Uptown Country Magazine

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Uptown

CO• UNTRY MAGA ZINE

November 2016

of CONTENTS Who’s Hungry?

TABLE

See Page 16!

Stay Connecte

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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 [8] Cypress Students Sew Dresses For Haiti Children [10] Cypress Holiday Shopping [12] Thanksgiving Feast – Texas Style [14] Get Inspired Organize your Closet or Pantry

Who is up for some of the area’s best Mexican Food?

[16] Who’s Hungry?

[18] Sell This House!

PAGE

[16[

Feature Story

[20] 10 Fun Holiday Activities [22] Locker Chat [24] Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter

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 Ben Rehder | 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.

READER SERVICES Mailing Address - Delivery 14351 Torrey Chase Blvd.

Suite #E Houston, TX 77014 Phone: (281) 705-9568 Fax: (281) 893-1029

What is the best time for putting in a pool?

[26] The Holiday Kitchen [28] Insurance May Have You Covered . . . But Do You Know What That Coverage Is? [29] Holiday Party Guide to Healthy Food [30] The Roads Of Cypress

Volume 1, No. 2 Uptown Country Magazine South Cypress PO Box 681397 • Houston, TX 77268 • (281) 705-9568 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.

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Out & About

November 19 – Cypress 5K Fun Run/Walk & Puppy Parade

Come join the fun and help raise money for Spillane Middle School's Performing Arts programs Puppy Parade will begin at Spillane Middle School and continue through Coles Crossing Subdivision. Dogs and Strollers are welcome to the family friendly event.

13404 Woods Spillane Blvd. 9am

November 19 – Hannah's Turkey Trot Volunteers Why not start off your Thanksgiving tradition ZLWK D ZDON UXQ EHQHÀWLQJ WKH -XYHQLOH 'LDEHWHV Research Foundation. Hannah's Turkey Trot will take place the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 19th, 2016. We will be offering a 5K and 10K for the participating athletes. Walkers and runners are welcome. Strollers are welcome, but must start at the back of the crowd. Festival Park @ The Bridgeland Community 16919 N Bridgeland Lake Pkwy 4am – 12pm

November 21 – Story Time At the Boardwalk Discover a morning of fun with story time at the Boardwalk and a special appearance by Pocahontas! Meet Pocahontas as she reads the The Story of the Pilgrims on the green from 10 am to 11am. This program is free and is designed for pre-school age children. Towne Lake Boardwalk 6

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continued

COUNTRY • CYPRESS • November 2016 MAGA ZINE

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Dec 8-10 – Houston Methodist Cy-Hoops Invitational

December 3 – An Arthur Murray Christmas Enjoy Arthur Murray holiday dance extravaganza!

Watch Arthur Murray Houston's professional and amateur dancers present routine A family friendly event celebrating the birth of Jesus! Grace Symphony Orchestra (GSO) is also partnering with CAM (Cypress Assistance Ministries) to help the children in our community by hosting a Toy Drive and Angel Tree. Please visit the webiste at www.

GraceSymphony.org for more information or to become a Sponsor.

Berry Center 8877 Barker Cypress Road 4-6 pm

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Premiere 24 team tournament including some of the top teams in the state. CFISD high school boys varsity teams and 14 out of district teams compete for bragging rights. Games played at Cy Lakes, Cy Ranch and Cy Springs area high schools and the Berry Center. Giveaways at each game and family fun including Santa, a Kids Zone, vendor booths and more!

Students wearing team or school shirt or jersey get in Free.

Proceeds fund scholarships for deserving CFISD graduating seniors. www.theCFEF.org for more information

