03/03/16 12:00pm

Hair Revolution, Clear Lake, Houston

SquareRut Kava Bar, Austin

Today’s Swamplot sponsor is NextSeed, a crowdfunding platform open only to Texas residents. Thanks for supporting Swamplot, NextSeed!

Always wanted to invest in a local hotspot? Here’s your chance: Houston restaurants, bars, and salons are now accepting investors on NextSeed — and you’re invited to participate in their growth. NextSeed is a new online investment platform that connects local investors with small businesses. You can get started with an investment as little as $100.

Here’s how it works: A business looking for financing applies on NextSeed. Before any investment is presented on the site, NextSeed systematically evaluates the business and conducts due diligence on its management. Once the offering goes live, you can learn about the business, what it needs the funds for, and the returns you can expect.

With NextSeed’s help, Houston-based Hair Revolution (pictured in the top photo) successfully raised $25,000 from local investors in May 2015. More than 60 percent of that money has already been paid back to investors — plus interest.

Take a look at the NextSeed website to learn more and to see the current offerings.

And now comes the required disclaimer: NextSeed does not provide any investment advice or recommendation, and does not provide any legal or tax advice with respect to any securities. Any offers and sales of securities appearing on NextSeed are limited to persons that are Texas residents.

Got a great idea but need a crowd to make it happen? Looks like a job for a Swamplot Sponsorship.

Sponsor of the Day
03/02/16 12:00pm

Chart Showing Market Conditions in Inner Loop and Nearby Zip Codes, from West U Real EstateSwamplot is sponsored today by Judy Thompson, Exclusively a Buyer’s Agent. Thanks for your continuing support of this website, Judy!

And just in time for her latest stats on Houston residential real estate! Judy Thompson compiles and updates them regularly on the West U Real Estate website, which she’s operated since 2003.

The site’s regular updates of Houston residential market conditions for homes in 10 separate price ranges in 19 popular Houston Zip Codes take into account the amount of inventory currently available and the pace of sales in the previous 12 months. The charts show whether by each calculation the current market favors buyers, sellers, or neither (a “normal” market). Here’s the the latest overall chart.

A separate chart on the site plots the average of the weighted averages from the market conditions chart, attempting to illustrate the change in housing inventory in 6 MLS areas over time. That chart shows a bit of an uptick from the last month, but the average inventory is still close to a 6-month supply, according to her latest data.

More detailed figures for each Zip Code are provided on separate charts. If you’re tracking real estate values in any of the areas she covers, you’ll find her site to be a helpful resource. Thompson has worked as a buyers’ agent exclusively since 1997.

Got some numbers you’re working to keep up? A Swamplot sponsorship could help with that.

Sponsor of the Day
03/01/16 12:00pm

Ad for Josh Verde for Judge, 215th Civil District Court, Harris County, Texas

Our Sponsor of the Day for the day is Joshua Verde, candidate for the Democratic Party nomination for Harris County Civil District Judge in the 215th Judicial District.

Today is election day in Texas. And that’s why Josh asked us if he could sponsor Swamplot today — to remind readers who haven’t yet voted to be sure to hit the polls before they close tonight at 7 pm (Swamplot is nonpartisan and does not endorse political candidates, but we are unadulteratedly pro-voting) — and to provide a few helpful links:

If you’re a potential Harris County voter with questions about where to vote, what you need to bring with you to vote, or who or what is on the ballot, check out the county clerk’s elections website (harrisvotes.org) to find answers.

A nonpartisan PDF guide to the candidates prepared by the League of Women Voters can be found here.

To learn more about Josh’s campaign for the 215th Civil District Court, please visit the Josh for Judge 215 website.

Looking for attention from Swamplot readers? Try getting in front of them with a Swamplot sponsorship.

