Uptown Country

Uptown

CO• UNTRY MAGA ZINE

J anuar y 2017

Feature:

DECORATING DENS Carrie Davies shares her expert decorating advice for a fresh, new look.

ON

SHAKY GROUND

RAIN GARDENS

UNEXPECTED BEAUTY

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SPRING, TX PERMIT 600

TABLE

of CONTENTS

Stay Connecte

d!

We love to hear from yo u!

Share your thoug ideas and gi hts, ve your feedba us ck on social med ia!

[6] Out & About Events [10] On Shaky Ground [13] RainGardens Unexpected Beauty [14] Summer Dreaming See Page 16!

[16] A Fresh New Look [18] The 7 Best Foods For Your Child’s Teeth

PAGE

[16[

[19] 5 Tips For Eyewear For Kids

Feature Story

[20] Every Student Is Unique...

Their Tutoring Should Be Too [21] Kids Eat Free

Publisher | The Success Group Editor in Chief Vicki Nordquist | vicki@uptowncountrymagazine.com Editorial Director Grace Lamar

Photographer Heather Holloway

Creative Director Mike Reeves

Contributing Writers Josef Bichler | Harvey McEwan | Grace Lamar Advertising Kristine Pirtle (832) 602-7929 uptowncountry@gmail.com

Grace Lamar (832) 349-1427 advertising@uptownmagazine.com

Materials due the 20th of the month preceding the run date.

[22] Copycat Recipes

READER SERVICES Mailing Address - Delivery 14351 Torrey Chase Blvd.

Suite #E Houston, TX 77014

[26] Penny Pinching Mama

Phone: (281) 705-9568 Fax: (281) 893-1029

[24] Locker Chat

[27] Zero Dust, Zero Hassle, Zero Worry [28] Cy-Fair High School Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Volume 1, No. 4 Uptown Country Magazine South Cypress PO Box 681397 • Houston, TX 77268 • (281) 705-9568 • www.uptowncountrymagazine.net The entire contents of the magazine are copyrighted October 2016 by Uptown Country Magazine. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Uptown Country Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Uptown Country Magazine is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management.

4

Uptown

COUNTRY • CYPRESS • December 2016 MAGA ZINE

www.uptowncountrymagazine

The Knowledge You NEED. The Attention You DESERVE.

M

y name is Paulette Blackwood Tate . . . and I’m 100% confident that when you list your home with me, I can get your home sold at a price acceptable to you. Your goals and my goals are the same – Sell your home for the best possible price, in a time frame that works for you and your family with the least amount of hassle.

When it comes to something as important as your family’s home, you deserve to work with a Real Estate professional who puts your priorities first and provides you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. That’s why so many people have turned to me for almost 35 years now. I am a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Agent and was recently awarded the Million Dollar Guild award. I specialize in Luxury Homes, Acreage/Horse Properties, New Home Construction, Relocation Services and Investment Properties.

If you’re considering buying, selling or investing, work with the Real Estate Agent that brings

The Power of Knowledge to your move.

832-687-0410 paulette@pauletteblackwood.com • www.PauletteBlackwoodTate.com Tomball/Cypress Area 281-376-9900

Out & About Jan 21-22 BBQ & Chili Cookoff-Houston Metro Go Texan Cy-Fair January is going to be hot as a jalapeno at Traders Village as the Cy-Fair Go Texan Subcommittee dishes up two days of spicy chili, barbecue, brisket, and FKLFNHQ WR EHQHĂ€W WKH +RXVWRQ /LYHVWRFN 6KRZ DQG Rodeo.

The 28th Annual Cookoff will feature more rootin’ tootin’ “trail cooks� than you can shake a chili ladle at.

Saturday’s competitions include Junior Chili, Chili, 'XWFK 2YHQ 3RUN /RLQ 6XQGD\ ZLOO IHDWXUH HQWULHV ORRNLQJ WR EH QDPHG WKH EHVW LQ &KLFNHQ 3RUN 5LEV DQG %ULVNHW FDWHJRULH 3URFHHGV EHQHÀW WKH +RXVWRQ /LYHVWRFN 6KRZ DQG 5RGHR Traders Village Eldridge @ West Rd.

Texas Lunar New Year

February 5 'XEEHG WKH ODUJHVW $VLDQ FHOHEUDWLRQ LQ WKH VWDWH WKLV YLVXDOO\ VWULNLQJ /XQDU 1HZ <HDU )HVWLYDO LQ +RXVWRQ LV D 7H[DV VL]HG $VLDQ 1HZ <HDU H[WUDYDJDQ]D 7KLV WZR GD\ VLJQDWXUH HYHQW IHDWXUHV WKH DXWKHQWLF 1HZ <HDU WUDGLWLRQ ZLWK /LRQV Dragons dancing amid IHURFLRXV Ă&#x20AC;UHZRUNV world-class martial arts, tempting egg rolls, VZHHW ULFH %%4 GUXP performances, KidZone LQĂ DWDEOHV KDQGV RQ FKLOGUHQ¡V DFWLYLWLHV and grand displays of RQH PLOOLRQ /XFN\ 5HG Firecrackers.

