Cypress, TX May 2024

PRIMARY CARE

Our Houston Methodist primary care doctors provide personalized care for you and your family, including physicals, immunizations and preventive health services.

Many of our practices:

• Provide in-person and virtual visits with online scheduling

• Offer same-day sick visits

• Are conveniently located close to work or home

• Accept most major insurance plans

Letter from the Editor

I’m so excited it’s May! This is the issue where we focus on inspirational women and I’m so honored to take a moment to acknowledge the amazing women in our lives and our community!

I come from a long line of strong women. I was named after my paternal great-grandmother, Lauretta–we even shared a birthday–just 79 years apart! She was independent, smart and quick-witted. My middle name, Elaine, comes from my maternal grandmother, who was notoriously outspoken, stubborn and had wisdom ahead of her time.

My husband was raised by wonderful loving parents and a tight-knit family. His mother is the smartest person in the room, although she doesn't make anyone feel that way. She’s welcoming and fun, kind and straightforward; the mother of two sons, she’s the boymom role-model we should all strive to be. Overflowing with elegance and beauty but she doesn’t let things like bugs freak her out–even if they’re fed to her by one of her sons under the guise of being candy. The identity of which of her sons did this as a young boy shall remain unknown. But it was totally my husband!

Here at Cypress Lifestyle we are so excited to feature this year's Women of Influence–always a reader favorite, it is definitely a personal favorite of mine! What a pleasure it is to highlight each of these special women who were selected this year!  They’re exceptional and wonderful in every way possible and I can't wait for you to get to know a little bit about them!

Also this month, we enjoyed the opportunity to chat with the delightful Dr. Sakina Broachwala of Reinvi MD. She’s intelligent, dedicated and passionate about what she does, we are so thankful we have her in our community!

Here’s to all the women; the aunts, sisters, nieces, mothers, daughters and friends. We see you, we love you; we raise a glass and tip our hats to you. Whether you feel seen or unseen, appreciated or not, know the world and our lives wouldn’t be the same without you!

Cheers!

LAURA SANCHEZQUAN, MANAGING EDITOR @CYPRESSLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Laura SanchezQuan laura.sanchezquan@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Shannon Raske | shannon.raske@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Peggy Garner | cypress@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura SanchezQuan, Kaylee Dusang, Cheyenne Leitch

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shannon Raske, Daniel Arizpe, Justin Hartojo, Whitney Hamilton, Andrea Leu, Amelia Rose

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

city scene

1-7: The first annual Cypress Music Scene® | CMS Music Fest was held at the Frio Barn. Guests enjoyed a line up of local bands along with headliner by Mike Ryan, while enjoying the beautiful weather, food and shopping. The festival benefitted non-profit organizations Cy-Fair Helping Hands and Tunnel to Towers Greater Houston area. Photography by: Daniel Arizpe, Apollo Productions

Cypress resident Lizbeth Zetina recently opened Home Clean Heroes of Northwest Houston serving residential and commercial customers in Cypress, Tomball, and NW Houston. All cleaning heroes are professionally trained, insured and bonded, background-checked and dedicated to providing reliable care with a personal touch to every customer. Home Clean Heroes gives back to the community by donating a portion of every cleaning fee to the nonprofit First Responders Children’s Foundation, which supports the children and families of first responders. HomeCleanHeroes.com

Internationally renowned Brazillian Fogo de Chao coming to Cy-Fair

Fogo de Chao is opening a new location at 19820 Hwy. 290 in the former Johnny Carino's site near FM 1960. Fogo de Chao elevates the centuries-old cooking technique of churrasco —the art of roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame—into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Indulge in dry-aged or premium Wagyu cuts, seafood a la carte, all-day happy hour featuring signature cocktails, and an award-winning South American wine list, as well as smaller, sharable plates in Bar Fogo. FogoDeChao.com

