Issuu

DECEMBER 2019

CypressLifestylePubs.com

Season! Celebrate the

We’ve been dedicated to the care of Texas’ children since 1954. With Texas Children’s Specialty Care Cy-Fair right in your community, we’ve got you covered, from specialties like otolaryngology, pediatric surgery and pulmonology to complex inpatient and emergency care offered at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. Our focus on kids means we’re able to treat more pediatric conditions than any other hospital in the region.

It’s our specialty.

Schedule online: texaschildrens.org

Merry Christmas CINDY

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2019 PUBLISHER

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

Erica Hernandez | erica.hernandez@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! I’M AM SO EXCITED AND HUMBLED THAT THIS IS THE SECOND END-OF-

AD DESIGNER

Alicia Huff LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dani Moore

YEAR MESSAGE I AM WRITING TO YOU, OUR READERS. 2019 is the first full

COPY EDITOR

year we brought you Cypress Lifestyle, and what a year it’s been!

Hayley Hyer

It is such a pleasure to uncover the fun, amazing and heart-warming stories for you to read each month. Erica and I laugh because we believe every issue is the best one yet until we finish the next one! We hope you feel that way too. As our area continues to grow, we hope Cypress Lifestyle will bring you the sense of community you find in a small town where everyone looks out for one another and wants the best for their neighbors. We truly are so lucky to be Cypress residents. So many exciting changes happened in 2019 and there are so many more to come in 2020. I want to give a shout out to our Cy-Fair school district. Students in CFISD have the

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shannon Valentine, Lunalux, Sandy Buller, Buller Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erica Hernandez, Jennifer Burnett, Randall Benzel, Peggy Garner INTERN

Miriah Perez

highest standard of education regardless of their financial situation and with programs

CORPORATE TEAM

from Cy-Hope, Cypress Area Ministries, Cy-Fair Helping Hands and many others; our

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

community supports our youth and encourages them to become their best selves.

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

And so, my friends and neighbors, let’s celebrate what we achieved in 2019 and

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

toast our dreams for 2020! My dream is to continue to grow Cypress Lifestyle and

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

that you will support us by considering our partners first when looking for services. They are the reason we are able to share your stories, our stories. Much love and see you next year!

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

CypressLifestylePubs.com ON THE COVER Santa and Taylor Leto PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX 4

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Cypress Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cypress areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cypress Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2019

FEATURES 12 Hearty Holiday Feast Savory Recipes for Entertaining in Style

18 Gift-Giving Guide Special Gifts for Your Special Someones

24 Dancing with the Stars— Cypress Edition International Dancing Duo Share Their Passion for Dance at Fred Astaire Studio

26 18

26 Santa for a Cause— Mark Larrivee Brings Christmas Cheer Charity Santa Claus Career Spans Generations

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Culinary Creations

Renovate & Refine

24 Local Limelight 26 Giving Back 30 Lifestyle Calendar 31

Realty Report

34 Financial Buzz

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GOOD TIMES

Third Annual A Taste of Cy-Fair A Taste of Cy-Fair set a new record raising more than $50,000 for Cy Hope! The annual event saw a little more than 2,200 in attendance and the number of participating restaurants, distributors and local businesses has tripled in size since year one. Food, drinks and fun were had by all who attended.

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

Fifth Annual Battle at the Berry The Bridgeland marching band was named grand champion for the second consecutive year at the fifth annual “Battle at the Berry” marching band competition, held in October. Hosted by the Jersey Village marching band, the Battle at the Berry welcomed 19 bands from across the Houston area competing in four different classifications based on marching band size.

December 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

AROUND TOWN consecutive year, finishing undefeated in district play. In District 14-6A, Langham Creek claimed second seed and Cy-Woods tied for fourth seed with Bryan and Tomball Memorial high schools. In District 17-6A, Cy-Falls and Cy-Creek finished as third seed and fourth seed respectively.

INSPIRING HANDS OPENS APPLICATION PROCESS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOLARSHIPS Inspiring Hands provides annual scholarships for Equine/Hippo-therapy, Special Needs Summer Camp and Service/Therapy Dogs to individuals of all ages with financial and special

CHADA AMONG 240 U.S. STUDENTS CHOSEN TO PRESTIGIOUS STEM PROGRAM

needs. These activities provide opportunities for interaction with others in an environment that offers therapeutic support and adaptive recreation

Cy-Woods senior Govind Chada attended the

while instilling the skills, values and independence

2019 MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI),

needed for success. Inspiring Hands is a 501(c)(3),

a rigorous STEM program with hands-on projects,

all-volunteer charitable organization whose mis-

online courses and lectures presented by leading

sion is to directly make a positive difference in the

scientific researchers. Students are placed into one

lives of others in need. To apply or learn how you

of 10 courses that involve project-based learning

can help, visit InspiringHands.org.

in an intensive team environment. Govind was selected for the Medlytics program, where students explored the intersection of data science and medicine culminating in a final research project. Govind's project, “Using machine learning to identify risk factors and predict patient risk for opioid use disorder,” won “most notable project."

