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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER

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

Erica Hernandez | erica.hernandez@lifestylepubs.com

A Place to Call Home

Shannon Valentine | shannon.valentine@lifestylepubs.com

HOME IS WHEREVER YOUR HEART FEELS FULL.

Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com

These days, more and more of us are spending more time in our homes either work-

Hannah Kothari | hannahkothari@gmail.com

PHOTO EDITOR

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

ing remotely, eating at home or just staying home more often with the kids. More of us are looking for ways to improve our living space through remodeling or even just weekend DIY projects.

INTERN

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

This issue, we look at ways you and your family can live your best lives right in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're looking to remodel or just want to stay in and eat a home-cooked meal we've got something special in these pages for you. So sit back, put up your feet and relax. Because there's no better place to be than

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erica Hernandez, Dr. John Bradley Mitchell, Hannah Kothari CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Shannon Valentine | Lunalux; Mike Luna | Iconic Images, Steve Grant | Grant Foto

Erica Hernandez, Editor

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Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

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.

Towne Lake

Coles Crossing

Northlake Forest The Baker-Foreman Team loves representing buyers and sellers in Cypress! See our February transactions!

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021

FEATURES 14 A Luxurious Backyard Retreat Great Escapes Custom Pools Creates Resort-Style Backyard Retreats

26 Charting the Course to Home Traversing the Practical and Legal Considerations of Home Buying

28 A Spa Day Every Day Interior Designer Tish Mclemore Creates Couple’s Spa-Like Retreat

28 26

34 Honoring Our Heroes and Their Families Teen Uses Music to Comfort Grieving Family of Decorated Veteran

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Locally Owned

Culinary Creations

22 Open House 26 Legal Compass 28 Renovate & Refine 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Giving Back

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Bridgeland & Cy-Woods Win District Swimming Championships The Cy-Woods boys’ swim team and Bridgeland boys’ and girls’ swim teams won the district swim championships. Swimmers of the Meet honors went to Hayden Miller (Cy-Creek); Munzer Kabbara (Cy-Woods); and Allie Thorne and Jackson Dement (Bridgeland). Divers of the Meet honors went to Hanna Vinklarek (Bridgeland) and Ivan Ly (Cy-Ranch). Head Coach of the Year titles went to Michael Marucci (Cy-Woods); Hannah Doré (Cy-Fair); Bob Perkins (Bridgeland); and Morgan Burcham (Cy-Creek).

10.

11.

12.

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

Cy-Fair Chamber Member Businesses Opened During the Pandemic These Cypress business owners and Cy-Fair Chamber members made plans to open in 2020 then Covid created a unique challenge. We want to give them kudos, encourage the community to check them out and consider purchasing their products and services as well as all the small businesses in the community! #ShopLocal #ShopSmallBusiness

10.

11.

12.

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

GOOD TIMES

Facebook Group Meta's Local Eats Donates to Cy-Fair Helping Hands Cy-Fair Helping Hands received close to $28K from local Facebook Group, Metta’s Local Eats. Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity ran from October-December. Participating restaurants, cottage bakers and other businesses selected menu items and donated every time the item was ordered. Cy-Fair Helping Hands feeds hungry families and the homeless, as well as funds emergency housing for families in need.

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AROUND TOWN renumbering, and painting more than 1,000 parking spaces for Bridgeland High School. Stallone dedicated more than 500 hours to the project and recruited help from other Boy Scout troops, the Bridgeland High School National Honor Society, and Sherwin Williams. He wanted to complete a project that would have a lasting impact within the Bridgeland community. Bridgeland principal Mike Smith said the project has benefited the school in more ways than one.