All You Can Eat Sushi Spot Comes to Cypress

Sushi Haya opened a second location at 24330 Highway 290, Cypress near Barker Cypress. The eatery offers authentic Japanese cuisine including all you can eat sushi, as well as appetizers, soups, salads, bento lunch specials, fried rice, teriyaki and hibachi dishes, and Japanese desserts. Perfect for the whole family or for a date night; indulge in sushi, sashimi, hibachi as well as AYCE (all you can eat) and à la carte options! SushiHayaTexas.com

monthly

Archadeck is Building Beautiful Outdoor Spaces in Cypress

Archadeck of Cypress, owned and operated by Cypress resident Michael Dykalski, is open for business. Better building by design; Archadeck of Cypress expertly designs and builds beautiful outdoor spaces from patios and outdoor kitchens, to pergolas, screened porches and more. Remove the stress of hiring a contractor and opt for service you can trust. Archadeck.com/Cypress

Headquarters

Telge Roofing recently relocated to its new headquarters at 15915 Telge Road, Cypress. Serving the Houston

metro area since 2009 and expanding to include the Austin metro area in 2022, owner Roy Campbell emphasized the necessity of their new building to accommodate their expanding customer base across Houston, Austin, and beyond. Telge Roofing is a certified GAF MasterElite Installer with over 50,000 satisfied customers and continues to be a valued member of the Cypress community. TelgeRoofing.com

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Congratulations 2024 Medal of Valor Recipients: Cy-Fair Fire Department

The Texas Fire Chiefs Association honored four members of the Cy-Fair Fire Department; Jeremy Lopez, Neil Wleczyk, Ben McDonald and Chris Dorsett with the Medal of Valor for their quick thinking and courage during a 2023 on scene rescue of Lieutenant McDonald, who had fallen through a roof into active flames. Congratulations and thank you for all you do for our community! CyFairFD.org

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INS PIRING WOMENOFINFLUENCE

THE OUTSTANDING WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON RASKE | LUNALUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Celesta Ferreira, O.D.

CEO and Optometrist | Cypress Optique

Dr. Celesta Ferreira has uniquely fused her passions of providing an elevated eyewear experience, with her love of modern technology and trendsetting eyewear. Celesta is a native Texan, mother to two sons, wife to a Veteran, and daughter to incredibly supportive parents. As the first woman in her family to attend college and become a doctor, she continues to reach for the stars. She comes from a long line of hard-working, faith-driven, entrepreneurial women who instilled in her to; “lead with compassion and good things will always follow.”

What motto do you live by? Good better best; never rest until good becomes better, and better becomes best. Best looks different for everyone, it’s not about perfection but about never settling.

Who inspires you and why? My family is my biggest inspiration. My grandparents showed me courage and strength. My parents taught me the value of hard work and to always believe in myself. My husband inspires me to let go of my fears and to always challenge myself. Most importantly, my amazing sons inspire me to be the best version of myself for them, and to show them anything is possible!

What advice would you give your younger self? I would tell my younger self that it’s all worth it, every sacrifice is worth it– but also to live it up, and to enjoy every moment and stress less!

What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? I enjoy giving back by donating glasses and eye exams to those in need, and by supporting local charities like Cy-Fair Helping Hands, and most importantly, I love giving time to the children of the community through annual school screenings.

Tiffany Priska MA, LPC-S,

CBTC

Owner/Founder | Cypress Therapy & Counseling

Tiffany Priska has always had a passion for helping others. After counseling children in 2002 she never looked back. Currently working with adults, she also supervises graduate students, provides IASIS MCN, and offers supervised practice for LPC Associates. Tiffany is honored to have worked with many individuals over the years to help them reach their goals. In her spare time, she enjoys a variety of music, painting, spending time with family and her three dogs. A lover of coffee, dark chocolate, and all things vintage. Tiffany enjoys old movies, art museums and eating delicious food at fun restaurants around town.

What philosophy do you live by? Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.

Who inspires you, and why? Claude Monet inspires me. He saw beauty in his own backyard and captured it, recognizing it as bits of color and light that–when standing close–don’t look like much. But, from a distance, they work together to display a magnificent work of art. Our lives feel that way at times. Messy, unclear. But, with perspective, the beauty is revealed.

What advice would you give the next generation? Don’t give up on your dreams! You are amazing and have something the world needs to see! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? I absolutely love supporting our local sports teams both in the community and in the neighborhood as well as the local high school programs. And, you can often catch me at the community events!