7DQQHKLOO 'ULYH +RXVWRQ 7; 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

6

Uptown

COUNTRY â&#x20AC;˘ CYPRESS â&#x20AC;˘ January 2017

www.uptowncountrymagazine

February 17-28, 2017 Mardi Gras Galveston Mardi Gras was publicly observed on Galveston Island as early as 1867 but was discontinued during World War II. The Island's celebration was resurrected in DQG VLQFH WKHQ KDV EHFRPH RQH RI WKH most popular events along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Feb 18 CFISD Fun Run Dr. Mark Henry and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD are excited to present the 4th annual Superintendent's Fun Run & Festival at Towne Lake, a Caldwell Community, Superheroes for Kids! The Fun Run & Festival has something for everyone including a variety of vendor booths, delicious food trucks, student performances, a children's play zone, a 1 mile run, a family walking path and a FHUWLĂ&#x20AC;HG N 8:00 am - Towne Lake

www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ CYPRESS â&#x20AC;˘

Uptown

COUNTRY MAGA ZINE

7

Why Choose Rivas Pool Design? . ASK THE EXPERTS .

R I VAS P OOL D ESIGN

offers a transparent, cost-plus-fee construction contract.

Throughout the process, we work in partnership with clients to make decisions that will result in the best pool for your budget. The client has complete supervision of costs and charges as the pool is built. In addition, our customers receive our full attention. It is also the only builder that offers landscaping at a wholesale cost. When the pool is finished, so is the landscape and whatever else you have decided. It also offers 3-D custom design that allows us to get a visual image of your new pool in your home. We have also created some of the most innovative freeform and geometric designs out there.

(832) 909-4607 11007 Glenora Dr., Houston, TX 77065 • Email: rivaspooldesign.com • www.rivaspoolsdesign.com www.uptowncountrymagazine

www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 • CYPRESS •

Uptown

COUNTRY 9 MAGA ZINE

D N U O R G Y K A H S N O KY GROUND ON Think earthquake faults are only in active areas like California and Missouri? Well toss out that notion since most of us live near one of the most active earthquake faults in the Houston area â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Big Barn or Hockley Fault. Running about 33 miles underground from the salt dome, just south of Hockley to the salt formation near Conroe, this fault cuts across Hwy. 290 next to the Premium 2XWOHW 0DOO ² WKRXJK )DLUĂ&#x20AC;HOG ² QRUWKZHVW DFURVV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tomball and ends in the Woodlands near Panther Creek.

According to Shuhab Khan and Richard Engelkemeir, â&#x20AC;&#x153;These shifting fault lines originated millions of years ago during the formation of the Gulf of Mexico,â&#x20AC;? Khan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While they are not the kind that wreak havoc in earthquake-prone California and now the Midwest, they can move

up to one inch a year, causing serious damage over the course of several years to buildings and streets that straddle a fault line. Additionally, structures on the subsiding side of the fault line could be more VXVFHSWLEOH WR Ă RRGLQJ GXH WR WKH ORZHU HOHYDWLRQ over time.â&#x20AC;?

The San Jacinto River Authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geological report also recently pinpointed these same surface faults when working on plans to install a new 52-inch pipe to bring water into The Woodlands.

7R SURWHFW IURP WKH VKLIWLQJ VRLOV D VSHFLDO Ă H[LEOH pipe will be used wherever the pipe crosses a fault zone. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They do exist, and they are active,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; said Mark Smith, division manager over the water authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water project. continued

Highway 290, where the main fault scarp is visuable from several cracks on the feeder road DW WKH 3UHPLXP 2XWOHW 0DOOV DQG )DLUÀHOG Way, these cracks widen yearly and constant ÀOOLQJ LV QHHGHG WR NHHS WKH URDG VPRRWK IRU drivers. Where the fault line snakes it way across Tomball, a elementary school had to be closed several years ago due to damage from the fault line. In The Woodlands, several owner suits have been ongoing for homes built on the fault who walls and slabs are not stable due to movement.

From cracked concrete, to a shift in the tilt of the land, there is strong evidence that the ground surface in the area is changing with the fault line being one of the major drivers. With a dip angle of 60-70 degrees toward the Gulf Coast, potential risks of the active fault are high, which could lead to the loss of millions of dollars if building on the fault line isn’t taken into serious consideration. www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 • CYPRESS •

Uptown

COUNTRY 11 MAGA ZINE

RAIN GARDENS Unexpected Beauty

W

hat is a rain garden? It's one solution for that low spot in your yard â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the one place where all the rain puddles and stays soggy for days. That special low space can be turned into a rain garden which is both beautiful and practical: Ă&#x20AC;OWHULQJ UDLQZDWHU UXQRII DQG SURYLGLQJ D KRPH WR ELUGV DQG EXWWHUĂ LHV 3OXV WKH\ UH HDV\ WR PDLQWDLQ Any low spot or depression in your yard that is DW OHDVW IHHW IURP \RXU KRPH FDQ EH WXUQHG LQWR D UDLQ JDUGHQ 2XU +RXVWRQ JXPER VRLO LV SHUIHFW IRU a rain garden since it holds water well.

6HOHFW SODQWV WKDW FDQ WROHUDWH ZHW VLWHV 1DWLYH plants or plants that are found near ponds work EHVW DQG VHHGOLQJV DUH HDVLHU WR HVWDEOLVK WKDQ GLUHFW VRZQ VHHG ZKHQ \RX DUH JRLQJ WR PDNH D UDLQ JDUGHQ )RU WKDW UHDVRQ DOVR WU\ WR XVH QDWLYH grasses and rushes in at least one-third to one-half of the rain garden.