Sponsor of the Day
02/29/16 12:00pm

8802 Memorial Dr., Pinewood Estates, Houston

8802 Memorial Dr., Pinewood Estates, Houston

Our Sponsor of the Day today is this classically styled, custom-built Mediterranean at 8802 Memorial Dr. in Pinewood Estates. Thank you for your support of Swamplot!

This 5-bedroom, 9,768-sq.-ft. residence was designed by Robert Dame and built by Christopher Sims; it was completed in 2008. It’s been featured in Texas Home & Living magazine and has won 3 separate “Houston’s Best” awards from the GHBA. You’ll find carefully selected finishes and details throughout, including walnut, alder, and cypress wood cabinetry; honed limestone and walnut floors; enormous fireplaces in the spacious kitchen and great room; and Venetian plaster walls and high-quality painting.

The ground-floor master wing features an onyx-and-marble-clad bathroom and an exercise room. A sheltered outdoor living-and-dining space faces a resort-inspired pool surrounded by bluestone terraces — all on a lot that measures more than an acre.

To learn more about this distinctive home and gawk at more photos, please see the property website.

Got some carefully crafted details you think Swamplot readers would want to know about? Become a Swamplot sponsor and show them off!

Sponsor of the Day
02/26/16 12:00pm

Model of Arabella Highrise, 4521 San Felipe Rd., Houston

Today’s sponsor is a 2,206-sq.-ft. unit on the 20th floor of the striking new Arabella highrise. Thank you for supporting Swamplot!

Kristina Houston with Nan & Company Properties has listed this unit at the Arabella, which is now beginning construction near the River Oaks District and the Galleria. This spacious home has 3 bedrooms and 2-1/2 bathrooms. The building at 4521 San Felipe Rd. features modern architecture and spectacular views; the unit features a private elevator entrance and 2 reserved parking spaces. The lucky buyer will meet with the design team to choose finishes for a custom unit that’s outfitted just the way you want it.

Available for the fitness and relaxation needs of all Arabella residents: the building’s indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, fitness center, steam room, and sauna. There will also be a concierge service on-site.

The neighborhood surrounding Arabella features some of the finest shopping and dining options available within walking distance, including the Equinox Gym and the iPic Movie Theater in the nearby River Oaks District.

Check out more details about this Arabella unit at HighrisesHouston.com. Or see the website’s main page for other Nan & Company listings.

Want Swamplot readers to have a great view of your company’s offerings? Try showing them off with a Swamplot sponsorship.

Sponsor of the Day
02/23/16 12:00pm

Edible Earth Resources

Edible Earth Resources

Today’s Sponsor of the Day is Edible Earth Resources. Thanks for your support of Swamplot!

Edible Earth Resources is a full-service edible-focused landscaping and consulting firm in Houston. Experts in soil health, plant health, and food production, Edible Earth Resources offers design, installation, and ongoing maintenance services to help you grow your own nutritious produce in a manner that is safe for your family, healthy for your property’s ecosystem, and protective of our water supply.

For more information, please see the Edible Earth Resources website.

Hungry for the attention of Swamplot readers? Our Sponsor of the Day program is pretty tasty.

Sponsor of the Day
02/22/16 12:00pm

Juicy in the Sky Sign, 4720 Washington Ave. Suite B-1, Washington Corridor, Houston

The Even Better at Juicy in the Sky with Vitamins, 4720 Washington Ave Suite B-1, HoustonAnd now we have another entirely liquid sponsor for Swamplot. It’s a new juice from Washington Ave juice bar Juicy in the Sky . . . with Vitamins. Thanks for your support!

Today’s sponsor starts with a customer favorite — the Bernie’s Best, AKA “The Crudbuster” (which you can read all about here) — and adds a couple more ingredients: ginger and mint. Juicy in the Sky calls this improvement on the Bernie’s Best the Even Better.

If you’re keeping score at home, an Even Better is made of fresh beet, carrot, apple, lemon, spinach, parsley, garlic, and nothing else (except the added ginger and mint), all fresh-squeezed (and quick-chilled) before your eyes. It’s sweet, savory, and tart, all at once: a flavorful way to get your body the veggies it deserves.

