Porter, TX March 2024

Breathe New Life Into Your Home

Home Life

In the rhythm of our daily lives, there is a place that holds a variety of emotions, memories, and a sense of belonging — home. So much meaning in a small, four-letter word. To me, home is a mix of several things. Home is more than a physical space; it's a sanctuary where stories unfold, laughter echoes, and the heartbeat of a family creates a comforting melody. A backdrop for shared meals, celebrations, and the quiet moments that shape us. While the specifics may vary for each of us, the importance of home is a shared sentiment.

Beyond the confines of our houses, home extends to the communities we inhabit. Whether nestled in the heart of a bustling city or embraced by the tranquility of the countryside, the spirit of home is integrated into our surroundings. We explore the notion that home is not merely a location but a feeling — the warmth of a familiar street, and the shared experiences that build a sense of place.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you'll experience a sense of inspiration and connection to the people who have shared images and insights on how to enhance your home and living space. Perhaps you have been wanting to remodel a space or declutter and scrub an area in your home. We hope this month's issue ignites a little creativity.

"Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends always belong, and laughter never ends." - Unknown

Warm regards,

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city scene

1: Congratulations to the The Porter Spartans racking up another district win! 2: Enjoying the aftermath of the 2024 Freeze. 3: The Houstons have settled in their beautiful Lennar home in The Highlands by Caldwell Communities. 4: NCHS Lady Eagles Softball hosted a youth clinic and home run derby. 5: Taking nature walks in the neighborhood can lead to big surprises. 6: West Fork High School Agriculture representing at the New Caney ISD Ag barn. 7: Angela with Pout Medspa and Stephanie with Blo Bar Kingwood host their first Pop Up!

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Capturing the Season’s Essence: Vibrant Photos, Nature’s Beauty Gracefully Unfolds.

Casey’s passion for photography ignited with her second child’s arrival. Driven to preserve precious moments, she became determined not to miss any fleeting stages— whether it was the snugly newborn, giggling 6-month-old, or wobbly first walker. Immersing herself in photography, Casey absorbed knowledge from books, workshops, and conferences. Recognizing that today’s moments become tomorrow’s memories, her mission is to help others capture these irreplaceable moments in life. Secure your spot for a delightful springtime experience. www.threelittlechickadees.com

The Beach is Calling

It’s not too late to plan your summer travel, and LTW Travel is the BEST resource to utilize when trying to start. Family, Adult Only, Groups, Destination Weddings, Europe, Hawaii, AllInclusive, Cruises, Adventure Focused... they have a specialist for each niche. Whatever you’re wanting to do, they’re going to be able to help. Reach out now to get your Summer, Winter, and Fall travel plans on the books: (833) 698-7471, or visit ltwtraveldesign.com!

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Tax Season is Upon Us

We are so excited to announce our newest partner,  MBS Income Tax Pa and Latino services just in time for tax season! Speaking both English and Spanish, and with more than 25 years in the business, Martha knows the answers! Located right on 1314 towards 494, her office is easy to find! Give them a call or shoot them an email today to set up an appointment. Give them a call today: (281) 883-2993

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From Battlefield to Dream Home

““Tell Theresa I love her, and that I’m sorry to my team for getting hurt.”

Love stories don’t always have the romantic beginnings of a Hallmark movie, but as the journey unfolds, life is captivating, adventurous, and full of allure. This is true for CPL Matthew Houston and his wife, Theresa. As a recipient of a home through a partnership with The Highlands by Caldwell Communities, Lennar, and Helping a Hero, The Houstons are proud new members of EMC after a precarious start.

Matthew Houston, hailing from Washington State, was raised with a love of sports and a passion for the outdoors. He often found solace in the woods, either hunting or fishing. Initially, his post-high school plans led him to work as an HVAC technician. While enclosed in a crawl space, installing a heating system, the radio blurted of the attack on America. September 11th changed the course of his life at that moment, and Matthew decided to join the Army and defend his homeland.

His journey began in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where Matthew trained as a Military Police Officer (MPO). Transitioning to Fort Hood, Texas, he joined the 64th Military Police Company (720th MP BN). On his first day, in the vast company building, he encountered a spirited female soldier named Theresa. Little did he know, that encounter marked the beginning of a significant chapter in his life. She left quite an impression on him.

Theresa’s journey began in Freeport, Pennsylvania, a small town offering limited prospects. After graduating high school, she sought an escape, and found her path in the U.S. Army. Following training also at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, she joined the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea before being stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, with the 64th MP Co… the scene of serendipity.

Theresa and Matthew were assigned to the same platoon and began an unexpected journey, eventually finding themselves amid the trials and bonds of

wartime in Iraq. Their story started on March 19th, 2003, as they embarked on a grueling 16-hour drive into Iraq with a convoy. By April 8th, amidst the capture of Baghdad, Matthew celebrated his 21st birthday with Theresa by his side. They continued to push north to dismantle Saddam Hussein’s regime.

