JULY 2020
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
JULY 2020 PUBLISHER
Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Erica Hernandez | erica.hernandez@lifestylepubs.com PHOTO EDITOR
Shannon Valentine | shannon.valentine@lifestylepubs.com
Summer is heating up THE TEXAS HEAT IS HERE, CYPRESS! It’s time to power up the sprinkler, dip in the pool and maybe fire up the grill with some hot dogs. Goodbye, springtime florals and hello, breezy dresses, flip flops and sunscreen. And how could summer be complete without some icy popsicles?
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Bethany Alexander | bethany.alexander@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER
Whether you are planning a Fourth of July party or attending one, we have some not-so-average hot dog recipe combos to wow your friends. If you’re set on staying home, let freedom ring from your front porch with unique Fourth of July design ideas from Little Eclectic House. Wishing for a tropical island escape instead? Read all about travel consultant Mike Maglothin’s trip to a gorgeous Jamaican Sandals resort. Your own adventure just might be sooner than you think. Speaking of adventure. You don’t have to go all the way to Jamaica for an out-of-
Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erica Hernandez, Mike Maglothin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shannon Valentine | Lunalux, Mike Maglothin,
the-box sunset experience. Instead try a luxury picnic date night hosted by Fancy
CORPORATE TEAM
Picnics, a boutique picnic-delivery service. They bring a romantic experience to a
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
park or backyard near you. In these pages, you’ll also discover the inspiring stories of local residents and restaurants partnering to help first responders and those in need during the recent quarantine. Read about how their efforts have made a lasting difference, and as always don't forget to support your local eateries.
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Lastly, check out our must-do summer bucket list! We've curated a special list with eleven unique boredom-busting family activities to make the dog days of summer less, well, dogged. No matter what your plans might be this July, celebrate summertime and soak up the memories. ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA
Happy summer!
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ON THE COVER A patriotic porch by Little Eclectic House
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX 4
Cypress Lifestyle | July 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 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.
Resilient and strong for our patients and their families.
© 2020 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. BRAND_290398_20
Texas Children’s is dedicated to providing the very best for our patients and their families. That commitment remains stronger than ever today as we confront this current challenging and ever-changing situation. As always, we are proud to offer you the same great care you know and trust – now with the safest, most convenient ways to access it.
Appointments Available We are open and have availability for clinic and video visits. You can schedule a new appointment, reschedule an existing appointment to a sooner video visit and even add yourself to a wait list in MyChart.
Access to Care Texas Children’s looks forward to seeing you soon, either by video or in clinic: • Video visits – We are able to convert many clinic visits to video visits. If you have an appointment, the specialty clinic will contact you directly if a video visit is available. • Clinic visits – If you need to come in for a visit, we have taken every precaution to keep you and our staff safe. When you arrive, you will experience a health screening and be issued a mask, be surrounded by a clean environment, and treated with care by medical staff wearing the right protective gear and following the latest safety protocols.
Texas Children’s wants you to know that we are here to support you, serve as a trusted resource, and most importantly, continue to provide the health care children need. Please visit texaschildrens.org/appt to schedule your new or return visit today.
INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2020
FEATURES 18 Create Your Patriotic Porch Paradise Let Freedom Ring From Your Front Porch with Classic American Decor
20 Must-Do Summer Bucket List Bust the Summer Boredom Blues with These Hands-On Activities and Adventures
30 Sizzling Summer Hot Dog Recipes Rock Your Hot Dog Game with This Creative, Flavor-Packed Combos
20 30
32 Sunset Luxury Picnics Are Here Fancy Picnics Blends Nostalgia with Luxury
18
32
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
13
Travel Destination
18
Renovate & Refine
20 Our Town 26 Giving Back 30 Culinary Creations 32 Locals Only 34 DIY
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7
GOOD TIMES
Family Car Parade at Avanti Senior Living Towne Lake The families of the Assisted Living and Memory Care residents were treated to a Family Car Parade. It was tough for the residents who were not able to spend time with their loved ones during quarantine, but the parade allowed them to see their families from a distance and lifted their spirits. Avanti-SL.com
Experience the Bristol Park difference.
