MARCH 2020
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CINDY
OCHSNER Broker/Agent
WHETHER YOU ARE BUYING, SELLING OR LEASING, CINDY OCHSNER & H E R T E A M W I L L B E W I T H Y O U E V E R Y S T E P O F T H E W A Y. W E O F F E R H E R O D I S C O U N T S F O R V E T E R A N S , A C T I V E M I L I T A R Y, NURSES, FIRST RESPONDERS & TEACHERS. (713) 907-8260 | C I N D Y @ C I N D E R E L L A R E A L E S TAT E . C O M C I N D E R E L L A R E A L E S TAT E . C O M
LIFESTYLE LETTER
MARCH 2020 PUBLISHER
Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR
Erica Hernandez | erica.hernandez@lifestylepubs.com
There’s No Place Like Home
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com ACCOUNT MANAGER
Bethany Alexander | bethany.alexander@lifestylepubs.com
THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR HOME IS IT’S THE ONLY ONE EXACTLY LIKE IT. Sure, your neighbors’ homes may have a similar style or paint color. But the way you decorate each room and the memories you create make it uniquely yours.
AD DESIGNER
Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER
If you are in the market for a new home contact Cindy Ochsler at Cinderella Real Estate. You’ll never find a realtor who will work harder for you and your family. Plus, she’s a Cypress area native so she knows the community and surrounding areas really well! It’s March and we are experiencing warmer weather. If you are thinking about building a pool, you should contact one or all of our pool builder clients. Adding a pool or water feature to your home is a personal decision and each of our
Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erica Hernandez, Peggy Garner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janet Buller | Buller Photography, Shannon Valentine | Lunalux, Paul Chavira | Paul Andrew Photography, David Postma | Genesis Photographers
clients will bring a personalized perspective to your backyard. Check out the story about Matt and Kelly Thomas’ home renovation. They created a
CORPORATE TEAM
beautiful space with some unique features including a two-story closet! Yes, please!
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
Speaking of unique, Paramount Custom Drapery offers beautiful window treat-
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
ments made to order and at an affordable price. Stop by their shop on the corner of Barker Cypress and Queenston to see what they can do for you. Cypress has so many philanthropic people and organizations. This month we
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
highlight From the Vine Ministries founded by Cindy Gussler. She has created a safe and serene space for girls and women of all ages to find and give support to each other. You should also drop by on Wednesdays for lunch and bring your friends. The food is yummy and the space is warm and inviting. I hope you enjoy the March issue. It’s so much fun putting each issue together knowing we are bringing you such wonderful stories! ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA
Happy March Cypress and see you around town!
IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
Peggy Garner , Publisher ON THE COVER Kelly and Matt Thomas’ renovated home
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET BULLER | BULLER PHOTOGRAPHY 4
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
Peggy.Garner@LifestylePubs.com
CypressLifestylePubs.com
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 MARCH 2020
FEATURES 22 Dream Home Renovation Couple Transforms Suburban Home to Modern Living Space
26 A Spiritual Safe Haven From the Vine Ministries Offers Relaxing Space for Study or Conversation
30 Check Your Groceries at the Door Spend More Time at Home + Get Meal Kits Delivered for Easy Cooking and Healthy Living
22 30
34 Elegant Drape Designs Drapery Experts Help Create Unique Look for Your Windows
26
34
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
16
Around Town
22 Open House 26 Giving Back 30 Culinary Creations 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Trend Setter
March 28, 2020 5:30 - 8:30pm 250+ Wines
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GOOD TIMES 1.
2.
3.
Eighteen CFISD Art Students Earn Rodeo Art Awards Eighteen winners were selected from the CFISD High School, Middle School and Elementary divisions of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Program. Their art will be displayed in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG Center during the HLSR, March 3-22.
