Cypress, TX December 2018

DECEMBER 2018

CypressLifestylePubs.com

Winter & Revel

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2018 PUBLISHER

Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com

Happy Holidays, and Thank You for Your Support!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Aaron West, Sue G. Collins CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Randy Delpilar | Lanaki Photography Paul Chavira Phtography

AS THE SAYING GOES, TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN. And time sure has flown by this year. I can’t believe we have completed the final issue of Cypress Lifestyle in 2018! The past four months have been a whirlwind, and I have enjoyed bringing you stories about our amazing community!

The month’s issue is no exception. Cypress lifestyle blogger Alley Leto shares some gift ideas for the holidays, and she invited us into her beautiful home so we could create three different looks when decorating your hearth for the holidays.

Park Creek Independent Living gives us a peek into what life is like living at a “cruise ship on land.” As you visit with your older relatives this season, share the story with them. It’s truly a fun group of residents, and they really enjoy the amenities Park Creek offers. And the director, Kathie Snyder, would love to give you a tour.

Duane Horne, a Cypress financial planner, shares some important advice to consider as we look to the new year. And for those of you looking for New Year’s Eve ideas, check out what Dario’s Steakhouse has on the menu for their prix fixe dinner.

Guest contributing writer from several of our Georgia lifestyle magazines Sue Collins shares what to expect when you visit Home Ranch in Colorado. It’s definitely on my bucket list!

Finally, check out the local holiday light displays you can enjoy with your family this month that are close to home.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin EDITORIAL Kate Baxendale AD MANAGER Chad Jensen AD COORDINATORS Cyndi Harrington | Alicia Huff | Jessica Soetaert LAYOUT DESIGNERS Cyndi King | Dana Rudolph | Emily Stout Hailey Stepanek | Adella Wrisinger FIELD SUPPORT Carli DiMarco | Victoria Perry PUBLISHER SUPPORT Melanie Carlisle ACCOUNTANT Austin Park APPLICATION ARCHITECT Michael O’Connell WEB DEVELOPERS Tejaswini Jagarlamudi | Harshith Potu

I'm blown away by the ideas you send me for stories and appreciate the support for Cypress Lifestyle. I encourage you to continue to send me your story ideas, and I'll do my best to showcase them.

I hope you enjoy the issue and your holidays! See you next year!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON

Peggy Garner, publisher

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Alley Leto and daughter Taylor

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDY DELPILAR | LANAKI PHOTO 4

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

Peggy Garner, Publisher

CypressLifestylePubs.com

Proverbs 3:5-6 Cypress Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cypress areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cypress Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

5

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2018

FEATURES 12 Imagine Living at a Cruise Ship on Land Park Creek Independent Living Offers Residents a Family Atmosphere with Lots of Amenities

17 Enjoy New Year’s Eve Locally with Friends and Community Ring in 2019 with Dario’s Steakhouse’s Elegant Prix Fixe Menu and Celebration

20 Holiday Gift Guide Local Lifestyle Blogger Shares Her Favorite Items

12 28

28 Holiday Decorating Ideas One Hearth Decorated Three Ways

17

20

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Open House

17

Hot Spot

24 Travel Destination 28 Renovate & Refine 30 Financial Buzz 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Local’s Choice

GOOD TIMES

A Taste of Cy-Fair The 2018 A Taste of Cy-Fair event saw more than 1,700 happy attendees on Sept. 29 and $37,000 was raised for Cy-Hope. That's almost twice as much as last year, despite the threat of rain!

8

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

Cy-Fair ISD Health Expo The Cy-Fair ISD Health Expo attracted many area families to the Berry Center on Oct. 13.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID POSTMA WITH GENESIS PHOTOGRAPHERS

December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

9

AROUND TOWN

HOUSTON NORTHWEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES ANNUAL GALA DETAILS The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Diamonds & Ice Gala on Jan. 26 at the new Marriott Cityplace at Springwoods Village. The gala’s theme, “Red, White & Blue: A Patriotic Affair,” reflects the growth and cooperative spirit of the Northwest Houston community.

The event is the premier fundraising event for the chamber and promises to be a night of elegance with dancing, wine, auctions and entertainment.

HoustonNWChamber.org/Gala

to winning the event’s grand champion award.

The marching band finished ahead of runner-up Cypress Ranch High School and third-place Spring High School.