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Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
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AROUND TOWN the NASA High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program. NASA HUNCH allows high school students to build and design equipment that NASA uses for training and in space. Students chose projects to work on throughout the year depending on NASA’s needs. This year, students had several projects to choose from, including lunar dust brushes, lunar sleep racks, lunar wheels, and no heat shields. Bridgeland had two teams competing with lunar tongs designs: Trevor Bean and Blake Clark, and Luciana Canjura, Adrian Canterbury and Patrick McGoldrick. Cy-Springs Dylan Nguyen, Eric Mullens and Nicholas Rogers designed a lunar dust brush, and
LIFE FUND AND LOCAL RESTAURANTS FEED HEALTHCARE WORKERS Impact HUB Houston teamed with local restaurants to create LIFE Fund (Local Impact + Food Entrepreneurs) to support local businesses and feed the first responders and healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis. Through
constructed
lunar
wheels.
Cy-Woods Jaidan
Gomez, Carter Johnson and Caleb Shoemaker team up to create a lunar sleep rack.
HELPING HANDS LADIES OF CYPRESS DONATES 4500+ MASKS TO FIRST RESPONDERS
the generous contributions from donors, the LIFE
Helping Hands Ladies of Cypress usually knit
Fund is able to order food from participating
and crochet hats, scarves, blankets, and quilts for
restaurants and deliver meals to over 15 hospitals
the homeless, chemo patients, newborns, troops,
and clinics. Texadelphia, Vintage Park is one of the
and first responders. When they saw the need for
restaurants helping the effort and delivered meals
masks they sprang into action. Along with their “vil-
to Houston Methodist Willowbrook. To support
lage of volunteers” including local seamstresses,
local restaurants while feeding healthcare workers
ANN’s Tailor Cypress, Cypress Women’s Club
visit BetterUnite.com/LifeFund.
(material), Sheet Metal Works Local #54 (nose
SPORTS AND ORTHOPEDICS DOCTOR OPENS MOVEMENT EVOLUTION IN CYPRESS
pieces), Houston-based Air Filters, Inc. (HEPA filters), and the many monetary donations received, they have delivered over 4500 masks. The list of recipients includes Ronald McDonald House, Harris
Dr. Adeeb Khalfe helps athletes and active adults
County Sheriff’s Office, Reach Unlimited, Camp
improve their mobility, strength, and reduce pain
Hope, Ballard House in Katy, Houston Methodist
at his new Cypress office on Fry Rd. near Black
Willowbrook, Cypress EMS and a host of other first
Horse Ranch. His clients include teenagers trying
responders and medical facilities. HHLOCTX.com
to reduce risk of injury, high-level athletes looking to improve performance, and active adults who want to maintain a healthy without nagging aches
CFISD SCHOOL NURSES MAKE MASKS FOR COLLEAGUES
and pains. Dr. Khalfe, who is dual Board Certified
More than 30 CFISD school nurses, licensed
in Sports & Orthopedics, is also a team physical
practical nurses and clinic assistants made more
therapist for the Houston Texans, as well as lead
than 500 masks for nutrition service and other
faculty at the Institute for Athlete Regeneration.
CFISD employees to help protect themselves
MovementEvo.com
during the COVID-19 outbreak. Rennell Elementary
CFISD ENGINEERING STUDENTS’ DESIGNS SELECTED AS NASA HUNCH FINALISTS
10
Gerardo Skrut, Austin Brewer and Julian Macfie
School nurse Jenise Galey spearheaded the project after meeting with other nurses about ways to help fellow employees. The group wanted to make
Engineering students from CFISD high schools
masks and distribute them to employees who were
had their equipment designs selected as finalists in
working the most with the public. Director of Health
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
Services Christiane Bernal suggested donating 300 masks to nutrition services. In addition, 220 masks were donated to school administration and other campus employees that needed them. Galey delivered masks to Assistant Director of Nutrition Lisa Colbert. Colbert and other district supervisors took masks to the 19 CFISD campuses serving curbside meals and the food production center so employees could choose which mask they wanted.