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1. Cy-Ridge senior Thanh Le’s artwork, “Forty Acres of Thoughts,” earned Best of Show. | 2. Bridgeland senior Erika Noda’s artwork, “Vincent Van Goat,” earned a gold medal. | 3. Cy-Ridge sophomore Elizabeth Jung’s artwork, “Words of Wisdom,” earned a gold medal. | 4. Cypress Creek High School senior Clara Edward’s artwork, “The Forgotten Frontier,” earned Best of Show. | 5. Cy-Woods senior Julia Espino’s artwork, “Good Day to be a Cowboy,” earned Best of Show. | 6. Bridgeland junior Christen Lee’s artwork, “Sunset Season,” earned a special merit award. | 7. Cy-Ridge senior Katherine Bennett’s artwork, “Landscape of the Wind,” earned a gold medal | 8. Cy-Woods sophomore Alan Moon’s artwork, “Way Back Home,” earned a special merit award. | 9. Cy-Fair junior Katherine Liu’s artwork, “Wildflower,” earned a gold medal 8
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
10.
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10. Cy-Ranch High School sophomore Sarah Harris’ artwork, “On the Plains,” earned a special merit award | 11. Fiest ES Fifth grader Vanessa Nguyen’s artwork, “Fly Away Rodeo Clown,” earned Best of Show. | 12. Metcalf ES second grader Luna Martinez’s artwork, “Blue Sunset,” earned a gold medal | 13. Labay MS seventh grader Jessica Nguyen’s artwork, “Texas Sunflowers,” earned Best of Show. | 14. Cy-Ranch junior Argos Lara’s artwork, “Caminos de Michoacan,” earned a special merit award | 15. Campbell MS eighth grader Kamila Yepez’s artwork, “Tinted Sheep,” earned a gold medal. | 16. Cy-Woods junior Katie Kim’s artwork, “Adrenaline Chaser,” earned a special merit award. | 17. Cy-Woods sophomore Meagan Livingston’s artwork, “Selcouth,” earned a special merit award. | 18. Cy-Fair junior Katherine Liu’s artwork, “Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner,” earned a special merit award March 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle
9
GOOD TIMES
Dancers Perform at Annual CFISD Dance Showoffs Dance teams from 12 CFISD high schools showcased their talents at the 2020 CFISD Dance Showoffs at the Berry Center. The event kicked off with a performance by the All-District Dance Team, followed by two routines from each school. To see all the photos visit the @CyFairISD Facebook page.
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Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
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GOOD TIMES
Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Our Community Local businesses and residents joined the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce and its members in celebrating our community at the end of January. The gala featured local restaurants, breweries and wineries. Finalists for Business of the Year were announced and winners will be honored at the Feb 18 Chamber luncheon. CyFairChamber.org (PHOTOS BY GENESIS PHOTOGRAPHERS)
12
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
Home Ideas. Local Experts.
Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen COOKING STAGE
Show Highlights
Demo times: Noon, 1pm and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday
Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen Chefs demo the food and flavors that are reminiscent of Mexican home cooking. Samples for attendees.
$2 OFF Online Coupon Ticket Prices • Adults $10 • Seniors $9 • 12 and under Free
Show Hours
Saturday 9am – 6pm Sunday 10am – 5:30pm
FREE PARKING FOOD TRUCKS Show Sponsors Non-Profit Partners
March 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle
13
Home Ideas. Local Experts.
The 13th Annual Cy-Fair Home and Outdoor Living Show features appearances by top names in home improvement with over 200 exhibitors sharing products and services. Home Improvement Garage Sale Attendees will have a unique opportunity to shop excess inventory donated by members of the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) as well as donations made by Remodelers Council suppliers and local businesses at the GHBA Remodeler’s Council Garage Sale. The assortment
DIY Workshops New this year are DIY workshops! Have fun making your own floral arrangement with Ashley Wallace of The Tallest Tulip. AR Workshop of Cypress will work with attendees to finish a DIY Mini-Block creating a unique decoration for their home. A variety of designs will be available and selected at the beginning of each workshop on a firstcome-firstserved basis. This is an event you leave with a keepsake!
of items ranging from flooring, tile and granite, windows, doors, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, trim material, cabinets, and a variety of sinks will be available to consumers at deeply discounted
prices. Shoppers are encouraged to arrive early in order to get the best selection of products.