HOUSTON NORTHWEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD NAMES GALA AWARDEES The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors named the recipients of the two recognitions presented each year at the Chamber’s Diamonds and Ice Gala. Becky and Mark Lanier are the 2019 Gala Honorees, an honor presented to

SWENKE THIRD-GRADER PLAYS AT LITTLE MO’S NATIONALS TENNIS TOURNAMENT

an individual or couple demonstrating community leadership and who have had a significant impact on the economic health of the local economy and the well-being of the community. Fallbrook Church

Taylor Mercer, a third grade student at Swenke

will receive the 2018 Diamond Award, the cham-

Elementary, qualified to play in the prestigious

ber’s pinnacle award bestowed on the individual

Little Mo’s Nationals tennis tournament, consid-

or organization that contributes significantly to the

ered to be the Wimbledon of junior tennis. The

economic health of the region and to the commu-

yearlong “Road to the Little Mo’s Nationals” circuit

nity well-being. HoustonNWChamber.org

leads up to the tournament, which brings the top 160 boys and girls from across the U.S. to compete in Austin. Although Taylor started playing tennis only three years ago, she has already won 25 medals and trophies and is now competing in the 12-year-old girls division.

BRIDGELAND HS BAND WINS AT ‘BATTLE AT THE BERRY’ The Bridgeland High School marching band

10

claimed the grand champion award at the fourth

We are always accepting submissions for announce-

annual “Battle at the Berry,” which was held Oct.

ments you’d like to see included in our Around Town

13 at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium. Bridgeland claimed

section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact

first in its division (Enrollment Class IV) in addition

Us tab at CypressLifestylePubs.com.

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

11

OPEN HOUSE

IMAGINE LIVING AT A CRUISE SHIP ON LAND PARK CREEK INDEPENDENT LIVING OFFERS RESIDENTS A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH LOTS OF AMENITIES

ARTICLE AARON WEST

12

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

KATHIE SNYDER, INDEPENDENT LIVING DIRECTOR OF CYPRESS’ PARK CREEK INDEPENDENT LIVING, LIKES TO REFER TO THE COMPLEX AS A “CRUISE SHIP ON LAND.” One look at the amenities the 126-unit apartment complex offers shows she’s telling the truth.

Residents live a busy, social life of purpose and independence with likeminded peers, enjoying luxury amenities that include an exercise gym, hair salon, movie theater, two restaurants and a pool with a barbecue pit. And a new man cave is being planned.

“We have a lot going on here,” Kathie says. “There are painting and crafting classes, garden and book clubs, walking and exercise classes, and we have dollar bingo twice a week!”

A meal plan is also included, allowing residents to choose from four different menus prepared by a culinary-trained chef.

The recently opened community has new residents moving in all the time who want to take advantage of the active-but-cozy vibes, Kathie says. During the holidays, people look for a family-style atmosphere that makes them feel at home. Park Creek offers a guest suite, a private dining room, and they love to welcome families to visit.

“We’ve become a big family here,” she says. “Some residents, especially if they’re moving out of a house, are hesitant to downsize to an apartment.

CONTINUED >

December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

13

OPEN HOUSE

(CON TI N U ED)

Exercise classes at the gym

Nine floor plans to choose from

But every one of them, after settling in, wonders why they didn't do

contact the concierge 24 hours a day. And for those who still work,

it 10 years sooner!"

most of the apartments have office space, which a lot of the resi-

Residents, who are 55 years old and “better,” as Kathie puts

dents make great use of.

it, are high-energy and intelligent. Most everyone still drives, but

“Our family of residents is enjoying the best years of their lives in

with a meal plan included and a community with a slew of ameni-

our community, and we are honored to share in their passion every

ties, they rarely need to.

day,” Kathie says.

Notably, each unit comes with an Amazon Alexa. Residents can

Book a tour of Park Creek, but don’t wait too long, because apart-

hear what’s on the chef’s menus, choose from the day’s activities and

ments are going fast! Call 281.690.0019 or visit CypressSeniors.com.

The chef and waitstaff are ready to serve you.

14

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

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HOT SPOT

RING IN 2019 WITH DARIO’S STEAKHOUSE’S ELEGANT PRIX FIXE MENU AND CELEBRATION ARTICLE AARON WEST PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL CHAVIRA

Enjoy New Year's Eve Locally with Friends and Community

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UPSCALE DINING ENVIRONMENT. CONTINUED >

December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

17

HOT SPOT

(CON TI N U ED)

Tuxedo chocolate cake

Rack of lamb

NYE Prix Fixe

Trio filet mignon

18

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

Wedge salad

Canadian lobster tail Chilean sea bass

“AFTER 10 YEARS, WE’VE GOT THIS DOWN. IT’S GOING TO BE FLAWLESS.”