LSC-CYFAIR CHOSEN AMONG 11 NATIONWIDE TO HOST NASA STEM PROGRAM Lone Star College-CyFair awarded a new NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) grant and will partner with agency for a series of NASA-themed STEM activities to be held on the campus in 2021. Chosen as one of 11 minority-serving institutions in the nation, LSC-CyFair will use the $25,000 grant to create a program incorporating the evidence-based NCAS model on campus in an effort to draw more diverse scholars into the science, technology, engineering and math fields. In past years, LSC-CyFair has had several students
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chosen to participate in the NCAS program, in which students complete a 5-week online course followed with a four-day team project at NASA sites across the nation. The NCAS program provides connections for students with NASA-affiliated labs, museums, industry partners and NASA internships. Freshman and sophomore students completing the scholars program receive a hands-on, collaborative engineering experience with NASA content and relationships with experts in the STEM field early in their college careers. LoneStar.edu/CyFair
Debbie Benzel
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Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
TRAVEL DESTINATION
DAR E T O DREA M OF A T RO PIC A L PARADI SE VACAT I O N
ARTICLE MIKE MAGLOTHIN
PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE MAGLOTHIN | PROVIDED BY SANDALS RESORTS
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF JAMAICA FOR A LONG WEEKEND CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
13
TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)
I AM GOING STIR CRAZY AS I AM SURE MANY OF
spent part of every year writing his James Bond novels
YOU ARE. Those who travel feel that a piece of them-
on the island. In fact, Dr. No and Live and Let Die were
selves is missing, hung in a closet stamped “Pandemic”.
both filmed there.
I look at pictures from previous travel adventures and
There are many great resorts in Jamaica, but my
sigh, all the while knowing this too shall pass. We must
favorite, and where I’m headed first, is a Sandals
not let it keep up us from daring to dream about white
resort. Sandals claims it’s the only “all-inclusive, luxury
sand beaches and crystal blue oceans.
Included” resort brand and from what I have seen it is
One of the first places I plan to go is a tropical par-
true. From premium liquors to service (you can have
adise relatively close to home. The island of Jamaica is
a butler!) it’s a great place to stay. I also feel safer
a place of rich history, some of the best beaches in the
with Sandals. Sandals looked at each of the major
world, blue mountains, rum, and pirates. Wait.. Pirates?
contact points with customers starting with arrival,
The Spaniards were the first to conquer Jamaica, then
and ending with departure, and put processes in place
the English. The English encouraged privateers, more
to keep everything clean and safe. Sandals has eight
often called Buccaneers, to make Port Royal their home.
resorts in Jamaica. I asked Hunter Smith, the business
The Buccaneers obliged them. Port Royal was one of
development manager of Sandals in the south “why
the most notorious ports in the world. Perhaps you’ve
so many resorts in Jamaica?”. He replied, “In Jamaica,
heard of Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Henry Morgan?
we have six 5-star Sandals resorts for couples and two
In exchange for a safe haven, the pirates raided Spanish
5-star beaches resorts for everyone. From the famous
ships, ports, and cities. You can still take a trip back to
seven-mile beach in Negril to the Blue Mountains in
the pirate days on a tour of Port Royal or Calico Jack’s
Ocho Rios, Jamaica has something for everyone to
island. Henry Morgan was knighted by King Charles
love.” There are so many things to do, from ziplining to
in 1674 and lives on today in your local liquor store as
4 wheeling through the jungle, from swimming on the
Captain Morgan Rum.
beach to doing dives in the ocean, Jamaica satisfies
Jamaica has one of the highest numbers of rum bars per capita, as well as several rum manufactures where you can book a tour. It also has one of the highest num-
everyone’s idea of a good time. I challenge you to dare to dream as I share my own, long weekend dream vacation with my wife, Joyce.
bers of churches per capita. Reminds me of Texas! God and “to go” margaritas. Heaven knows we have needed
OUR VIRTUAL DARE TO DREAM VACATION
that at times this past year!
14
The island is one of the most laid back and passionate
PRE-TRIP: Each Sandals resort is unique, and you need
places I’ve visited. Home to Bob Marley, who famously
to choose one based on your desires and your budget. I
sang, “Don’t worry about a thing ‘cause every little thing
have been to all of them. Some have over water bunga-
gonna be alright,” the pace of life there makes it easy
lows, which are amazing but a little bit out of my budget.
for travelers relax. Another famous figure, Ian Fleming,
Several resorts have butlers, who can make your stay so
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
much easier, but this time we will forgo the butler and
check-in and head out to stick our toes in the water.
wait for a special occasion. We want to lay back, but
The waters in the Caribbean are so clear and either tur-
also have things to do on the property. We like a private
quoise or a deep blue. We are already on the beach, and
pool and a choice of restaurants. Sandals Negril and
because my beautiful wife loves seafood, we head to
Sandals Ochi fit, but I love, love, LOVE the speakeasy
Neptunes, a seafood restaurant right on the beach and
at Ochi.
