Issuu

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

AN EMERGENCY IS STILL AN EMERGENCY — Even During the Coronavirus Pandemic

If you need emergency care, don’t ignore your symptoms — we can see you safely. If you are experiencing concerning symptoms that require immediate medical attention, don’t let your worry about the coronavirus keep you from heading to the emergency room right away — especially if you are at risk for heart attack or stroke. At Houston Methodist Emergency Care Centers and Emergency Departments, we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe, including: • Isolating suspected coronavirus patients • Screening visitors before entering our clinics • Increasing levels of cleaning in our facilities • Requiring masks and ensuring social distancing in waiting rooms — if you forget your mask, we can provide one, if needed

Visit houstonmethodist.org/er to find emergency care near you. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Erica Hernandez | erica.hernandez@lifestylepubs.com

Thankful

Shannon Valentine | shannon.valentine@lifestylepubs.com

WOW, CYPRESS. How can it be that we are already nearing the end of the year?

Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com

PHOTO EDITOR

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

The holidays will be here before we know it, and pretty soon we will be writing out our 2021 resolutions. This year has been a strange journey for all of us. We are grateful that we get to create this magazine every month and connect with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reading ours. Thank you for supporting the local businesses in

INTERN

Hannah Kothari | hannah.kothari@gmail.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

our community, because without them, this magazine wouldn’t be possible.

Dani Moore

Thank you for the community service you do and for every time you donate to our

Sue Baldani, Bethany Alexander, Peggy Garner, Hannah Kothari

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

local charities trying to help out our disadvantaged residents. The compassion shown during this pandemic is nothing short of amazing.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

It’s can never be said enough – thank you to our heroes on the front lines as we fight

Shannon Valentine, BanAvenue Photography, Christa Elyce Studio Inc

an invisible enemy. And thank you to our veterans, service men and women and first responders who have and continue to protect us and our country. We are so proud of where we live, and we know it wouldn’t be the same without

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

each and every one of you.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

In this issue, we offer you some lighthearted stories that we hope make you smile

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

and want to share with others. While this holiday season may be unlike any other in

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

recent memory, we hope you will be able to spend time with your loved ones either

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

in person or virtually. And we pray for everyone affected by the coronavirus.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

God bless you and happy Thanksgiving!

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ON THE COVER Local influencer and blogger Mary Ann Pace

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTA ELYCE STUDIO INC. 4

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

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 area’s 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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INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 12 In the Kitchen with Mary Ann Local Food Blogger Shares Two of Her Favorite Recipes

16 For the Love of Dogs Big Love Rescue Offers Hope to Abandoned Animals

20 Culinary Bootcamp Local Mom Improved Her Cooking Skills While America Watched

12 16

26 Celebrate Friendsgiving Friends are the Family You Choose

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Healthy Lifestyle

Culinary Creations

Giving Back

20 Local Limelight 24 Renovate & Refine 26 Trend Setter 31

Realty Report

32 DIY

Experience the Bristol Park diﬀerence.

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AROUND TOWN

HANAN'S CAFE DEBUTS NEW PERUVIAN MENU Take a trip to Peru, one of the top Culinary

Aadarsh Narayan, a senior at Langham Creek

destinations when visiting Hanan’s Cafe for din-

High School, recently participated and excelled in the

ner. Hanan is now offering a new Peruvian menu

prestigious NASA High School Aerospace Scholars,

Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 4 PM.

which included a weeklong online experience where

The menu includes Peruvian specialties such as

he helped design a lunar polar rover to help discover

Seabass Ceviche, Lomo Saltado (Beef Tenderloin

potential sites for future missions on the moon.

stir-fry), Arroz con Mariscos (Peruvian style sea-

Scholars selected for the program completed a four-

food paella pictured above) paired with Peruvian

month online portion during the 2019-2020 school

Specialty Cocktails and beverages! Hanan’s Café

year, with NASA activities and a state-aligned curric-

is located Hwy 290 and Spring Cypress. You can

ulum focusing on Earth, aeronautics, the International

view the full menu at HanansCafe.com.

Space Station and the solar system.