In May 2003, their platoon established a base in Samarra, the most perilous area they’d been yet. Amidst daily Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and mortar attacks, the squad earned the Combat Action Badge. Through the chaos, Theresa and Matthew found themselves at odds. Recognizing the need for cohesion, their Platoon Sergeant tasked them with a weeklong mission at a prisoner camp. This experience forged an unbreakable bond. During a last-minute mission, Theresa’s vehicle was hit by an IED. Anxious moments passed for Matthew until her return. Theresa suffered neurological issues and migraines from the blast that she still manages today. However, she was, and continues to be resilient. In those trying times, their connection deepened, setting the stage for a shared journey through the trials of war and, ultimately, life beyond the battlefield.

On November 14th, 2003, their Platoon faced orders to relocate the area due to escalating attacks. Whilst preparing for a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) duty, news of a mortar attack near their perimeter emerged. Frantically, Matthew gathered equipment from the Communications Tent. He rushed to his squad and noticed the 50-caliber machine gun needed to be secured, but an explosion enveloped him. Deafened, blinded, and with a warm sensation pulsing in his leg, Matthew fumbled to respond. A comrade grabbed his troop strap and pulled him to safety, revealing his partially severed leg. He was later evacuated to Tikrit where further procedures ensued.

In December of 2004, Theresa flew to Texas. The reunion cemented their commitment as they navigated the uncertainties that arose from Matthew’s injuries. March 3, 2004, was the end of their unit’s Iraq duty. The Army transferred Matthew to Fort Sam Houston for extensive medical care of his leg. He endured 22 surgeries from November 2003 to December 2004. Despite efforts to salvage it, a staph infection forced an amputation above the knee. This decision was tough, especially with their first child expected in February 2005. In true soldier fashion, three weeks post-amputation, Matthew courageously stood on a prosthetic, holding Cheyenne, his new and first unconditional love.

Less than one year later, on August 15, 2005, Matthew was medically retired as a Corporal, equipped with a robotic leg. Over the next 17 years, their family, which grew by two more children, navigated relocations and life with 100% disability. Their most recent home in Huffman posed mobility challenges which prompted outreach to charities. There had to be a solution.

Helping A Hero responded unexpectedly and surprised them with a fully accessible Lennar home during a live TV broadcast on the Great Day Houston morning show with Deborah Duncan.

After visiting just about every community in the surrounding Houston area to no avail, The Highlands by Caldwell Communities in Porter, Texas popped up. As soon as they drove in, everyone became excited. The thought, “This Is Home,” permeated through Matthew’s mind. The Houstons found solace in the natural surroundings of The Highlands by Caldwell Communities. They quickly integrated, forged connections with neighbors, and found ways to contribute to the community.

Since 2012, Matthew has volunteered over 20,000 hours for Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp. Going back to his roots, Matthew found his purpose, and is the owner of RAM RODS Custom Fishing Rods with Theresa. Their mission is not just to build exceptional rods, but also give back to the community by supporting fellow veterans in outdoor adventures. Their love of helping merged with their love for the outdoors, and now they’re eager to volunteer and connect with local heroes interested in fishing or hunting. Helping a Hero, Lennar, and The Highlands by Caldwell Communities are all huge impactors of the current life the Houstons are living, right here in Porter, Texas.

Welcome Home, Houston Family!

GATHERING IN STYLE

Unveiling the Perfect Venue for Corporate Events

One of the most important elements of a successful business is having a company culture to be proud of, and taking a team off-site from typical surroundings and distractions can be just the mental restart needed. Located deep in the heart of (Porter) Texas,  The Pines at Porter  is the perfect place to host meeting summits, holiday celebrations, or team-building activities.

Whether presenting the latest financials from the podium, planning the next project in small breakout groups, or hosting a luncheon for 200 attendees, this venue has it covered with topof-the-line audio and video including an overhead projector,

hi-speed wi-fi, and 32-speaker system. Since opening in 2023, the owners have taken pride in the new facility, providing personalized customer service and event coordination, ensuring that every detail is perfect.

The Pines at Porter is a beautiful escape on acreage with plenty of amenities and a tranquil outdoor patio. Perfect for all seasons and celebration types, the venue offers a fully functional kitchen and plenty seating. Bring in catering or ask for a list of preferred vendors. Be sure to check out  thepinesatporter.com for the next business or family event.

Transforming Spaces

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

To many, art is considered taking something less than appealing, and making it beautiful. Often when people think of art, they think of painters, sculptors, perhaps even leatherworkers. Someone who is proficient at their art and creates beauty through their chosen medium. Home remodeling takes skill, imagination, and creativity to take something that is not particularly appealing and turn it into something awe inspiring. At Frazier’s Remodeling, that art is their passion, and something they have spent years honing and perfecting. They love remodeling a home and watching their customers fall in love with it all over again.