Landscape Design and Plant Sale Outdoor Perfection, the featured landscape exhibitor, will display the newest ways to remodel your yard with 20% off during the show to celebrate 20 years of business. Shop the Harris County Master Gardeners Plant Sale for plants, fruit trees, perennials, and items to grow your own Spring garden.
Cooking Stage, Color Experts and More Chosen as one of the best Mexican Cuisine Restaurants, award winning Abriza Social Mexican Kitchen will provide three demonstrations daily on the Cooking Stage.
Show Hours
Saturday 9am – 6pm Sunday 10am – 5:30pm
FREE PARKING
FOOD TRUCKS
Ticket Prices
• Adults $10 • Seniors $9 • 12 and under Free
Non-Profit Partners
Show Sponsors
Get Advice from Local Pros
Meet one on one with Sherwin Williams color consultants to see the new color pallets, 2020 color of the year, and discover how to use the ColorSnap Visualizer App to explore color on your next project.
$2 OFF Online Coupon
• Jara Nwabuisi, SpaceManager Closets • Tammy Atchison, Professional Organizer, The Busy Corner, will answer questions at “Ask the Organizer” presentation
• Randy Lemmon from GardenLine at KTRH 740 Meet Randy to get a signed copy of his newest book! • Tom Tynan, longtime Radio host of HomeShow Radio on KTRH 740
• Richard Kalmick, Remodeling Contractor and Kitchen Cabinet Specialist • Meet Mary Balagia, author of Patches the Hill Country Bunny- book signing on • Sherwin Williams Color Snap Color Consultants
Stop by the Trimlight Houston booth to learn how to light up your home year-round for all the seasons by the touch of an app and never hang Christmas lights again. Hungry? Food trucks Skye Café and Coonxan will be outside the entrance to the show.
• Dany Millikin, HomeShow Garden Pro speaking on “Unlocking a Better Lawn”
Visit the shows charity partners Cy Hope Foundation and Cy-Fair ISD Superintendents Fun Run booths. Each of these organizations offer support for underprivileged youth in the Cy-Fair School District.
• Tasha Nielsen, CEO of FloodFrame-a below ground permanent flood protection system-ready to protect your home from flooding
Show hours are 9:00 am - 6:00 pm on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22 10:00 am - 5:30 pm. Tickets for the show are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and children 12 years and younger free. Visit www.TexwoodShows.com to download a discount coupon for $2 off admission.
AROUND TOWN repainting a faded map of the United States, four square and hopscotch areas, lanes under the basketball goals and a doghouse that doubles as a multiplication table. In addition, the members of Troop 16462 donated new four square balls, basketballs, hopscotch bean bags and sidewalk chalk.
BRIDGELAND, CY-FAIR AND CY-WOODS WIN DISTRICT SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS The Cy-Woods boys’ and girls’ swim teams claimed the District 18-6A championships for the fourth consecutive year while the Cy-Fair girls’ and Bridgeland boys’ teams won the District 17-6A titles. Cy-Woods sophomore Genevieve Casten was named 18-6A Girls’ Swimmer of the
CY-RANCH SENIOR SIGNS WRESTLING SCHOLARSHIP WITH LIFE UNIVERSITY
named 18-6A Boys’ Swimmer of the Meet. Cy-Fair
Cy-Ranch senior Olivia Mottley committed
senior Carson Kaufmann was named 17-6A Girls’
to Life University in Marietta, GA at the Senior
Swimmer of the Meet. Cy-Springs Head Coach
Nationals & Olympic Trial Qualifier. Ranked num-
Daniel Gober and Cy-Ridge Head Coach Amanda
ber 10 in the district and 122 nationally, Olivia is the
Chow were named the 18-6A Boys’ Coaches of the
only Texas girl to wrestle in the Super 32 in both
Year. Cy-Ranch Head Coach Ricky Carnickle and
2018 and 2019. She set the record for the most
Tomball Memorial Head Coach Norma Almanza
wins in UIL season history for women of all weight
were named the 17-6A Boys’ Coaches of the Year.