CFISD HIGH SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED IN U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

CFISD STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND STEM CAMP AT RICE UNIVERSITY

Cy-Woods and Cy-Ranch high schools ranked

Salyards Middle School eighth grade student

among the top 1,700 U.S. high schools in the coun-

Elijah Smaw, Cy-Springs High School freshman

try, while Cy-Fair and Cy-Creek high schools

Alejandro Garcia and Bridgeland High School

gave Cypress-Fairbanks ISD four schools among

freshman Vernard Jekins and junior Josiah Smaw

the top 3,500 nationally, according to U.S. News &

were among a select group of students across the

World Report’s annual list of America’s Best High

state to attend a STEM camp hosted by the Tapia

Schools. Cy-Woods was ranked at 1,314 in the

Center for Excellence and Equity at Rice University

nation and 138 in Texas with a 98-percent grad-

this summer. All four students received scholar-

uation rate and overall score of 92.61. Cy-Ranch

ships from ExxonMobil to attend the five-day online

was 1,606 in the nation and 160 in Texas with a

STEM camp. The camp was led by Rice professors

98-percent graduation rate and overall score of

where students worked on projects that built prob-

90.97. Cy-Fair was 3,003 in the nation and 258 in

lem-solving and communication skills

Texas with a 93-percent graduation rate and overall score of 83.12. Cy-Creek was 3,487 in the nation and 293 in Texas with a 93-percent graduation rate

LANGHAM CREEK SENIOR SELECTED FOR NASA SCHOLAR PROGRAM

STEMTASTIC VIDEOS AVAILABLE TO PARENTS

and overall score of 80.4. Graduation rates, college

A longtime successful STEM program partner-

readiness, and math and reading performance

ship between Lone Star College-CyFair’s librarians

were among the numerous metrics used to deter-

and Professor Shamim Arastu’s education students

mine the top schools. The rankings methodology

has gone virtual to supplement learning at home.

totaled a 100-point scale, with many Cy-Fair ISD

This spring, STEM lessons in gardening, chemis-

schools among the top 3,500 in the nation.

try, and STEM Literacy were recorded and shared

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

with the garnering community. New fall videos on

12,000 courses. The Dual Credit program pro-

plants, rocks, recycling, tornadoes and more were

vides high school students with an opportunity to

created this summer. This semester STEM games

get a year ahead on their college path. Students

will be added and Arastu’s EDUC 2301 students

who qualify for the College Academy Program

will be sharing their self-authored special stories

can earn an associate degree by the time they

that focus on individuals with special needs. Past

graduate from high school. Students apply at the

face-to-face STEMtastic Stations, STEMtastic

end of their 8th-grade year and can begin tak-

Literacy, and STEM Power Hour programs have

ing courses in the summer after their freshman

resulted in 845 students receiving 6,173 service

year. They can choose from academic or work-

hours with 1,539 community children participants.

force program courses. For some students $78 is

THREE CFISD FOOTBALL PLAYERS NAMED TO THE TOUCHDOWN CLUB

still too expensive, so LSC-CyFair partners with CFISD to help students who qualify for free and reduced cost. This Dual Credit scholarship has

Bridgeland High School wide receiver Dylan

been provided by CFISD, the Cy-Fair Educational

Goffney, Cy-Ranch High School defensive back

Foundation or Cy-Hope. For detailed information

Romario Noel and Cy-Fair High School running

on the Dual Credit program, students should see

back L.J. Johnson were among the standout

their high school Dual Credit counselor.

football players named to and honored as a part of the Touchdown Club of Houston 2020 UIL

NOW OPEN – QUEENSTON SALON STUDIOS

High School Preseason Football Team. The three

Queenston Salon Studios is a full service

seniors were among 40 football players selected

facility where consumers can find a wide range

to the preseason team, which the Touchdown Club

of beauty services for hair, nails, skin, makeup,

constructs through film study, recommendations,

lashes and other specialty treatments. Queenston

recruiting rankings and preseason publications.

Salon Studios has been expertly curated for

For a full list of honorees and other information,

beauty professionals, by beauty professionals.

visit TouchdownClub.org.