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COUNTRY 7 MAGA ZINE

CYPRESS STUDENTS SEW DRESSES FOR HAITI CHILDREN Students in Cate Vance’s family and consumer sciences classes at Anthony Middle School used the skills they GHYHORSHG DW VFKRRO WR EHQHÀW FKLOGUHQ LQ D WKLUG ZRUOG FRXQWU\ Vance discovered the international organization Dresses for Little Girls Around the World during a 2014 SURIHVVLRQDO GHYHORSPHQW VHPLQDU ZKHQ VKH DQG RWKHU PLGGOH VFKRRO LQVWUXFWRUV OHDUQHG KRZ WR VHZ GUHVVHV IURP SLOORZFDVHV 'XULQJ WKH VFKRRO \HDU 9DQFH GHVFULEHG HGXFDWLRQ LQ LPSRYHULVKHG FRXQWULHV WR KHU VHYHQWK JUDGH VWXGHQWV LQ ([SORULQJ )RRGV DQG )DEULFV DQG HLJKWK JUDGH VWXGHQWV LQ 3ULQFLSOHV RI +XPDQ 6HUYLFHV FODVVHV ´:H YLHZHG SKRWRV RI JLUOV LQ LPSRYHULVKHG FRXQWULHV GUHVVHG LQ WKLQ DQG WRUQ W VKLUWV µ 9DQFH VDLG ´,Q VRPH FRXQWULHV RQO\ WKH ZHDOWK\ RU WKH ER\V DUH HGXFDWHG +RZHYHU LI ZH ZDQW WR EXLOG FRPPXQLW\ DQG DGYDQFH FLYLOL]DWLRQ ZH PXVW HGXFDWH WKH ZRPHQ ZKR DUH WKH ÀUVW HGXFDWRUV RI WKH FKLOGUHQ ,I D JLUO LV JLYHQ DQ HGXFDWLRQ VKH ZLOO LPSURYH WKH OLYHV RI KHU IDPLO\ :KHQ WKH VWXGHQWV KHDUG that, in order to attend school a girl must have proper clothing, the VWXGHQWV· KHDUWV ZHUH PRYHG WR VHZ GUHVVHV IRU OLWWOH JLUOV µ $IWHU FRPSOHWLQJ LQ FODVV DVVLJQPHQWV VWXGHQWV ZRUNHG HDFK GD\ WR VHZ WKH GUHVVHV LQ WKH VSULQJ RI 7KH QH[W \HDU·V FODVVHV SLFNHG XS WKH XQÀQLVKHG SURMHFWV DQG FRPSOHWHG GUHVVHV LQ WKH VSULQJ RI 9DQFH OLQNHG XS ZLWK PHPEHUV RI FRPPXQLW\ VXSSRUW RUJDQL]DWLRQ &\ +RSH ZKR GHOLYHUHG WKH GUHVVHV WR JLUOV DW WKH IDLWK EDVHG FDPS -DFRE·V :HOO QHDU WKH WRZQ RI /LPEH +DLWL GXULQJ D VXPPHU PLVVLRQ WULS 8SRQ VHHLQJ D SKRWR RI VPLOLQJ FKLOGUHQ ZHDULQJ WKH GUHVVHV $QWKRQ\ HLJKWK JUDGH VWXGHQW 0DVRQ /RZH ² ZKR VHZHG VHYHQ GUHVVHV KHUVHOI ² EHFDPH HPRWLRQDO ´, MXVW ORYHG ZLWK DOO P\ KHDUW VHHLQJ DOO RI WKH JLUOV ZHDULQJ WKH GUHVVHV , PDGH µ /RZH VDLG ´,W ZDV WUXO\ KHDUW WXJJLQJ WR VHH WKHP VPLOLQJ , UHDOO\ DSSUHFLDWH >0V 9DQFH·V@ KHOS ZLWK WKH GUHVVHV DQG Cypress Springs High School freshman SXVKLQJ PH WR PDNH WKHP µ Kayla Aitch-Albrow irons a dress for girls in Haiti.

Dresses for Haiti 1: Children living near Limbe, Haiti, wear pillowcase dresses sewn by Anthony Middle School students in Cate Vance’s family and consumer science classes. A group representing Cy-Hope and The Foundry Church delivered 19 dresses to the faith-based camp Jacob’s Well this summer.

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Cypress Holiday Shopping Aerodrome

Jolie Salon

)URP VNDWLQJ SDUWLHV WR OHVVRQV \RX ZLOO ÀQG just what you need for that special child for Christmas.

8220 Willow Place Dr. North 281-84-SKATE

From curls to highlights, everyone want their KDLU WR ORRN LW V EHVW -ROLH 6DORQ KDV JLIW FDUGV for all your family and friends that they can enjoy all year long.