Meet and Cy-Woods junior Luke DiMiceli was
classes and is also a Fargo All American, Folkstyle All American and placed 3rd & 5th in State.
GIRLS SCOUTS COMPLETE SERVICE PROJECT AT BIRKES ES TO EARN SILVER AWARD
TWELVE CFISD DANCE STUDENTS SELECTED FOR ALL-STATE HONORS Twelve CFISD dance students representing all 12 high schools were selected to the All-State Dance Team for the 2020 Texas Dance Educators
Five former Birkes students completed Girl Scout
Association (TDEA) Convention. Kadence Holmes
service projects helping each earn their Silver Award.
(Bridgeland), Lexie Hopkins (Cy-Fair), Jaden
Eighth grade students Gabrielle Byrne (Laby
Sharp (Cy-Creek), Brianna Shaffer (Cy-Falls),
MS), Arame Cisse (Labay), Laura Ford (Aragon
Britney Parada (Cy-Lakes), De’Leah Coleman
MS), Julie Megason (Spillane MS) and Joie Phan
(Cy-Park), Rachael Dulaney (Cy-Ranch), Jayden
(Spillane) gave the Birkes’ blacktop a makeover by
Gaudin Cy-Ridge, Alyssa Gutierrez (Cy-Springs), CONTINUED >
16
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
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AROUND TOWN Jaidyn Wilson (Cy-Woods), Katie Roos (Jersey Village), and Madissen Embody, Langham Creek participated in a convention experience that included dance workshops, leadership training, masterclasses and networking with other dance students from across the state.
Cy-Lakes senior Mariah Goins, second for her banana splitcupcake and Cy-Ranch junior Isaiah Gerrard, third for his crème brûlée cupcake.
CY-FAIR HOUSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SWEARS IN NEW BOARD At the January luncheon, the Cy-Fair Chamber swore in the new board. Pictured from L to R, Austin Bleess, City Manager, City of Jersey Village; Debbie Gibson, Community Leader; Keith Vrana (Outgoing Chairman of the Board), Owner/Executive V.P., Consolidated Mills, Inc.; Leslie Francis (Incoming Chairman of the Board), Assistant Superintendent for Communication and Community Relations, CFISD; Sam Harless (Officiant of the swearing in), State Representative, Texas State Representative District 126; Seelpa Keshvala, President LSC-CyFair; Craig
STUDENT ATHLETIC TRAINERS NAMED TO TSATA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE TEAM
Soudelier, Business Solutions Manager, Ledgent
Eight CFISD student athletic trainers from five high
Technology; Mark Henry, Superintendent, CFISD;
schools were named to the 2019-2020 Texas State
Leslie Martone, President, Cy-Fair Chamber.
Athletic Trainers’ Association (TSATA) Academic
CULINARY ARTS STUDENTS COMPETE IN FOURTH CFISD CUPCAKE BATTLE
All-State Team, with each student being recognized during the Greater Houston Athletic Trainers’ Society (GHATS) Student Workshop – Dena Hausman,
The annual CFISD Cupcake Battle featured
Bridgeland, Karyme Garcia, Cy-Park, Wendy Luong,
more than 60 entries from 12 CFISD high schools.
Cy-Fair, Lara Aboelnaga, Cy-Woods, Autumn
Winners in the Culinary I Division are Cy-Ranch
Bell, Cy-Woods, Drake Drymond, Langham Creek,
sophomore Sophia Stanton, first for her maple
Audrey Baker, Langham Creek, and Chelsea
pancake cupcake, Cy-Ranch senior Oluwatoni
Magee, Langham Creek.