7KH Ă&#x20AC;QDO VWHS WR PDNLQJ D UDLQ JDUGHQ ² DUUDQJH your plants spacing according to label directions. :DWHU ZHOO DQG PXOFK 1RZ HQMR\ \RXU UDLQ JDUGHQ www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ CYPRESS â&#x20AC;˘

Uptown

COUNTRY 13 MAGA ZINE

f

A Pool, An Outdoor Entertainment Center and Good Friends

It's the middle of Winter and I bet you aren't thinking pool parties and get-togethers around your outdoor kitchen. But actually if your backyard is lacking space for entertaining, then now is the perfect time to not only think about summer entertaining, but to get your backyard ready.

Your outdoors is now the ‘it’ place to be, especially when it comes to entertaining. In fact, almost half (48 percent) of those surveyed in the 2016 Houzz Landscaping Study said entertaining was the most important function of an outdoor living space.

Like most homeowners, you want the best outdoor entertaining experience possible. So here are three of the top things to plan into your outdoor setting.

COMFORT

In our Texas heat, comfort is the key to enjoying your outdoor space. That means shielding guests from the sun, rain and heat – and this mean you need some kind of patio cover. Don't even think 14

Uptown

COUNTRY • CYPRESS • January 2017 MAGA ZINE

about the old aluminum patio cover.

Todays roof extensions and pergolas are not new, but the materials and technology you can choose from are.

There are now pergolas that automatically adjust to the weather, opening and closing themselves via sensors and some that you can control with a smart phone app. You can pick from remotecontrolled, retractable patio screens and large outdoor ceiling fans to keep the air circulating.

Similarly, you can extend your outdoor entertaining well into the fall and winter with outdoor heating systems. And while we are talking about comfort, don't forget you will need plenty of seating. Forget the plastic "Walmart" chair and invest in chairs that are soft, yet supportive and pieces like benches that can be used in versatile ways.

Hire a professional outdoor designer who can see all the opportunities and challenges you might have with your outdoor area. Let him help you design the perfect outdoor space that gives you options you wouldn't think about on your own.

STYLE

Your outdoor space, just like your indoor space VKRXOG UHÁHFW \RXU VW\OH 5LJKW QRZ WKH PRYPHQHQW is for a more contemporary, streamline look but if you want more of a rustic style, there is plenty of materials on the market to make an outdoor area a small hill country retreat.

From poured concrete countertops to pizza ovens, \RXU RXWGRRU VSDFH VKRXOG UHÁHFW \RXU OLIHVW\OH Just go window shopping before you settle on a style and take a good look at all the amenities and features you can install in your outdoor space.

2QH RI WKH ZD\V WR ÀQG WKDW VSHFLDO DPELDQFH Ls continued www.uptowncountrymagazine

with lighting which can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. From pendants, to chandeliers and sconces, the assortment and selection for lighting is grand.

INTERACTING

the new gadgets. The main point of your outdoor living space is to enjoy it with friends. How ever \RX Ă&#x20AC;[ LW XS RU GRZQ LW V XS WR \RX -XVW Ă&#x20AC;QG yourself a great outdoor construction company, add a little comfort and your own style and you have a foolproof plan for great summer fun.

You want to enjoy your party and not be a slave of the grill, the lighting, music and drinks? This is your party and you should be able to relax, and mingle. This is where your outdoor space really comes alive with automation systems that control most everything.

Home automation systems have moved from the inside to the outdoor area, allowing you to control everything from your lighting to your outdoor television. With just an app, you can even control the temperature of a steak on the grill. From wine coolers and refrigerators that let guests grab their own cold drinks, your party is made so everyone is having fun.

Don't worry if you don't have all

www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ CYPRESS â&#x20AC;˘

Uptown

COUNTRY 15 MAGA ZINE

A Fresh New Look DECORATING TIPS THAT GIVE YOUR HOME A FRESH NEW LOOK !

=

No matter how long you've lived in your home, I think it's always fun to “shake thing up a little bit” and give at least one room in your home a fresh new “face lift.” So here are a few ideas that might just help you get started on your own fresh new look.

16

Uptown

REARRANGE !

Often times it's not something new you crave, although new IXUQLWXUH FDQ GHÀQDWHO\ JLYH any home an intstant face lift.

Perhaps, simply rearranging what \RX DOUHDG\ RZQ ZLWKLQ D VSHFLÀF room – or transferring pieces from one room to another will make a huge difference. I like to work with my clients to help move their furniture into more interesting postitions. Rather than the traditional line of furniture around the walls, try angling your large furniture pieces. I guarantee that you'll love the difference an angle can make.

LIGHT IT UP !

Nothing gives a room a brighter sparkle easier and faster than new lighting – especially if

COUNTRY • CYPRESS • January 2017 MAGA ZINE

your room seems drab and dull.

Consider adding a new lamp or even a pair of new lamps. Even replacing an old lamp shade with something new and fresh can make a huge difference in brightening your room.

START YOUR OWN DECORATING NOTEBOOK !

If a whole new room is in your future, then now is the time to plan. I suggest that you save pictures of your favorite room – favorite things – favorite colors . . . and make some notes as you study these photos. Ask yourself.

"Why do you like this room?"

"What would you change?" By including the answers to these questions in your Decorating Notebook, you'll not only save continued www.uptowncountrymagazine

yourself a lot of valuable time, baut your design professiional will be thrilled with the thought your given to your project.