one of the 16 dining options at the Ochi resort. Ocean breeze, gentle waves, good food, and a beautiful wife,
THURSDAY: I’m not a morning person, but I also don’t
this really is paradise.
like to miss my first day at the resort so we are getting up early so we can arrive in Montego Bay around noon
FRIDAY: We have a leisurely breakfast including
and get to our resort before 2 pm. I don’t like plane rides
Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountain Coffee, then it is
anymore, but the closer we get to landing in Montego
time for our first adventure. It’s called the Honeymoon
Bay, the more excited I become. I pay the price for Club
Horseback Beach ride, but it’s not just for honeymoon-
Mobay to accelerate us through customs and provide
ers. My wife is excellent on the back of a horse. I can
a lounge if we have to wait. It’s definitely worth it. We
mostly hang on. We get to see several of the Great
get through the lines quickly and are on our way for the
Houses and sugar factory ruins from 500 years ago. We
90-minute ride to paradise. We arrive, take care of our
ride on through wooded areas where the original island CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
15
TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)
“THE ISLAND IS ONE OF THE MOST LAID BACK AND PASSIONATE PLACES I’VE VISITED.” inhabitants hunted for food, and then the
venue where you can stand or sit, have pre-
coup de gras, a ride through the waves on
mium liquor and listen to Jazz. On this night
horseback, awesome! We enjoy dinner at
“Momma” is there to entertain us. Momma
the resort’s Italian restaurant, Valentino’s, a
does it right. Her clothes, her songs, and her
walk on the beach then we’re ready to relax.
style all draw you into the prohibition era. Definitely my favorite thing of the trip.
SATURDAY: We are adjusting to the slower pace of our surroundings. We spend some
SUNDAY: I cannot believe it is time to
time kayaking, grab a late lunch, and take
leave already! We get loaded up and are on
a nap, leaving the sliding door open so we
our 90-minute journey back to the airport.
can hear the ocean. Dinner at Kimonos, the
Waiting in the airport we enjoy food, drinks,
resort’s Japanese restaurant where they
and Wi-Fi courtesy of Club Mobay. We get
cook at your table, is delicious and entertain-
home and smile knowing we created memo-
ing. Sated and rested, the nightlife is about
ries and nourished our soul.
to begin!! Sandals Ochi has a speakeasy.
I hope you have enjoyed this look at
Yes, an honest to goodness, prohibition era,
Jamaica. When you are ready to travel again,
speakeasy. If you show up at The Rabbit
Jamaica will be waiting for you.
Hole without the password, they will not let you in. Luckily just about every crewmem-
Mike Maglothin is a travel consultant and can
ber at the resort knows the password. The
be contacted at Michael.Maglothin@cruise-
Rabbit Hole is an intimate entertainment
planners.com
16
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
Mike Maglothin
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RENOVATE & REFINE
LET FREEDOM RING FROM YOUR FRONT PORCH WITH THIS CLASSIC AMERICAN DECOR
C R E AT E YO U R PAT R I O T I C P O R C H PA R A D I S E McBeth from Little Eclectic House, a quaint home decor and fashion boutique, to pull together just the right look. “I wanted the patriotic porch to have a comfortable relaxed feel,” Shellie says. “So I chose pieces to bring that feel to life.” Shellie brought together vintage pieces from her shop, greenery, furniture and even fresh watermelon slices to make this design something the neighbors would be sure to ogle over. Of course, what patriotic design would be complete without a
ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ
THAT’S BOTH FESTIVE AND COZY. This month we teamed up with Shellie
PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE
CREATE YOUR OWN PATRIOTIC FOURTH OF JULY PORCH PARADISE
vintage Old Glory for all to see? Shellie draped an aged American flag across two white columns for an eye-catching background to unify her theme. And though this look is clearly Americana, it’s versatile enough to keep in place all summer long. For homeowners looking to create their own patriotic porch design, Shellie recommends choosing an “anchor piece” and then building a look around that item. In this case, her anchor piece is a bright red porch swing adorned with comfy blue pillows. A scuffed vintage bench offers a place to hold drinks - or watermelon slices - and pops of yellow and green plant life give the space a refreshing feel.