Odufuye second for her banana caramel cupcake, Cy-Lakes senior Nicole Alvarado, third for her cinnamon roll cupcake. Winners in the Advanced Culinary Division are Cy-Falls junior Evelyn Tello, first for her strawberry lemonade cupcake,
BRIDGELAND RESIDENT AND RETIRED DOCTOR DEBUTS FIRST BOOK Bridgeland
resident
Abiola
Opeitum,
MD,
FRCPC has debuted her first book Behind the White CONTINUED >
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Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
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AROUND TOWN Coat, which is available now on Amazon.com. The
for his project titled “Machine Learning Models
book is fiction based on facts from Dr. Opeitum’s expe-
for Abnormality Detection in Musculoskeletal
riences during her 30-year career and addresses
Radiographs.” Regeneron Science Talent Search
problems in healthcare delivery from a medical doc-
is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science
tor’s view. The story follows a fictional patient from
and math research competition for high school
her diagnosis to her death while putting a spotlight on
seniors. It was created to identify and encourage
the institutional greed, politics and economics of the
high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional
healthcare system. Dr Opeitum offers a unique per-
ability in science, math, and engineering.
spective because her background includes practicing in Canada where residents have universal heathcare and the U.S. The book is a fine portrayal of what happens to a patient behind closed doors, regardless of whether it is a universal or private healthcare system.
CFISD DANCERS WIN ALL-DISTRICT DANCE TEAM SCHOLARSHIPS Seven students were announced at the CFISD Dance Showoffs as recipients of the 2020 AllDistrict Dance Team Scholarship – Alison
CY-WOODS STUDENT NAMED 2020 REGENERON SCIENCE TALENT SEARCH SCHOLAR
Hinaman,
Emma
Kolodziejcyk,
Amanda
Milnor, and Kaitlyn Laird (Cy-Woods Crimson Cadettes), Kyley Obrien (Cy-Fair Brigade),
Cy-Woods senior Govind Chada was named a
Kadence Holmes (Bridgeland Belles) and Sade Lepe, (Cy-Lakes Sterling Stars .
2020 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar
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OPEN HOUSE
dream home
renovation
A spacious family room with a faux-wood vinyl floor is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
COUPLE TRANSFORMS SUBURBAN HOME TO MODERN LIVING SPACE ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY JANET BULLER | BULLER PHOTOGRAPHY
22
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
WHEN KELLY AND MATT THOMAS MOVED INTO THEIR THIRD HOME IN THE COLES CROSSING NEIGHBORHOOD, THEY KNEW THERE’D BE CHANGES AHEAD. The couple, who’ve been married for sixteen years, had renovated nearly every one of their previous homes. Once, they ripped out a floor and installed a new one, another time they added rooms, but no amount of renovation compared to their latest undertaking at their newest home. “I really wanted that open-concept vibe,” Kelly says. “We all hang out around the kitchen all the time, so we were trying to find the best use of the space and eliminate any wasted space as we went along.”
The family kitchen is the highlight of daily activity.
CONTINUED >
March 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle
23
OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)
A two-story closet offers sprawling storage space.
Kelly and Matt Thomas completed their home renovation this year.
Over the course of one year, the couple transformed their
“We’re not a family that’s going to tiptoe around and
five-bedroom, 5,274 square-foot home from an average
take special care of something just because it’s nice,
suburban structure to a modern living space with a french
unfortunately,” Kelly says. “The kids are kids. The dogs
farmhouse feel.
are dogs and it’s all going to get used.”
To achieve their look, the couple worked with contractors
The couple equipped the kitchen with bright white
to demolish three load-bearing columns in their kitchen.
quartzite countertops instead of marble for durability.
They moved walls and converted what was a dining room
The kitchen also features a commercial-grade Wolf
into Matt’s home office. They ripped out a staircase and
stovetop and double ovens for extra cooking space.
replaced it with a well-stocked wine bar. They converted
Cabinets and lighting fixtures are adorned with gold
an old office into a two-story bedroom clothing closet com-
hardware. The new dining room space now flows into
plete with a makeup counter and gun-cleaning table.
the living area and is flanked by a brick-tile wall with
“We weren’t really sure what all we would do,” Kelly says. “We
a white German-smear paint texture. The living room
didn’t have an initial plan. We thought maybe we’ll change this
floors are a luxury faux-wood vinyl that looks decep-
wall and open up the kitchen a little bit and it kind of dominoed
tively like real wood. The material is even designed to
into pretty much the whole house. One thing led to another.”