There's never a better time than now to think about a fresh new look for your home. I believe that everyone deserves to be able to say, “No matter what kind of day I've had, when I come home I beel happy, peaseful and uplifted.”

For a complimentary consultation appointment: CARRIE DAVIES Decorating Den Interiors Owner Designer: cdavies@decoratingden.com www.carriedaviews.com 281-719-0741

Vote B ECO ME A 2XW d #1 Sa M EM B ER TODAY! 6W\OL l VWV D on in NW UH $ // & Harris C HU W L À o HG 5 unty 4 Y ('.

(1 & ears Run RORU 6SH ning!

FLDOL massageheights.com VW V ELDRIDGE CROSSING 12709 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77065 832.497.1401 TOWNE LAKE 9935 Barker Cypress Road Cypress, TX 77433 832.497.1393

MEMBERSHIPS STARTING AT

5999

$

www.uptowncountrymagazine

*

ROCK CREEK 14041 Grant Road, Suite 140 Cypress, Texas 77429 832.497.1403 :WLJPHS TLTILY VMMLYZ ]HSPK 1HU\HY` ¶ -YLL OV\Y 4HZZHNL ^P[O H TPUPT\T TVU[O 4LTILYZOPW -YLL OV\Y 4HZZHNL L_WPYLZ KH`Z MYVT TLTILYZOPW W\YJOHZL KH[L =HSPK H[ SPZ[LK YL[YLH[Z (KKP[PVUHS SVJHS [H_LZ HUK MLLZ TH` HWWS` :LL 9L[YLH[ MVY KL[HPSZ ,HJO 4HZZHNL /LPNO[Z 9L[YLH[ PZ PUKLWLUKLU[S` V^ULK HUK VWLYH[LK -YHUJOPZL VWWVY[\UP[PLZ H]HPSHISL 4HZZHNL /LPNO[Z 33*

January 2017 • CYPRESS •

CYPRESS TOWNE CENTER 25845 Northwest Freeway, Ste #1086-B Cypress, TX 77429 (832) 497-1395

Uptown

COUNTRY 17 MAGA ZINE

7+( %(67 )22'6 )25 <285 &+,/' 6 7((7+ <RXU NLGV FDQ EUXVK DQG ÁRVV DOO WKH\ ZDQW EXW LI WKHLU GLHW FRQVLVWV RI VWLFN\ FKHZ\ DQG VXJDU\ IRRGV LW ZLOO EH WRXJK WR DYRLG EDFWHULD WKDW FDQ FDXVH JXP GLVHDVHV DQG WRRWK GHFD\ :KHQ LW FRPHV WR WKH KHDOWK RI \RXU WHHWK \RX UHDOO\ DUH ZKDW \RX HDW 8VH WKLV KHDOWK\ IRRGV OLVW WR KHOS \RXU FKLOGUHQ·V WHHWK 1. CHEESE ² ,I \RXU FKLOG LV RQH ZKR SURIHVVHV D ORYH RI FKHHVH \RX QRZ KDYH DQRWKHU UHDVRQ WR PDNH VXUH WKLV WDVW\ IRRG LV HDWHQ RIWHQ (DWLQJ FKHHVH UDLVHV WKH S+ LQ WKH PRXWK DQG ORZHUV WKH ULVN RI WRRWK GHFD\ &KHHVH DOVR FRQWDLQV FDOFLXP DQG SURWHLQ QXWULHQWV WKDW VWUHQJWKHQ WRRWK HQDPHO 2. YOGURT ² /LNH FKHHVH \RJXUW LV KLJK LQ FDOFLXP DQG SURWHLQ ZKLFK PDNHV LW D JRRG SLFN IRU WKH VWUHQJWK DQG KHDOWK RI \RXU WHHWK 7KH SURELRWLFV RU EHQHÀFLDO EDFWHULD IRXQG LQ \RJXUW DOVR EHQHÀWV \RXU JXPV EHFDXVH WKH JRRG EDFWHULD FURZG RXW EDFWHULD WKDW FDXVH FDYLWLHV 3. LEAFY GREENS ² )XOO RI YLWDPLQV OHDI\ JUHHQV XVXDOO\ ZLQG XS RQ PRVW IRRG OLVWV 7KH\ DUH KLJK LQ FDOFLXP ZKLFK EXLOGV \RXU WHHWK V HQDPHO 7KH\ DOVR FRQWDLQ IROLF DFLG D W\SH RI % YLWDPLQ WKDW KDV QXPHURXV KHDOWK EHQHÀWV ,I \RX KDYH WURXEOH JHWWLQJ \RXU FKLOG WR HDW OHDI\ JUHHQV WU\ WRVVLQJ D KDQGIXO RQ D SL]]D RU DGGLQJ VRPH WR D VPRRWKLH 4. APPLES ² +LJK LQ ÀEHU DQG ZDWHU WKH DFWLRQ RI HDWLQJ DQ DSSOH SURGXFHV VDOLYD LQ \RXU PRXWK ZKLFK ULQVHV DZD\ EDFWHULD DQG IRRG SDUWLFOHV 7KH ÀEURXV WH[WXUH RI WKH IUXLW DOVR VWLPXODWHV WKH JXPV (DWLQJ DQ DSSOH LVQ W WKH VDPH DV EUXVKLQJ \RXU WHHWK EXW LW FDQ WLGH \RX RYHU XQWLO \RX KDYH D FKDQFH WR EUXVK 5. CARROTS ² /LNH DSSOHV FDUURWV DUH FUXQFK\ DQG IXOO RI ÀEHU (DWLQJ D KDQGIXO RI UDZ FDUURWV DW WKH HQG RI WKH PHDO LQFUHDVHV VDOLYD SURGXFWLRQ LQ \RXU PRXWK ZKLFK UHGXFHV \RXU ULVN RI FDYLWLHV $ORQJ ZLWK EHLQJ KLJK LQ ÀEHU FDUURWV DUH D JUHDW VRXUFH RI YLWDPLQ $ 18

