Tips, Links, and MORE!

Have you checked out TEAM-PRZADA's website lately?  Well, if you have not, then you should.  It's not just for those who are searching for a house.  There is a ton of really useful information located just a few clicks away.  If you are regular readers of TEAM-PRZADA's newsletter, then you know that the ABOUT THE AREA link is YOUR resource to planning a great event.  There are also links that show you the most recent MLS listings, "hot off the presses," if you will, a list of foreclosures in the area, crime prevention tips, relocation information and preferred vendor information.  Whew!!  That's a LOT, all for you, dear readers.

This week at Housing "Cents", we would like to take a minute to spotlight TEAM-PRZADA's TIP OF THE MONTH.  This is great information for anyone who considers themselves less than a bit handy, or anyone who aspires to move many of those around-the-house projects to the D.I.Y. list from the "call a repair person list."  Many of these tips come from the mind of both an engineer AND a Realtor, so you know you are in good hands!  You can find TEAM-PRZADA'S TIP OF THE MONTH on the newsletter, located on the home page of http://www.teamprzada.com/, under TEAM-PRZADA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER.    Here's to happy and informative reading! 

Tennis Anyone?

North Texas Lifestyle’s focus this week is on the Premier Tennis Club in North Texas, T Bar M Racquet Club.  This well known facility sits on 13 acres just north of LBJ, just east of Preston Road, an unlikely spot for 30 courts (8 indoor, 8 true clay, 14 hard surface), an Olympic size pool,  workout facility and restaurant.  T Bar M offers exciting training and play for all levels. However, it may be best known for the Academy of Tennis, for those aspiring young tennis stars!  Each February, T Bar M hosts the Challenger Tournament, which garners national attention.
http://www.tbarmtennis.com/pages/index.cfm?siteid=10042

We have been members of this club since the early 80’s.  Our family spent countless hours on these courts, playing TCD (Tennis Competitors of Dallas) matches, “fun” court time with friends or watching our daughter through private lessons, junior development or junior team tennis.  You might say that during the 80’s and early 90’s T Bar M was a huge part of our lives.

This brings me to the reason for this story….last Sunday we introduced our 2 year old grandson, “L,” to tennis and to T Bar M!  Our grand plan consisted of two of us hitting, while the other “played” tennis with L!  L had a hand-me–down racquet that matched his height perfectly, but clearly too big for him to handle!  After a quick stop by the pro shop, we returned with a more suitable racket option for our lil’ guy.  “L” was so proud of HIS bumble bee yellow and black racket, that when he was asked if he wanted a drink of water, his quick response was, “No, playing tennis”!  Our tennis afternoon consisted of one of us gently bouncing the ball in front of “L” while the other would help him hold and swing the racquet. 

While having the opportunity for this wonderful family time, I couldn’t help but think back on the last 30 years of our tennis friends and special moments.  I recalled hours on these same courts playing a sport we love.  I never dreamed that one day I would have my precious “little guy” by my side, wanting to chase the balls, run the lines with me, all the while, he beamed with pride because of his new 12” long tennis racquet that his Nana and Gramp bought for him that day!  This may be the most memorable moment of being a long time member of T Bar M for this beyond proud Nana!

I LOVE to Cook!

Welcome, guest blogger and TEAM-PRZADA foodie, Karen Secor. 

I LOVE to cook…..but I do get tired of the same old recipes. My son Mitchell was coming home from college for a few and days and I wanted to fix something special! You know college kids….. they always love a home cooked meal. I wanted to fix something different, so I went to my trusty source for a new recipe, my Southern Living Cookbook.  I get a new addition every year.  I found a wonderful and easy recipe for Shrimp Creole. Everyone in my family loved it because it was super-delicious. Try it and let us know what you think!

BASIC TOMATO SAUCE

• 4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp. dried crushed red pepper
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ tsp. salt

Directions:

Sauté garlic and crushed red pepper in hot oil in large saucepan over medium heat for l minute (do not brown garlic). Stir in tomatoes and salt. Bring sauce to a boil and reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes

SHRIMP CREOLE

• 1 small onion
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• ½ cup celery
• 2 tsp. hot olive oil

Directions:

Sauté all these ingredients in olive oil for 4 to 5 minutes; Stir in Basic Tomato Sauce.  Add ¼ cup water and ½ of Creole seasoning, (You can add more if you like it spicy).  Stir in l lb. peeled, large, raw shrimp. Cover and simmer 5 to 6 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink.  Serve over hot rice or pasta.  Makes 6 Servings.

Domenica Catelli

Southern Living 2009 Annual Recipes

(SIMPLIFY:   I went to Market Street and bought the shrimp already peeled.  It really saved me time and it didn't cost that much.)