withstand flooding, Matt says. The hallway features a
During the course of their remodel, Kelly gleaned all of her
two-story hideaway Christmas closet that discreetly
ideas from social media pages like Instagram or Pinterest.
stores the family holiday decorations. The closet is so
Slowly, with help from a designer, she recreated each look in
big, Kelly can simply roll in her decorated Christmas
her own home. Functionality was key to every decision. The
tree without disassembling it.
couple has three children, two dogs, a gerbil, guinea pig and a bearded dragon, so durable designs were critical. 24
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
“I really wanted to try to eliminate clutter and have a space for everything,” she says.
The master bedroom boasts customized sliding barn doors to maximize the space. In the master bathroom, both relaxation and refreshment are just an arms reach away. The space features a standalone modern farmhouse tub with a nearby coffee and drink bar hidden inside a custom cabinet. His and hers sinks stand next to a voice-activated shower that’s controlled completely digitally. Beyond the shower is one of the master bathroom’s crowing features - a two-story clothing closet with a makeup vanity, staircase and an abundance of storage space. Kelly wanted a large space for her to get ready for the day as well as store her clothing, family luggage and other essentials. The renovation process was not without sacrifice. The couple wouldn’t reveal exactly how much they spent for all the construction, but say it cost more than the first home they purchased together. The couple first worked unsuccessfully with a contractor before deciding to contract their own workers and make their own designs. During the yearlong process, the family chose to still live in the home and accommodated workers as they came and went. The family lived without a kitchen for nine months, cooked exclusively outside and washed dishes with a garden hose. “It was like we were camping outside,” Kelly said. “The upstairs was intact and our bedroom, but everything else was a demolished mess. A war zone.” Kelly spent much of her time researching design ideas on Instagram. Eventually, she started documenting her own renovation process by posting photos of her home and family. She connected with other fixer-uppers and amassed 12,000 followers along the way. Now, she posts mostly about decorating and styling her home. The couple’s chief advice for anyone looking to do an extensive home renovation is this: have a plan, do your research on contractors and move out until renovations are complete. Expect changes to the process, they say, and try not to get frustrated because the end result will be worth the wait. “Everybody during [the renovation] said, ‘Once it’s done you’ll forget the pain,’ and I said, A modern farmhouse style tub is a place for relaxation and refreshment.
‘I’m never going to forget this.’ But it’s true. After time, it does go away,” Matt says. “When you get the finished product, it makes it all worth it.” Kelly is on Instagram @kellyscasa March 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle
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GIVING BACK ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX
A SPIRITUAL SA F E H AV E N FOR WOMEN FROM THE VINE MINISTRIES OFFERS RELAXING SPACE FOR STUDY OR CONVERSATION
26
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
STOPPING BY FROM THE VINE MINISTRIES ON FEELS LIKE GOING TO SEE AN OLD FRIEND. The space is quiet and cozy. The kitchen is stocked with warm soup, crackers and cranberry lemon cookies. The space is filled with comfy couches, a china cabinet, dining room tables and wall decor with inspirational sayings. Each woman who enters gets a hug for a greeting and offered food. “It’s just women sharing life around food and hanging out and telling their stories and empowering each other,” says Megan Blan, who stopped by one rainy Wednesday afternoon for lunch. “That’s how Jesus did it.” From the Vine Ministries is a Christian-based center where women can meet, attend a Bible study, host a church retreat, receive counseling or simply share a meal. The center is also open for community or business groups who want a quiet space to host events. Located on several countryside acres on Mueschke Road, the property is far enough away from Cypress’ suburban bustle, but still close enough for a quick getaway. “We want to present resources for women to encourage and empower them and to refresh them in whatever season of life they are going through,” says Cyndy Gusler, founder and executive director. Cyndy likes to call it a ‘safe haven’ for women. From the Vine Ministries offers a large meeting space and several smaller rooms, each named after women of the Bible. The group services more than 150 people a month through programs such as divorce recovery, caregiver support meetings or senior luncheons where senior citizens are paired with high school or college seniors for mentoring. The women who visit the center from different backgrounds. Some are experienced in their faith, others have never been to church. Some were abused or seeking social support to meet their needs. Most are simply searching for something more from life. CONTINUED >
March 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle
27
GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)
“She’s just searching,” says Zaundra Grant, vice president of
be, but it wasn’t until she posted her vision on Facebook in
the center’s board of directors, about the women they serve.
