... and the WINNER is!

(The winner was chosen by my adorable grandson!)

Congratulations to the beautiful and talented Hayley Hardcastle of hh design house! Hayley is the daughter of one of my life long dearest friends. She has her own stationary design business and is by far one of the most creative and enthusiastic gals you'll ever meet. Visit her website for to see some of her fabulous creations... she does invitations for all sorts of events, incredible Christmas Cards, even custom sketch drawings of your home. Congrats sweet Hayley!

Thanks so much to all who entered, commented, sent emails, and asked questions. Continue to visit Jill's Home News for more recipes, tips, giveaways, and... HOME NEWS!

Have a blessed week.

Jill's Home News Giveaway #1!

Friends, family, clients, co-workers, and blog readers... ENTER to win my first giveaway!

I value your opinions, your feedback, your ideas, your input... and want to THANK YOU in advance for your support of Jill's Home News. I want this to be a place that you can come to find a last minute recipe, a decorating tip for your home, an open house to browse over the weekend, the latest listings in Fort Bend County... and much more! 

Leave me a comment (it's really easy, even this Grandma can do it)... and tell me something! Have a suggestion or idea for a blog post, tell me. Want to learn more about a neighborhood in Ft. Bend, which one? Have a Real Estate question (market, home value, time to buy or sell?), let me know. Whatever comes to mind after browsing Jill's Home News... leave me a comment and you'll be entered to win a $25 Gift Card to Pappasito's! Who can resist their chips & salsa..

Thank you for helping me make this site a beneficial and enjoyable place to visit, blessings to you all. 

Winner will be chosen Sunday evening.

Happy Father's Day weekend, thanks so much for stopping by!

Pecan Grove Tradition: 5 Miles My Way

For over 20 years, my family has called Pecan Grove home. We've seen it grow and change, we've participated in cake walks at Pecan Grove Elementary, had softball practice in the empty fields where Randall's now sits, and joined in the yearly holiday traditions that are so much a part of this wonderful community. One of our family favorites has always been 5 Miles My Way, put on by the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department. If you have never participated, haven't done so in a few years, or are an avid 5-Miler, here's some information to help you sign up for the big race!

The race kicks off the morning of the 4th of July. My girls used to decorate their bikes red-white-and-blue, while I pushed our youngest in the jogging stroller through the streets of Pecan Grove. Such wonderful memories to be made on this day! 

Details on registration, starting times can be found here, or at the PG Fire Department's website.

This event offers a fun race that can be competitive or just a personal challenge for

BICYCLIST, SKATERS, RUNNERS and WALKERS

A new five mile course for Bicyclist, Skaters and Runners. A new three mile course for Walkers. Registration Fee is $15.00 and includes a T-shirt while supplies last!

We encourage you to register early at the Valero Corner Store parking lot at Plantation and FM 359 on:

June 20, 2009  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  &  June 21, 2009  10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27, 2009  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  &  June 28, 2009  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

at the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department  Fire Station, 727 Pitts Rd June 28 through July 3 - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day

You can register at the Starting Line on July 4^th before the race but T-shirts will be limited and on a first come, first-served basis.   Approximate Start Times

7:20 a.m. for Bicyclist & Skaters

 7:45 a.m. for Runners & Walkers

Dust off those tennis shoes and join in one of Pecan Grove's great traditions!

Like what you see? 

The Butch Watterson Team has a new listing in the neighborhood. It's move-in ready! Find out more about it HERE.

Pecan Grove is a wonderful place for families in all stages of life. If I can help you find your dream home in this lovely community, I would be honored to do so!

Memorial Day Weekend: Backyard Burgers

As a tribute to my husband, the grill master, I thought I would pass along some delicious recipes for backyard burgers, with a twist. Grill these up for your family this Memorial Day weekend!

You can't go wrong with Chef Bobby Flay's Hamburger with Double Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Vidalia Onion and Horseradish Mustard. Sounds good enough to eat! Visit THIS LINK for the yummy recipe.

Want an alternative to the traditional beef burger? The always adorable Rachael Ray has a delicious solution: Turkey Bacon Double Cheese Burgers with Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce.This juicy burger recipe can be found HERE.

This Family Circle contest winner sounds too good to be true, try the Southern Pimento Cheese Burger... the cheesy, yummy recipe can be found HERE.

Mini burgers are showing up on restaurant menu's all over town... try these Mini Blue Cheese Burgers- a bite sized snack the whole family will love. You can't go wrong with a Barefoot Contessa recipe: HERE. Mmm!

The weather this week is supposed to be beautiful... enjoy a long weekend with good friends, family, and food! And, if you're in the mood to see a beautiful home or two, give me a call on your day off!

Butch Watterson Team: Current Home Listings

Wherever the dreams of your next home take you... the Butch Watterson Team has a beautiful listing waiting for you!

Homes from the prestigious waterfront neighborhood, Venetian Estates...

510 Santa Maria

Or perhaps you'd like an adorable home in up and coming "Old Sugar Land?"

122 Venice Street

Perhaps you want to settle your family in one of Fort Bend County's finest neighborhoods: Greatwood, Sienna Plantation, and Cinco Ranch... we have something for everyone.

Greatwood: 1903 Shadow Lake Dr.

Sienna Plantation: 5938 Story Book Trail

Cinco Ranch: 25315 Mallard Bay Lane

There's lots more where these came from, if I can be of service at all... please do not hesitate to call, email, or comment:

281.723.7094 or jdpgreer@yahoo.com

Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

This recipe has been a family favorite for years. It's a great summer treat, easy to make, and always a crowd pleaser.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Ingredients & Directions

1- 6 oz. strawberry jello

2 cups hot water

2- 10 oz. frozen strawberries, partly thawed

Dissolve jello in hot water, add frozen strawberries.  Refrigerate until thick (1-2 hrs.).

1- 8 oz. cream cheese

1 cup sugar

1- 8 oz. cool whip

Blend cream cheese, sugar and fold in cool whip.

Mix the following together and pat in 9x13 pan. Bake 400* for 8-10 min.  Cool.

2 cups crushed pretzels

1 stick margarine, melted

2 Tbsp. sugar

Spread cream cheese mixture over crust, sealing edges to keep crust crunchy. 

Spread strawberry mixture over cream cheese and refrigerate over night.

Cut into squares... and ENJOY!

Back in Business.

Hello Family & Friends!

I am very excited to let you know I am back in the Real Estate business! I have joined The Butch Watterson Team with Keller Williams Southwest. This is a team of the finest people … I feel honored to be a part. Together we bring years of real estate experience, providing the highest quality of real estate services possible. And you get 6 people working with you instead of 1!

If you or a friend have a real estate need, please be sure to give me a call. You can be assured of my prompt, personal and professional attention. Be looking for more information coming soon to the Real Estate Blog!