BRIDGELAND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM WINS SECOND CONSECUTIVE TITLE Bridgeland girls’ cross country team clinched its second consecutive district title at the District 14-6A Cross Country Championships. The top three teams and 10 individuals in each race advanced to

BRIDGELAND, CY-FAIR WIN DISTRICT VOLLEYBALL TITLES

the regional championships. Bridgeland’s Cassidy Graham, Elisa Grillo, Madeleine Wilson, Allison Millan, Brook Hensley, Haley Williams and

Bridgeland won the District 14-6A championship

Athena Reyna won the top seven spots, along

for the first time in school history and Cy-Fair won

with Cy-Woods’ Julia Ameringer (8th) Elizabeth

the District 17-6A championship for the second

Davis (10th) and Cy-Ranch’s Emma Elsbury (9th).

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

BRIDGELAND BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM WINS FIRST TITLE Bridgeland boys’ cross country team won its first title at the District 14-6A Cross Country Championships. The eight CFISD boys who advanced to the regional championships were Bridgeland’s Randy Smith (1st) and Cody Gambrell (5th), Cy-Wood’s Xavier Torres (3rd), Cy-Ranch’s Ivan Garcia (4th), Kelton Hibbard (6th) and

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Andres Herrera (8th), Cy-Springs’ Pablo Martinez (9th) and Cy-Lakes’ Anthony Arocena (10th).

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE SEEKING MOTHER-DAUGHTER MEMBERS IN CYPRESS National Charity League (NCL), Inc. is seeking new mother-daughter members during its annual Membership Drive for five chapters in Cypress and surrounding areas. NCL is the premier mother-daughter

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strengthening the mother-daughter bond. The core program includes leadership development, community service, and cultural experiences. Chapters in the Cypress area accepting applications for membership from sixth grade girls and their mothers are:

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+ Cypress Gems MembershipCypressGems@nclonline.org

+ Cypress Pearls (also accepting other grades in addition to sixth graders) MembershipCypressPearls@nclonline.org

+ Texas Diamonds MembershipTexasDiamonds@nclonline.org

+ Yellow Rose MembershipYellowRose@nclonline.org NCL, which has grown by nearly 70% in the last decade, has more than 72,000 members in hundreds of chapters across the nation. Last year, those members contributed more than 2.7 million volunteer hours to more than 4,000 local philanthropy partners and their chapters, resulting in a $66 million

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December 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

CULINARY CREATIONS

HEARTY HOLIDAY FEAST SAVORY RECIPES FOR ENTERTAINING IN STYLE

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

ARTICLE JENNIFER BURNETT | JBISTRO STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX

BRUSCHET TA CHICKEN WITH PENNE PASTA

SPINACH ARTICHOKE STUFFED MUSHROOMS

MINI CHICKEN POT PIES

INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS + Boneless skinless

+ Refrigerated pie crust

+ Italian seasoning

chicken breasts with

+ Red pepper flakes

rib meat

+ Penne pasta

+ Roma tomatoes

+ Butter

+ Fresh mozzarella

+ Heavy cream

+ Basil leaves

+ Garlic finely minced

+ Olive oil

+ Grated parmesan

+ Garlic powder

cheese

+ Onion powder INSTRUCTIONS PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 F. Boil pasta. Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped garlic and sauté until garlic is fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a small boil for 3 minutes.

+ Chicken breast diced

INGREDIENTS

+ Frozen peas and carrots

+ Frozen spinach

+ Butter

(thawed + drained)

+ Flour

+ Artichoke hearts

+ Milk

finely chopped

+ Rubbed Sage

+ High-quality mayonnaise

+ Salt and Pepper

+ Sour cream

+ Egg

+ Cream cheese softened + Garlic powder

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Grated parmesan

Pan sear chicken until browned

+ Diced pimentos

then add milk, peas, carrots and

+ Baby bella mushrooms

remaining rubbed sage. Simmer for 4

+ Panko breadcrumbs

minutes. Remove from heat. Allow to cool completely. Place pie crusts on

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat

oven

350

a floured surface. Use a 2-inch bisF.

cuit cutter to cut circles. One crust

flakes and Parmesan cheese. Once mixture has

Remove mushroom stems. Place

yields 6-8 circles. Place cutouts in a

thickened, add hot pasta and remove from heat.

mushrooms on a sheet pan. Mix

muffin tin, fill with 1/4 cup of filling.

