Katy
April-May 2014
Magazine
April 27, 2014
Stri
keO
by Amy Sharp
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Autism
ocal mom, advocate, and founder of the Autism Playgroup of Fort Bend, Susan Garczynski says, “If you see something quirky about your child––toe walking, a lack of friends, or an overly obsessive hobby––don’t let anyone dismiss your fears. At 15mos, my son Conner’s speech regressed and his play became quirky. Our Pediatrician told me ‘boys are just late talkers.’ My mom instinct didn’t wait for a label to start helping him.” “The same early intervention services that were a godsend to us turned away a friend...whose son did have high-functioning autism. There is no roadmap when it comes to autism, every kid is different. The only undisputed fact is that early intervention is vital! I’ve seen parents jump through financial and logistical hoops to find services for their child. One family had both parents working Houston-area jobs when a highly-sought out therapy became available. One of them commuted back to
Sugar Land every single day during lunch to get their son to therapy.” Hope For Three founder Darla Farmer was a volunteer at Child Advocates of Fort Bend when she became friends with Hope Montgomery. Darla says, “Hope gave birth to a set of triplets on the anniversary of my
ut
April 27, 2014
own mother’s death and I immediately felt a special connection to them. When the “triple divas” Londyn, Lakin, and Lauren Montgomery were diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 ½, I investigated ways to help Hope’s family and families like hers. Quickly I realized how unobtainable even basic services are. We brainstormed, did research and created this non-profit to bridge the gap between families and service providers. We are unique in focusing solely on autism...no other disability”. Blessed Be Hope for Three, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Through programs and events, Hope for Three raises funds and awareness about autism. One of their new programs is first responder education and training...an area Susan knows too well. “I put Conner in time-out one day,” says Susan, “and he called 911. He learned at school to call 911 for help...so he called 911 for “help” to get out of time out. But help is subjective. I had to educate the officers on children with autism, and also educate Conner on the gray area between wanting help and having an emergency. I think training first responders to identify kids on the spectrum is a wonderful idea and I’m excited to see it happening right here in Fort Bend!” In addition to community awareness, Hope For Three also offers financial support to help families get autism-related services. Darla says, “We have a rigorous screening process and pay funds directly to service providers. Autism shouldn’t bankrupt families!” Susan says, “If you’re worried about your child, do not be afraid to inquire. Early intervention can help! There are services available to help your child be the very best he or she can be!”
Are you ready to “Strike Out Autism?”
Hope for Three partnered with the Sugar Land Skeeters, the Honorable Judge Hebert and all 18 Fort Bend City Mayors to host the 2nd Annual Strike Out Autism. Join us Opening Weekend, April 27, 2014, 2:05 PM at Constellation Field as we honor families and “Awesome Kids” with a Family Fun Day. Our hope is to not only raise awareness about autism, but unite the community and give our families challenged with the stresses of autism a fun-filled afternoon for everyone to enjoy. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities available. Support local families and purchase tickets on line: www.HopeforThree. org/strike-out-autism
GAME TIME: 2:05PM Purchase tickets on line: hopeforthree.org/strike-outautism/ A portion of each ticket is donated to Hope for Three.
www.HopeforThree.org 1-800-317-0787 10200 West Airport Blvd. #100 Stafford, TX 77477
Tried and
T
True
he City of Katy–what most of us call “Old Katy”– is a mere 10.7 sq miles centered around the old MKT Railroad Depot. However, the Greater Katy Area we know today is defined by the boundaries of our outstanding Katy Independent School District..at an impressive 181 sq miles across parts of three counties! That’s more than 35 elementary schools, 13 junior highs, and 10 high schools! Have you driven past Rhoades Elementary on Clay Road, named after Jack and Sharon Rhoades? Jack served Katy ISD as executive director of athletics for 29 years, and Sharon is a retired Katy ISD school teacher. When she needed a new A/C unit, she called the company that has always been reliable... True Fix. Sharon says, “As usual, True Fix did an outstanding job for me. Their honest and professional approach in their work makes them the exceptional company that they are. The two service technicians who installed my new unit were courteous, very well-informed and polite.” The True Fix family has been providing quality service in the Katy Area for more than 42 years. True Fix owner and Katy resident Gerald Svetlik says, “We’ve grown up with Katy. As our beautiful area continues to flourish, one need remains constant...the need to stay cool and comfortable through the hot Katy summer! We specialize in residential and light commercial air conditioning and heating installations, repairs and maintenance. Remember…We’re in your neighborhood and we’ll be here when you need us!”