Uptown

COUNTRY • CYPRESS • January 2017

6. MINING FOR MINERALS ² )RRGV WKDW SURYLGH YLWDPLQV $ & DQG ' DV ZHOO DV FDOFLXP DQG SKRVSKRUXV DUH HVSHFLDOO\ JRRG IRU WKH WHHWK 7KHVH LQFOXGH EHHI HJJV ÀVK SRWDWRHV VSLQDFK IRUWLÀHG FHUHDOV WRIX EHDQV ZKROH JUDLQV DQG SRXOWU\ 7. GO NUTS ² 1XWV RIIHU WKH EHQHÀW RI EHLQJ FUXQFK\ ZKLFK VWLPXODWHV WKH ÁRZ RI VDOLYD 7KH\ DOVR FRQWDLQ SURWHLQ ZKLFK FDQ VWUHQJWKHQ WKH WHHWK 1XWV DOVR FRQWDLQ SRO\XQVDWXUDWHG IDWW\ DFLGV ZKLFK PD\ SUHYHQW JXP GLVHDVH ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR KHDOWK\ IRRGV LW LV LPSRUWDQW WKDW \RXU NLGV JHW SOHQW\ RI ZDWHU :DWHU KDV QR GHFD\ FDXVLQJ VXJDUV DQG LW ULQVHV DZD\ IRRG SDUWLFOHV WKDW JHW WUDSSHG EHWZHHQ VPDOO WHHWK 7DS ZDWHU RIWHQ FRQWDLQV ÁXRULGH DQG WKDW PLQHUDO ZLOO KHOS VWUHQJWKHQ WRRWK HQDPHO

:21'(5/$1' 3(',$75,& '(17,675<

'U $OLFH %XL ''6 %RDUG &HUWLÀHG

6SHFLDOL]HV LQ 7UHDWLQJ ,QIDQWV &KLOGUHQ 7HHQDJHUV DQG 6SHFLDO 1HHGV 3DWLHQWV 2YHU \HDUV RI ([SHULHQFH ,Q 1HWZRUN ZLWK 0RVW 332 LQVXUDQFHV 0DJLFDO .LG )ULHQGO\ (QYLURQPHQW

)U\ 5G 6WH &\SUHVV 7[ info@wonderlandsmiles.com www.wonderlandsmiles.com

www.uptowncountrymagazine

5 TIPS FOR EYEWEAR FOR KIDS It can be confusing if you are a parent and you have just been told that your child needs glasses. Not that there is a shortage of style and types to choose from, but the problem is which one do you choose that your child will like and that will last longer than the ÀUVW JDPH RI WDJ Your child will most likely need glasses, if they are nearsighted or farsighted and then your eye doctor will prescribe glasses for full or part-time wear. Your glasses prescription will be the number one consideration in choosing glasses for your child. Here are some of the major things to remember when choosing your child's glasses.

1. LENS THICKNESS

around the ears. For toddlers, temples that wrap are recommended so that the glasses can't slide off or drop off the child completely. If your child wears glasses just for reading or infrenquently, then the normal temple style that gently curve around the back of the ear are better.

5. Backup Pair You always want the glasses you buy to last until the next scheduled visit to your optician, but let's get real.

Children break their glasses with renewed frenquency.

So it's always a good idea to have a backup pair ready.

If your child can't see well without his glasses, a second pair in waiting is a necessity. Check with your optician about discounts for second pairs.

If your child needs a strong lens it will probably be thicker than a lens for a slight eye problem. With a thicker lens it works better to choose a smaller frame which helps to reduce the look of a thick lens. Smaller lenses also reduce the rick of blurred or distorted peripheral vision.

2. FASHION FIRST All children worry about being teased about having to wear glasses. As a parent it's your job to make sure they look "cool" in their frames. There are hundreds of frames on the market for children and letting your child help pick out the frame within reason, is one way to make sure they wear them when you aren't looking.

3. PLASTIC OR METAL? All frames are either plastic or metal. Plastic frames were the pick for kids in the past because they were considered more indestructable and durable and not as expensive as metal frames. But now, metal frames are making a come-back as they are just as durable as the plastic frames and have become more fashion forward.

Many of the metal frames are made from alloys which make them more durable than plastic and many are hypoallergenic. Ask your optician which metal frames he recommends for children before purchasing.

4. THE STYLE OF TEMPLES Temples are the arms of the glasses that rest or wrap www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 • CYPRESS •

Uptown

COUNTRY 19 MAGA ZINE

Every Student Is Unique . . . Their Tutoring Should Be Too Tutoring offers kids the special one-on-one attention that busy teachers often canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide.