Butterfly, then slice chicken breast in half. Place on

first 8 ingredients together until

Top with pie crust. Cut an X on top

sheet pan. Pour olive oil over chicken breasts and

completely combined. Fill into

to allow air release. Mix 1 egg with a

rub in. Season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian

a piping bag. Fill mushrooms

splash of water and mix well. Using

seasoning, garlic and onion powder and red pep-

1/4 inch above the top and sprin-

a pastry brush, brush each pot pie

per flakes. Bake for 10 minutes. While the chicken

kle with breadcrumbs. Bake for

top with egg wash and sprinkle with

is baking, thinly slice Roma tomatoes and separate

10-15 minutes.

kosher salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes

Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, red pepper

slices of mozzarella. Remove chicken and place 2

or until top is golden brown. Cool on

tomatoes on top of chicken and top with 1 slice of

a wire rack for 10 minutes.

mozzarella. Place under broiler for 2-5 minutes until cheese has melted. Remove and finish with 2 leaves

17527 A Huffmeister Rd. Cypress, TX

of fresh basil. Serve chicken over pasta and enjoy!

77429, JBistroStyle.com December 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

RENOVATE & REFINE

luxury outdoor living for any season

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

THE OWNERS OF TRADITION OUTDOOR

Ryan says the space allows visitors and

LIVING BELIEVE IN BUILDING CREATIVE

residents “more than just one destina-

OUTDOOR SPACES THAT IMPROVE THE

tion.” People can sit at the table and share

LIVES OF TEXANS. At the heart of their

a meal, lounge near the pool or cozy up

work is quality craftsmanship and service.

next to the gas-burning fireplace. The fire-

The company, which has been in business

place is accented with Braeburn chopped

since 2014, works alongside homeowners

stones in off-white, tan and chocolate

to design and build upscale outdoor spaces

tones. The earthy design complements the

such as kitchens, elegant patios, fireplaces,

creamy Travertine tile floors which are ele-

pool cabanas and gazebos.

gantly arranged into a Versailles pattern. The

“We believe in quality and doing what we

ceiling shows off a solid Texas cedar wooden

say,” says Ryan Yokubaitis, one of the company

truss giving the entire space a stately yet

owners. “Finding these virtues in a contractor

natural appearance.

seems to be harder and harder these days.”

Making the project look and feel original

The company’s team of six comes with years

to the house, is one of Tradition Outdoor

of experience in a variety of professional back-

Living’s priorities, Ryan says. The project

grounds including engineering, construction,

starts with an in-home design consultation

athletics, technology and theology. Ryan has a

where the company and customer work

theology master’s degree but enjoys working

together to establish a vision for the living

with his hands and being outdoors.

space. Next, the company uses design soft-

This year, Ryan worked with Cinco Ranch

ware to virtually build out the space and pro-

homeowners to design and build a lavish

vide a quote. Finally, if the owner approves,

outdoor entertainment space complete with

the company will schedule and complete

an eye-catching kitchen, custom fireplace,

construction while also handling any gov-

decorative Canadian pine wood paneling

ernment or residential permitting needs.

and enough room for a dozen visitors. The design boasts an outdoor kitchen and bar with extensive cream stone bench seating

What Ryan enjoys the most, however, is getting to see the final project come together for everyone’s enjoyment.

WHAT RYAN ENJOYS THE

for multiple guests. A compact fridge located

MOST IS GETTING TO SEE

beneath the bar’s granite countertops provides

THE FINAL PROJECT COME

easy access to beverages. A stainless-steel sink

TOGETHER

EVERY-

offers both hot and cold water, and a 36-inch

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ONE'S ENJOYMENT. “IT’S

American Outdoor Grill nearby a mounted flat-

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FUN TO MAKE PEOPLE’S

screen TV allows the host to entertain while still

TraditionOutdoorLiving.com

VISION COME TO LIFE.”

keeping a watchful eye on the cooking.

FOR

“It’s fun to make people’s vision come to life,” Ryan says.