1RUWKZHVW )Z\ 6WH - 281-758-2881

ARG Outdoors 7KH JLYLQJ RI D ÀUHDUP LV WKH XQWLPDWH 7H[DV tradition. So this shopping season, make \RXU ÀUVW VWRS $5* 2XWGRRUV DQG SLFN IURP WKHLU JUHDW VHOHFWLRQ RI ULà HV VKRWJXQV DQG ÀUHDUPV 15926 Cypress N. Houston Ste 100 832-334-4862

Classic Hair 0DNH VXUH WKDW WKHUH LV D JLIW FHUWLĂ€FDWH IURP &ODVVLF +DLU LQ HYHU\ VWRFNLQJ $OO \RXU IULHQGV and family will be looking for their gift from Santa Kroger Center: 290 @ Spring Cypress 281-213-8199

Drama Kids For all the little ones on your list, the gift of music or drama lessons is sure to please. Gift FHUWLĂ€FDWHV SXUFKDVHG DUH JRRG XQWLO -DQXDU\ 31, 2017. 281-855-2555

Massage Heights *LYH WKH JLIW RI D WKHUDSXWLF PDVVDJH WKLV \HDU RU RQH RI PDQ\ GLIIHUHQW OX[XULRXV ERG\ ZHOOQHVV WUHDWPHQWV 0DVVDJH +HLJKWV KDV WR RIIHU 6WRS E\ DQG SLFN XS D JLIW FDUG IRU HYHU\RQH RQ \RXU &KULVWPDV /LVW 1RUWKZHVW )UHHZD\ 6WH % RU &\SUHVV 7RZQH &HQWHU 832-497-1395

Natural Pawz (YHQ )LGR QHHGV D VWRFNLQJ ÀOOHG ZLWK GRJ JRRGLHV )RU DOO \RX SHWV KROLGD\ QHHGV WKLV LV WKH SODFH WR ÀQG ZKDW WKH\ ZLOO UHDOO\ ORYH 1RUWKZHVW )Z\ 6WH * 832- 334-5936

TXR Paintball )RU WKH NLG LQ DOO RI XV JLYH WKH JLIW RI D GD\ RI SXUH IXQ DQG H[FLWPHQW 7;5 3DLQWEDOO JLIW FDUGV DUH VXUH WR PDNH D KLW XQGHU WKH WUHH *UDQW 5G 281-357-4330

Vote 2XW d #1 Sa 6W\OL l VWV D on in NW UH $ // & Harris C HU W L À o HG 5 unty 4 Y ('.

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THANKSGIVING FEAST + TEXAS SYLE +

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or all those Yankees, Thanksgiving dinner means you need to scurry from car to house in a wintry mix of cold and snow or maybe sleet. But for us blessed with warm weather or at least a mild cold front of sixty degrees, we can enjoy cooking our feast outdoors.

Your outdoor kitchen should be your best friend for all your holiday cooking. Not only does it free up your indoor oven for side dishes and desserts, but it gives you a perfect turkey ready for your Thanksgiving or Holiday table. Below are two ways to make your Thanksgiving Turkey the perfect centerpiece for your dinner.

Grilled Turkey INGREDIENTS: 12 pound or larger Turkey 2 cups water 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder 2 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1 teaspoon paprika DIRECTIONS: Prepare an outdoor grill for indirect medium heat, and lightly oil grate. Rinse turkey, and pat dry. Place turkey, breast down on oiled grill. Sear turkey on both sides until skin is golden brown.

In a large roasting pan, mix together the water, bouillon powder, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, parsley, and paprika. Place turkey breast side down in the roasting pan. Scoop the pan mixture over the turkey. Cover tightly with foil and place on grill.

Grill 3 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Remove turkey from grill and let stand 15 minutes before carving.

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November 2016 • Cypress •

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COUNTRY 13 MAGA ZINE

GET INSPIRED Organize your Closet or Pantry

can prove to be invaluable when it comes to closet and pantry clutter.

First on your list should be the realization that your family is unique and so should be your closets and pantry. Not everyone needs a spice rack on the door or a shoe shelf. You need storage solutions that cater to your family and needs. For this reason it can actually save you money to call in a professional closet company WR DFFHVV ZKDW \RXU VSHFLÀF QHHGV DUH DQG KRZ WR

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very family in Cypress is different and so are their needs in closet and pantry space. But no matter what your needs, there is one universal question we all ask: How can I get more space? Assuming that it isn't possible to just build another room on your home to hold all your stuff, then we must look at ways to maximize the space we have. Often, simple solutions

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accomplish them rather than spending your valuable time running from container store to hardware storeonly at the end discovering that all the time and money has not brought the results you needed.

One more wire basket won't solve much, but a fully planned closet or pantry designed just for your needs will make them a really workable part of your home.