Chris Frazier, owner of Frazier’s Remodeling, loves what he does. However, his start in the world of construction was less than desired. As a young child living in Nevada, Chris was forced to work in drywalling in lieu of focusing on his education. Despite this pressure, he successfully graduated high school, which was a priority for him even if it was deemed unimportant by those who raised him. Chris moved to live with his older brother in California after graduating and began to look for employment. He ended up back in the drywall world due to his knowledge and experience… something he never wanted to do again. While in California, he met his wife Allysa, who also came from a construction-heavy family background.

Covered in mud, with tape and screws in hand, Chris was approached by one of his employer’s clients, stating that she really enjoyed working with him and thought he was incredibly talented, but didn’t care for his employer. She offered to invest in him if he wanted to go into business for himself. Taking a leap of faith,

Chris agreed and started his own drywall company and ran it for thirteen years. After over a decade, he and Allysa decided they wanted to relocate to Texas. Rather than starting a new company, Chris took a job working for someone else to get his feet wet here in the South. It didn’t take long before people started noticing the commitment to his craft; Chris was approached by real estate agents that worked with his current company. They encouraged him to branch out on his own. They noticed his exceptional attention to detail and easygoing nature. With another incredible leap of faith, Chris established his own business here in Texas, and has been growing it for over seventeen years.

In 2016, when Hurricane Harvey ripped through Texas’ Gulf Coast region, wreaking havoc, and causing devastation everywhere, five separate customers reached out asking him to take on a full-scale remodel of their homes. Chris agreed and worked hard to restore his customers’ houses in order to get them back into their homes. This experience gave Chris the confidence to expand his company to become a full-service remodeling company and general contractor. He also added the additional service of flood mitigation. Because he cares deeply for his customers and knows that there is always the likelihood of another hurricane hitting this area, he sought a way to help protect them in the future as well with the additional services. Looking back, he would have never guessed that the job he despised so much growing up, one forced on him, would be the saving grace for so many dear customers, and the career that makes Chris and Allysa wake up each day eager to get to work.

Looking for a Local Real Estate Agent?

Is it time for your next home? Let us help you buy or sell; schedule an appointment for a complimentary market evaluation. Our in-depth knowledge of East Montgomery County will work for you. We are LOCAL and ready to make the process easy on you! We’re not selling just a property; we’re selling dreams. We offer Residential, Commercial, and Investment Properties.

1. SELECT AREA:

Choose one small area to prevent being overwhelmed.

2. SCHEDULE TIME:

Plan Accordingly... Junk drawers take longer than closets.

3. SORT:

Likes go with likes. (Ex. Keep, Trash, Donate, Recycle)

4. ASSIGN A HOME:

This is key for gaining control over clutter.

5. MAINTAIN:

Create habits to stay organized; Clean as you go, declutter regularly, designate homes for new items.

Contact:

https://beeorganized.com/north-houston/

Balancing Act

Navigating the Business Journey from Home

In this fast-paced, internet-based society, more and more people are finding ways to avoid face-to-face interaction. Groceries can be ordered online, delivered to a front door, or picked up with minimal social interaction. A car can be purchased solely online without even speaking to a salesman, and it will appear at the address specified in a few weeks or even days. With so many of the daily tasks that once involved interacting with other people now slowly being relegated to computers and robots, it is easy to ignore, or perhaps, never realize that social anxiety is still relevant today. Social anxiety affects over 15 million people in the United States alone, and ranges from slight to severe. There are many remote jobs available that people with severe social anxiety may seek, but one man chose to face his fears and start his own, customer-facing, fully interpersonal company instead. His name is Donnie Richardson, owner of Dryer Vent Authority.

Donnie vividly recalls an instance where he pulled up to a customer’s home with clammy hands, and instantly, paralyzing anxiety overcame him. He sat in his truck at her curb for fifteen minutes, overanalyzing every word that could be spoken, every question and answer, every single “what if” scenario while his heart raced, breath shortened, and felt like his whole body was malfunctioning. When he finally mastered it and moved to open the door, the customer appeared, having come outside to check on him. Donnie was mortified to explain to her why he stayed in his truck for so long after arriving. However, the customer was gracious and understanding and made him feel at ease. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and Donnie admits that his severe anxiety has hindered the growth of his business at times. New businesses thrive from networking, meeting people, and promoting, all of which is incredibly uncomfortable and hard for Donnie to do.