by Amy Sharp
True Fix is your independent Trane Comfort Specialist. All technicians are factory-trained to diagnose, repair, maintain and install air conditioning and heating systems….and True Fix never hires subcontractors. Gerald says, “The only way we can offer our 100% performance guarantee is by doing all of your installations and repairs ourselves! We can also monitor your indoor air quality and honestly answer any questions you may have.” True Fix is a member of the Katy Chamber of Commerce, a Gold Star BBB member, a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, and EPA and NATE certified. Gerald is a member of West Houston Business Partners BNI group. Two years in a row they have been voted “Best of Best” in the Heating and Air Conditioning category of the Katy Times. Sharon says, “I have had the pleasure of recommending True Fix to many of my friends. It might be ‘hard to stop a Trane’...but it is even harder to stop True Fix!” Call True Fix for details on special financing available for qualifying Trane HVAC systems April 1 through June 15 OR trade-in allowances of up to $1400! True Fix A/C & Heating 281-392-9334 Greenbusch, Katy, TX 77494 www.truefix.com license#TACLB004843E.
Looking Past the Bryan’s
Label B ryan was a ‘Student of the Year’ who won awards in Science, Math, and classroom leadership...but he was bullied, anxious, and unhappy. Kids with Asperger’s, Tourette’s, ADD and other issues deserve a safe place to bloom...and Bryan finally found his at Launch Academy. Stephanie Meuth says, “My son Bryan has a neurological disorder called Tourette’s syndrome that manifests as a number of uncontrollable tics made worse by stress and pressure. He was diagnosed when he was eight years old and we began the difficult journey of finding a school that would accept Bryan for who he is.” “Everyone at Launch Academy sees past the label to the person. Once these kids feel safe and accepted, they are able to learn. There’s an amazing sense of camaraderie among these young men. They know Launch is a safe haven. If a child needs an accommodation like a bottle of water, an exercise ball to sit on, or another unobtrusive way to burn off energy, it’s as acceptable as needing a pair of glasses
Story
to read the board. Richard’s goal is to get these kids the best preparation for life. They don’t sweat the small stuff and that allows the kids to focus on what really matters...their education!” Richard Kelly and Lisha Vanar say, “We started our lawn business, Amazing Grass, so kids and young adults with educational differences could learn by doing...to be part of a team, to build stamina, and to achieve their goals. That was the first step on the road to Launch Academy, our school for kids ages 12-19 with developmental challenges. ” Launch offers a vocational program, as well as music and art, an accredited curriculum through Holt-McDougal and a unique college fast-track program. Richard says, “Teacher to student ratios of 1:5 in middle and high school help each individual student achieve unlimited growth and launch their true potential!”
Richard and his wife Felicity having some fun with their son, Alex. Richard has committed his life to professionally assisting teenagers and college students who are struggling socially and academically due to developmental disorders such as Aspergers and Tourette’s. Launch Academy 832-457-2560 in Parkway United Methodist Church 5801 New Territory Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas www.launchacademy.info www.amazinggrasscompany.com
Kids (ages 10-18) with developmental challenges can get an emotional and educational boost through Launch
Academy’s Summer Teen Camp. Lisha says, “We’ll keep the
Once these kids feel safe and accepted, they are able to learn.