From your garage to your bathroom, there isn't one room in your home that can't be enhanced by organization. So get inspired, and realize that organization may be the key to making your home and life move more smoothly.

PA N T RI E S COUNTRY • CYPRESS • November 2016 MAGA ZINE

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

CAPTUTES DUST AS IT REMOVES TILE !

• The patented DustRam® system captures dust at the source in every step of the removal process, so the dust cannot contaminate your home!

• 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! • Prepare for NEW flooring without the mess of traditional demolition.

Call 713.369.5209 to discuss how we can help with your flooring project.

See our video at www.groundzerofloors.com contact@groundzerofloors.com

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COUNTRY 15 MAGA ZINE

Who’s Hungry?

7KDW XQFRQWUROODEOH XUJH WR HDW RQH YHU\ VSHFLÀF food has hit and it won’t be quenched with anything but a plate full of Tex-Mex. So who is up for some of the area’s best Mexican Food?

GRINGO’S MEXICAN KITCHEN: If you are looking for a lively, family-friendly Mexican restaurant that offers reasonably Tex-Mex favorites and chilly y priced p y mararita’s then Gringo’s g is where to park your hunger. Top p off your meal m al with free soft-serve ice cream for the kids and make sure and me an try their homemade tamales and tortilla soup. 27030 0 Northwest N rthwest Freeway No EL JIMADOR MEXICAN: Begin your yo Tex-Mex gastric salsa served g stric journey with warm hot homemade ga homem with light crisp chips or for a real treat some chunky guacamole. With a menu full of great south of the border dishes, it’s bo hard to pick the best, but you can’t go wrong with with their assortment of different enchiladas.

12600 Telge T Rd. SERGIO’S MEXICAN SERG GRILL: If you have GRI spent a day shopping spe at the Premium Outlets, then your O last la stop should be b Sergio’s. Start with an ice chilling w margarita made to m perfection before p you yo even look over the extensive menu.

From F om hand rolled Fr tacos, tacoos to sizzling plates of Tex-Mex favorites, TexSergio’ss is sure to cure your Mexican Mexic craving.

29110 Highw Highway 290 Houston Premium Outlets P remium Outl continued www.uptowncountrymagazine

LAS MANANITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT: With great service and hardy helping, Las Mananitas is one of those neighborhood stops \RX FDQ¡W VD\ ´QR¾ WR 1HVWOHG LQ WKH )DLUÀHOG community, please try their creamy green salsa with chips and their spicy taco bowl for a quick lunch time treat.

15202 Mason Rd, Ste 100

Whether it’s a savory plate of Fajita’s you crave, or you’re looking for that one dish of authentic 0H[LFDQ à DYRU WKHVH RSWLRQV IRU 7H[ 0H[ LQ Cypress will help you in your search. So don’t JR KXQJU\ WKLV PRQWK MXVW HQMR\ WKH GLVKHV from these local eateries.

TAQUERIA RUBY FOOD TRUCK: From awesome breakfast tacos, to a lunch time treat RI VSLF\ FKLFNHQ à RXU WDFRV with cilantro and onions, this is one food truck that never disappoints. Open 24 hours a day, it is the one place in Cypress that must be visited at least once for WUXH 0H[LFDQ à DYRUV 11043 Huffmeister Rd – Corner of Huffmeister and Hwy 290

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COUNTRY 17 MAGA ZINE

Sell This House!

IF YOU THINK THAT JUST BY FOLLOWING THE RULES LAID OUT ON TELEVISION – you know the ones on all the cable home shows that your house will sell immediately – then you may find yourself in for a long wait for a buyer to show up. Yes there are some things you really need to do, but there are other things that only a professional real estate agent can do that will move your house into the “Sold” column. So let's start with the things you need to do and then we will put the icing on the cake with professional help.

YOUR LIST OF TO–DO's Rid Clutter and Deep Clean. People don't relish your charming family mementos and alluring bric-a-brac all over your home.

They want to see their house of the future, Find a temporary home for all of your cherished possessions and let the house speak for itself.

Welcome Buyers: Most people thinking of touring your home will do a quick drive-by first, often deciding on the spot if it is even worth a look inside. So powerwash the driveway and sidewalk, add blooming flowers and make sure the yard is mowed and trimmed.

Next move to the inside of your home. From shining floors and gleaming windows to clean counters and scrubbed grout, every surface should sparkle.