ABOUT LITTLE ECLECTIC HOUSE
Shellie wheeled in a rustic bright-yellow cart to hold sprawling ferns, a picnic
This curious-little shop is located inside a
basket and a white lantern. A few crisp American stick flags unified the patriotic
restored 100-year-old home along Mueschke
theme from one side of the porch to the other. Shellie says the look is quite sim-
Road. Owner Shellie McBeth carefully
ple to put together since finding patriotic decorations is fairly easy. Local grocery
curates her wares from local vendors, auc-
stores often carry common American-themed decor like pillows or flags. For more
tions and online boutiques. She stocks cus-
the rustic, nostalgic pieces that make this design unique, though, you’ll have to
tom furniture, jewelry, clothing and gifts.
head over to Little Eclectic House. “A lot of the pieces that were used were definitely one-of-a-kind pieces,” Shellie says. “A lot are not made in mass production.” 18
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
Facebook.com/LittleEclecticHouse 15515 Mueschke Road Cypress 281-256-6242
A vintage red bicycle gives a nod to summertime bike rides of yesteryear.
Light up your porch space with a new lantern. The bright white look contrasts neatly against the rusted yellow cart. A festive starry ribbon adds just the right patriotic touch.
Gardening boots are handy to keep the summertime soil on the porch and out of the house. CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
19
OUR TOWN
must-do summer bucket list BUST THE SUMMER BOREDOM BLUES WITH THESE HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES
ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ
THE TEXAS SUMMER IS HEATING UP AND THE FAMILY MIGHT BE ITCHING TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. And while the heat may seem endless, that doesn’t mean your days need to be boring. That’s why we’ve created this summer bucket list which combines classic childhood games, newer trends and visits to local not-so-average hangouts. Liven up your summer with these fun, boredom-busting, hands-on activities. Try a few with the kids or do some with just the grown-ups. See how many you can get done!
Pet a Llama or Alpaca #1
Find a furry new friend at Figment Ranch.
These no-drama llamas and alpacas are gentle but curious creatures that entertain visitors of all ages. Alpaca’s fluffy coats make them ideal for petting while llamas sensitive nature can relax even the most anxious visitor. Take a tour of this peaceful property and meet animal friends such as pot-bellied pigs, turkeys, emus and a dog-sized tortoise. FigmentRanch.com
20
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
Make a DIY Masterpiece #2
Let your inner creativity shine with an AR Workshop
project. The boutique DIY craft studio offers hands-on classes for creating painted wooden signs, custom wall hangings and home decor. Learn to knit, design a doormat or pick up a to-go DIY kit to keep the kids entertained at home. ARWorkshop.com/Cypress
Backyard Camping #3
Grab your tent and get those ghost stories ready.
Hosting a backyard campout is an easy way to keep the family entertained and enjoy the outdoors. Pack sandwiches, sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights and bug spray as if you are truly headed into nature. Make it feel like an authentic campout! Create a rule to stay outside and keep the cellphones in the house. Plan a scavenger hunt, tell ghost stories, roll out a blanket and stare at the stars.
Plant a Mini Herb Garden #4
Grab some pots and get growing. Find small contain-
ers with pre-drilled holes at the bottom for drainage. Opt for a glass container such as a mason jar if you’d like to watch your plant’s roots expand. Choose herbs that won’t get too bushy such as basil, parsley or chives. Use fresh potting soil and lightly mix in fertilizer to give your plants an extra boost. A sunny kitchen window is often the best location for growing herbs. Once the plants have matured they’ll be within easy reach when you’re cooking up a fresh meal.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
21
OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)
Hike the Woods #5
Step out into nature at the Kleb Woods Nature
Preserve. Hike one of their trails or learn about the property’s unique past. The preserve was formerly the homestead of Elmer Kleb, the great-grandson of German immigrants who settled this section of Harris County in the 1840s. Elmer inherited the property from his father who was a farmer. Rather than farm the land, however, Elmer chose to live on the property without utilities, planting trees and caring for wildlife instead. He never paid taxes, however, and soon found himself embroiled in legal battles to keep the property. Eventually, the county purchased part of his property and created the preserve that exists today. Pct3.com/ Parks/Kleb-Woods-Nature-Preserve-Center
Made-from-Scratch Slime #6
Use school glue, baking soda, food coloring and contact
solution to make your own slimy creation. Empty a 4 oz. bottle of school glue and a ½ tablespoon of baking soda into a bowl and mix. Add food coloring until you get the color you like. Make your slime sparkly by adding glitter. Add 1 tablespoon of contact solution and mix until everything becomes more solid. Take the slime out of the bowl and knead everything with your hands. Add ¼ tablespoon of contact solution to make the slime less sticky.