BRIDGELAND DEFENSIVE BACK NAMED TD CLUB’S TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYER Bridgeland

senior

defensive

back

Bryce

McMorris was named the Touchdown Club of Houston’s 2020 Defensive Player of the Year. McMorris helped lead the Bears to an undefeated district championship, 12-1 record and appearance in the regional semifinals. Other student-athletes recognized included Bridgeland senior wide receiver Dylan Goffney and Cy-Fair senior running back L.J. Johnson, who were among 10 finalists for Offensive Player of the Year, and Cy-Fair senior defensive back

CY-WOODS JUDGING TEAM WINS 2020 TEXAS HORSE CUP

Thatcher Milton, a finalist for Defensive Player of

The Cy-Woods High School FFA horse judging

the Year. Bridgeland head coach David Raffield

team won the 2020 Texas Horse Cup. Members

and Cy-Fair head coach Jeff Miller were among 10

of the Cy-Woods horse judging team included

finalists for the Coach of the Year.

sophomore Grace Ehrenfeld and 2020 graduates Thomas Binig, Katelyn Morgan and Catie Halaska. In addition to Cy-Woods’ team victory, Jersey Village High School 2020 graduate Cale Essman won the individual 2020 House Cup. Horse Judging is an event offered through the National FFA Organization. The event allows students insight into equine science by evaluating and ranking horses based on breed characteristics, conformation and performance.

NOW OPEN – TRUBLUE TOTAL HOUSE CARE Long time resident, Virgil Bowling, recently opened TruBlue Total House Care serving the Cypress community. Seeing a need for a professional house care

BRIDGELAND SENIOR EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT BENEFITS SCHOOL

company with a focus on senior adults in this area, Virgil invested in TruBlue as a way to give back to the community, while helping seniors age in place and

Bridgeland senior Logan Stallone completed

to continue to be a part of the community they call

his Eagle Scout project that included cleaning,

home. TruBlue offers house cleaning, repairs, routine

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

home maintenance and general help around the

for the 2021-2022 school year. Adkar is Bridgeland’s

home. While they have a focus on helping seniors,

Key Club vice president and the first club represen-

they also offer all of their services to busy profes-

tative to serve as lieutenant governor. The district

sionals too. TruBlueHouseCare.com

lieutenant governor is responsible for supporting and growing the clubs within the district, serving on district committees, club officer training and support, and publication of a district newsletter. District 3–West includes

Bridgeland,

Cinco

Ranch,

Cy-Lakes, Cy-Ranch, Cy-Springs, Harmony School of Discovery, Langham Creek, Mayde Creek, Seven Lakes, Katy Taylor, and Tompkins high schools.

KIRK, LAMKIN STUDENTS PLACE 1-2 IN ELEMENTARY SPELLING BEE Kirk fifth grade student Lillian Gibbs won first place by correctly spelling eruption in the ninth round of the annual CFISD Elementary Spelling Bee. Lamkin Elementary School fourth grade student Aaron Vuong was the runner-up. Both Gibbs and Vuong will represent CFISD at the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee, scheduled to be held virtually on March 9. The top two spellers will qualify for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., June 1-3.

THREE CFISD STUDENT ARTISTS FEATURED IN TEXAS COAST CALENDAR Three CFISD students were among the finalists for the 2021 Treasures of the Texas Coast Children’s Art Contest, sponsored by the Texas General Land Office. All Texas students in kindergarten through sixth grade are able to participate in the annual statewide contest, with the top 40 finalists being featured in the 2021 Treasures of the Texas Coast annual calendar. Spillane sixth grade students Kaila McGrew and Chloe Moon and Salyards seventh grade student Shiruixue Fang placed among the 40 statewide finalists. Calendars can be requested free on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing beach@glo.texas.gov.

BRIDGELAND STUDENT ELECTED TO KEY CLUB DISTRICT OFFICER POSITION Bridgeland student Anika Adkar was elected as lieutenant governor for Key Club District 3–West

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Cypress using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

LOCALLY OWNED

A LUXURIOUS BACKYARD RETREAT A GREAT BACKYARD IS MORE THAN JUST AN EXTENSION OF THE HOME. With the right planning and design, you can make it your own little vacation getaway. Just ask Linda Goff, owner of Great Escapes Custom Pools, who custom designs pools and backyard living spaces for homeowners looking to relax outdoors with family and friends. Linda, a trained engineer and the company’s pool designer, is meticulous in each stage of planning. She listens intently to her client’s vision, pays strict attention to their budget and educates them on how to make the best possible choices to get the most from their investment. She gets inspiration from pool designs clients enjoy and then she digitally maps out her client’s custom pool. And in the end, after the project is complete, customers are often so happy they text her pictures of themselves lounging with loved ones in their new private getaway. “The most rewarding thing is being able to affect people’s lives in a positive manner,” Linda says. Great Escapes is truly a family effort. Linda and her husband, Norm, started the company in 2003. Linda had just left a 22-year corporate career as a systems engineer director and Norm had gotten into the pool-building industry through a friend. These days, Linda and Norm oversee pool CONTINUED >