Light it Up: Make sure your home isn't dark when prospective buyers come by. Turn on all lights in each room – open up the blinds and let the sunlight in.

important. More than sticking the sign in the yard, a great agent’s time is spent promoting your home - from posting pictures on various websites and virtual tours, to scheduling, marketing, hosting open houses, and lots of phone time with visitors to your home.

Selling your home will include a variety of marketing strategies that your agent can work with you on to set it apart from all the other homes for sell in your market. They will work to entice approved buyers and walk with you through all steps of the selling process.

Today's world is a complex place, but with the right agent, and your to-do list, you will find that your home will sell for the best price in the shortest amount of time.

For More Information on Selling Your Home Contact Maggie Vazques: 832-314-3145 maggie.vazquez@sothebysonoes.com

MAGGIE VAZQUEZ Realtor/Associate

832-314-3145

BRING IN THE PROFESSIONAL Now that your work has been done it's time for a professional real estate agent to take over with all the marketing of your home to buyers. Most of a real estate agent's work is behind the scenes and so 18

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10 Fun Holiday Activites Your Guide to Kid Friendly Places that Keep Everyone Happy During the Winter Break

3. SWEET AND SASSY – Treat all the princesses in your life with a spa day where they can receive a mini-pedi, hand massage and nails polished. Sweetandsassy.com

4. LAZER X – Divide up into teams and

battle your way to success in full games for an afternoon treat. Lazerx-cypress.com

5. TELGE PARK – Loads of trails let you hike through this 111 acre park or play on all the swings, slices and climing equipment.

6. STUDIO MOVIE GRILL – Sit back

and enjoy a great movie and let the food come to you. 832-593-6684

1. AERODROME SKATING COMPLEX – Slip on

a pair of skates with friends and glide around in the cool air, pretending that it is snowing outside.

Aerodromes.com

7. COLOR ME MINE – Let the kids get creative as they paint ceramic pieces of their choice. Over 100 pieces to choose from and sixty colors to paint with. cypress.colormemine.com

8. TXR PAINTBALL – Come play paintball at 2. THE ARTIST WITHIN

– Enroll your kids and let them express themselves during their holidays camp and learn to paint. Artistwithin.net 20

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Houston's largest and top ranked facility. Lots of acres of woods, creeks, castles, bridges, and speedball arenas for the best paintball in Cypress. TXRpaintball.com continued www.uptowncountrymagazine

9. OIL RANCH – Load up the kids and take in over 50 acres of family fun. From a barbecue sandwich at the General store, to a game of putt-putt, there is much to see and do. oilranch.com 10. LITTLE BEAKERS SCIENCE LAB – A magical place where kids can experiment with chemicals safely and learn while having fun. Littlebeakers.com

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COUNTRY 21 MAGA ZINE

Locker Chat

The Cypress Ranch High School tennis team celebrates its undefeated run.

Mustang Tennis Team Wins All Matches to Capture Area Championship The Cypress Ranch High School tennis team clinched the 2016 area team tennis championship on Oct. 20 at Cypress Woods High School, defeating Lamar High 6FKRRO LQ WKH Ă€QDOV The Mustangs went unbeaten through the tournament, GHIHDWLQJ +RXVWRQ +HLJKWV LQ WKH Ă€UVW URXQG RQ Oct. 19, then topping Cypress Woods 10-0 in the second URXQG RQ 2FW WR DGYDQFH WR WKH Ă€QDOV “I’m just excited for our kids, who were determined not to lose a match in this tournament,â€? said Minh Phan, Cypress Ranch tennis coach. “They worked so hard all season to get to this point and I’m very proud of them.

We’re going to enjoy this win today and get back to work tomorrow to prepare for the regional tournament next week.�

Cypress Ranch and Lamar both advance to the Region III-6A Team Tennis Tournament, set for Oct. 27-28 at Deer Park High School.

Stone Gate HOA donates nearly $11,000 to two elementary schools The Stone Gate Home Owners Association (HOA) showed its support for educators at two CFISD schools this month, providing donations totaling nearly $11,000 to Postma and Birkes elementary schools.

Robert Partin, vice president of the Stone Gate HOA, delivered a monetary donation of $5,000 to Postma on Oct. 6, then followed it with a technology donation valued at $5,730 to Birkes on Oct. 12.