Registration is now open Call for your tour today! 4 ~ UPCLOSE Katy ~ April-May 2014
mornings for academic review and selfstudy. In the afternoons we’ll do fun summer stuff like fishing, horse care, money management, gardening, pool parties, and surf lessons. I’ll never forget taking a student fishing for the first time...and being there when he caught his first fish! We want these kids to build confidence and friendships in a supportive environment with low ratios (1:5). They can blow off steam through physical activity, learn socialization, build academic skills and get the perfect blend of routine and flexibility. Sign-up is first-come, firstserved with consideration given to current students...so secure your space today!”
Oh, the Places You’ll Go...
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go...” Dr. Seuss
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the atmosphere was so full of joy and ife today moves so fast it can be happiness. All representatives at the hard to slow down and relax... dealership were friendly. My salesman unless you drop by Classic explained everything clearly and precise. Chevrolet. General Sales Manager, He has a wonderful spirit. He has love for Mark Kolon says, “Our motto is people, enjoys his job and makes sure ‘Relax and Enjoy the Difference’ because you’re comfortable and happy.” we believe car buying should be fun Whether you’re looking for a new or and you should have confidence in your pre-owned car, you can have confidence dealership. We hire good-hearted people in Classic Chevrolet. It’s the only place and we take care of our customers!” you’ll find the Classic Drive Forever Oh the places you’ll go...with Classic program which covers the engine and Chevrolet! Michele writes: “We bought transmission on eligible, thoroughly a 2014 Sonic as a graduation gift for our General Sales Manager Mark Kolon inspected pre-owned vehicles...as long son and the service we received from our salesman was outstanding. He did a as you own the vehicle! One happy customer writes: “I bought a used car from Classic and they great job researching current inventory and getting exactly the really “went the extra mile” for me. They know how to treat their price range we were looking for. Overall it was a great buying customers and they really care about your experience. I felt like experience and we will be back in the future. Thank you to I was treated as if I was buying a new car instead of a used one. everyone at Classic. Job well done!” Thanks for helping me find the exact car that I was looking for!” Can you even imagine a dealership without the high-pressure sales tactics or “smoke and mirrors” pricing? At Classic “You’ll see the difference from the moment you step onto our lot,” says Don Kerstetter, owner of Classic Chevrolet. “When we look at Chevrolet you’ll get the answers you want and the car you love cars, we’re thinking of the folks who’ll be driving them. We want you from folks who believe in total transparency and a friendly to drive with the confidence….that’s the Classic difference!” smile. Renee writes: “I have never been to a dealership where As Dr. Seuss says, “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!”
281-491-9000 Sugar Land • 13115 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478
www.classicchevyhouston.com
Cloudy Days Are Gone!
S
by Katie Rice
pring has sprung and summer’s around the corner...so it’s time to give your home a seasonal makeover. Bruce Hendricks, owner of Heritage Paint, says, “I’ve been in this business for over thirty years and my long-time employees bring an additional fifty years of experience to our store. Whether you find inspiration online, in magazines, or in the beauty of nature, you’ll find the right advice, expert service, and exceptional paints and finishes at Heritage Paint with locations in Houston and Sugar Land.” We asked one of the resident experts at Heritage Paint, Eddie Stone, for his tips of this season’s hottest shade. Eddie says, “Cloudy days are gone, but grey is hotter than ever. If you’ve been pouring over Pinterest, you’ve seen Benjamin Moore paints featured in one amazing room after another. The Benjamin Moore shade HC 172, ‘Revere Pewter’ is so popular we have
6 ~ UPCLOSE Katy ~ April-May 2014
trouble keeping it on the shelves. Even the sample cards are flying out the door! Remember, we’ve got every shade of grey you could imagine, with undertones of blue, green, brown, or silver. Grey is a classic neutral that always looks contemporary.” Imagine a soft charcoal gray paired with creamy whites and beige for a traditional look…or paired with a punch of chartreuse for whimsical impact. “Tons of customers come in with inspiration from Houzz.com, the ‘Facebook’ for design,” says Eddie. “The Ideabook on Houzz features plenty of Benjamin Moore products in DIY projects like painting your cabinets, creating wall stencils, refreshing your bathroom, using accent colors, and more! Even metallics and speciality finishes are easy with our in-store advice and help from our full “how-to” video library.” Achieving your design dreams depends on more than inspiration...you have to use the right products! For over 125 years
www.upclosemagazine.com
Benjamin Moore’s been a leader in innovation and Heritage Paint is a Benjamin Moore Signature store. Eddie says, “Our popular line, Aura, doesn’t need primer and covers existing colors in only two coats. Choose from our existing 3300 colors or bring us a color to match. Whether you walk through our doors all fired with up with an idea or with only the vaguest sense of what you want...we’ll help you transform your home with color!”