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

After

GREAT ESCAPES CUSTOM POOLS CREATES RESORT-STYLE BACKYARD RETREATS

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

BACKYARD LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

design and construction while their adult children help with renderings and teach clients pool care. Other family members also help with scheduling or working with clients’ homeowner’s associations to get pools

installed. As a family, they are intimately aware of each step in the customer’s experience, Linda says. “It’s all about customer satisfaction,” she says. And satisfied customers love sharing their stories. Linda often gets texts or emails from happy clients thanking her for her work. “I fell in love with your family-owned company,” writes one customer. “You were the only one to sit down and really talk with me and show me samples etc. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated your time.”

3D Rendering

Each of Great Escapes’ designs is as unique as the clients they serve. In one recent build, a Spring-area client wanted to build a relaxing resort-style pool in his backyard. Together, the Great Escapes team and the client created a luxurious geometric pool with an infinity spa, drop-down fire pit and decorative fire bowls, all within his budget and time frame. Linda designed a towering cedar arbor to serve as an eye-catching focal point at the end of the pool. Its base is a mix of travertine and blue glass tile that houses three fountains, cascading waterfalls and plenty of space for landscaping. Deep fire bowls on each side give the entire design a dramatic flare — especially at night. Adjacent to the pool, a square infinity spa spills off into the main pool, making it a soothing place to unwind. The fire pit is built in a sunken lounge area with enough space for visitors. The pit itself is capped with stylish blue-moon marble. The work is a balanced blend of aesthetically-pleasing design, solid construction and came in under budget. It’s all part of the expertise Great Escapes brings to each client. “Not only do you need to meet the needs for the aesthetics and the functionality of the pool,” Linda says. “You also need Before

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

to be able to meet the price point as best you can.” GreatEscapesCypress.com

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CULINARY CREATIONS

ma ke d i n ner a nd memor ies ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE

EVERYONE HAS THAT SPECIAL FOOD THAT ZAPS US BACK TO OUR CHILDHOOD. Maybe it’s a warm chicken soup or buttery biscuits so flaky they practically dissolve in your mouth. For Clarissa Contreras, it’s beef koobideh. This hearty Persian meat entree is traditionally made of lamb and has its origins in Iran. It’s served atop a steaming bed of rice and grilled vegetables for a filling, family-style dinner. Growing up, Clarissa, who is of Iranian and Mexican descent, would often gather with family friends where koobideh was at the heart of the celebration. “I just remember the parties, everybody dancing to the music, everybody eating,” she said. “That’s my favorite.” These days, Clarissa is taking her love of homecooked meals from her kitchen to yours via her new chef service, Dinner for Four. Clarissa, a self-taught chef, prepares weekly weekend meals that customers can pick up at her commercial kitchen. Clarissa often draws from her cultural heritage for inspiration. Cheesy enchiladas and koobideh are some of her favorite meals to prepare. Curry chicken with basmati rice, carne guisada, and chicken and gravy with garlic mashed potatoes are other likely menu choices. Clarissa’s menu rotates each week. Her service offers hungry families the chance to pick up hot, made-fromscratch meals and save time in the kitchen. “Nothing makes me happier than people eating food – my food in particular – and having a happy stomach,” she says. “I would like them to taste what I like and get a glimpse of my background and things that I enjoy.” Facebook.com/Dinner4four

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

CONTINUED >

TRY THIS EASY BEEF RECIPE FOR A SATISFYING MEAL

CLARISSA CONTRERAS + Cooks international and Mexican-style foods + Lifelong foodie and self-taught home cook + Trained graphic artist + Enjoys singing while cooking

“Noth i ng ma kes me

happier tha n people

eat i ng food – my food i n pa r t icu la r – a nd hav i ng a happy stomach.”