Mike and Laura Fossen, owners of Above Grade Level, understand the full impact on children to be able to keep up with school work and thrive. As home VFKRROHUV IRU WKHLU RZQ FKLOGUHQ WKH\ VDZ Ă&#x20AC;UVW KDQG how necessary one-on-one contact was when trying to master new subjects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Above Grade Level, we believe every student can succeed in their school subjects such as math or English/language arts. Our 1:1 and in-home approach allows each Above Grade Level tutor to maximize addressing the academic needs of our students while minimizing distractions,â&#x20AC;? Mike said addressing the importance of their work with children. .Above Grade Level provides a free third-party assessment to analyze strengths and gaps in different

20

Uptown

COUNTRY â&#x20AC;˘ CYPRESS â&#x20AC;˘ January 2017

content areas. Then using its proprietary curriculum based on 30 years of education experience, it creates a unique program for each student. This allows our tutors to work with a clear understanding of what a student needs in order to master their subjects.

With Above Grade Levelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in-home tutoring system, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to drive your child around town or worry that the tutors arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t giving them enough personal attention. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to settle for national learning centers with cookie-cutter solutions and methods. All tutoring is one-to-one, face-to-face and personalized The process begins with a FREE comprehensive on-line skill level evaluation. For more information visit www.abovegradelevel-nwhouston.com or call 281-402-6066.

www.uptowncountrymagazine

Kids Eat Free Luby’s Cafeteria Children 10 and under after 4 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday after 4 p.m. and Saturdays after 11 a.m.

25660 N.W. Fwy. • Cypress

The Backyard Grill

Alicia's Mexican Grille

Children receive a free breakfast with the purchase of an adult entree Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

9453 Jones Rd. • Jersey Village

Monday: one FREE kid's meal with adult meal & beverage purchase!

26326 NW Freeway • Cypress

Del Pueblo Mexican Restaurant Kids 10 and under on Mon. and Tues. from 4 p.m. to close. One kid per adult entree. Drink not included.

13235 Jones Road • Houston, Texas 77070

Firehouse Subs Sundays: kids eat FREE with adult meal purchase!

12149 FM 1960 W Houston, Texas 77065

Santa Fe Flats New Mex Grille All day Monday: one FREE kid's meal per adult entree purchase!

21542 State Highway 249 • Houston

'EX¿WL 7XEXMSR Children 12 and under Free on Wednesday - Dine in only.

9522 Huffmeister 832-427-6380 Please call ahead to verify FREE MEALS, as deals, and days are subject to change.

www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 • CYPRESS •

Uptown

COUNTRY 21 MAGA ZINE

Copycat

RECIPES

BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

CHICKEN WINGS

copycat of Panera Bread

Applebeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s copycat INGREDIENTS 35 chicken wings pieces 12 ounces Louisiana hot sauce 6 tablespoons margarine 3 tablespoons white vinegar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder WDEOHVSRRQ Ă RXU

INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 onion, chopped 1/4 cup melted butter FXS Ă RXU 2 cups milk 2 cups chicken stock FXSV FRDUVHO\ FKRSSHG EURFFROL Ă RUHWV 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese DIRECTIONS Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. SautĂŠ onion in hot butter until translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside. :KLVN FXS PHOWHG EXWWHU DQG Ă RXU WRJHWKHU in a large saucepan over medium-low heat; cook XQWLO Ă RXU ORVHV LWV JUDQXODU WH[WXUH DGGLQJ WR WDEOHVSRRQV RI PLON LI QHFHVVDU\ WR NHHS WKH Ă RXU from burning, *UDGXDOO\ SRXU PLON LQWR Ă RXU PL[WXUH ZKLOH whisking constantly. Stir chicken stock into milk PL[WXUH %ULQJ WR D VLPPHU FRRN XQWLO Ă RXU WDVWH LV JRQH DQG PL[WXUH LV WKLFNHQHG DERXW minutes. Add broccoli, carrots, sautĂŠed onion, and celery; simmer until vegetables are tender, about PLQXWHV 6WLU &KHGGDU FKHHVH LQWR YHJHWDEOH PL[WXUH XQWLO cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

22

Uptown

COUNTRY â&#x20AC;˘ CYPRESS â&#x20AC;˘ January 2017

DIRECTIONS: Cook the wings until done either bake or deep-fry.

0L[ DOO VDXFH LQJUHGLHQWV H[FHSW Ă RXU LQ D VDXFHSDQ on the stove. Cook over low-medium heat. When ZDUP DGG Ă RXU WR WKLFNHQ VDXFH 6WLU IUHTXHQWO\ :KHQ VDXFH LV WKLFN FRYHU ERWWRP RI [ EDNLQJ GLVK ZLWK VDXFH 0L[ UHVW RI VDXFH ZLWK ZLQJV DQG SODFH LQ EDNLQJ GLVK %DNH DW GHJUHHV ) IRU DERXW PLQXWHV RU XQWLO ZDUP

Purchase Money Loans: Primary, 2nd Homes & Investment Property ReďŹ nances: Cash Out or Lower Your Term

www.uptowncountrymagazine

We specialize in epoxy floor coatings found in garages, warehouses, machine-shops and patios for all residential and commercial sites. When It comes to epoxy, we’ve got you covered!

The Epoxy Flooring Specialists of Texas.

Angie’s List “A” Rated Company.

Super Service Award 2015, 2016.

281-771-1999

Free Estimates

www.epoxyfloorshouston.com

www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 • CYPRESS •

Uptown

COUNTRY 23 MAGA ZINE

Locker Chat

6FKRROV FRPPXQLW\ EHQHČąW IURP KROLGD\ JLYLQJ HIIRUWV

CFISD students experienced the joy of both giving and receiving during the holiday season through school and business partnerships and volunteer effort

The Pope Elementary School PTO adopted 32 families from M. Robinson Elementary School, equating WR JLIWV IRU FKLOGUHQ EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WLQJ IURP WKH SDUWQHU schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generosity.

Popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student council collected 225 new or slightly used gifts for a holiday event at M. Robinson. The gifts came complete with gift bags and cards that M. Robinson students could give to a parent or sibling.

Business partner Patient Accounts Services visited Bane Elementary School on Dec. 14 to donate one new toy to each child at the school. The surprise giveaway allowed pre-K through Ă&#x20AC;UVW JUDGH VWXGHQWV WR UHFHLYH a special surprise from Santa.

Patient Accounts Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; operations coordinator, Desiree Chavez, coordinated the effort, which resulted in employees donating more than 300 toys to the students.

6WXGHQWV H[SDQG FRPSXWHU VFLHQFH NQRZOHGJH WKURXJK +RXU RI &RGH CFISD students across the district joined the grassroots Hour of Code movement during Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 5-11, to learn the important role computer science plays in educational and career opportunities.

24

Uptown

COUNTRY â&#x20AC;˘ CYPRESS â&#x20AC;˘ January 2017

Educators and students logged on to Code.org throughout the week to watch videos, take tutorials and practice coding through interactive games. The global Hour of Code movement reached tens of millions of students throughout 180 countries.

www.uptowncountrymagazine

The THSCA also considers each student’s class rank, SAT and/or ACT score when reviewing nominations.

Students can earn First Team, Second Team, Honorable Mention and Elite Team status. Players must have near-perfect scores in all categories

to make the Elite Team.

Bobcats’ Pustejovsky coaches in Under Armour All-America Game Ed Pustejovsky, Cy-Fair High School head football coach, has been selected as an assistant on one of the coaching staffs for the Under Armour AllAmerica Game, for Jan. 1, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. Pustejovsky, who earned his 100th career victory with the Bobcats during the 2016 season, will have the opportunity to coach two of his athletes once more.

Seniors Brock Wright and Austin Deculus were selected for the Under Armour All-America Game this fall, along with Langham Creek High School senior running back Toneil Carter.

“I am honored to be part of the coaching staff for the Under Armour All-America game and look forward to working with Brock and Austin,” Pustejovsky said.

Football players representing QLQH &),6' KLJK VFKRROV TXDOLÀHG for the Texas Army National Guard/Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) 2016 Academic All-State Football Team To be considered for academic all-state recognition, students were required to meet the following standards: %H FODVVLÀHG DV D VHQLRU • Be an athlete, student trainer or PDQDJHU ZKR ÀQLVKHG WKH VHDVRQ LQ JRRG VWDQGLQJ • Have an overall grade-point DYHUDJH RI RU PRUH • Possess strong moral character. www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 • CYPRESS •

Uptown

COUNTRY 25 MAGA ZINE

Penny Pinching Mamas Childrens Consignment Sale

Pinching Pi hi Mamas M Childrens Child Consignment Sale is headed to the Berry Center in February.

It’s an event you will not want to miss and tell your friends about.

Frugal shoppers across the Cy Fair area will line up early to shop thousands of gently used brand name items, including clothing,maternity, high chairs, pack in plays, strollers, toys, swings, and infant essentials.

Saturday we will have a 1/2 price sale on many of the items at the sale. Consignors themselves determine which of their items are included in the 1/2 price sale.

You’ll be amazed at the treasures \RX ZLOO ÀQG DATE & TIME Thursday, February 9 3:00 - 7:00 pm ($5 Entry Fee for Pre-sale) Friday, February 10 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Free Entry) Saturday, February 11 8:00 am - 3:00 pm (Half Off Day – items marked YES) Get your frugal on and let’s SHOP! 26

Uptown

COUNTRY • CYPRESS • January 2017

www.uptowncountrymagazine

ZERO DUST, ZERO HASSLE, ZERO WORRY Did you know that removing of 1,000 sq. ft. of Ceramic Tile can generate 600-800 lbs. of hazardous Crystalline Silica? Plastic and tape cannot eliminate this dust from contaminating your home.

Without the technologically advanced DustRamÂŽ System Equipment, WKLV GXVW ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;QG LWV ZD\ LQWR \RXU +9$& GXFWZRUN FDUSHWV furniture, drawers, cabinets, window coverings, appliances, closets, etc. Crystalline Silica Dust can linger in your home for months, even years, despite repeated and expensive cleaning service attempts to remove it. For those that suffer from asthma, allergies, COPD and other respiratory illnesses, this repeated exposure can severely impact their quality of life and require medical attention.

Ground Zero, with its patented Dust Ram equipent can remove all your tile and its dust completely from your home leaving your family with a clean enviroment. The powerful vacuums bring maximum suction power to the source of the dust as it is created. This prevents debris and dust from becoming airborne and contaminating your living environment while providing protection from airborne Crystalline Silica dust generated during the removal.

To learn more about how you can remove the tile from your home safely with no remaining dust, please call Ground Zero Floors for a free estimate. 713-369-5209

DUST FREE TILE REMOVAL ZERO DUST! ZERO MESS! GUARANTEED!