The contributions were part of Stone Gate HOA’s Adopt a School program, which supports campuses that service the association’s neighborhoods: Stone Gate, Canyon Lakes West and Miramesa.

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Kim Freed, principal of Postma Elementary School, presents a thank you gift to Robert Partin, vice president of the Stone Gate HOA .

The Postma donation will fund the purchase of %UDLQ323 HGXFDWLRQDO VRIWZDUH ÀQH DUWV LQVWUXFWLRQDO materials and equipment, classroom emergency bags and school garden enhancements.

Cy Woods, Cy Ranch students place at computer science contest Students from Cypress Woods and Cypress Ranch high schools placed in the 13th Annual Seven Lakes Computer Science Invitational, held Oct. 8 at Seven Lakes High School in Katy.

More than 100 teams from across the state competed in the contest. continued www.uptowncountrymagazine

District schools simultaneously celebrate afterschool programs

Four teams enter volleyball playoffs Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Club Rewind, CFISD’s before- and after-school care program, joined programs around the United States in celebrating the Lights On Afterschool event on Oct. 20.

Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their role in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn and helping working families. More than 1 million Americans celebrate annually at more than 8,000 events nationwide.

The Club Rewind programs at CFISD’s 72 participating schools simultaneously joined the celebration in a “Club Time Rally” featuring a ÁDVK PRE GDQFH WR ´0RYH Your Body” and student testimonials about how Club Rewind impacted their lives. Student groups showed off their unique chants and cheers and parents stayed after for an open house.

The District 17-6A volleyball season concluded on Oct. 25 with four of the 10 teams qualifying for the UIL playoffs.

Cypress Falls and Langham Creek high schools tied for the District 17-6A championship with identical 15-3 records, while Cypress Ranch and Cypress Woods high schools tied for third place with 13-5 records.

Langham Creek conceded the No. 1 playoff seed to Cypress Falls, while Cypress Ranch won a coin ÁLS ZLWK &\SUHVV Woods to earn the third seed.

The four teams will enter the UIL Region III-6A bi-district playoffs.

November 12th, 10am to 5pm The Berry Center 8877 Barker Cypress @ West Rd. Come do all your holiday shopping with over 150 vendors. Shop Women’s and Children’s Boutique Clothing. Home ans Holiday Decor.

Handmade Jewelry. Gourmet Food items and so much more. Free Event!

Find us on Facebook!

CyFair Holiday Extravaganza Holidayextravaganza@yahoo.com www.uptowncountrymagazine

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COUNTRY 23 MAGA ZINE

Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter What is the best time for putting in a pool?

The biggest question for all homeowners is when is the best time to purchase that backyard pool you have always wanted. Of course all pool salesmen will tell you that “Now is the perfect time.� But is it really? The answer most pool companies agree on is that fall is the best time for putting a new pool in the ground. Every season has plus and minuses to building, so we are going to let you be the judge with all the pros and cons of each season.

SPRING When the weather starts to heat up, so do swimming pool sales. Yep, spring is the time when many homeRZQHUV ÀQDOO\ DFW RQ ORQJVWDQGLQJ SODQV WR LQVWDOO D pool. A spring installation means you will get full use out of your new pool throughout the summer. UnforWXQDWHO\ ZLWK GHPDQG VR KLJK LW¡V KDUGHU WR ÀQG JRRG deals at this time of year. Popular pool builders are VHHLQJ WKHLU VFKHGXOHV ÀOO XS ZLWK QHZ SURMHFWV DQG

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pool suppliers have little incentive to lower prices on materials or wheel and deal.

SUMMER Early- to mid-summer is typically the worst time to install a new swimming pool. Prices are still high, good pool installers still have plenty of business, and you don’t even get the whole summer to enjoy your new backyard oasis. In fact, building a pool could put a damper on your summer fun. Your backyard could be out of commission right when you want to use it the most.

FALL The main downside of fall installation is obvious: You won’t get to use your new swimming pool until spring. In many other ways, a fall installation makes a lot of sense. Pool builders aren’t as busy, and you may continued

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be able to take advantage of closeout sales on materials and equipment. And, pricing aside, it gives you the rest of fall and the following spring to work on your landscaping before you open the pool.

WINTER If you’re looking to maximize your negotiating leverage with pool builders, winter might be the time to strike.

