparatory academy for grades K-12, and Indian Springs Village Center. This center is one of the most popular shopping centers, containing an H-E-B supermarket and the ever-popular Mi Luna, a restaur... 07/08/2008

Sales to date this year are brisk in the premier, gated community of Carlton Woods in The Woodlands. A total of 23 homes have sold in the past six months, at an average sales price of $1.5 million, compared to a total of 29 sold in all of 2007. Eight homesites, at an average price of $475,000, have sold in the past three months. The economic factors that are impacting buyers in other markets and price points are not impacting our buyers.  Most of our buyers have been able to sell their homes in other states, so they have the capital to reinvest when they move to Carlton Woods. We are seeing an influx of buyers with extended families who are building ‘family clubhouses' - large estate homes with custom amenities like swimming pools, electronic game rooms, and open floor plans that flow f... 07/08/2008

  The Village of Cochrans Crossing, SOLD Real Estate in The Woodlands, TX,  Luxury Home Market (Houston Suburb) in the month of June, 2008.  These numbers are according to the Houston Association of Realtors, MLS in The Woodlands, Texas.. Cochran's Crossing Cochran's Crossing is named after the original Grogan-Cochran Lumber Company. One of the largest villages in the middle of The Woodlands, Cochran's Crossing is home to The Woodlands Country Club, The Palmer Golf Course, YMCA, and Bear Branch Sports Field. Homeowners will have access to exemplary schools, several large parks and shopping at Cochran's Crossing Shopping Center. North of The Woodlands, is a neighborhood called Harper's Landing. Located here are Montgomery College and St Luke's Community Medical Center. Also, two active a... 07/06/2008

  According to the economy the U.S. Real Estate Market is hurting ... but wait ... take a look at these current number of homes, over 1 million ($1,000,000.00) that SOLD in The Woodlands, TX,  Luxury Home Market (Houston Suburb) in the month of June, 2008.  These numbers are according to the Houston Association of Realtors, MLS in The Woodlands, Texas.   Single Family PropertyComparative Market Analysis    

Property Type:   SingleFamily       Status:   Sold SubjectProperty                                 MLS# Closed Date Address Subdiv. BR Bths # Gar Pool Lot SqFt Bldg SqFt Yr List Price Sold Price SP/ SF Adjusted SP/SF DOM CCDOM LP/SP % 9648440  6/26/2008  7 WEST ISLE PL  THE WOODLANDS PANT... 07/06/2008

  "YMCA Operation Backpack" joins the forces of 38 YMCAs, local churches and other partners to touch the lives of tens of thousands of Houston area children and families this school year. Thousands of school supplies will be collected for children who might otherwise go back to school unprepared. This year, beginning July 12th through August 17th, YMCA Operation Backpack will collect brand new backpacks filled with school supplies and distribute them to children The Houston Home Show has named YMCA Operation Backpack its official charity. Houston Home Show attendees will receive $2-Off General Admission when they bring a backpack or school supplies to donate to YMCA Operation Backpack. The 27th Annual Houston Home Show runs August 8th - August 10th.   Operation Backpack is supported by ... 07/03/2008