This week Juicy in the Sky is running a special when you order the Even Better: Through Sunday, February 28, order the Even Better and get half off! (There won’t be any signs posted about it, so be sure to mention you heard about this special on Swamplot.) And while you’re there, chow down on any of Juicy in the Sky’s fresh, vegan, house-made soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, or desserts. Juicy in the Sky is open 7 days a week at 4720 Washington Ave, Suite B-1, at the corner of Shepherd Dr.

Got a little extra something to offer Swamplot’s thirsty readers? Try letting them know through our delicious Sponsor of the Day program.

Sponsor of the Day
02/19/16 12:00pm

Personal Coach Cricket Buchler

Our sponsor today is personal coach Cricket Buchler. Thanks for your continuing support of Swamplot, Cricket!

If you’re looking to make some changes in your life, or just searching for a creative spark for a jump-start, consider a 90-minute personal coaching session with coach Cricket Buchler. An experienced corporate trainer who has helped top executives, Hollywood celebrities, and employees in a range of industries address personal and professional development issues, Cricket also works one-on-one, guiding clients to explore and unlock possibilities and design plans to realize change, and coaching them through their journey toward an intentional life.

A coaching session can also be an inspiring gift for anyone who is looking to take the next step forward in life, work, or relationships, but feels a bit stuck as to what next steps might look like. You’ll find a sampling of testimonials from Cricket’s clients on her website, along with more information about coaching sessions.

Here’s a quick boost to your business you can make without any coaching: Become a Swamplot Sponsor of the Day. Click here to find out how.

Sponsor of the Day
02/18/16 12:00pm

Interior, 2701 Westheimer Rd. Unit 12BC, Upper Kirby, Houston

Interior, 2701 Westheimer Rd. Unit 12BC, Upper Kirby, Houston

Our Sponsor of the Day today is Unit 12BC of Regency House, at 2701 Westheimer. Thanks for supporting Swamplot!

This combined unit, which takes up a quarter floor of the midcentury Upper Kirby condo building, was once the home of Mickey Rosmarin, the owner of Tootsies. It’s now for sale. And this Sunday, it’ll be available for your inspection during an open house.

Regency House, we noted last week, sits on a 3-acre-ish site just west of the corner of Westheimer and Kirby, across from Chuy’s, Billy Reid, and Armando’s. There’s a park-like, pet-friendly green space behind the building.

Unit 12BC has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2 patios. Views from the 2,100-sq.-ft. unit span from Downtown to the Med Center to the Williams Tower. The entry (pictured at top) is flanked by window-lined formals that feature black hardwood flooring set in a herringbone pattern and Deco-inspired moldings. The granite-lined master bath (pictured above) flows into a closet flanked with built-ins, including a packing station.

Check out more pics of Unit 12BC on the property website. The open house this Sunday, February 21, will run from 2 to 4 pm.

Got a snazzy interior of your own you’d like to show off? Schedule an appearance for it as a Swamplot Sponsor of the Day.

Sponsor of the Day
02/16/16 12:00pm

Ad for Josh Verde for Judge, 215th Civil District Court, Harris County, Texas

Today’s Sponsor of the Day is Joshua Verde, a candidate for the Democratic Party nomination for Harris County Civil District Judge in the 215th Judicial District.

Swamplot is nonpartisan and does not endorse political candidates. But we do run political advertising and Sponsor of the Day content. Josh asked us if he could become a Swamplot sponsor to remind readers that early voting begins today — and provide a few helpful links:

Early voting in Harris County for the upcoming election runs from February 16th (it began at 8 am) through February 26th. Election day for the statewide primary is March 1, 2016. Here’s a PDF from the County Clerk’s office with a complete list of early voting locations.

A nonpartisan guide to the candidates (also a PDF) is prepared by the League of Women Voters and can be found here.