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

BEEF KOOBIDEH

+ 3 lbs. Ground Beef + 3/4 cup Parsley finely chopped + 3/4 cup Cilantro finely chopped + 1/3 cup Onion finely chopped + 2 tsp. Minced Garlic + 2 tsp. Salt + 1 tsp. Black Pepper + 1 tsp. Cumin + 1 tsp. Garlic Powder + 1 tsp. Onion Powder + 1 tbsp. Curry Powder Combine all ingredients and mix well with hands. Divide mixture into seven equal portions (about 7 oz each). Roll out each portion into a log and flatten. Cook on a hot grill until the internal temperature is 145 degrees. Serve over a bed of white basmati rice. This dish pairs well with grilled onion, zucchini, and fresh whole tomatoes. Slice the onion and zucchini in half and lightly coat them in an oil of your choice. Coat the whole tomato in oil. Place each on the grill and cook to your desired tenderness. Season the veggies after you grill to avoid burn.

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

GET INSPIRED

EAT + DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

OPEN HOUSE

house details: + 4 Bedrooms + 4.5 Baths + Year Built: 2017 + Lot: 6,078 sqft + Features: Luxurious four-bedroom home with marble lower-level floors, spiraling staircase, balcony views, a five-car garage and resort-style lagoon pool.

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE LUNA | ICONIC IMAGES

ENJOY A LAVISH LIFESTYLE AT THIS DRAMATIC PRIVATE ESTATE

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

luxurious mediterranean countryside living

“Sit t i ng on a n acre of q u iet cou nt r yside, th is estate

is dest i ned for the homeow ner look i ng for a pr ivate,

lu x u r ious l i fest yle that ’s st i l l easi ly accessi ble to nea rby shoppi ng, enter ta i n ment a nd d i n i ng.”

IN THE HEART OF CYPRESS, NEAR THE THICK WOODS

The real beauty of this property is in the main family home. Built

OF LITTLE CYPRESS CREEK PRESERVE, AN OPULENT

in 2017, its foyer is adorned with a round marble inlay and pictur-

MEDITERRANEAN ESTATE AWAITS. Sitting on an acre of quiet

esque windows. Towering marble columns surround the pathway

countryside, this estate is destined for the homeowner looking for

to the family room while an extravagant spiraling wooden stair-

a private, luxurious lifestyle that’s still easily accessible to nearby

case leads upstairs.

shopping, entertainment and dining.

The first floor houses a formal dining room, den and two bed-

A gated entryway welcomes potential buyers and secures the

rooms. Each bedroom contains its own full bathroom, giving every

estate which includes a four-bedroom home, outdoor living pavil-

family member or guest their own privacy. The master bathroom

ion, five-car garage and lagoon pool.

is adorned with marble flooring and thick marble pillars framing CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

T he rea l beaut y of th is proper t y is i n the ma i n fa m i ly home. Bu i lt i n 2 017, its foyer is ador ned w ith a rou nd ma rble i n lay a nd pict u resq ue w i ndows. Tower i ng ma rble colu m ns su r rou nd the pathway to the fa m i ly room wh i le a n ex t ravaga nt spi ra l i ng wooden sta i rcase leads upsta i rs.”

an oversized spa-like bathtub. A separate shower room

the right touch to this space. A second kitchen is located

nearby offers a spacious, refreshing space for washing

adjacent to the breakfast room and the third is outside.

away the cares of the day.

Upstairs, a game room and guest room offer even more

The property also comes with three unique kitchen

entertainment and living space for friends and family. Two

spaces. The downstairs kitchen is crafted with the epicu-

balconies could make a relaxing perch for sipping more

rean in mind. With two sinks, double ovens, a gas-burning

coffee or night-time star gazing. But perhaps the most

stove, ornate cabinetry and decorative woodwork, it’s an

unique feature of this property is its red-carpet media

ideal starting place for any number of culinary master-

room. Think of it as your own personal cinema complete

pieces. Soft-closing drawers and a walk-in pantry add just

with a big screen, red curtains and movie-theater quality

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

technology. Families can enjoy their time together or host movie nights for guests.

