Editor’s Note: PinPointe Magazine is constantly looking for people to feature for the communities in which we distribute. It just so happens that Celeste Smith and I volunteer with the same nonprofit organization: Cy-Fair Helping Hands. When I discovered that Celeste and her husband Bob live in Coles Crossing, I shared that I was just looking for “good folks,” and that she and her husband would make a perfect pair for an article. Meet your Coles Crossing neighbors, Bob and Celeste Smith.
Celeste spent her childhood in Utah. “I have two siblings, an older sister and younger brother. My grandmother lived with us so I spent a lot of time with her. She taught me to cook and bake as well as to knit and crochet. My job was making sure she didn’t burn the cookies. She was always busy and would forget them! I still love doing all of these things.”
“I grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida with my older brother and sister. After delivering the morning paper, I loved riding my bicycle across the river bridge, through the beach shops and
down to the beach. I would ride down the beach, listening to the waves and beach-goers, until I got to the part where there was just open beach, peaceful and beautiful,” recalls Bob. “I att ended Georgia Tech and later I was awarded my MBA degree from the University of Utah.”
Bob and Celeste met in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “We worked for the same software company; I was in marketing and Bob was in software development,” explains Celeste. “We attended software conventions and got to know each other doing ‘booth duty.’ Bob is fairly quiet and I’m pretty outgoing, so we made a good team selling o ur software products. We worked
together for the same company for almost 19 years. Bob retired first and I followed just a few weeks later.”
“I spend much of my time volunteering with CyFair Helping Hands. I started two weeks after I retired and have been with them a year now. I really enjoy working with this committed group of volunteers who do so much for our community. My primary responsibility is doing administrative work and speci al projects. I had so much fun putting together the wine pull for our big fundraiser, the Festival of Trees. Bob helped me to run the table the night of our event. I also oversee our Hands of Hope home food delivery program,” shares Celeste.
“My dad was a preacher,” recollects Bob. “He spent his days in his study reading and writing. I must have inherited his ‘study’ bug, because I love to spend time taking college courses online and keeping up with web technology.”
Celeste is a woman of many talents. “I find chalk-painting old furniture is so much fun. It’s very relaxing and I love seeing something old get a new life and
purpose. One of my favorite projects was a small round dining table and four bistro chairs that I ended up donating to a CFHH family that was transitioning out of homelessness and was getting into a n apartment. I keep some of my pieces, as well as sell them. I also do metalsmithing, making earrings, pendants, bracelets, etc., with sterling silver. I started taking classes in 2013 and got hooked. I stopped doing it when the pandemic started and we both began working from home. Now that I’m settled into retirement, I’m going to start again. I like trying new things. I knit and crochet and would also like to learn to weave.”
Bob relishes setting up and maintaining websites. “I also find pleasure in listening to audio books, including classics, history, and vintage science fiction.”
People would be surprised to know that this couple has a heart for felines, both domesticated and stray. Their house cat Izzy is curious, but is shy around strangers. Bob and Celeste care for the community of ferals that wander the streets. “Those stray feral cats that fight and scream in the middle of the night can be trapped, neutered, and released again to become peaceful and entertain ing ‘community’ cats. Celeste and I love watching them outside the windows, as we keep them fed, warm, and happy.” As we were talking, Bob pointed to a sleek black cat, lounging on the sidewalk next door. “That’s Charlie,” he shared.
If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please email: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs
Approximately 2.4 million Americans have a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes debilitating digestive conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. While these conditions pose challenges to your gut health, they’re treatable and the symptoms are manageable. GastroDoxs, Dr. Bharat Pothuri and the entire team are committed to the well-being of our patients. If you have IBD, we want to help you live as normal and healthy a life as possible and help you see how your dietary choices impact your condition.
Your foods and drinks don’t just include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as you want to grab food between meals to satiate you, too. We can help you find snacks that are not only delicious but also gentle on the digestive system. Here are some IBD-friendly snacks you can enjoy without compromising your gut health.
Wraps filled with bananas and nut butter provide a blend of potassium, healthy fats, and some protein. Choose a smooth nut butter, such as almond or sunflower seed, to spread on a soft white tortilla. Add sliced bananas for a tasty and easy-to-digest treat.
Greek yogurt is a great source of probiotics and protein, both of which are essential for a healthy gut. Plus, yogurt also offers calcium, a mineral important to bone health. Even if you’re lactose intolerant, you may do OK with small servings of yogurt because the probiotics break down some of the lactose so it’s easier to digest.
Create a parfait by layering low-fat Greek yogurt with soft fruits like berries and sprinkle granola on t op. Keep the granola to a minimum, however, to avoid getting too much fiber.
Swap traditional potato chips for a digestion-friendly alternative by making your own baked sweet potato chips. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and relatively easy on the digestive system, especially compared to processed chips. Slice them thinly, toss with a bit of olive oil, and bake until crispy for a satisfying and nutritious snack.
Rice cakes are a versatile gut-friendly snack. Top them with a few thin slices of ripe avocado and lean turkey for a high-protein option that’s crunchy, creamy, and filling
Hard-cooked eggs are portable and satisfying. They’re a good source of protein, which you need more of due to your gut inflammation. Plus, cooke d eggs are usually easy to digest.
Season cubed extra-firm tofu with soy sauce and a spritz of oil and then toss in the air fryer or bake in the over on a sheet pan. Snack on the cubes for a protein-rich, between-meal treat.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that everyone with IBD reacts differently to certain foods. So, if the above options don’t work for you – that’s normal. You might also choose to snack on well-cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, or clear soups.