On New Year’s Eve, however, the elegance gets turned up a notch.

On Dec. 31, the restaurant will invite customers to take part in a New Year’s feast, featuring an elaborate three-course menu. The event, which

This year, the restaurant is even looking into offering Japanese Wagyu steaks, which it buys from an exclusive local vendor.

“You won’t find this kind of steak at a lot of restaurants,” he says.

consistently ranks among the best New Year’s Eve

With the cooking talent of Cesar Alvaro, the

events in Cypress, is in its 10th year, says restau-

Dario’s head chef who cut his chops for years

rant manager J.R. Navarette.

at restaurants in downtown Houston, and the

“After 3 p.m. we’ll start with the New Year’s Eve

vision of David, who’s brought his enterprising

menu,” he says. “It’ll be reservations only, and it

touch to a number of Cypress-area restaurants—

always brings out a good crowd.”

including Alicia’s Mexican Grille and Galiana’s

J.R. says more than 350 people will come out for the legendary local meal, which features a soup, salad, and appetizer for the first course; a rack of lamb, lobster tail or mouthwatering steak for the

Bakery & Café—New Year’s Eve at Dario’s is a can’t-miss event.

“After 10 years, we’ve got this down,” J.R. says.

“It’s going to be flawless.”

second course; and a luxurious slice of chocolate cake or cheesecake for dessert.

December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

19

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE LOCAL LIFESTYLE BLOGGER SHARES HER FAVORITE ITEMS ARTICLE AARON WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY RANDY DELPILAR

ALLEY LETO STARTED HER BLOG, LIFE OF ALLEY IN 2016, WRITING ABOUT SUBJECTS THAT INTERESTED HER: HOME DECOR, ENTERTAINING, RECIPES AND HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL BUSINESSES IN HER ADOPTED CITY OF HOUSTON. Since she and her family moved to the Cypress area from Connecticut by way of Tennessee, she’s been digging into the local social and shopping scene not only for her blog but also to get to know the community.

“Moving to a big city, it can be very intimidating,”

In the Home With...

Alley Leto

20

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

she says. “So, I started learning more about the community as a way to cope and get connected.”

She was immediately struck by the friendliness and sense of pride the residents in Houston and its surrounding suburbs exuded.

GIFTS FOR

HER...

(left to right) Alley Leto, Kendall, Joseph, John and Taylor

From skin care to hair care, these gifts will make your beauty smile.

1.

2.

3.

5.

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1. One Minute Moisturizing Scrub, OneMinuteManicure.com, $25 | 2. Drybar Travel Blow Dryer, Nordstrom, $135 | 3. Clarsonic Mia 3-in-1 Beauty Device, Sephora, $199 | 4. GloPRO Nightly Routine Set, Neiman Marcus, $250 | 5. Triple Bristle Electric Toothbrush, Walmart, $70 | 6. ghd Platinum + Glacial Blue Straightener, ghd.com, $249 CONTINUED >

December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

21

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

(CON TI N U ED)

The blog project that started as a hobby quickly caught on. She’s since appeared on Good Day Houston, Houston Life TV and featured in several magazines including Voyage Houston.

Now, Alley and husband, John, along with their

GIFTS FOR THE

COOK...

children, Kendall, Joseph and Taylor, have decided that Texas—and specifically Cypress—is where they belong.

The cook in your life will love you

“Living here and writing about what I like with a

for these gifts, which will make

local angle, it just started opening doors,” she says.

their life easier in the kitchen.

“Now I’ve learned so much about Cypress and all it has to offer. The community, the people it brings here, there’s just an incredible amount that’s available to families. Restaurants, activities, you’re living a big city life in a beautiful [small-town feel] oasis.”

We asked Alley to share some of her favorite ideas for holiday gift giving. Check out her top picks for the beauty, cook and techie in your life.

1. Weber iGrill 3 Thermometer, Crate & Barrel, $100 2. Kitchen Aid Heritage Stand Mixer, Crate & Barrel, $400 3. Nespresso VirtuoPlus, Nespresso.com, $140 4. Dash Deluxe Waffle Bowl Maker, Bed Bath & Beyond, $20 5. ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set, Bed Bath & Beyond, $40 6. Phillips XXL Air Fryer, Williams-Sonoma, $300 7. Emile Henry 14 1/2-Inch Pizza Stone, Bed Bath & Beyond, $50

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Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

HOME

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUE G. COLLINS

RANCH, C O LO R A D O LIFESTYLE TRAVEL CONTRIBUTOR SHARES WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING THIS LUXURY SNOWY GETAWAY

Holidays are memorable, with the snowy Aspens standing sentinel and a Christmas tree in each room, ready for guests to decorate.