And let’s not forget about the property’s resort-style lagoon pool complete with a rushing waterfall and trav-

Outside there are even more places to indulge in the

ertine patio decking. Sunset from this vantage point is

scenery and amenities. Take for example the outdoor living

certainly something to behold. A nearby five-car garage

pavilion, the newest addition to the home. With its custom

also leaves homeowners plenty of space for big toys.

cedar ceilings, remote shade system and well-equipped out-

Low tax rates and excellent access to quality schools

door kitchen, all of the comforts of the indoors are perfectly

make this a suitable home for luxurious, private family living.

available outdoors. The spot makes it easy to host outdoor

13803 Woodside Green Drive, Cypress, Texas 77429

gatherings with crowds of guests or with just an intimate few.

Property Website CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

LEGAL COMPASS

CHARTING THE COURSE TO HOME BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND ARTICLE DR. BRAD MITCHELL, MA, JD | ATTORNEY & REALTOR | PHOTOGRAPHY STEVE GRANT | GRANT FOTO

Home buying begins with a budget in mind that should include

TRAVERSING THE PRACTICAL AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF HOME BUYING

expenses like the mortgage, insurance, taxes, homeowners’ association dues and home maintenance. Consider your ideal home, its location, and the amenities you want in a neighborhood then engage a real estate agent familiar with your target area to identify homes that suit your lifestyle and budget. They can help complete the forms required for the written offer, coordinate negotiations, escrow, and closing. Your agent can also introduce you to other professionals to assist you like title insurance, inspectors, mortgage services, and attorneys.

G E T L E G A L A DV I C E The Texas Real Estate Commission has published the contracts required for home sales. They instruct you to “consult an attorney before signing.” This is sound advice because these contracts contain legal obligations that you must understand before agreeing to them. Some agents are also attorneys. Only attorneys can provide legal advice, not agents, not brokers.

HIRE A HOME INSPECTOR

C L O S I N G DAY

Before contracts become effective, sellers are required to

When both parties execute the contract, you enter

make disclosures regarding property condition. Seller’s disclo-

escrow with the chosen title company. Mortgages

sures include home features, equipment, and known defects.

require title insurance to protect you against loss

Seller’s disclosure and visual examination of a property are not

from liens, easements, or other restrictions that

enough. While you may be tempted to skip the expense, hiring

affect ownership. If the title company uncovers

a licensed inspector to conduct a home inspection is essential.

problems, you should require their correction as a

They work for you and will identify any potential problems both

condition to closing.

immediate and in the future. This applies to new homes too.

Buying a home can be a daunting task. Following

What is found can be used as a negotiating tool or provide you

these tips will help smooth a path to your new home.

with a reason to terminate the contract.

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

MitchellGroup.eXpRealty.com

Transforming Houses Into Homes Full Service Interior Design

Tish McLemore

Remodeling and Construction

tlmdesign.net

Custom Window Treatments and Shutters

281-793-4917

Space Planning

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CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

RENOVATE & REFINE

A S PA DAY

E VE RY DAY INTERIOR DESIGNER TISH MCLEMORE CREATES COUPLE’S SPA-LIKE RETREAT THE MODERN FARMHOUSE GOES TO THE DAY SPA IN THIS TRENDY NEW BATHROOM AND CLOSET RENOVATION BY TLM DESIGNS. Coles Crossing homeowners Brian and Kathy Gibson were looking to update an aging bathroom that was far too cramped for their needs. The closet was stuffed and part of the bathroom even doubled as storage for Christmas decorations. Working with designer Trish Maclamore, the couple got nearly seven extra feet of space ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ

in both rooms. Trish even designed a “Texas basement,” a storage nook built into

PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON

the ceiling where the Gibsons now store their Christmas decor. Chris and Kara

VALENTINE | LUNALUX

McAndrews of CK Construction handled the build. Functionality is key in this

PHOTOGRAPHY

design which features a custom closet storage system, a hideaway hair station and a double shower. Soft grays and whites give the rooms a calming vibe, while knotty alder wood accents add a warm touch. “It’s very spa-like,” Tish says. “It gives you a relaxed feeling when you’re in there.” TLMdesign.net

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

floor-to-ceiling

closet

organization

system

Closet

Innovations gives this refined space an edge. No more hunting around mounds of clothes looking for something to wear. Each piece of clothing is visible and tidy. Every shoe fits neatly into a designated shelf. A hidden hair station built for curling irons and hair dryers can be pulled out, used and then tucked away near the closet entrance. The space flows so seamlessly from the bathroom to closet that there’s no need for a door.