To learn more about Josh’s campaign for the 215th Civil District Court, please visit the Josh for Judge 215 website.

There’s no need to start a campaign if you want to become a Swamplot Sponsor of the Day. Just appoint yourself.

Sponsor of the Day
02/11/16 12:00pm

Nos Caves Vin, Rice Village, Houston

Wine Storage by NCV Custom Wine RoomsOur Sponsor of the Day today is the wine-storage experts at Nos Caves Vin. Thanks for your support of Swamplot, NCV!

Nos Caves Vin caters to discerning wine collectors. Secure, climate-controlled wine storage is available at 2 locations: one in the Rice Village and the other in the Memorial City area. Each facility also accepts deliveries, has a private lounge, and is available for private tastings.

For storage at your property, NCV Custom Wine Rooms can bring your dream wine room to life. The company features a unique racking showroom, where you can discover the type of storage that best suits your needs. The team has years of experience designing and building award-winning custom wine rooms in both residential and commercial spaces. NCV’s work can be found in ranches in the hills of Boerne, in homes on Lake Travis, in highrises in Houston and The Woodlands, and in gorgeous homes throughout Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. NCV can also repair defective wine rooms.

If you need help managing your current or future wine collection, or if you’re interested in any of the services Nos Caves Vin has to offer, take a look at the company’s website for more details.

Swamplot readers want to know about your company! Tell them all about it by becoming a  Sponsor of the Day.

Sponsor of the Day
02/10/16 12:00pm

Single-Family Market Data from West U Real Estate Website, February 9, 2016Today we’re sponsored again by Judy Thompson, Exclusively a Buyer’s Agent. Thanks for your continuing support of Swamplot, Judy!

Are you ready for the latest stats on Houston residential real estate? They’re here! Judy Thompson compiles and updates them regularly on the West U Real Estate website, which she’s operated since 2003.

The site provides regular updates of Houston residential market conditions for homes in 10 separate price ranges in 19 popular Houston Zip Codes. Thompson’s color-coded assessments take into account the amount of inventory currently available and the pace of sales in the previous 12 months. The charts show whether by each calculation the current market favors buyers, sellers, or neither (a “normal” market). Here’s the the latest overall chart.

You’ll find more gray cells showing up now than last time, which accounts for the appearance of more homes on the market. But the single-family market in the areas she covers still favors sellers, Thompson notes.

A separate chart on the site plots the average of the weighted averages from the market conditions chart, attempting to illustrate the change in housing inventory in 6 MLS areas over time. That chart shows a bit of an uptick from the last month, but the average inventory is still currently just under a 6-month supply, according to her latest data.

More detailed figures for each Zip Code are provided on separate charts. If you’re tracking real estate values in any of the areas she covers, you’ll find her site to be a helpful resource. Thompson has worked as a buyers’ agent exclusively since 1997.

Got some figures you’d like to run by Swamplot readers? Talk to us about becoming a Sponsor of the Day.

Sponsor of the Day
02/09/16 12:00pm

Regency House, 2701 Westheimer Rd., Houston

Regency House, 2701 Westheimer Rd., Houston

Today Swamplot is sponsored by condos that happen to be for sale in Regency House. Thanks for supporting Swamplot!

As far back as 1951, when he announced plans for a 15-story co-op on the site of what is now the Huntingdon, developer Bill Dickey had wanted to build a highrise in the area now known as Upper Kirby. But it took 2 more attempts, a change of site, and more than a decade for that to happen. The 13-story Regency House apartment building, designed by the architecture firm of Turner & Geyer on the former site of the Avalon Mill & Lumber Co. at 2701 Westheimer Rd. just west of Kirby Dr., finally opened in 1962. It featured a gas pump in the garage, a hair salon, a private restaurant/club on the penthouse level (the Napoleon Club), and a bowling alley. (Dickey moved into the building’s top floor and opened an office there too.) If you ignored the 1926 Plaza Hotel on Montrose, it was Houston’s first suburban building taller than 3 stories to sprout west of Main St.