The owners are two cosmetologist who have

FORMER CFISD FOOTBALL STANDOUTS NAMED TO TYLER ROSE AWARD WATCH LIST

been in the industry for more than fifteen years, and understand what every beauty professional needs in their salon studio home. The salon is located in an ideal, high traffic area with fast,

Three former CFISD football standouts were

easy access to Hwy 290 via Barker Cypress. If

named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award

you are a professional in the beauty industry and

watch list. Cy-Fair High School graduate Brock

are looking to lease your own studio, they have

Wright, Cy-Springs High School alumnus Taye

a home for you. The studio is located at 12251

Barber and Cy-Ranch High School graduate Keric

Queenston Blvd. QueenstonSalonStudios.com

Wheatfall were among 47 student-athletes recognized for the statewide award. In its eighth year, the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who graduated from a Texas high school, was born in Texas, or played football at a Texas-based junior college or four-year college. Honorees must exhibit integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship and overcoming adversity in pursuit of reaching goals.

LSC-CYFAIR’S DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM TOPS IN TEXAS Lone Star College-CyFair kicks off the Fall

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

2020 semester as the largest single campus

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

provider of Dual Credit in Texas with more than

Cypress using the Get In Touch link and let us know

6,000 Dual Credit students enrolled in more than

what you think. CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

THE BUTTERBALL WORKOUT FUN WAYS TO WORKOUT BEFORE YOU COOK THE TURKEY

ARTICLE PEGGY GARNER PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX

KELLY PARKER IS THE OWNER AND TRAINER AT BALL AND CHAIN CROSSFIT AND HAS BEEN DOING CROSSFIT FOR EIGHT YEARS. As a crossfit dedicated gym, each class is a small group led by one of their coaches and full of constantly varied movements. Every workout and movement can be modified to meet each person’s skill and need. “Everyone should move,” says Kelly. “What we do in the gym is not dangerous or scary, and it should only enhance what you are able to do outside of the gym, not hinder it.” She adds, “That doesn’t mean it won’t be challenging! True change only happens when you push through the hard and prove to yourself you can do it.” Ball and Chain Crossfit is a commuter-friendly gym. They offer classes that cater to people on the way to or from work and also lunchtime. BALL AND CHAIN CROSSFIT 15825 TX-249 #31, Houston 77086 BallandChainCrossfit.com

Kelly Parker

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

“TRUE CHANGE ONLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUSH THROUGH THE HARD AND PROVE TO YOURSELF YOU CAN DO IT.”

01.

LUNGES:

02.

THRUSTERS:

03.

SWINGS:

Hold the turkey either at your side

Hold the turkey in front of your

Hold the handle of the turkey

or in front of your chest and step for-

chest with both hands, perform a

packaging, hinge your hips back

ward with one leg and tap the back

squat and then a press overhead with

keeping your chest tall and your back

knee to the ground, making sure to

the turkey.

flat, drive your hips forward causing

keep your chest tall and your front

the turkey to come up to eye level.

knee tracking behind your toes. CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

CULINARY CREATIONS

in t he k itchen w it h ma r y a nn LOCAL FOOD BLOGGER SHARES TWO OF HER FAVORITE RECIPES

ARTICLE MARY ANN PACE | MARYANNPACE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

Mar y A

bra

s we et pepper s s t u f fe d w it h t u rkey, pros ciut t o, a nd c he e se THIS IS A VERY COLORFUL AND TASTY DISH. I love using a mixture of red, yellow, and orange peppers. Serve them with hot orzo or another small pasta to soak up the sauce. Serves 6

i n g re d ient s + 2 tablespoons olive oil + 1 medium onion, finely chopped + 1 medium carrot, finely chopped + 1 medium celery rib, finely chopped + 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped + 1 pound lean ground turkey + Salt and pepper to taste + 1/2 cup dry red wine + 2 ounces prosciutto or ham, finely chopped + 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano + 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley + 1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs + 6 large red, orange and or yellow bell peppers + 2 cups canned tomato puree

d i rec t ion s 1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are golden. 2. Add the turkey and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring often to break up the lumps, until the meat is no longer pink. Add the wine and bring it to a simmer. Cook until the wine has evaporated. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the turkey cool slightly. Stir in the prosciutto or ham, cheese, parsley, and bread crumbs. 3. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the stems and seeds. Loosely stuff the peppers with the turkey mixture. Replace the tops. 4. Pour the tomato puree into the slow cooker. Arrange the peppers side by side in a single layer in the cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours, or until the peppers are tender when pierced with a knife. Serve hot. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

mu sh room s oup w it h m a r s a l a

d i rec t ion s 1. Place the dried porcini in a bowl of hot water for 30

This is a mushroom lovers dream and is elegant

min. Lift the porcini out of the water and squeeze them to

enough to serve at a dinner party and the holidays. I used

extract more liquid. If the water seems gritty, filter through

Portobello mushrooms instead of the button but feel free

a coffee filter or cheesecloth. Chop the porcini.

to use both if you wish.

2. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat and

i n g re d ient s

saute shallots until tender and lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Scrape the mixture into the slow cooker.

+ 1 ounce of dried Porcini mushrooms

3. Add the porcini, the soaking liquid, sliced mushrooms,

+ 1 cup hot water

broth, water, thyme, and tomato paste. Cover and cook on

+ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or until mushrooms are tender. Just

+ 2 large shallots chopped

before serving stir in the wine and cream. Salt and pepper

+ 2 garlic cloves finely chopped

to taste.

+ 1 pound button mushrooms thinly sliced

4. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with cheese.

+ 4 cups Beef Broth

Serve with your favorite warm bread.

+ 3 cups water + 2 fresh thyme sprigs or 1/2 tsp dried + 2 tablespoons tomato paste + 1/2 cup dry Marsala or sherry + 3/4 cup heavy cream + salt and ground pepper to taste + 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

GIVING BACK ARTICLE BETHANY ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY DEB EVANS | DEB EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY

for the love of dogs

BIG LOVE RESCUE OFFERS HOPE TO ABANDONED ANIMALS

Gina Evans and Christina Sims

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

GINA EVANS AND CHRISTINA SIMS STARTED BIG LOVE RESCUE WITH A PURPOSE - TO REHABILITATE UNWANTED, ABUSED AND ABANDONED ANIMALS FROM SHELTERS OR FROM OWNERS WHO ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO CARE FOR THEM. They are able to do their work with the help of generous volunteers across

“HE LOVES TO SHOWER YOU WITH PUPPY DOG KISSES AND CRAVES HUMAN ATTENTION, ESPECIALLY BELLY RUBS!”

the Greater Houston area. All animals receive medical care and behavioral training as needed to prepare them to live out their lives as cherished family members. The duo also hopes to educate pet owners about how important it is to spay or neuter their pets to prevent overpopulation. The rescue has a $300 adoption fee which includes spay/neuter, microchip, shots and any additional medical treatments needed. To adopt any of the following pups or see others that are ready to find their furever homes, visit BigLoveRescure.org

Mr. Grey Pit Bull Terrier If his name did not give it away already, Mr. Grey is a heartthrob. From his dashing good looks to his larger than life personality to match, Grey is a total catch! At approximately three years old, he is a happy and active pup. He likes to run, play, swim, and is eager to learn. He loves to shower you with puppy dog kisses and craves human attention, especially belly rubs! Grey is the perfect running companion to exercise with and the best snuggler to rest with. He’s a deserving and loving guy who will keep you company from dusk until dawn. Despite his charm, he’s been waiting for his forever home at a board and training facility for a while now. He’s looking for home with an experienced pet owner and older children who will play with him. Won’t you open your heart and home to this handsome boy?

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Milo Pit Bull Terrier Mix Milo is around 3 years old and 50 pounds of fun! He was found with his friend Otis who is also with Big Love Rescue. These two boys are great together and would be the perfect dog starter pack! Milo is so friendly with everyone and full of life. He wants all the pets and love you can give him! He’s incredibly friendly and loves to play! He’s great with other dogs and kids. He’s waiting for someone to fall in love with him and would love for his friend Otis to come too.

jj Terrier & Chihuahua Mix The shy, yet happy and personable JJ is looking for a caring and compassionate home where he can build his confidence. He loves to play and will soak up all the playtime you can give him. At three years old and 33 pounds, JJ is a lap dog who loves to snuggle and will curl up in your lap after a day of play. He gets along with men, women, other dogs and LOVES to be around kids. He is especially fond of belly rubs. He is very obedience and knows commands to sit, stay, lay down and shake. And he’s great at playing fetch! JJ will take long walks on a leash and is crate-trained too. He can’t wait for many adventures with his new family!

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

“ELVIS TRULY IS THE CANINE KING…HE IS A GENTLE GIANT WITH A PLAYFUL SPIRIT AND WILL KEEP YOU BUSY PLAYING ALL DAY.”