A “Texas basement” climate-controlled storage nook is built into the ceiling in this design. It allows extra space for seasonal garments and decorations while freeing up valuable closet space for items used every day.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

A standalone oval bathtub by the window surrounded by alder wood

give this bathroom its spa-like vibe. The same wood is used in the toilet room for extra shelving space to store towels and other bathroom essentials. A built-in magazine rack and outlet ensures there’s always plenty to keep oneself occupied.

When it comes to getting squeaky clean, this bathroom’s double shower is the place to be. In addition to his-

and-hers shower heads, a rain shower head drizzles water from the ceiling. As an added convenience, showerheads are individually temperature controlled from outside the stall.

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

Homeowners chose a classic white subway tile

5 6

with a hand-glazed style finish paired with black grout to highlight the tile texture. The matte gray penny round tile on the shower floor gives this space extra eye-appeal.

Gray and white patterned ceramic flooring gives this space a trendy flair. White quartz countertops are paired with moody, dark gray cabinetry. This look is outfitted with matte black faucets and towel racks and golden hardware for the cabinets. The room is flooded with natural light, but industrial-style light fixtures above the sink add a golden glow to the his-and-hers sink tops.

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

5-7

This is a family friendly, safe environ-

distancing

ment to benefit the local community.

seating, food trucks and more!

Be respectful and responsible.

CyFairHomeandGarden.com

MASTER GARDENER SPRING VEGETABLE SALE

12TH ANNUAL 3BQ COOK-OFF

Richard & Meg Weekley Park

Welcome to the 12th Annual 3BQ

upscale market featuring original

From 9AM - 11AM, shop tomato,

Cook-Off! Local neighbors com-

art,

jewelry,

pepper, herb and vegetable varieties

pete to see who has the best BBQ

handmade treasures, home decor,

suited to our spring and summer

in Cypress. Enjoy good BBQ and

outdoor

consumable

growing season. We will also have

live music from The Wilder Blue!

yummy’s, seasonal plantings and

landscape plants, perennials and

Proceeds benefit the Bridgeland

a lot more! We absolutely love

roses, also suited to our region.

Booster

bringing the Vintage experience

HCMGA.TAMU.ed

email 3BQ2009@gmail.com.

Northwest-Houston

FACES AUTISM 14TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

BACK YARD PARTY WITH SUNDANCE HEAD

PECOS & THE ROOFTOPS LIVE AT THE BARN AT FRIO GRILL

Support he Foundation for Autism

Reservations

Care,

Services

mended. Reserve a table to guaran-

16416 Mueschke Rd

(FACES). The non-profit improves

tee and food service. Cost is $20-

Join us for a fun filled evening,

the lives of Houston area children

$35/seat. Come early because the

amazing music, sing-a-longs, cock-

with autism spectrum disorder and

restaurant closes at 9 PM. Family &

tails, ice cold beer and a great time!

their families by providing scholar-

Pet Friendly! All Children (under the

Doors open @ 6:00 PM and tickets

ships for Applied Behavior Analysis

age of 16) must be accompanied and

are now on sale! Pre-sale tickets are

(ABA).

breakfast

supervised by an adult (18) years

$15 and $20 day of if available. VIP

at 7:30 AM, Shotgun start at 9 AM.

of age or older. Get your tickets at

tables packages available for $150.

Lunch and awards after the tourna-

OuthouseTickets.com.

Packages included table and tickets

ment. Register at FacesAutism.org.

VINTAGE MARKET DAYS OF NW HOUSTON 'TIMELESS'

Gerald D Young Robinson Pavilion, Katy

Vintage Market Days® is proud to present 'Timeless' coming to the NW Houston Area March 5-7, 2021! Vintage market days is an antiques,

clothing,

furnishings,

presentation

stage

Frio Grill

Club.