CypressTherapyAndCounseling.com

Karissa Hubbard

Author | The Popular Girl Book Series, Educator, Christian-Counselor & Speaker

Cy-Fair ISD graduate and current CFISD special education professional, Karissa Hubbard is an inspirational speaker, internationally-certified Christian counselor and author of The Popular Girl books series. She has a B.A. in Journalism with a double emphasis in Print and Broadcast. Also the creator and host of The Popular Girl Conference, created to encourage, empower, and equip youth. Guided by her faith, Karissa loves God and strives to live a life that glorifies His name every day.

What philosophy do you live by? If you do good, good will come to you. I have always wanted to treat people right and help others, without looking for anything in return. I trust good will come back to me–and it always has.

Who inspires you and why? My late grandmother, Doris Henderson. I dedicate all of my books to her. She was truly a jack of all trades; she was a superintendent, played the organ and sang, a true fashionista, and breast cancer survivor. I saw so much fight in her and admired her drive to be great. I aspire to be just like her.

What advice would you give your younger self? Love yourself. People and things come and go, but the reflection in the mirror is always with you. Love yourself the way you want others to love you, and you will receive that love in return. Never accept anything less.

What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? By pouring back into the youth. I love going to schools and hosting conferences and getting to speak and mentor youth. I think helping guide them best helps our community because they’re our future. Also teaching the next generation to giveback; at my conference we do community service activities like packing toiletry bags for the homeless.

AuthorKarissaHubbard.square.site

Joyce Skala

Hurry Sundown | Cypress Music Scene®

Three months after a devastating fire took their family home, Joyce Skala, wife and mother of two, had no idea the onset of PTSD would change the trajectory of her life. Five years into her PTSD journey, it’s music that’s guided her recovery. Starting Joyce Behind the Mic in 2019 and then in 2020 her five-member band Hurry Sundown was formed. As lead singer, front-girl, and manager for the band, Joyce and her band-mates have performed locally entertaining folks with a variety of Texas Country, Southern Rock, Americana, and Blues cover songs. In 2021 Joyce created the Cypress Music Scene® bringing broader awareness to the budding live music culture in the area. Cypress Music Scene® has become the go-to resource for live music events, festivals, music news, and announcements to nearly 8,000 members, and growing!

What philosophy do you live by? If someone else believes in you, accept that you’re good enough for the job. Take the next steps, climb higher to show what you’re capable of. You might be surprised by what you learn in the process. I highly recommend it.

Who inspires you and why? Within each of my personal achievements, there is a person who believed in me enough to inspire me to take action. Without them, I would not be where I am today!

What advice would you give the next generation? Life is short. Cave to fear, and you lose the game. Leave cards on the table, and you risk never having that moment again. Life is yours to savor. Enjoy the journey.

What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? Through live music! Music is medicine to many; it sparks friendships, and lightens a mood. Live music also generates income for local music makers and music venue owners–it feeds our families! Music offers hope and resolve; opens conversations and closes chapters leading to healing and recovery. I’m honored to be the conduit for music in my hometown.

HurrySundownBand.com

Facebook.com/Groups/CypressMusicScene

Melissa Baker

Experienced Realtor Serving Cypress & Northwest Houston | eXp Realty

As a former flight attendant, Melissa Baker learned a lot of what she needed to build her top-producing real estate career while flying above it. As a mother who raised three children in Cy-Fair Melissa remains an active member in the community. Her philanthropic nature led her to join National Charity League, where she was very involved for over a decade. As a mother/daughter charitable organization, NCL has given Melissa the opportunity to serve alongside her daughters. A veritable whirlwind of positivity, a passionate decorator and antique shopping enthusiast, she loves a friendly book club and enjoys playing tennis in her free time.

What motto do you live by?   Create a life you love. And always be warm, kind and compassionate towards others.

Who inspires you and why?   As my hobbies have always been centered around hospitality, cooking and creating a comfortable home, I have always admired Martha Stewart. She created an empire by being true to herself while exploring her passions. She is a creative, smart business woman and continues to reinvent herself.

What advice would you give to the next generation?  Always be true to yourself while being open to new adventures. Don’t be afraid of failures as adversity makes you stronger and wiser.  Don’t worry so much about what others think of you.