The building was converted to condos in 1980. The Napoleon Club later became office space for Mid-Main developer Bob Schultz; it’s since been converted into a private residence. Among the building’s roster of current and former residents are the proprietors of the Sloan/Hall boutique across the street; interior designers Barbara Hill and Brent McCaleb; Tootsies owner Mickey Rosmarin; Wayne Smith of Wayne Smith Jewels; restaurateur Benjy Levit, and PaperCity publisher Holly Moore — which might help explain the regular appearance of Regency House interiors in that publication and several local and national shelter mags.

If you’re interested in poking around the building for yourself, visit the upcoming open house in Unit 12BC. It’s scheduled for Sunday, February 21, from 2 to 4 pm.

Got a building with a bit of history you’d like to see Swamplot readers pay attention to? Contact us about our Sponsor of the Day program.

Sponsor of the Day
02/05/16 12:00pm

410 Emerson St., Westmoreland Historic District, Montrose, Houston

Bedroom, 410 Emerson St., Westmoreland Historic District, Montrose, Houston

Please welcome today’s sponsor: This house at 410 Emerson St. in Montrose. Thanks for supporting Swamplot!

Patrick Banks with Coldwell Banker United has listed this colorful 1905 Victorian. Located within the Westmoreland Historic District in Montrose, the 2-story, 3,541 sq.-ft. home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms — and much more.

You’ll find original ornamental Victorian architectural elements throughout. Many of the original windows, with their unique glass patterns, are intact. Three 4-ft.-by-8-ft. sliding pocket doors connect the living room to the dining room and first-floor study. The study and first-floor sitting room both feature original corner fireplaces.

The second floor includes a kids’ play area with floor-to-ceiling shelving. A cozy reading nook connects to the child’s bedroom (pictured above); inside, a petite “Alice in Wonderland”-style door leads to a large closet. The large second-floor master suite features a vaulted ceiling, a private sitting area, and a private screened porch. The 9,375-sq.-ft. lot has covered parking for 2 vehicles, a tree house in a live oak and a large separate art studio in the back yard.

Check out more details about 410 Emerson St. on the property website; an extensive walk-through video is also available. Or see it all in person on Valentine’s Day: An open house is scheduled for Sunday, February 14th, from 2 to 5 pm.

Got a special someone you’re trying to reach among Swamplot’s more than 100K monthly readers? Becoming a Sponsor of the Day on this site is the perfect way to send a not-at-all secret message.

Sponsor of the Day
02/04/16 12:00pm

Wine Storage at Nos Caves Vin, Houston

Wine Storage by NCV Custom Wine RoomsToday’s Sponsor of the Day is the wine-storage experts at Nos Caves Vin. Thanks for your support of Swamplot, NCV!

Nos Caves Vin provides “downstream” services for discerning wine collectors. Secure, climate-controlled wine storage is available at 2 locations: one in the Rice Village and the other in the Memorial City area. Each facility also accepts deliveries, has a private lounge, and is available for private tastings.

For storage at your property, NCV Custom Wine Rooms can bring your dream wine room to life. The team has years of experience designing and building award-winning custom wine rooms in both residential and commercial spaces. NCV’s work can be found in ranches in the hills of Boerne, in homes on Lake Travis, in highrises in Houston and The Woodlands, and in gorgeous homes throughout Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. The company also features a unique racking showroom, where you can discover the type of storage that best suits your needs. NCV repairs defective wine rooms as well.

Nos Caves Vin provides a full suite of wine collection management services — including inventory, packing, transporting, and short-term storage — and is an authorized installer for eSommelier.

If you’re interested in racking up interest in your company’s offerings, consider becoming a Swamplot Sponsor of the Day. Check out this page to find out more.

Sponsor of the Day