Foster Volunteers Needed While so many Big Love Rescue volun-

elvis Great Dane & Anatolian Shepard

teers have opened up their homes for these animals, there are still so many dogs, cats and other loving animals who need saving. Big Love Rescue

At nearly 82 pounds, nine year-old Elvis truly is the canine king. And like every king in history, he has a story to be told. After being adopted several years before, he was later returned to the shelter emaciated, depressed and in horrific condition. He has battled a skin condition, heartworms, eye and ear infections and benign tumors, among other conditions he has overcome. He has some arthritis and is currently taking medication to manage it. Big Love Rescue will cover any

invites you to join their community. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with Big Love Rescue or fostering an animal complete the application on their website and schedule your consultation.

major medical bills for the rest of his life. Despite all the issues he’s conquered, he is a gentle giant with a playful spirit and will keep you busy playing all day. He

+ BigLoveRescue.org

loves children and other dogs, as well as his special toys. He shows off by rolling

+ BLRescueTexas@gmail.com

back and forth in the grass on his back. He deserves to be spoiled for the rest of

+ PetFinder.com

his days. Would you be this guy’s hero and give him a loving home? CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

CULINARY BOOTCAMP

LOCAL MOM IMPROVED HER COOKING SKILLS WHILE AMERICA WATCHED

ARTICLE SUSAN BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE FOOD NETWORK

CYPRESS RESIDENT DOLORES AGUILAR-FERNANDEZ

What timing! I had interviews with different producers, and

REMEMBERS WHEN WALKING INTO HER KITCHEN TO

then they told me I was in.”

COOK FOR HER FAMILY WOULD ALMOST CAUSE HER TO HAVE A PANIC ATTACK. The working wife and mom was

Dolores, a recruiter for AT&T, had told her boss that this might happen months in advance.

never sure what to cook, how it would taste, and whether or

“I worked with the company for so many years that I had

not she would cut herself or burn the dish. About 10 years

already added so much vacation time that it covered it,” she

ago, she cut her pinky finger so badly while chopping, that she

says. “And my coworkers covered for me.”

ended up needing seven stitches. Even with all these clues, she didn’t realize just how bad a cook she actually was.

The show takes 14 self-proclaimed bad cooks, called recruits, and splits them into two teams, each mentored by

“My daughter, Elena (now 10 years old), would give me

one of the Food Network chefs. The recruits are given chal-

hints sometimes,” says Dolores. “When she would ask who

lenges that test their food knowledge and cooking skills. In

was cooking and I would say Dad, she always gave a big

each episode, one recruit is sent home until they get the final

sigh of relief.”

two. The winner of the final challenge received $25,000 and

A couple of summers ago, she and Elena were channel surfing when they stumbled upon the Food Network show “Worst Cooks in America.” “So, we’re watching, and five minutes into it, my daughter looks at me and says, ‘Mom, that’s you.’ And I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’”

bragging rights for their mentor. The show taped in New York earlier this year, but per her contract, she cannot say how long she was there. It was hard being away from her family though. “We missed each other a lot. What helped was FaceTime. Without that, I don’t think I would’ve made it.”

When she mentioned it to her husband, Ruben Fernandez,

Dolores was nervous about meeting the other contestants

who she has been married to for 14 years now, he confirmed

and worried about how they would all get along since they

their daughter was right.

would be together so much.

After hearing that, Dolores decided to apply to be a contestant on the show.

“It was amazing to me how quickly we clicked and bonded,” she says. “We were all bad cooks, so we had some-

“I think a year passed, and then they called me,” she says.

thing in common, and we really fed off each other. We still

“While on the phone with a producer, I was feeding my

talk today, and we’re planning to get together once COVID is

3-year-old son (Oliver, who is now 4) ice cream for lunch.

over and it’s safe to travel again.”

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

CONTINUED >

Dolores with fellow recruits Domaine Javier and Evan Baker

“MY DAUGHTER, ELENA (NOW 10 YEARS OLD), WOULD GIVE ME HINTS SOMETIMES. WHEN SHE WOULD ASK WHO WAS COOKING AND I WOULD SAY DAD, SHE ALWAYS GAVE A BIG SIGH OF RELIEF.”