What’s your favorite way to give back to the community?   I enjoy being an active volunteer for Northwest Ministries’ Meals on Wheels. I deliver food to clients and check in on their welfare while making new friends along the way!

Giannina Cicciarella

Owner & Operator | Giannina’s Pizza & Catering Services

Giannina Cicciarella grew up in her Sicilian family restaurant business from the age of nine, and never stopped! Continuing the legacy of her family, she learned to be a strong woman in the industry from both of her parents’ perseverance to ‘always do your best in your successes no matter any circumstances.’ In 2014, she opened her own business with a new way of catering; Giannina’s Pizza & Catering Services bring the Pizzeria to you! They have an authentic Italian Wood Fire Oven on wheels and make fresh pizza on-site. In 2023, her parents retired, but Giannina continues the 40 year family legacy. Proudly serving private parties, business events, weddings, and more.

What motto do you work and live by? Our motto is: Always keep the customer happy! Everyone has expectations. It is up to me to find out what they are, and make them come true!

Who inspires you and why?  My faith is my motivator. Without faith, I cannot work well. The Lord up above and my Chef father, have both been there for everything I’ve needed in life and in business. I follow my faith and I admire my father’s work-ethics he lived by–while being a hard-working Sicilian immigrant.

What’s your favorite way to give back to the community?  Through helping Autistic children make pizza. Growing up being empathetic to my brother’s autism, I give classes to special needs kids which allows them to participate in their own way and at their own pace. We are also honored to give charitable contributions and participate in special events with The Miracle League and United for Autism.

EMDR CERTIFIED THERAPIST

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.

Who Can Benefit

While not as robust as the research on EMDR's effect on patients with PTSD, there is also significant research finding EMDR to be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders, panic disorder, depression, addiction and eating disorders.

Experiencing EMDR Therapy

After the therapist and client agree that EMDR therapy is a good fit, the client will work through the eight phases of EMDR therapy with their therapist.

ARTICLE BY KAYLEE DUSANG

WOMEN-LED GROUP EMPOWERS COMMUNITY BY HELPING ONE LOCAL CHARITY AT A TIME

THE GIVING CIRCLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON RASKE | LUNALUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography Venue: The Barn at the Frío | Balloons by: Bee Sweet Events

When women band together to support their community, it often makes the greatest impact. Since 2017, members of the Cy-Fair chapter of 100 Women Who Care have raised thousands of dollars for charities in the North Houston area through a simple, yet powerful concept.

Once a quarter, a group of 100 or more

for less than two years or make less than $500,000 per year, White explains. In 2024, members raised more than $13,000 during their first quarterly meeting. Camp Shield, an organization that empowers women veterans, was the winning charity.

In 2023, they supported local nonprofits such as The Giving Gown, The Rescue

“IT'S SUCH AN EASY WAY TO GIVE BACK, AND IT REALLY HELPS WOMEN COME TOGETHER AND BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER ONCE A QUARTER.”

women meet to individually donate $100 in one hour to a chosen charity. Also called a Giving Circle, the goal is to collectively raise $10,000 or more in contributions.

In 2023 alone, the group raised nearly $300,000 for local nonprofits.

“It's such an easy way to give back, and it really helps women come together and be a part of something bigger once a quarter,” said Geovanna Burgess White, president of Cy-Fair’s 100 Women Who Care.

The organization is part of a national alliance that encourages various groups to come together to support a local cause. Every quarter, members of Cy Fair’s 100 Women Who Care nominate three nonprofits that will come and present at their quarterly meetings. Members will then vote on the nominees and present the donation to the winner.

“The goal for this year was for us to surpass 100 women, and then everything else over the $10,000 would go to the second and third recipients that came in and talked about their nonprofit,” White said. “We want everyone to leave with money.”

The organization aims to support grassroot charities that have been nonprofit

for PTSD, Judah Brown Project, and Emerging Grace Ministries.

To become a member, one just needs to donate $100 at the meetings. However, anyone is welcome to attend the event.

“Our members do a great job by nominating and bringing friends and guests, and then our board does a great job just by doing everything that they do quarterly,” White said. “We wouldn’t be getting this much money if it weren't for the power of more than 100 women.”