24

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

Cross-country skiing on 15 miles of groomed and backwoods trails

GETTING THERE + Fly into the YampaValley Regional Airport in Haydn, Colorado.

HomeRanch.com 970.879.1780

M

down our faces from the cold and the unbridled giggling—the track was fast, and other skiers had stopped to cheer us on. We watched the sun set, shivering slightly and entirely satisfied.

We hugged and promised to sit together at dinY NEW BEST FRIEND AND I WERE

ner to share photos and exchange addresses. Back

EXHAUSTED FROM HORSEBACK RID-

in my cabin, I tapped the snow off my boots and

ING AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

skis—carefully fitted by Pete earlier and mine for the

THROUGH MOST OF THE 15 MILES

duration of my stay at Home Ranch—turned my own

OF GROOMED AND BACKCOUNTRY

outdoor private hot tub up to 104 degrees, lit a fire in

TRAILS

THE

the wood stove inside my cabin and made a cup of

ROLLING TERRAIN AT HOME RANCH

tea. The hot tub let up a puff of steam as I took the

THAT DAY. But Pete, one of the friendly

cover off and dipped inside just in time to watch the

ski guides, had pulled out the tubes buried

day’s last light disappear into a starry night. Magic.

WINDING

THROUGH

under a few feet of new snow, and the sun

Colorado’s Home Ranch is the only Relais &

had not yet set over the Colorado moun-

Chateaux-affiliated ranch in Colorado, promis-

tains. The late afternoon sun lit up the tub-

ing unparalleled luxury and service and a haute

ing hill behind the cabins dotting the luxury ranch’s

mountain culinary program. Located in the tiny

property, and we could hear other skiers through

community of Clark, Colorado, just 18 miles from

the woods, heading in toward the lodge for warm

Steamboat Springs, this spectacular setting offers

drinks. We looked at each other, neither wanting to

guests horseback riding, Nordic skiing, snow-

be the first to call it a day. So, we each grabbed a

shoeing, hiking, sleigh rides and skating with

tube and started the hike up the hill.

guides and wranglers who love the land along the

My first step off the groomed trail onto the

Elk River Valley deeply.

hill landed me in at least three feet of snow, my

After a glorious day in the snow, guests meet in

snow pants disappearing into the dense bed of

the charming lodge for a gourmet five-course dinner

wonderful white powder. We only made it up half

with chef Jonathon Gillespie, who proudly serves his

way, exhausted from the giant steps. Through

elevated dishes inspired by local ingredients. Wines

the virgin snow, I carved out a route in my tube,

are carefully paired and introduced by one of the

down the hill slowly, my friend following with

chefs or one of the charming general co-managers,

more speed. By our fourth trip—tears streaming

CONTINUED >

December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

25

TRAVEL DESTINATION

(CON TI N U ED)

Beautiful chili from chef Jonathon Gillespie and his crew on a cold day

Selina Heintz and Michael Moon. If you’re lucky, you’ll sit next to Selina or Michael at dinner, though each and every guest seated at the long dinner table will have something interesting to share about their adventures that day. And, they will all soon be your new best friends.

Sue G. Collins is the editor of our sister publications in Atlanta and is a travel writer who enjoys adventures in all seasons. Follow her on Instagram at SeeSueGo_ or #SeeSueGo.

26

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

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ONE HEARTH DECORATED THREE WAYS | PHOTOGRAPHY RANDY DELPILAR

HOLIDAY DECORATING IDEAS

RENOVATE & REFINE

28

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

Whimsical Elegance

LITTLE ECLECTIC HOUSE Large pair of antique corbels white chippy paint » $269 | Set of black lanterns » $176 | Vintage sleigh

bells on leather strap » $224 | Green metal wreaths » $62 each | Metal topiary trees » $110 each | Antique wood crate » $62 | Red blanket » $16 | Two mixed greenery swags » $45 each

Merry & Bright THE ROUND TOP COLLECTION GALLERY

» Cedar and red berry bough | $36 each » Vintage Merry & Bright ribbon | $40 » Three-tier topiary light-up | $80 each » Cardinal wreath | $28 each » Cardinal stake | $14 each » Cardinal ornament | $12 » Plaid package yard | $120 » Top hat and cardinal | $22 » Top hat pocket | $28 each » Triple plaid trees | $46 per set » Cedar and red berry branch | $12 each