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Her first day on the show was nerve racking, to say the least. “When I walked in, I couldn’t believe I was there after seeing it on television,” says Dolores. “First, I thought I was going to throw up, and then I was afraid I was going to faint and wondered who was going to carry me off the set. But once the chefs (Anne Burrell and Alex Guarnaschelli) start ordering me around, I forgot about the cameras and lights because I knew I had to get things done.” She said it was an unbelievable experience to taste Chefs Anne’s and Alex’s food: “It was an opportunity of a lifetime.” Of course, there were some mishaps on the show, which she can now laugh about. “On the first episode, I cut my finger twice, once on a can, and had to go to one of those urgent cares to get a tetanus shot,” she says. “At some point on the show, you’ll see all these Band-Aids on my hands. And on the second episode, I tripped twice. It was so embarrassing.” Dolores was on Season 20, which aired earlier this year. Although she didn’t win, she did make it to the final four. She also learned quite a few new skills. She now cooks steaks, and also makes a gourmet burger that she prepared on the show and that her husband loves. “I’m practicing my skills with my husband and kids,” she says. She feeds her family much healthier foods now that she knows how to prepare them instead of relying on quick, non-nutritious meals. “You do it because it’s convenient,” says Dolores. “We’re at a time where we don’t have the luxury that the mother can be home. But Elena’s eating the asparagus I make now. That alone is enough for the sacrifice of leaving my family to go on the show.” All the episodes of Season 20 are streaming on the Food Network. FoodNetwork.com

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

Dolores presents her dish to Chefs Anne Burrell and Alex Guarnaschelli

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RENOVATE & REFINE

ARTICLE BETHANY ALEXANDER | PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX

Fa l l i n L o ve w it h Accents LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNER CREATES A COZY ROOM ADDING SUBTLE PIECES

THE SEASON IS CHANGING, SO WHY

She now resides in Cypress with her

WOULDN’T OUR THROW PILLOWS? For

family, launching TLM Design in 2005. She

26 years, Tisha McLemore has emphasized

specializes in residential interior design,

this principle into elements of her day-to-day

remodeling and general contracting with

life in the world of interior design.

completed projects in Houston, Chicago,

Tisha McLemore began her interior design

Dallas and New Orleans.

career in historic Savannah, Georgia, 26

Describing her role for her clients she

years ago, as a graduate of Georgia Southern

says, “When I design, of course I influence

University. She honed her craft working with

the look of a room, but I allow the client to

several top designers in Houston, Chicago

make it their design, reflecting their person-

and Savannah who helped mold her unique

ality. Be it in the colors, their collections, their

talent of turning houses into homes.

family heirlooms or their favorite art pieces,

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

TISH MCLEMORE, ASID, ALLIED MEMBER TLM Design TLMDesign.net 281.793.4917

I like to take those elements and turn them into

one cohesive design that fits their needs.” Revamping your home’s aesthetic does not have to break the bank. Just by incorporating

seafoam and burnt orange accents into you main grays and neutrals pieces automatically adds a sudden warmth and coziness to the home. Collaborating with The Brooke Home & Gift (formerly Magpies), Tisha updated the living room of Towne Lake residents Tracy Foreman and Craig Hebel to reflect the fall season using just a few pieces. She emphasizes the importance of purchasing neutral permanent pieces such as wall decor, sofas, tables and chairs, while updating with trendy pillows and accessories you can alternate

through with changing fads and seasons. In the upcoming year, McLemore advises, “We’re moving away from whites and grays, and

get the look

into more rich colors.”

TERRA COTTA GINGER JARS Beautiful ginger jars that can be placed in any spot to create a warm homey look |Small (7 ¼ “round X 12” H) | $72 | Large (11” round X 14 ½ “H) | $115 2:

SEAGRASS BANKUAN

Oval decorative woven seagrass tray with handles. (32” L X 13” W X 7”H) | $86 3:

VELVET PUMPKINS

Handmade velvet pumpkin come in a variety of colors and add a sophistication to your home. Small pumpkin | $17 | Large Pumpkin | $22 4:

BIRD TOILE PILLOW A modern interpretation of a classic, this pillow features a beautiful bird motif. (22”X22”) | $66 5:

OCEANONNA LAMP Stunning lamp featuring mottled highlights of blue and green covered in a heavily textured white glaze, paired with brush nickel plated details | $310

CHUNKY KNIT THROW Chunky knit throw made from very soft, thick warm acrylic yarn. Perfect to throw over the back of your couch, love seat, or bed (40X50) | $92

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

TREND SETTER

celebrate friendsgiving

FRIENDS ARE THE FAMILY YOU CHOOSE

ARTICLE SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BANAVENUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

Friendsgiving should be a relaxed event where you can sit back and have a great time with good friends FOR THOSE WHO MAY BE FAR AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES OR NOT ABLE TO CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING WITH THEM FOR OTHER REASONS, CONSIDER

HAVING

FRIENDSGIVING

INSTEAD. Invite those people who have made a positive impact on your life and who you would love to have seated around your holiday table. After all, the day is about being thankful and sharing with others. Influencer and lifestyle blogger, Alley Leto decided to gather some friends together for a boho-styled Friendsgiving in her backyard and shared some tips to make your event a worry-free affair. Alley notes that the unofficial holiday of Friendsgiving seems to have popped up in the mid-1990s. A combination of the words “Friends” and “Thanksgiving”, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Friends come together to celebrate Thanksgiving and give thanks Stationery: Bespoke Designs

for one another. Some say this “holiday” may have started with the show Friends. Although the gang had Thanksgiving together every year the word “Friendsgiving” was never used! A quick search on the internet offers several theories so it’s unclear how this fun unofficial holiday all got started. Alley encourages hosts to think outside the box when it comes to the menu. There’s no rule that says you have to stick to traditional Thanksgiving foods, although some people might be upset if they don’t find a turkey on the table.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

Also, decide how you’ll get all the food on the table, whatever it may be. Will you do all the cooking, or will you roast the turkey and have your friends each bring a side dish? Or, will you ask guests to bring a bottle of wine or dessert? Maybe you would prefer to sit back and relax and have the entire dinner, from appetizers to dessert, catered. You could even go a step further and hire someone who can serve and take care of cleanup, which is exactly what Alley decided to do. “Friendsgiving should be a relaxed event where you can sit back and have a great time with good friends,” says Alley. Alley teamed up with Rollin’ Local catering and Flourishing Fern to create a non-traditional, fall menu for her guests, all of which was sourced locally. Guests enjoyed pasteurized deviled eggs, roasted red pepper and sweet potato soup, mixed greens salad with a fig dressing, spiced butternut squash and mushroom lasagna and a panna cotta for dessert. If you are invited to a Friendsgiving and it’s not clear on the invitation, Alley suggests asking the host(s) what they would like you to bring. If no food is needed, then bring a bottle of wine or a small thank you gift such as flowers or a candle. To find out more about Alley and to check out her blog, go to LifeofAlley.com 28

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

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REALTY REPORT

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DIY

B U I L D YO U R O W N FIRE PIT

CHECK OUT THESE HELPFUL TIPS FOR THIS DIY PROJECT

ARTICLE WHITNEY GRUNDER

Cypress Lifestyle | November 2020

AS WE MOVE INTO THE FALL SEASON, WE CAN FINALLY PLAN THOSE OUTDOOR GATHERINGS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. When you add a fire pit into the mix, it becomes the focal point of your outdoor entertaining. So, why not do your homework and build

5. Begin to layer your blocks with the sides touching. You can use a level to make sure the blocks are even as you add layers.

your own fire pit?

6. Focus on finishing touches and remove loose debris.

TIPS:

SPEND LESS.

1. Choose your location. Be sure you are meeting building and fire

Look at low-cost bricks, pavers, concrete, and other materials. It’s

code standards and ideally are 25 feet from a house or a tree.

possible spend around $50 and leave with everything you need. Do

Consider how many guests you want to be able to accommodate

your homework and get creative!

when determining the pit measurements. 2. Pick your style and shape and measure the size. 3. Outline your chosen space using marking paint, string, and a stake to indicate the center of the pit. 4. Level the pit using a shovel and use gravel as the base for your fire pit. Try to avoid loosening the underlying soil.

NOT INTO DIY? Talk to a contractor for additional ideas and discuss your design plans if you aren’t quite comfortable with doing it all on your own. Be sure to share your ideas and styles on what you like and what you want to avoid. CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

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