For

info

to you! Check the schedule at VintageMarketDays.com/Market/

Blackhorse Golf Club

Education

Registration

and

2920 Roadhouse Restaurant

strongly

recom-

for six, early admission, VIP bars and cocktail staff. Get tickets at eTix.com.

13 CYPRESS CARS AND COFFEE: SPRING FLING

27-28 CY-FAIR HOME & OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW Berry Center

It’s back! Don’t miss the Cy-Fair

Fairfield Baptist Church

Home and Outdoor Living Show!

Special Spring Event! We encourage

Hours are Saturday, 9am - 6pm

families and auto enthusiasts to come

and Sunday, 10am - 5pm. Visit with

Would you like to get in touch with

see these incredible machines and

local vendors and find out what’s

us? We would love to hear from you!

please bring non perishable canned

new in home improvement both

goods and food items for donation.

inside and out. Special $5 show

Cypress using the Get In Touch link

Event is 8AM - 10AM. Please wear

admission, hand sanitizing sta-

and let us know what you think.

your mask and keep social distance.

tions throughout the venue, social

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021

Debbie Benzel

YOUR cypress lender

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED by a U.S. veteran, we are an independent agency ﬁnding the best coverage at the best price for both commercial and residential clients.

YOUR FAMILY. YOUR FUTUR E.

our focus.

PROPERTY | AUTO | HEALTH | LIFE BUSINESS | RECREATIONAL

(713) 636-2253 allinsuredgroup.com 14550 Spring Cypress, Ste B, Cypress, Texas 77429

WWW.DEBBIEBENZELTEAM.COM

Randall J Benzel

CLF, LUTCF President/Principal CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

GIVING BACK TEEN USES MUSIC TO COMFORT GRIEVING FAMILY OF DECORATED VETERAN

ARTICLE HANNAH KORTHARI PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX

HONO R I NG OU R H E ROE S AND THEIR FA M I LI E S ETHAN MARTULA’S LOVE FOR MUSIC BEGAN WHEN HE DISCOVERED THE RECORDER IN THE FIFTH GRADE. The obscure instrument cultivated his love for the art, and he felt compelled to join his middle school band soon after. Now a fifteen-year-old freshman at Cy-Ranch High School, Ethan is an accomplished member of his high school band and a highly-skilled French horn player. Ethan’s true character was displayed this past winter when tragedy struck his community. On November 28, Ethan’s neighbor decorated Marine veteran Sgt. Marty Gonzalez unexpectedly died in his driveway. During his lifetime Gonzalez was awarded Purple Hearts, two Bronze Star with Valor and two Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals with Valor.

Each night, a steady stream of spectators flowed in to watch

After learning of his neighbor’s death, Ethan felt com-

him perform, soon attracting local media and news channels. At

pelled to show appreciation for the veteran’s service.

first, Ethan was nervous to perform, but after receiving ample

He wanted to comfort Gonzalez’s grieving widow

support, he slowly gained more confidence to play before

and four children, one of whom is Ethan’s classmate.

the large crowd that grew in size daily. Ethan says it was truly

Ethan wanted to comfort the fallen veteran’s

heartwarming to see how many people came to show their sup-

family through music. He decided to dedicate

“I felt if I did only one performance, that I wasn’t showing enough support for him and his family,” Ethan says.

port for Gonzalez.

several nights to honor Gonzalez’s hard work and

At school, Ethan was shocked how many of his peers and teach-

sacrifice. Every night leading up to Gonzalez’s

ers watched him on local news channels. He did not expect his

funeral, Ethan ventured out to his own front porch

kind actions to receive as much attention as they did, but he was

with his French horn and played patriotic songs.

grateful to share his story and Gonzalez’s story with the community.

Ethan played the national anthem, “The Marines

When asked if he would perform for a cause like this again, Ethan

Hymn,” and “God Bless America” while neighbors

responded with an astounding and enthusiastic “yes.” Ethan would

gathered to listen and mourn.

never hesitate to perform for another family in need of comfort.

Cypress Lifestyle | March 2021