The next meeting for Cy Fair’s 100 Women Who Care will take place on May 8 at The Barn at Frio Grill. White adds that if someone cannot make it to the event but still wishes to contribute, they can donate through the grapevine platform located on the organization’s website.

For businesses who hope to support the mission, corporate sponsorship forms can also be found on the 100 Women Who Care’s website. “The bigger we get, the more we give,” White said. “I have an amazing board, and I could not do this without the women on my board.”

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ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE LEITCH

Re-Envy Yourself Reinvent, Reinvigorate &

DR. BROACHWALA’S PASSION FOR HOLISTIC WELLNESS SHINES THROUGH AT REINVI MD

In the bustling landscape of healthcare, finding a sanctuary that prioritizes your holistic well-being can be akin to discovering a hidden gem. Look no further than Reinvi MD. Reinvi MD offers a mix of wellness, aesthetic treatments, and weight management. Led by the visionary Dr. Sakina Broachwala, Reinvi MD transcends the traditional boundaries of a med spa, embodying a philosophy that revolves around individualized care and empowerment.

Not your ordinary med-spa, Reinvi MD redefines wellness. Dr. Sakina Broachwala, licensed physician in internal medicine and pediatrics, takes an unparalleled approach to wellness. A seasoned physician fueled by her passion for preventive medicine, embarked on a transformative journey that led to the inception of Reinvi MD. Reflecting on the creation of her clinic, she shares, “The idea for Reinvi started after I started doing primary care here in Texas and I realized that there’s a lot of red tape and insurance gets to make the calls on a lot of things that they shouldn’t.” Dr. Broachwala’s dissatisfaction with the limitations of conventional primary care ignited a spark to create a haven where patients could reclaim control over their wellness journey.

Reinvi MD stands as a testament to Dr. Broachwala’s commitment to patient-centric care. “Primary care wasn’t centered around patients in the way that I would prefer and the way that I think being a doctor for a patient should be,” she explains. Rooted in the ethos of wellness and prevention, Reinvi MD offers a diverse array of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. With services including body sculpting, medical weight loss and hormone therapy–every aspect of Reinvi MD’s offerings is meticulously crafted to foster optimal health.

What sets Reinvi MD apart is not only its comprehensive approach to well-being but also its

Dr. Sakina Broachwala

“Every piece of equipment in our office is backed by a study or a paper or an FDA approval.”

unwavering dedication to safety and efficacy. Dr. Broachwala emphasizes, “Every piece of equipment in our office is backed by a study or a paper or an FDA approval.” This commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technologies ensures that patients receive treatments of the highest caliber, instilling confidence in their journey towards rejuvenation.

Moreover, Reinvi MD prides itself on eschewing the one-size-fits-all approach prevalent in many medical establishments. “We really just want our patients to feel confident and to be healthy,” Dr. Broachwala asserts. Each patient receives personalized attention and a tailored treatment plan, empowering them to achieve sustainable results.

One of the hallmarks of Reinvi MD is its emphasis on non-invasive procedures that require minimal downtime. “The best part of our services is that clients can come in and be perfectly able to go about the rest of their day as they normally would, they’re quick and easy,” Dr. Broachwala highlights. This accessibility ensures that individuals can seamlessly incorporate wellness practices into their busy lives without disruption.

The success stories emerging from Reinvi MD serve as a testament to its transformative impact on patients’ lives. Dr. Broachwala recounts a particularly poignant journey of a patient who, through a combination of medication and sculpting technologies, shed excess weight, reversed pre-diabetic conditions, and revitalized his health. Such achievements epitomize Reinvi MD’s unwavering commitment to facilitating profound and lasting transformations. “Using medication, our state of the art medical devices

Rooted in the ethos of wellness and prevention, Reinvi MD offers a diverse array of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

and custom treatment plans he made huge improvements on his weight related diseases.” Dr Broachwala said. “After this transformation, he visited his primary care physician, who was impressed and told him he just gained 15 years on his life.”

Through personalized plans, Reinvi MD uses a combination of treatment options to meet and maintain desired goals. Reinvi MD’s approach to body sculpting is called FroFIT Fusion. “We combine three technologies to provide an exceptional inch reduction in fat, skin tightening and smoothing, muscle building, cellulite reduction and improved stretch marks.” Dr. Broachwala explains.