So why would someone who struggles so much with social anxiety start a business that requires so much socializing? Donnie does it because he cares! He discovered the field online by accident and was instantly intrigued. The more he researched, the more he realized that this was an incredibly important and vital service that many people were not even aware they needed. Lint is the number one cause of fires starting in a dryer, and dryer lint occurrences account for almost fifteen thousand house fires annually. After speaking with his family, Donnie found out two different relatives had suffered a house fire that started in their dryer vents because of lint. That sealed it! Someone had to step in and spread awareness and lower the risk for those who didn’t know how to clean their dryer vent.

Donnie received certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America as a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician in 2019 and set to work saving homes one dryer vent at a time. The challenging issue with dryer vents is raising awareness that they require maintenance. The National Fire Protection Association recommends a dryer vent cleaning annually at a minimum. The heating elements in the dryer cavity can reach over 550 degrees, and lint is already highly flammable. Any sort of blockage in your duct work could lead to a back-up and increase the risk of a fire. If it’s been over a year since you had your dryer ducts professionally inspected and cleaned, give Donnie at Dryer Vent Authority a call. We appreciate Donnie letting us share his story, and for all he does to keep people safe in their homes as well.

Welcome to a Realm Where Luxury Meets Expertise

Nestled in the heart of The Woodlands, TX, our premier detailing company is dedicated to transforming your car with our specialty state-ofthe-art ceramic coating!

Elevate your car’s aesthetics from ‘just bought’ to ‘jaw-dropping’. Indulge in our services and drive away not just in a car, but in a vehicle that redefines ‘new’.

Step

MARCH 3RD

New Caney Community Market

Valley Ranch Town Center | 11:00 AM

Open the 1st and 3rd Sunday from 11AM-3PM. Shop from over 60 local vendors that offer fresh produce, meats, honey, baked goods, artisan-made goods and so much more! newcaneymarket.com

MARCH 21ST

Pout MedSpa Pop up at Blo Bar Kingwood

Blo Blow Dry Bar Kingwood | 10:00 AM

YOU are invited to our Party!! Please join us and bring a friend for a great style and all your beauty needs addressed. Don’t worry, you’re not cheating on your hairdresser with a style at Blo Bar!

MARCH 23RD

EMCID’s Eggcellent Event & Mini Market

Don Ford Stadium, 22784 Hwy. 59 in Porter | 10:00 AM

A joy-filled day awaits the whole family at this FREE event! Delight in spring shopping with 40+ vendors offering many goodies, from baked goods to dog treats, clothing, accessories, toys, and more – perfect for Easter baskets. Join the egg hunt featuring over 80,000 eggs, enjoy face painting and a special visit from the Easter Bunny.

MARCH 23RD

Next To Nowhere Pop Up Market

Back Pew Brewing: 26452 Sorters McClellen Rd, Porter | 12:00 PM

Behold a magical realm of symphonies, verdant fields for feasting, and playgrounds brimming with laughter. Here, culinary wizards conjure up delectable delights, while brewers craft ambrosial potions to tantalize the senses. Wander and discover local artisans’ treasures, bakers’ delights, and boutiques’ finery, all within the enchanting embrace of this realm.

MARCH 26TH

Porter City Lifestyle’s Supplier Showcase

The Pines at Porter | 5:00 PM

BY INVITE ONLY - A special event specifically for our partners to connect with one another and celebrate being part of this publication. If you’re interested in attending and discussing a partnership, reach out now: rachel.burk@citylifestyle.com

MARCH 30TH

Cody Bassett 9th Annual Memorial Bull Riding

Bull Salas Park Fairgrounds: 21679 McClesky Rd, New Caney | 2:00 PM

us

the 9th Annual Cody Bassett Memorial Bull Riding! What to expect: Easter Egg Hunt, Mutton Bustin’, Bull Riding, Invitational Jr Bulls, Free Style Bull Fighting, Live Auction, Mechanical Bull, Vendors & More! *Concert to follow rodeo with Hershell Golden & Gavin Adock* Ticket link: https://www.outhousetickets.com/ Event/Event23145

Spring Home Refresh

Fill your home with the essence of the season

Step into a world of aromatic delight with this enchanting recipe for natural homemade scents. Infuse your home with the essence of tranquility as fragrant ingredients simmer to perfection and spread throughout. This delightful concoction will leave behind a trail of freshness that transcends the ordinary... making every breath at home magical.

ingredients:

• 3 Springs Fresh Rosemary

• 2 Lemons (sliced thick)

• 1 Tspn Vanilla Extract

• 2 Cups of Water

directions:

Add ingredients to preferred container, cover with water, and choose from these options:

• simmer on stove, topping off with more water as it evaporates

• add heated mixture to a slow cooker, fondue pot, or something similar that will keep mixture heated. Boil water then lower heat. As water evaporates, top off with more HOT water as needed. Higher heat = more fragrance.

Scented waters may be refrigerated between uses. Reuse for 2-3 days, or until fragrance is gone.