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White Christmas December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

29

FINANCIAL BUZZ

ARTICLE DUANE HORNE, CLU, CHFC, CFP, LUTCF

2 0 1 8 Ye a r - E n d Financial Check list START THE NEW YEAR WITH A HEALTHY FINANCIAL PLAN AS 2018 COMES TO A CLOSE, DUANE HORNE, FINANCIAL PLANNER AND CYPRESS RESIDENT, SHARES SOME IDEAS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER TO IMPROVE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE. Review what happened this year so that you can start the new year’s finances with peace of mind.

I n c o m e Ta x

Did you have a major life change

(employment change, marriage/divorce, a new child) that affects your income

Ret i r e m e n t Ac c o u n t s Max contributions to an IRA and employer retire-

tax? Review your tax withholdings have

ment plan for the year. Both IRAs and 401(k)s have

been properly adjusted. Having low

annual contribution limits. If you find you have

withholdings can lead to tax penal-

excess savings and have not reached your annual

ties while having too high of withhold-

limit, it may be a good idea to make additional con-

ings prevents you from accessing your

tributions. Similarly, you may also consider making

money until your tax return is filed. Also,

greater monthly contributions to your accounts next

determine your adjusted gross income

year, spreading out the cost of contribution. The

(AGI) with the help of your tax advi-

deadline for IRA contributions is usually April 15

sor. Your AGI will help determine your

of the following year, though this may vary. 401(k)

tax bracket, which you’ll need for invest-

deadlines may be restricted to the calendar year,

ment and retirement planning.

depending on your employer.

I nve s t m e n t s

Consider tax-loss harvesting to lower taxes on capital gains. By selling

positions that are down this year, you can use the losses to reduce up to $3,000 of taxable income. If your total losses surpass $3,000, you can roll over excess losses to offset gains in another year. If you have losses from a previous year, calculate how they affect your gains or losses from this year. Also, check to see when you last rebalanced your portfolio. Although you don’t need to update your investments every year, many people go far too long without making necessary adjustments as they age.

DUANE HORNE CLU, ChFC, CFP, LUTCF 713.863.9900 Duane.Horne@prudential.com 30

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

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December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

31

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1-16 A CHRISTMAS CAROL THE MUSICAL (BROADWAY VERSION) Lone Star College- Cy-Fair

playing in the gym, drinking hot cocoa, riding the polar express, making snow and more! Support One Warm Coat by bringing a gently

CFISD WINTER BREAK

used coat or blanket. Pre-register at

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD will enjoy win-

K2Academy.com.

ter break from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3.

CFISD.net

Experience Charles Dickens’ most wellknown story with this spectacular musical adaptation! Broadway heavy hitters Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens breathe fantastic new life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol. Events.LoneStar.edu

12

3

15

BUCKLE UP 4 KAILEE GOLF TOURNAMENT

DOUGHNUTS WITH SANTA

Blackhorse Golf Club

Cy-Hope

The tournament will help raise

Enjoy doughnuts and refreshments;

funds to further the mission of

storytime; photo opportunities; building

seat belt awareness. The reg-

gingerbread houses; and other activ-

istration fee will include lunch,

ities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who

dinner, golf, a hat, a goodie bag,

are bringing along some elves from the

Historic Downtown Katy

one hour of open bar after tour-

North Pole to help with the activities.

This Christmas market will feature pro-

nament,

Cy-Hope.org

duce, arts and crafts, antiques, clothing,

contests, live music and more!

accessories, jewelry, gifts, handmade

KaileeMillsFoundation.org

1

KATY OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

silent

auction,

raffles,

goodies, carolers, delicious food trucks, entertainment, a beer garden and 50,000 pounds of snow for the kiddos!

Eventbrite.com

2

7-9 TOMBALL GERMAN FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS MARKET

15 POLAR EXPRESS ON THE GREEN Boardwalk Towne Lake

Come enjoy the movie Polar Express on the green, with a visit from

Old Town Tomball

Santa! Email a receipt of $50 or

The market will have more than 200

more from one of our restaurants/

vendors, live music, entertainment,

stores and get VIP front area seating.

Bear Creek United Methodist Church

food and drinks, a petting zoo, a

Reservations@boardwalktl.com.