As Reinvi MD continues to expand its footprint, with a new location soon to grace Cypress, Dr. Broachwala’s vision of community-driven wellness is poised to reach even greater heights. “We are actually opening a new location soon in Cypress, in Bridgeland, and we’re really excited about it!” she exclaims. For Dr. Broachwala, the opportunity to serve her community where she grew up is not merely a professional endeavor but a deeply personal one, rooted in her profound love for Cypress, her home.

In a world where staying healthy can absolutely be tough, Reinvi MD shines as a place of hope. Here, wellness, beauty, and expert care come together to create a safe haven. Led by Dr. Broachwala, Reinvi MD is changing healthcare, empowering patients every step of the way.

ReinviMD.com

ARTICLE

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

BEVERAGE

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. These easy-to-follow recipes are exploding with flavor and are simple to make.

LEMON ALMOND LOAF

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ cups flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¾ cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

LEMON GLAZE ICING:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest and lightly mix. Stir in flour mixture and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes and then carefully remove from the pan. Next, make the lemon glaze by combining all of the icing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze all over the loaf and sprinkle with almond slices. Enjoy!

securing maximum listing value for sellers and finding buyers their dream home. As a longtime resident of Cypress, I have the local experience and background to

needs.

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

INDOOR PLANT GUIDE

Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits

SNAKE PLANT:

The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light.

HOPE PEPEROMIA:

The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.

Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home. “There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.

ZZ PLANT:

The ZZ plant, which its formal name is Zamioculas Zamiifolia, is a very easy plant to care for. They like anything from low light to bright light. These plants are hard to kill and can go a long time without being watered.

Celebrating Five Chapters of NCL Graduating Seniors

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE GRADUATING MEMBERS LEAVE A LEGACY OF GIVING

The Cypress chapters of the National Charity League honored their graduating members this spring. These young women, along with their mothers, logged thousands of volunteer hours for local non-profits starting in seventh grade. Congratulations to Cypress Gems, Belles, Diamonds, Yellow Rose and Peals.

CYPRESS BELLES

Back Row: Laney Fox, Avery Brunkhorst, Peyton Pinckard, Scarlett Heefner, Cambel

Cadien, Jacey Condo, Brooke Richardson, Jordan Soliah,  Karen LoGiudice, Claire Petru, Caitlyn Burrell, Tori Keller, Isabella Cardoso.

Front row: Marcella Tamez, Morgan

Wallace, Anna Belle Redwine, Brooke Lo, Mia Cowhey, Lindsey Brashier, Isabella

Griffin, Annie Patrick, Lauren Glasson, Sarah Brannen, Lauren Kebler, Emma Nally.

CYPRESS GEMS

Back Row: Ella Paul, Audrey Lobell, Dana

Jackson, Marin Schmadeke, Julianna

Linton, Emmalene Seiffert, Bailey Sessions, Isabel Garcia, Audrey McClelland, Camille

Peck, Carmen Harless, Lauren Baek, Raegan Rust, Lauren Douglas, EllaGrace Flournoy, Alexa Comin, Jewels Westra

Front Row: Kyndall Kelly, Bailey Sharp, Ariana Adams, Macie Dammeyer, Arya

Mohammed, Alysse Steres, Brooke

Ficalora, Mckenzie Rogers, Lexi Birdwell, Caroline Reid, Audrey Motley, Dawson

Todd, Emma Bennett, Hannah Miday

Photo Credit: Andrea Leu Photography

Photo Credit: Whitney Hamilton Photography

CYPRESS DIAMONDS

Back Row: Kaitlyn Hoffart, Caroline Mulhair, Kate Ornelas, Ava Puente, Bethany Rodriguez, Lainey Simmons, Lauren Womack,

Front Row: Kashyapi Atri, Sophia Avery, Coral Cureton, Leah Elliott, Jordan Esparza, Ariel Gonzalez, Kiera Hines.