However, there are a few factors that could foil your plans. One, the climate in many places can make winter SRRO LQVWDOODWLRQ GLIÀFXOW RU impossible. Two, some builders go into hibernation at this time of year, shutting down operations until demand picks up in spring. And three, the ÀUVW RI WKH \HDU LV ZKHQ SULFH changes often take effect for all sorts of materials, and prices rarely go down.

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COUNTRY 25 MAGA ZINE

The Holiday Kitchen T

SUGAR AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

oday’s kitchens serve as more than just places to cook up holiday sweets and scrumous meals. Most often they are the central gathering place for family and friends, not only for the holidays, but for the whole \HDU DQG LW QHHGV WR EH HIÀLFLHQW IXQ DQG D FR]\ SODFH WR cook and visit.

Most remodeling discussions revolve around new cabinets and countertops. It makes sense considering that these are the most prominate and glaring parts of any kitchen. Here are some other things that you might want to consider when making your wish list for your perfect kitchen.

APPLIANCES Advances in technology are hard to keep up with these days, and kitchen appliances are no exception. Induction cook-tops, steam assist ovens, microwave drawers, and XQGHU FRXQWHU IUHH]HUV FDQ KHOS WUDQVIRUP \RXU NLWFKHQ into a chef’s paradise at the drop of a hat. When choosing À[WXUHV WKLQN FRQYHQLHQFH ORRNV DQG LQQRYDWLRQ continued

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THE KITCHEN NOOK Why simply update kitchen cabinets and appliances, when you can re-envision the entire space? And if you’re looking for something a little more quaint, how about a nook? Installed in an area with large windows that overlook views or garden areas, a kitchen nook is a wonderful place to sit and chat with family members, or just to enjoy your morning cup of coffee.

LIGHTING When looking for kitchen lighting ideas, we have a few more choices today than our grandparents did. Today you FDQ FKRRVH IURP UHFHVVHG FDQ OLJKW UHFHVVHG à XRUHVFHQW SHQGHQW OLJKWV WUDFN OLJKWV VXUIDFH OLJKWLQJ DQG XQGHU FDELQHW À[WXUHV FLOORING 7KHUH DUH VR PDQ\ RSWLRQV IRU NLWFKHQ à RRULQJ LW V KDUG WR NQRZ ZKDW LV EHVW 6R KHUH DUH IRXU FKRLFHV WKDW DUH best for most kitchens. +DUGZRRG à RRULQJ ZLWK LWV XQ matched warmth and visual appeal, is a great choice if you want to create a look that never really goes out of style, giving you a good return on investment if you ever sell your home.

Also, hardwood works well in both kitchen and living areas.

3RUFHODLQ à RRULQJ WLOH D YHUVLRQ RI common ceramic tile, is the durability FKDPS ,W V ÀUHG DW KLJK WHPSHUDWXUHV WKDW SURGXFH DQ H[WUHPHO\ KDUG durable, stain-resistant tile that is impervious to moisture.

Cork has a unique cellular strucWXUH WKDW V ZDWHUSURRI DQG FRPSUHVVLEOH which makes it a comfortable, moisture-resistant choice. The surface is QDWXUDOO\ WH[WXUHG ZKLFK PDNHV LW slip-resistant.

Vinyl is a budget-friendly material that keeps upping its image as new technology helps it more closely imitate the look of stone, wood, tile, and leather. Easy to clean, vinyl is also soft underfoot.

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November 2016 • Cypress •

Uptown

COUNTRY 27 MAGA ZINE

Insurance May Have You Covered...

But Do You Know What That Coverage Is?

O Auto Insurance Home and Property Insurance Life Insurance Health Insurance Banking Products Annuities

Mark Adkins State Farm 17400 Spring Cypress Suite 120

281-373-1961 mark.adkins.bxkt@statefarm.com

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COUNTRY • CYPRESS • November 2016 MAGA ZINE

ne of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is purchasing a homeowners policy without ever looking at what their insurance covers. It's not that the insurance company doesn't want you to know – it's that in the process of buying a home most residents just pay for a policy without ever knowing exactly what coverage they will be receiving. Since we are reaching the end of the year, now is a good time to take that policy out, dust it off and look at all the options for coverage that are available to you that will best meet your needs.

Your basic homeowner’s policy should cover all weather UHODWHG SUREOHPV VXFK DV VWRUPV ÀUH ZLQG KDLO OLJKWHQ ing, freezing and the weight of ice, snow or sleet. It should also cover theft, vandalism, riots, and home accidents from water with plumbing, etc.