Freeze Homemade Popsicles #7
Chill out with this simple homemade popsicle rec-
ipe. Add one pound of fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped), 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and ½ cup of sugar into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Pour into a popsicle mold and freeze overnight or until solid.
Harvest Local Peaches #8
Experience fresh fruit at a whole new level. Taste ripe,
locally-grown peaches you pick yourself at Harvest Season Farm. The farm, formerly known as Matt Family Orchard, offers buckets, wagons, shears and
22
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
pruners for harvesters to pluck their own produce straight from the tree. July is peach season, but the farm also offers nearly year-round harvesting for fresh fruits. Picking hours vary depending on the season and crop. HarvestSeasonFarm.com
Watch a Drive-thru Movie #9
Take a cruise out to Hockley, park your car and watch
a family-friendly film on a giant outdoor screen. The Showboat Drive-in Theater on Farm to Market 2920 is a place to watch the sunset, munch popcorn and enjoy feature films from times gone by. Movies change weekly, so be sure to check the company’s website for the latest show schedule. TheShowboatDrivein.com
Recycle Old Crayons #10
Use a candy mold or muffin tin to reshape your kids’
old Crayons into colorful fun shapes like stars, letters or arrows. Remove all the paper from broken Crayons and toss the broken pieces into a mold or tin. If using a silicone mold, be sure to set it atop a cookie tray for stability. Melt the Crayons in a preheated oven at 275 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Remove and wait at least 20 minutes for your new creations to completely cool. You can also let the Texas heat do the melting job for you. Set a metal tin filled with the broken Crayons outside on a day hotter than 90 degrees. Check regularly until all the pieces melt together.
Water Balloon Games #11
Beat the summer heat with water balloon games. Use
rapid-filling, self-sealing balloons such Bunch O Balloons
“Liven up your summer with these fun, boredom-busting, hands-on activities.”
to fill your balloons much easier. Hold a water balloon relay where kids sit on a balloon and pop it before running to a finish line. Play water balloon volleyball by setting up a net or barrier. Divide into two teams and give each team a towel to use to toss the balloon back and forth until a team drops the balloon. Play water balloon hot potato where the last person holding the balloon when the music ends must smash it over their head.
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
23
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Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
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25
GIVING BACK CYPRESS GROUP BRINGS RESTAURANT-STYLE MEALS AND GROCERIES TO FIRST RESPONDERS AND THOSE IN NEED ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE
26
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
FEEDING HOPE TO THOSE IN NEED WHEN METTA ARCHILLA-ISHIDA STARTED CYPRESS AREA
lost jobs or were financially struggling. While the team could not pay
EATS ON FACEBOOK, SHE KNEW IT WOULD BE MORE THAN
utility bills or donate cash directly, their deliveries often offered a
JUST ANOTHER ONLINE FOODIE GROUP.
semblance of hope during a bleak season.
The group connects more than 10,000 Cypress residents who
“We can put food in the bellies of the hungry,” says Metta. “We can
post restaurant reviews, photos of home-cooked recipes and dining
give people hope, and sometimes food hope is just as important as
experiences. Lately, however, it’s been the driving force behind an
anything else.”
organic volunteer effort aimed at delivering meals and necessities to more than 1,000 people in quarantine. “This COVID-19 is just another example of how our food group comes to support the community through its membership,” Metta says.
The group brought together volunteers from all walks of life. Some were stay-at-home workers unaffected by quarantine and others were parents who juggled child care and family life with volunteer work.
During the height of the coronavirus quarantine, volunteers dis-
Metta herself works from home full-time, cares for her elderly
tributed bags of groceries and even restaurant-style meals to needy
mother, runs a pie-baking side business and manages the team’s
families, elderly, those with health complications and first respond-
volunteer efforts. Another volunteer, Cassie Foe, a mom who was
ers. In early March, Metta posted a call for volunteers to help with
recently laid off, chose to help the group by making cards, delivering
the effort. She was quickly met with a team of workers who took food
cookies and giving cash.
and basic supplies like masks or latex gloves right to the doorstep of shut-in residents and first responders. The group was lovingly dubbed the Care Team.