CYPRESS YELLOW ROSE

Back Row: Peyton Riley, Claire Willis, Averie Morris, Sydney Morgan, Tea Scarcelli, Shane Brayton, Victoria Salah, Alex Huffmeister, Mariana VanDyk, Georgia Marsh, Mia Herbert, Samantha Reimers, Ava Rodriguez, Caroline Taake, Presley Noone, Kylie Weigman, Megan Riley

Front Row: Ashlyn Overby, Lucy Riley, Kate Anderson, Molly O'Donnell, Pressley Welsh, Rylee Henderson, Rebecca Smith, Holly Scott, Catherine Cougill, Tatum Scantlin

CYPRESS PEARLS

Madalyn Ransbarger, Emma McCrory, Isabella Best, Megan Bailey, Allie Weaver, Emma Gourgues, Reagan Oxford, Madalyn Berger, Cassidy Finch, Brooke Bryan, Macy Mura, Madison Paulsen, Alexis Devine, Paige Maerz, Brittany Ransbarger.

Not pictured: Lauren Havens

Photo Credit: Justin Hartojo

Photo Credit: Whitney Hamilton

Photo Credit: Amelia Rose Photography

events

Stageworks Theatre Presents Jane Austen's Lady Susan

Stageworks Theatre | 10760 Grant Road | 7:00 PM

Witty stage adaptation based on Jane Austen’s comic novella. Lady Susan flees London to the country home of her brother-in-law and his suspicious wife. Soon to come – uninvited – are an eligible suitor, her willful daughter, her chatty confidante, and a dimwitted bachelor. Lady Susan schemes as she and her daughter become rivals for the same man. Matinee and evening showtimes available.  StageworksHouston.org

MAY 4TH

Cypress Creek Lakes Garden Club's Mother's Day Garden Event

Cypress Creek Lakes Community Center | 10702 Cypress Creek Bend | 10:00 AM

Cypress Creek Lakes Garden Club hosts their annual Mother's Day Garden event. Decorate a 6" terracotta pot, plant a small blooming plant, and decorate a greeting card for Mother's Day. Serving popcorn and welcoming Cy-Fair Fire Department and Constables to meet with the kids and their parents. CypressCreekLakesGC.blogspot.com.

MAY 5TH

KSBJ Presents: We The Kingdom "The Church Music Tour" with special guest Katy Nichole

The Berry Center | 8877 Barker Cypress Rd | 7:00 PM

Hear your favorites LIVE, including “Holy Water,” “Child of Love,” and “God So Loved”! Featuring special guest Katy Nichole, for a fun night of music and worship. KSBJ.org

MAY 10TH - 12TH

Big as Texas Fest

Montgomery County Fairgrounds | 9333 Airport RD

Get ready for Big as Texas Fest! A three-day Texas music festival and celebration of Americana featuring the hottest names in country right now including Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, Billy Strings, Midland, Clay Walker and Morgan Wade, along with country music legends Dwight Yoakam, Los Lobos and Tracy Byrd and local rising stars too. Indulge your senses with the finest food and flavors of Texas! BigasTexasFest.com

MAY 18TH

The Choreography Project by Houston Repertoire Ballet

Cypress Visual and Performing Arts Center | 22910 Northwest Freeway | 2:30 PM

Features original choreography by Houston Repertoire Ballet students, which was initiated to discover, mentor, and give artistic voice to the choreographers of tomorrow. Show times at 2:30 PM and 5 PM. HRBDance.com

MAY 23RD - 25TH

Bridgeland Theatre Company presents The Little Mermaid

Bridgeland Theatre | 10707 Mason Rd

Bridgeland Theatre Company presents The Little Mermaid with show times as follows May 23 at  7 PM, May 24th 7 PM, May 25 at 2 PM and 7PM. Purchase tickets at BridgelandHSTheatre.org

DIY VANILLA ORANGE SUGAR SCRUB

Create your own DIY sugar scrub for a perfect gift for a special person in your life.

To make one 8 ounce mason jar of vanilla orange sugar scrub, you need:

• 1/4 cup of coconut oil

• 3/4 cup of sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 10 drops of orange essential oil

Soften the coconut oil in the microwave for a few seconds. Next add the vanilla extract and the orange essential oil. Then, stir in the sugar, a little at a time. Print off a fun label or attach a ribbon to the jar, and your gift is ready. Enjoy!

- Jean R.

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