But just listing the things that should be covered is WKH EDUH PLQLPXP (DFK SROLF\ FDQ EH PRGLĂ€HG DQG FKDQJHG WR UHĂ HFW WKH FRYHUDJH WKDW \RXU IDPLO\ UHDOO\ needs.

This is the time now, before the new year begins, to make sure that you have a policy that really makes you and your family feel safe. That is what insurance is all about – the power to know that whatever life tosses your way, you have a safety net.

It's time to make sure your net doesn't have any holes in it. For more information, contact Mark Adkins State Farm – (281) 373-1961. www.uptowncountrymagazine

Holiday Party Guide to Healthy Food Finger foods are a must for holiday parties.

Here are the best foods to dip, sip or ďŹ ll up on at your next Holiday Affair

Bruschetta Simple to make and oh so tasty.

Just top a small slice of Italian EUHDG ZLWK WRPDWRHV ROLYH RLO JDUOLF DQG EDVLO DQG \RXU EUXVFKHWWD LV ready to wow the crowd.

Red Wine Chocked full of SRO\SKHQRO UHG ZLQH promotes heart health and aids in circulation.

The sweeter red wines will have more calories EXW \RX FDQ FXW WKHVH LQ KDOI E\ DGGLQJ D VSULW]HU to your wine.

Salsa Jam-packed with vitamins A and C and loaded with ÀEHU WKLV VXSHU ORZ FDORULH dip is a winning choice for dips every time.

Mixed Nuts Plain old lightly salted mixed nuts are loaded with vitamins it i and protein to help keep you feeling full. High in vitamin E they work wonders for your skin and circulation. But stay away from the honey roasted nuts.

Shrimp Cocktail /RZ LQ IDW DQG FDORULHV WKLV OLWWOH VHD IRRG VSHFLDOW\ VKRXOG EH IURQW DQG FHQWHU DW DQ\ SDUW\ -XVW D IHZ VKULPS FXUEV KXQJHU DQG KHOSV \RX UHVLVW RWKHU KLJK ² FDORULH RSWLRQV 6KULPS DOVR FRQWDLQV ]LQF ZKLFK LV great for your health.

Vegetables and Dip Find the largest plate and load up for munching WKURXJKRXW WKH SDUW\ <RX ZLOO EH UHFHLYLQJ YLWDPLQ $ DQG FDURWHQRLGV DQG WKH ERQXV LV \RX FDQ KDYH WKDW creamy ranch dip as long as you don't pile it on. www.uptowncountrymagazine

November 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Cypress â&#x20AC;˘

Uptown

COUNTRY 29 MAGA ZINE

THE ROADS OF CYPRESS There used to be something quaint about the streets and roads of Cypress.

They were small and narrow and meandered around vacant fields not in a hurry to get to any special locations.

Well those streets are gone and while I knew Cypress could never stay a sleepy suburb of Houston, I sure didn't think that I would spend so much time mapping out ways to miss certain roads or at least never to hit them at certain times of the day. So here is my list of do's and don'ts for the roads of Cypress.

Barker Cypress Over Pass – This over pass that crosses Hwy 290 is my number one place to try and avoid at all costs. I have tried crossing at every time of the day and have come to the conclusion that there is never a good time. Traffic is always bad and someone is always in the wrong lane. But if you to have to use it, make sure you cross between the hours of 10am – 3pm.

Feeder Road of Hwy 290 – I swear the highway department knows exactly when I will be driving the feeder. Lanes that I had used just days ago are now barricaded with large orange cones and I am never sure if the entrance I need to jump on to Hwy 290 is even open. This widening of Hwy 290 needs to end soon.

Tuckerton – I was so excited when they opened Tuckerton from Barker Cypress to Fry Road but have now found that this great street needs to be used only when Rennell Elementary is not taking in or letting out kids.

Old Hempstead Hwy – This small stretch of road between Fry and Skinner is my most favorite street in all of Cypress. From this small road I can get to all the stores in the Target Center and miss all the traffic at the Spring Cypress / Hwy 290 intersection.

West Road – This has become my go-to road to reach Hwy 6. Probably not the fastest way to get to Barns and Nobel, but it sure beats the heck out of Hwy 529 for traffic and crazy drivers.

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COUNTRY • CYPRESS • November 2016 MAGA ZINE

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