CAPTUTES DUST AS IT REMOVES TILE ! â&#x20AC;˘ The patented DustRamÂŽ system captures dust at the source in every step of the removal process, so the dust cannot contaminate your home! â&#x20AC;˘ Most removals take just 1 day and you do not have to move out of your home or pay for multiple cleanings because it is DUST FREE! â&#x20AC;˘ Prepare for NEW ďŹ&#x201A;ooring without the mess of traditional demolition.

Call 713.369.5209 to discuss how we can help with your ďŹ&#x201A;ooring project.

See our video at www.groundzeroďŹ&#x201A;oors.com contact@groundzeroďŹ&#x201A;oors.com www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ CYPRESS â&#x20AC;˘

Uptown

COUNTRY 27 MAGA ZINE

Cy-Fair High School Celebrates 75th Anniversary Cy-Fair High School will commemorate D VLJQLÀFDQW KLVWRULFDO PLOHVWRQH ZLWK D WK $QQLYHUVDU\ FHOHEUDWLRQ RQ 6XQGD\ -DQ ³ \HDUV WR WKH GD\ WKH EXLOGLQJ ÀUVW RSHQHG WR students in 1942.

7KH FHOHEUDWLRQ ZLOO EHJLQ DW S P LQ WKH VFKRRO DXGLWRULXP ZLWK D SUHVHQWDWLRQ RI FRORUV E\ &\ )DLU·V $)-527& FDGHWV IROORZHG E\ D QDWLRQDO DQWKHP SHUIRUPDQFH E\ WKH &\ )DLU 6LQJHUV 6SHDNHUV ZLOO LQFOXGH FXUUHQW DQG IRUPHU &\ )DLU VWXGHQWV DQG VWDII DV ZHOO DV &),6' %RDUG PHPEHU DQG DOXPQXV 'RQ 5\DQ DQG 6KHOO\ +DQFRFN VRQ RI IRUPHU &),6' 6XSHULQWHQGHQW 7 6 +DQFRFN 3HUIRUPLQJ JURXSV ZLOO LQFOXGH WKH </3$ DQG <03$ VWHS WHDPV WKH &\ )DLU EDQG Cy-Fair Singers and Cy-Fair cheer squad.

7KH SURJUDP ZLOO FRQFOXGH ZLWK UHIUHVKPHQWV LQ IURQW RI WKH OLEUDU\ ZLWK DQ RUFKHVWUD HQVHPEOH Visitors can browse a “Cy-Fair Through the 'HFDGHVµ GLVSOD\ DQG OLYLQJ PXVHXP LQ WKH FDIHWHULD IHDWXULQJ SHUIRUPDQFHV E\ WKH %ULJDGH

drill team and theatre students. Visitors can also SDUWLFLSDWH LQ D ´:KDW &\ )DLU 0HDQV WR 0Hµ WLPH FDSVXOH RSSRUWXQLW\ LQ WKH WHDFKLQJ WKHDWHU³ DOORZLQJ JXHVWV WR PDNH PLQXWH ORQJ YLGHRV IRU WKH school’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2042. &\ )DLU +LJK 6FKRRO RSHQHG WR VWXGHQWV LQ WKH VSULQJ RI ZKR ZHUH SUHYLRXVO\ DWWHQGLQJ ´5XUDO 6FKRRO 1R µ 7KH SURGXFW RI D FRQVROLGDWLRQ E\ WKH &\SUHVV DQG )DLUEDQNV VFKRRO districts, Cy-Fair High School was described by WKH +RXVWRQ &KURQLFOH DV ´RQH RI WKH PRVW PRGHUQ HTXLSSHG DQG ODUJHVW VFKRRO EXLOGLQJV LQ +DUULV &RXQW\ µ &\ )DLU DOVR JDLQHG D UHSXWDWLRQ DV ´/LWWOH $ 0µ EHFDXVH RI LWV H[FHOOHQW DJULFXOWXUDO GHSDUWPHQW 0RUH WKDQ VWXGHQWV FXUUHQWO\ DWWHQG &\ )DLU WKH ÁDJVKLS KLJK VFKRRO IRU D VFKRRO GLVWULFW WKDW ZLOO RSHQ LWV WK FRPSUHKHQVLYH KLJK VFKRRO FDPSXV LQ

www.uptowncountrymagazine

January 2017 • CYPRESS •

Uptown

COUNTRY 29 MAGA ZINE

30

Uptown

COUNTRY • CYPRESS • January 2017

www.uptowncountrymagazine

CONTACT US TODAY TO BROWSE OUR SELECTION OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE STANDBY GENERATORS.

LIFE IS BETTER WITH POWER! Top Generator Service and Sales in Harris & Montgomery Counties, Texas SERVICING: HOUSTON – GALVESTON – SPRING – TOMBALL – HUMBLE THE WOODLANDS – MAGNOLIA – MONTGOMERY – CONROE KINGWOOD – KATY – SUGAR LAND – PEARLAND – AND MORE… Grasten Power Technologies performs both residential and commercial backup power generator installs and repairs. Based out of Magnolia, Texas we service the entire Houston area for every brand of generator including Generac®, Kohler®, Cummins®, and Briggs & Stratton®.

What is an automatic standby generator?

Standby generators allow you to keep the lights on, computers powered, and refrigerator cold when the power goes out. Natural gas, propane, and diesel backup generators can automatically begin powering your house or office building when a storm downs lines, constructions knocks out electricity, or overconsumption causes a blackout.

281-259-6500 + info@grastengenerators.com 32111 Tamina Rd., A • Magnolia, Texas 77354