“A lot of people have been laid off or their businesses are suffering. They’re still donating,” she says. Home bakers, caterers and local eateries also sponsored weekly
Among the first to volunteer was Wade Fox. Wade, a financial
efforts by donating their produce or items from their menu. Land of a
worker, did everything from grill hamburgers to purchase pet food
Thousand Hills in Towne Lake donated hot coffee, Nyam Nyam Cafe
for a dog whose owner was in quarantine. “You just don’t understand
and Country Cottage Sweets handled desserts, 2920 Roadhouse
people’s struggle until you’re involved in it,” Wade says.
donated pasta and potato salads while Creekwood Grill served
And while many folks were finding ways to self-isolate, these
up burgers during one recent delivery. Copper Kettle Chocolate
volunteers put on their masks and got moving. Drivers went as far
Factory added a sweet twist with specialty chocolate designs made
away as Kingwood or the Woodlands to respond to requests. They
for first-responders. The shop designed and donated chocolate fire
delivered supplies to sick children, disabled adults and people who’d
trucks, badges and walkie-talkie radios.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
27
GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)
“You could sit around and get depressed or you could go out and do something,” says Carrie Kossoudji, one of the owners of Copper Kettle Chocolate Factory. To help with the effort, the store also accepted canned goods, cleaning supplies and cash. Within days of announcing itself as a donation drop-off location, Copper Kettle’s customers took action. One customer even walked in, checkbook in hand, and wrote a check for $200 to help with food purchases. As quarantine restrictions began to ease in May, deliveries slowed from several times a week to just weekends. The group then shifted its focus to feeding first-responders. Volunteers delivered hot meals to hungry hospital staffers, nurses at retirement homes, firefighters and constables. Their deliveries were met with smiles and thanks from those who could not easily leave their jobs or venture to get a hot lunch or snack. This is not the first time the group has rallied together in the midst of an emergency. During the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey the group fed more than 3,000 meals to first responders. Volunteers operated from a mobile kitchen and relied on daily donations to purchase supplies and cook massive amounts of food. Metta says the recent effort shows her how much help people need in the Cypress community. At the same time, she says, there are many willing, hard-working people who are ready to fill the need. “As ugly as the world can be,” Metta says. “It is also met with equal beauty and that is a very fine thing.” Metta plans to eventually wind down the Care Team and refocus on the Cypress Area Eats annual September food drive. The drive is in collaboration with Cy-Fair Helping Hands which services needy families. Last year, Cypress Area Eats collected more than 4,000 pounds of food. The goal this year is 6,000 pounds of food. And though the Care Team may be hanging up their aprons for the season, volunteers and businesses will still be ready to deploy just in case the need arises again. 28
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
Metta Archilla-Ishida
CARE TEAM BUSINESS SPONSORS
+ Creekwood Grill + 2020 Roadhouse + Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Shop + Copper Kettle Chocolate Factory + Country Cottage Sweets + Nyam Nyam Cafe + On Metta’s Fork + Taza Mediterranean + Kaffe Spot Coffee Shop + Fajita Pete’s + Half Baked Cookie Company + Food Town - Cypress + Cy-Fair Helping Hands + Tea for Two Tearoom + Harvest Pharmacy - Cypress + Rockwell Grill - Food Truck + Cupcake Cowgirls + Texas Mesquite Grill + Lisa Benoit Real Estate + 2 Guys 1 Pit BBQ + The Union Kitchen Boardwalk Towne Lake + Jersey Bagels CARE TEAM VOLUNTEERS
+ Metta Archilla + Lisa Johnson + Keri Holloway + Carrie Kossoudji + Wade Patrick + Cassandra Kay + Melinda Bodukoglu
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
29
CULINARY CREATIONS
ROCK YOUR HOT DOG GAME WITH THESE CREATIVE, FLAVORPACKED COMBOS ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX
RYAN SALVAGGIO LIKES TO PUSH HIS CREATIVE
CULINARY
BOUNDARIES.