December 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

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Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

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ARTICLE PEGGY GARNER

G I F T G I V I N G G U I D E SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONES

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US AND NO DOUBT YOU’RE IN FULL-ON SHOPPING MODE TO FIND THE GIFT FOR EACH OF THE AMAZING PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE. We hunted to find the coolest and most unique gift ideas that will wow your loved ones. We are especially excited about the gifts you can find from our local Cypress businesses. While it’s so easy to purchase from sites like Amazon, remember that buying local helps to make our community stronger and supports your neighbors.

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

G I F T S

F O R

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Him & Her

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

GIFT GIVING GUIDE

(CON TI N U ED)

G I F T S

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

F O R

Kids

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

GIFT GIVING GUIDE

(CON TI N U ED)

G I F T S

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

F O R

Pets

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY BULLER

dancing with the starsâ€” cypress edition

INTERNATIONAL DANCING DUO SHARE THEIR PASSION FOR DANCE AT FRED ASTAIRE STUDIO

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

OR NATIONAL DANCE CHAMPIONS, FAITH PANGEA AND

That same year, they won the Fred Astaire National Championship

RICHIE KASZAS, MOVEMENT IS NOT ONLY AN ART—IT’S A

adding to the numerous dance victories they’ve accumulated over

WAY OF LIFE.

the years. They finished fourth in the prestigious United States

When they dance, they move as if connected by some invisible

Dance Championship. They both represented their home countries

force. Their intimacy is electric, sparking emotions that leave the

in national DanceSport competitions. This year, they placed third at

audience always wanting more. More passion. More romance. More

the Fred Astaire World Championships.

play. More dancing. “It’s just magic for me,” says Faith. “It makes you escape from your everyday reality or problems society can have. I really think the world would be a better place if everybody was dancing.”

To get to that level, Richie says it takes a mixture of athleticism, flexibility, mental toughness and connection. “You have to connect with everything,” he says. “You have to connect with the moment. You have to connect with the audience.

They exhibit athletic grace, beauty and show-stopping spirit

You have to connect with the music. You have to connect with

before competitive judges and for everyday students they teach in

everything to have a great performance, because if one of (those)

Cypress. Faith and Richie are both instructors at Fred Astaire Dance

is missing you’re not going to be satisfied.”

Studio on Skinner Road, but their passion for each other transcends the dance floor.

But for all of their professional achievements, Faith and Richie remain dedicated and humble teachers. They are equally as dedi-

Faith, who is originally from Greece, began dancing ballet as a

cated to their students as to their own professional dance routines.

young girl and went on to compete with a team for Greece’s Got

“There’s so many benefits you can take out of (dance),” Faith says.

Talent. Richie, who is originally from Hungary, started competing

“Everybody should at least give it a try.” They teach inexperi-

about age 10. The two were introduced by a coach five years ago

enced couples looking to learn a wedding routine, children, single

who knew at the time they both needed competition partners. They

adults and longtime couples looking to reignite their relationship

began a relationship first as just as teammates, but their connection

through dance.

soon blossomed into a romance. They fell in love with the passion of the sport—and each other. “We love it so much we decided to make it a lifestyle,” Faith says.

“You don’t have to be a professional dancer to enjoy dancing,” Richie says. “It doesn’t matter your age, your body structure your abilities. You are able to be your true self. Everybody’s capable of dancing.”

Faith and Richie danced their way across Europe and eventually to Houston where they were introduced to Fred Astaire through

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dance colleagues. They began teaching at the company while also

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competing at the highest levels. Then, just last year, the couple took

FredAstaire.com/Cypress

a Caribbean cruise where Richie surprised Faith with a wedding proposal. She said yes.

December 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

GIVING BACK CHARITY SANTA CLAUS CAREER SPANS GENERATIONS

SANTA FOR A CAUSE —MARK LARRIVEE BRINGS CHRISTMAS CHEER THE FIRST TIME MIKE LARRIVEE DRESSED UP AS SANTA CLAUS, HE WAS HOOKED. Eighteen years ago, at the request of his wife, Mike donned a smelly used Santa suit and a fake beard. The Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department needed a Santa for a station Christmas party, and Mike, a volunteer firefighter at the time, was just the man to play the role. Mike visited with children aboard an antique fire truck, listened intently to their wishes and then headed home. But not long after, he got a call on the radio. A 4-yearold boy who missed the station party wanted to see Santa. When Mike returned, still dressed in his used suit and false beard, the boy was overjoyed. “The little kid had come running,” Mike says. “He thought he’d missed Santa. He just throws his arms around my leg, and I was hooked from that part on.” A lot has changed for Mike since then. He now sports a luxurious red suit, gold-rimmed glasses and a naturally-grown, Santa-style beard. He’s a member of Lone Star Santas, a non-profit professional Santa club. But he’s probably best known for his Christmastime role atop a fire truck in the annual Parade of Lights sponsored by the Texas Volunteer Firefighter Relief Fund. It’s all about the kids,” says Rodney Crosby, president of the relief fund. “He looks forward to Christmas every year more than anything else, because he gets a big kick out of seeing how happy they get every year. Every year his act changes. He learned to do the dab gesture during parades and wants to master kids’ floss dance next. His work spans generations. People who used to visit with him as children now take their own children to