If you find you need more personalized recommendations based on your food intolerances, please reach out to our team at GastroDoxs. We’re happy to provide more personalized dietary advice tailored to your specific needs and the stage of your condition.
If you’re bothered by IBS, contact Gastro Doxs today to rule out any serious causes at 832.632.4070 or book an appointment with Dr. Pothuri and his team online at gastrodox.com.
Embedded within Cypress lies a hidden gem for those with an inkling for guiltfree indulgence: D'Lites Houston. Specializing in low-sugar ice cream and groceries, this local business offers a unique twist on traditional treats, providing a haven for health-conscious consumers in search of delicious alternatives.
The journey of D'Lites Houston began when the owners, Julie and Sam Dunlap were on a trip to Austin. Just recently, the pair had discovered that Sam was diabetic. On a quest to find a desert option that he could enjoy, they came across D’Lites. At first, they were skeptical of the low sugar ice cream, but once they tried it, they couldn't get enough!
As a result, Sam came up with the idea to start a franchise somewhere in or near Houston, since there was nothing comparable in the vicinity. That's how it all began, and boy, am I glad they decided to open a location in Cypress.
Every day, there are rotating flavors of low-carb self-serve ice cream. Essentially, you are getting the experience of any other ice cream shop, but without the guilt. Customers can choose to add toppings at the counter. They even have the option for a shake, with the choice of protein, from the selfserve machines! A variety of delicious take-home servings are
available in cup, pint, or quart size.
D’Lites offers a variety of pre-packaged, low calorie, low sugar grocery items such as pasta, breads, flour, and chips. Each option is a healthy alternative, without having to sacrifice the flavor.
When you walk into the shop, the owners, Julie and Sam, have a warm welcoming presence; they are willing to answer any questions about the products that they offer. After visiting a plethora of times, it never ceases to amaze me the variety of flavors that are offered on a weekly basis. Luckily, the flavors are updated on their website, but I typically prefer to visit and be surprised!
In recent years, I have struggled with consuming too much sugar,
even being diagnosed as pre-diabetic. I have to stop almost weekly to get my fix. This lifestyle has not only given me more energy, but I have also felt more comfortable in my everyday life.
Fortunately, the groceries at D’Lites are almost exactly like foods with sugar and trust me, I have tried many alternatives. The bread they offer tastes exactly like “regular” bread, the same with their chicken burritos, chips, frozen pizzas, and rolls, (a personal favorite of mine). There is nothing I have tried there that I have not liked.
Cypress residents have kept this amazing business going. Even during times of need, the owners have garnered the unwavering support of the community. I truly believe that we should continue to support local businesses like this. As we help them to flourish, we are supporting a better lifestyle, helping those with diet restrictions be able to enjoy previously restricted food items.
D’Lites Houston is far more than just a dessert destination with its ever-changing ice cream flavors, variety of guilt-free goods, and incredible, driven owners.
D’Lites Houston
26321 Northwest Freeway
Unit 400
Cypress, Texas 77429
Phone: 281-304-2313
Days/Hours of Operation:
Sunday: 11:30 am – 9 pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 8 pm
Friday – Saturday 11:30 am – 9 pm
Stageworks Theatre - Gypsy
10760 Grant Rd. • Houston, TX 77070
stageworkshouston.org/gypsy
3/8 - 7:30pm, 3/9 - 2pm & 7:30pm, 3/10 3pm
3/15 - 7:30pm, 3/16 - 2pm & 7:30pm, 3/17 3pm
CFISD Community Science Festival
Saturday, March 23, 2024 • 4-9pm
Cy-Ridge H.S. • 7900 N. Eldridge Pkwy • Houston, TX 77041
www.cfisd.net/scifest
Houston Repertoire Ballet - Celebration of Dance 2024
Saturday, April 6 • 2pm & Sunday, April 7, 2024 • 2pm
Tomball H.S. Theatre • 30330 Quinn Rd. • Tomball, TX 77375
A blend of exquisite dances featuring the beloved classic Swan Lake Act 2, a delightful Parisienne Cancan ballet set to the rousing music of Offenbach; Polovtsian Dances, an exotic and athletic scene from the end of Act 2 of Alexander Borodin’s opera Prince Igor; as well as two new works for HRB’s repertoire, Rising Tide, an exhilarating new contemporary work by JoDee Engle; and Alarum, an energetic compelling contemporary ballet work choreographed by Kristy Nilsson to the striking music of Ezio Bosso composed for six cellos. www.hrbdance.org
VFW Post 8905 36th SEMI-Annual BBQ Cook-Off
Friday, April 12 & Saturday, April 13, 2024
21902 Northwest FWY • Cypress, TX 77429
Silent & Live Auction, Meat & Liquor Wagon raffles! vfw8905.org
Cypress Market @ Cy-Hope
Saturday, April 20, 2024 • 10am-4pm Free Entry
VIP Entry Friday, April 19, 2024 • 6:30-9:30pm $20 Entry
12715 Telge Rd. • Cypress, TX 77429
Food, Drinks, Live Music & More! cy-hope.org
Earth Day at Living Legacy Center
Saturday, April 20, 2024 • 9am-Noon
12527 Cypress North Houston • Cypress, TX 77429
Free Event! Activities include Lectures, Cooking Demonstrations, Kids Activities & More! www.LivingLegacyCenter.com