The Texas Volunteer Firefighter Relief

carnival and pony rides. Admission,

Fund’s Annual Parade of Lights has

parking and shuttle are all free!

surrounding fire departments decking

TomballGermanFest.org

TVFFRF ANNUAL PARADE OF LIGHTS

out their trucks in bright lights and decorations and competing to get “best decorated” accolades. Families will enjoy seeing Santa sit atop a fire engine and

8

16 FARMER'S MARKET Boardwalk Towne Lake

Come enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables

wave to excited children. It is fun for the

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

entire family! The parade starts at 16000

Messiah Lutheran Church

than 25 vendors at The Boardwalk

Rippling Water Drive (Bear Creek United

This family-friendly event is filled

at Towne Lake’s Farmer's Market!

Methodist Church) to Cy-Falls High

with crafts for the children, a hay-

Stay for brunch, lunch and dinner!

School at Huffmeister and Tuckerton.

ride and a book fair as well as a

BoardwalkTL.com

and homemade goodies from more

special place for children to write

2

be Christmas backdrops for photo

We are always accepting sub-

opportunities, so bring your cam-

missions for events you'd like to

era! This event is to raise schol-

see included in our Calendar sec-

K2 Academy & K2 Campus

arship funds for families needing

tion. Submissions are accepted

While you wait for your turn with

child care financial assistance.

via

Santa, the kiddos can keep busy

MessiahLC.org

CypressLifestylePubs.com.

WINTER WONDERLAND 2018

32

and mail letters to Santa. There will

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

the

Contact

Us

tab

at

Now Open WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR 401(k)?

Rolling your old 401(k)s to an Individual IRA eliminates the hassle and confusion of monitoring multiple accounts. Additional options may include taking a lump sum or rolling to a new 401(k). I can help you explore your options.

Duane Horne, CLU®, ChFC®, LUTCF® Financial Advisor

10613 W. Sam Houston Parkway N., Suite 125 Houston, TX 77064 Phone: (713) 863-9900 Fax: (713) 863-9980 duane.horne@prudential.com www.prudential.com/advisor/duane-horne

I am a fellow Cypress resident and want to help you prepare for your financial future.

CONTACT ME TODAY AND LET’S GET STARTED. RETIREMENT

|

INVESTMENTS

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INSURANCE

Life insurance is issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates. Offering investment advisory services through Pruco Securities, LLC (Pruco), doing business as Prudential Financial Planning Services (PFPS), pursuant to separate client agreement. Offering insurance and securities products and services as a registered representative of Pruco and an agent of issuing insurance companies. 1-800-201-6690. Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc., and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

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33

LOCAL’S CHOICE

Can't-Miss Holiday Lights Displays ARTICLE AARON WEST

Don’t miss these holiday light displays that are free and close to home.

03 04 05 03

FRANCK’S CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW The Franck family, who lives at 15923 Viney Creek, has shared

their Christmas light tradition with neighbors and beyond since 2008. The show, complete with accompanying Christmas music, is the place to go to see a professional show with a family atmosphere.

Lasting around 45 minutes, your family won’t be disappointed.

Facebook.com/FranckChristmasLightShow

01 02 01

JOHNSON'S CHRISTMAS CORNER

Cypress community for the last 10 years at 14811 Cypress Meadow

04

Drive. The family’s light display includes more than 70,000 lights,

for its holiday light display that honors the memory of Cort Martin,

which move along to playlists that change each night of the week!

a resident who lost his life his senior year at The Woodlands High

Complete with a snow machine and a bubble machine, every night

School. The residents have earned a reputation for having the best

is sure to delight. JohnsonsChristmasCorner.com

free Christmas decoration display around and the glow is visible by

02

The Johnson family has been creating huge displays for the

40TH ANNUAL NITE OF LITES

CREEK PINES HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW Creek Pines within the Village of Panther Creek has a legacy

planes flying overhead.

a competitive streak to their Christmas light spirit. The neighborhood

05

competes for best block, best house and best mailbox, which revolve

Boulevard has become famous for their all-out, Griswold-style

around a theme like 12 Days of Christmas, Texas Christmas and so

Christmas displays. Several homes have lights timed to popular

on. People in the subdivision have been going neck-and-neck for the

songs you can enjoy by tuning to a certain radio frequency, and car

Christmas light win since the 1970s. PrestonwoodForestOnline.com

lines back up for almost half a mile to see the show.

34

Prestonwood Forest residents, living just off Highway 249, add

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2018

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December 2018 | Cypress Lifestyle

35