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ

see Santa Mike.

PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

“We all want to play a significant role in people’s lives,” he says. “I get to do it for maybe an hour or two hours, and that in itself is motivation to do it again.” And he does it all for free. While many professional Santas charge upwards of $100 per appearance, Mike doesn’t charge nonprofits and community organizations who need a Santa. For private or corporate groups, he asks only for a donation to his two favorite charities: the Kiwanis Club of Cy-Fair or the Texas Volunteer Firefighter Relief Fund. “The real payment is in the kids,” Mike says, insisting he “gets paid over and over again.” The children’s smiles and laughter lift his spirits during a season focused on sharing love. “I get to experience love from all kinds of people that I might have never gotten to know otherwise,” he says. SantaForACause.Christmas December 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

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DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

2019 PARADE OF LIGHTS

JERSEY VILLAGE HOLIDAY IN THE VILLAGE

SENIOR TO SENIOR LUNCHEON

Civic Center, Lakeview Drive

Calling all seniors, young and old!

The Texas Volunteer Firefighter

Come support local businesses by

Come

Relief Fund Annual Parade of

shopping local at this holiday market!

accompanied

Lights features a parade of local

There will be fun for the whole family with

conversations between young adults

fire department trucks as well as

bounce houses, food trucks, Christmas

ages 17-22 and seniors 55+. Co-hosted

local residents and businesses

tunes and holiday characters walking

by From the Vine Ministries, a safe

vehicles decked out in bright lights

around. There will even be freshly blown

haven for women and teens. RSVP to

and decorations. Bring your chairs

snow and a visit from Santa!

Alisha by the Tuesday before 281-241-

Highway 6 from Rippling Water to CyFalls High School

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7 YOGA WITH LLAMAS (YES, IT’S A THING)

Figment Ranch , 2:00 - 5:00

Join us for yoga, wine, rescued llamas,

THE LEFTOVER RUN 5K

enjoy

delicious by

lunch

enlightening

1143. CypressSeniors.com

and find a place on the route to enjoy

Park Creek Independent Living, 12:30

7-8 25TH ANNUAL CY-FAIR FFA CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW CFISD Exhibit Center

alpacas, peace, and more. Check

Our show is a unique shopping experi-

in at 2:00 PM, yoga class begins at

ence with more than 175 vendors and

off

2:30 PM and wine while visiting with

booths. Get pictures with Santa, enjoy

Thanksgiving leftovers than a 5K in

the llamas and alpacas starts at 3:45

great food, play Chicken Bingo, and

your community? The Houston

PM. Register by November 29 at

stop by the silent auction. Take home

Running Co. is hosting a 5K and kids

Kahunu Yoga & Meditation Spa or

a cake from the Cake Walk, and enjoy

1K. Every participant will receive a

call 832-843-6366. Cost is $35 and

some great food at our bake sale, con-

T-shirt and medal that was leftover

includes everything. Must be 21 and

cessions stand, and barbecue booth.

from other races during the year.

only registered guests may attend.

While you’re there, pick up a whole

RaceAssist.webconnex.com

FigmentRanch.com.

barbecue brisket to-go to feed the

KahunuYoga.com.

family! CyFairCountryChristmas.org

Houston Running Company

What

better

way

run

CONTINUED >

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Root Canals Extractions Crowns Veneers Dentures Invisible Braces Located near Kroger at Louetta and Grant

13119 Louetta Road, Cypress 30

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

(832) 698-4648 www.myhdental.com @HdentalDDS

December 18th Special

FREE CLEARCORRECT BRACES CONSULTATION DAY!* * Consultation will include x-rays and exam as needed to evaluate as a ClearCorrect candidate.

REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

CYPRESS

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

TOWNE LAKE

$668,500

$617,320

92%

5.5

BRIDLECREEK

$599,000

$618,471

103%

130

4.5

LAKES OF FAIRHAVEN

$650,000

$635,000

98%

4.5

LAKES OF FAIRHAVEN

$675,000

$640,200

95%

4.5

BRIDGELAND

$682,701

$647,921

95%

4.5

CYPRESS VILLAGE

$675,000

$655,000

97%

2.5

BRIDGELAND

$682,541

$661,718

97%

4.5

ROCK CREEK

$749,000

$729,500

97%

4.5

TOWNE LAKE

$779,142

$731,887

94%

4.5

HIDDEN ARBOR

$750,000

$737,000

98%

4.5

GREAT OAKS ESTATES

$799,000

$745,000

93%

3.5

TOWN LAKE

$849,900

$803,067

94%

5.5

SADDLE RIDGE ESTATES

$1,690,000

$1,465,000

87%

BRIDLE OAK ESTATES

$1,795,000

$1,680,000

94%

190

8.5

List and sold price reflect one selected home within the respective subdivision.

WHERE EVERY HOME IS A

Castle

CINDY OCHSNER BROKER/OWNER

ASK ABOUT OUR HERO DISCOUNTS

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C I N D E R E L L A R E A L E S TAT E . C O M December 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

7-8 A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM Messiah Lutheran Church

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

Enjoy this outdoor, interactive event strolling through Bethlehem while imaging life during this miraculous time. Visit the spice mer-

chant, produce market, bakery and soldier’s tavern. Watch as the

three kings’ arrive with gifts for Jesus as Mary and Joseph look. Learn candle-making, create a clay pinch pot, sew a coin bag or try period clothes. MessiahLC.org.

7 DECK THE DEPOT Tomball Depot

Come watch The Depot transform into a true Christmas wonder-

land with live music, storytellers, choirs, and local vendors. Santa will also be paying a visit. This event is free and no charge for parking. 1-800-4-tutors tutordoctor.com

13 TOMBALL MUSIC CANDLELIGHT TOUR Tomball Museum Center

This free event is hosted by The Storybook Singers. This service group dresses up as Disney princesses and entertains special audiences with music and fun! Come see them live and listen to their rendition of Christmas classics.

14 BETHLEHEM IN BRIDGELAND

The Foundry Church – Fry Rd; 4:00 PM

Take a stroll through Bethlehem where Christ the Savior was born. Visit merchants showing their wares, interact with local village people, see shepherds with their sheep and the wisemen’s camel ride. The experience ends at the manger where you will celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is an event you will not want to miss! FoundryChurch.org

14-15 P U T YO U R C IT Y O N O U R M A P. Start a magazine & build a legacy.

CY-CREEK FFA CHRISTMAS MARKET CFISD Exhibit Center

Life is short. Love what you do.

Come join us at the 18th Annual Cougar Christmas Market and

LifestylePubs.com/OwnIt

support the Cy-Creek FFA. More than 150 vendors with handmade, homemade, custom gifts, foods, clothing, artwork, home and yard decor. Free parking and admission.

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

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December 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

FINANCIAL BUZZ

Review the limits in your homeowner’s

RANDALL J BENZEL, CLF, LUTCF

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President/Principal

sions at least once a year. You need

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expert Tips on Homeowners Insurance

ENSURE YOU HAVE THE COVERAGE YOUR FAMILY NEEDS

ARTICLE RANDALL BENZEL 34

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2019

AllInsuredGroup.com

home, called the replacement value or replacement cost. And, you want to make sure your policy covers any major purchases or additions to your home.

Homeowners policies typically have dollar limits on how much you’ll receive to replace valuables such

Consider adding umbrella insurance. Whether it’s a serious car accident involving pricey medical bills or an incident on your property, you can

as furs, firearms, jewelry and home-

quickly find yourself responsible for dam-

based business property. These high-value

ages that exceed the limits on your auto,

items need to be covered as scheduled

homeowners or boat policies.

property on your homeowner policy to receive the full value of each item in the event of a loss.

Ask for discounts on bundling your

Homeowners

policies

will

cover

flooding only if it’s caused by a pipe or other system that breaks in your home. Protection against flooding

home and auto insurance. Most insur-

that originates from the outside must be

ance companies offer discounts for

covered by flood insurance. Don’t wait until

purchasing two or more policies. You

the next rain event to purchase flood protec-

can also get discounts for other things like

tion. FEMA has a mandatory 30-day waiting

adding a home security system.

period on all new flood policy purchases

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