2016 that it became reality. Without a location or any funds, she
“For a private place, her own identity. Whether she’s searching
posted her goal of opening a center. Within 12 hours she had
for a purpose. She’s just searching.”
an outpouring of comments and support from donors offering
Cyndy started From the Vine Ministries not only to teach
furniture, dishes and free accounting services. One woman
the Bible, but as a means to connect women with others
even showed up at her home at 11 p.m. with a check for $7,000
who can help mentor them through life’s ups and downs.
to help get the center started. Within months, Cyndy opened a
She often uses her own story to encourage others. As a
location on Cypress Church Road. In 2017, after a year of ser-
child, she was abused and placed in foster care. Later in life,
vice, flooding from Hurricane Harvey prompted Cyndy to move
she struggled with self-doubt and loneliness. As a young
the ministry to the countryside on Mueschke Road.
mother, she felt overwhelmed and scared.
Cyndy hopes eventually the ministry will offer more services.
“This is a place that I needed when I was a teenager, when
She envisions building a gazebo to host small weddings, open-
I was a young business person and married mother,” she says.
ing a bunkhouse so people can experience overnight retreats
Cyndy spent years as a church leader where she did
and planting an herb garden where women can relax. At the
everything from teach Bible studies to plan Christmas plays.
end of the day, she hopes the center can be a resource for the
During that time, she often saw women who had trouble
community where people feel welcome and safe.
bonding with other women or who didn’t fit in the church setting. Eventually, Cyndy branched out to host her own
“There’s no judgment. There’s no requirements,” Cyndy says. “You just come.”
non-denominational Bible studies from her house. “We left denominations at the door and sat down as women and talked about Jesus and our real life,” Cyndy said. The From the Vine Ministries building was seven years in the making. For years, she envisioned what the ministry could
28
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
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ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER
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PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLETTE MARTIN
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That way, when it’s time to select more meals, you know what you have tried and what you absolutely have to try again. 30
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
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MARCH
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
3
for Autism Care, Education and
is back! Family friendly event with
Services (FACES), which is dedicated
plenty to do for the whole family.
TEDDY BEAR CARE AND BIRTHDAY BASH
to raising funds to directly support
Visit over 200 vendors inside the
and promote ABA (Applied Behavior
Heritage Center. Enjoy live music,
Analysis) therapy, education, services
German
Animal ER of Northwest Houston
and treatment for children with Autism
carnival, petting zoo, face paint-
Our hospital is celebrating its 6th
and their families. FACESAutism.org
ing and more. Pets are welcome
birthday!! Join us for our monthly
food,
drinks,
but must be leashed. Admission,
21-22
parking and the shuttle are free.
CY-FAIR HOME & OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW
28
6-7
The 12th Annual Cy-Fair Home and
KSBJ & COMPASSION LIVE PRESENT: THE ROADSHOW 2020
TRI COUNTY QUILT GUILD QUILT SHOW 2020- A QUILT ODYSSEY
The show features appearances
Enjoy seven Christian artists at the
Teddy Bear Care Day which this month still includes stuffed animal exams, though also will be having a birthday safari with cake and face painting! AnimalERNWH.com
TomballGermanFest.org.
Berry Center
Garden Show runs March 21 (9am - 6pm) and 22 (10am - 5pm) 2020.
Berry Center
of some of the top names in home
Roadshow Tour! It’s going to be
Berry Center
and gardening and over 200 exhib-
an incredible night of worship with
Two Day Quilt Show, Members'
itors with the latest in home prod-
Bethel Music, Matt Maher, Martin
beautiful Quilts, Top Vendors, a
ucts and services on the market.