One of his recent creations includes a cuttlefish-ink potato gnocchi topped with spicy sausage and cooked shrimp. A hefty splash of homemade lemon-butter cream sauce was Ryan’s final touch. The Cypress dad cooks something special just about every night for his young daughter and documents his creations on Facebook. This month, Ryan offers his unique twist on the hot-dog season with these edgy culinary combinations.
Sizzling
30
summer
Hot Dog Recipes
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
INGREDIENTS + Nathan’s Famous original dog, wrapped in bacon and deep-fried
+ Mango chutney + Deep-fried chickpeas seasoned with lime zest and smoked paprika
+ Fresh cilantro + Dash of Scotch bonnet
Indian Flare Dog.
pepper sauce.
INGREDIENTS + Hickory-smoked jalapeño boudin + Seasoned crawfish + Blistered tomatoes + Seasoned sauteed okra
INGREDIENTS + Two Hebrew National dogs grilled and glazed with oyster sauce
+ Seaweed salad topping + Kimchi + Dash of sriracha sauce
INGREDIENTS + Nathan’s Famous original dog, deep-fried
+ Hickory-smoked poblano pepper + Pickled red onion + Habanero slices + Poblano jalapeño cream sauce
Cajun dog.
As i a n fusion dog. Poblano dog. CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
31
LOCALS ONLY ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE
Enjoy a Fancy Picnic Date Night BOUTIQUE BUSINESS BLENDS NOSTALGIA WITH LUXURY 32
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020
IT’S SUNSET IN BRIDGELAND AND
romantic picnic spread. Brenda designs,
with the best view, sets a table and dec-
A NEATLY-DRESSED COUPLE TAKES
delivers and hauls away each themed pic-
orates the space with matching rugs,
TURNS FEEDING EACH OTHER GRAPES.
nic experience for clients all over Cypress
pillows and tableware. She rounds out
They’re perched on pillows and eat cheese
and Houston.
the experience with catered snacks like
cubes from porcelain plates. Their tiny table
There’s a nostalgic simplicity to luxury
is brimming with fresh flowers and a bottle
picnics. The picnics allow people to enjoy
of wine. Nearby, a dainty teepee beckons
conversation, a view and snacks free from
the couple to either take Instagram selfies or
modern distractions.
crawl inside for a catnap.
cheese platters or specialty cookies decorated to fit the occasion. Brenda offers setups for date nights, engagement parties, bridal showers - even
“It’s all about reconnecting,” she says.
surprise proposals. Most of her picnics are
Forget the picnic basket and checkered
“(It’s) doing something that has been going
in public parks, but she also offers private
blanket. This modern picnic spread is all
on a long time but people don’t do it because
backyard or indoor setups. Prices start at
about the luxury experience.
of technology.”
$149 for a date night. She even offers to-go
“It’s pretty much about creating mem-
Brenda, a hospitality management and
picnic baskets stocked with plates, snacks,
ories and experiences they won’t forget,”
marketing student at the University of
fresh flowers and wine glasses for those
says Brenda Vilchis, owner of Fancy
Houston, pays attention to every picnic
who wish to DIY their experience.
Picnics, the boutique company behind this
detail. She carefully scouts out locations
www.FancyPicnicsHouston.com CityLifestyle.com/Cypress 33
DIY ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN
beat the summer heat
P E AC H Y K E E N . + Combine simply peach juice and sliced peaches TEA TIME: Change it up by using sweet tea and peach juice as your base and some ginger ale for a little fizz or add some lemonade for a tart twist!
COOL OFF THIS SEASON WITH THESE CHILLING ICE POPS
AS THE WEATHER STARTS HEATING UP, WE’RE ALL ABOUT
S T R AW - B R R -Y. + Puree strawberries with your favorite fruit juice LIME IT UP: Combine pureed strawberries with homemade limeade (water, limes + simple syrup) for a frozen twist on a summer classic.
H 2 0 M E LO N .
COOLING DOWN. And what’s more refreshing than ice pops
+ Combine watermelon,
filled with your favorite fresh fruit? Don’t get in a rut—here are
cucumber and lime
some options that you can enjoy all summer long. Don’t be afraid to try your own! Simply freeze your favorite fruit juice and chunks
HYDRATION STATION:
of fruit in popsicle molds and enjoy. Here are some of our favorites.
Did you know watermelon and cucumber are two of the most hydrating fruits + veggies? Load it up!
frozen fruit pops 34
Cypress Lifestyle | July 2020