Smith
shopping Emporium of bargains, and
CyFairHomeandGarden.com
ApolloLTD,
a large Boutique of crafts. March 6th Friday 10-5, March 7th Saturday 10-4. Admission $10 and under 12 free are free. BerryCenter.net
8
of
Delirious?, Peabod
Unspoken, and
Elle
Limebear! Get a free ticket with the
21
family-four pack, or get up-close and
SEVENTH ANNUAL SUPERINTENDENT'S FUN RUN & FESTIVAL
tickets at TicketServant.com
personal with the bands when you purchase a VIP add-on ticket. Get
Berry Center
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NEW BRIDGELAND HOLIDAY FARMERS MARKET BAZAAR
The
Lakeland Village
is 8AM – 11AM includes a 5K run
Enjoy a special Holiday Farmers
through Towne Lake and Lone Star
Hwy 290 @ Skinner Rd.
Market! Open to the public and sur-
College--CyFair and a family-friendly
Enjoy 35 wine tasting tables, 50+
rounding communities, experience a
1-mile path through Cy-Fair FCU
ice cold craft beers in the Beer
FARM-TASIC adventure with your fam-
stadium. Enjoy booth vendors, food
Garden, and 30+ food tasting sta-
ily, neighbors & fur babies, find unique
trucks, entertainment and children
tions by Cypress restaurants, live
items you can't find in the stores. Come
activities. Proceeds benefit the Cy-Fair
music and more while you visit with
and enjoy as we continue to grow the
Educational Foundation (CFEF), which
friends and neighbors. The VIP
Bridgeland Farmers Market.
awards student scholarships and staff
Premium Zone features reserve
development grants. CFISD.net
wines for the discriminating wine
16 FACES AUTISM 13TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Blackhorse Golf Club
Check-in/Lunch: 11:00 AM, Shotgun
32
dancing,
seventh
annual
CFISD
Superintendent’s Fun Run and Festival
Cypress Village Station,
lover and a swag bag gift! Hours
27
are 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Auction
TOMBALL GERMAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL | SPRING 2020
benefit Reach Unlimited Inc. Get
Old Town Tomball
Start: 1:00 PM, Dinner/Awards: 5:00
Near the Train Depot Plaza
PM. Proceeds benefit the Foundation
The world famous Spring festival
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
WINE FAIR CY-FAIR
proceeds and a portion of ticket proceeds from Wine Fair Cy-Fair tickets at WineCyFair.com
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March 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle
33
TREND SETTER
PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL CHAVIRA
ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ
ELEGANT DRAPE DESIGNS EXPERTS HELP CREATE UNIQUE LOOK FOR YOUR WINDOWS AND MORE
GOING BEYOND DRAPES WHEN CYPRESS RESIDENTS AMIEE GAO AND QUEENIE GE SET OUT TO DECORATE THEIR HOME, THEY
WALLPAPER
COULDN’T FIND A STORE WITH FASHIONABLE CUR-
Customers can pick a wallpaper pattern that matches
TAINS. So, the two decided to open a shop themselves.
their curtain designs. Wallpaper patterns are designed
Last year, the two friends established Paramount Custom
in Germany using higher-end materials.
Drapery, which offers luxury curtains, wallpaper and even chandelier fixtures. Queenie, an experienced designer with connections to factories in China, selects the fabric designs
CHANDELIERS
and stays up-to-date on the latest styles.
Complete a home look with a custom chandelier
“All fabrics are from very big fabric stores not - small fabric
available for ordering.
suppliers - and are at a very low price,” Queenie says. From trendy kids’ fabrics to luxurious silk or velvet materials, Paramount Custom Drapery offers an array of selections for every taste. PARAMOUNT CUSTOM DRAPERY 11808 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 281-393-0620 WindowTreatmentCypress.com
34
Cypress Lifestyle | March 2020
EXPERIENCE In-store designers can help customers select the right color, texture and length of their curtains from start to finish. Customers can bring in a picture or magazine example so designers can then help recreate a look with in-store fabrics.