HERITAGE PAINT AND DECORATING Memorial Location: 9646 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77055 713-461-8995
Sugarland-Missouri City Location: 4709 Highway 6 South Missouri City TX 77459 281-499-2000
www.heritagepaint.com
Creating
Wonderfully Y
Stylish Windows
our windows are among the main architectural elements in your home or office. Are you treating them well? Designer Caron Lopez and her husband Candelario invite you to visit their French Quarter style showroom and explore the possibilities. Caron says, “‘Treating’ your windows properly improves the style, comfort, privacy, and value of your home. We have everything you need from your initial design consultation through precise installation. Stylish windows are our specialty!” Shutters allow a great view of the outside without giving your neighbors a great view of the inside of your home. Caron says, “We’ve made quite a reputation in plantation shutters by delivering competitive pricing, perfect measurements, careful advice, and expert installation. Not only do custom shutters look great,
but they increase the value of your home and can be financed into a mortgage. You can choose shutters with two panels that open from the center or bi-fold to the side...or double-hung shutters with upper and lower sections for a bathroom or breakfast room. We’ll make sure they’re right for the depth of your window and work with the molding in your room.” Another way to get privacy, light control, and sensational style is through horizontal blinds. Caron says, “Wood blinds or faux-wood blinds have wonderful visual appeal. You can choose slats that are stained to highlight the grain of the wood, distressed for an artisanal look, or painted ones to complement a modern decor. Our clients are amazed to learn that as much as 50% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows... unless you choose the right blinds. All
Hunter Douglas window fashions provide window insulation to minimize the sun’s heat during the summer.” From shutters and blinds to custom draperies, solar screen and tintings, Grand Windows and Interiors is your one-stopshop for well-dressed windows. Caron says, “Remember, windows are only part of what we can do. With over 20,000 gorgeous fabrics, trims, window treatments, and hardware from more than fifty different quality suppliers, the possibilities are truly endless!”
Grand Windows & Interiors
281-342-9160 1405 Avenue I Rosenberg, TX 77471 grandwindows101@yahoo.com www.GrandWindows.com
UPCLOSE Katy ~ April-May 2014 ~ 7
Open the Door to Healing Sarah Warburton
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eady to escape the stress of everyday life? Behind this door the air is filled with the scent of lemongrass and the sounds of soothing music. Slip off your shoes, accept a welcoming cup of chrysanthemum tea, and let your tension go. Theo and Mona, husband and wife owners of Therapeutic Thai Massage, say, “In addition to our packages and annual memberships, we’re offering gift certificates that are perfect for Mother’s Day...but we don’t believe in pressuring you for a commitment. Acupressure is the only pressure we practice!” You can choose between Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Massage, and Deep Tissue Massage, but Therapeutic Thai Massage is famous for traditional Thai Massage, also called Thai Yoga Massage. Thai Massage uses acupressure, aromatherapy, and stretching to improve circulation, reduce tension, and offer relief from pain. Therapists will use acupressure along your meridian lines to unlock your body, improve your circulation, and renew your energy. Formally trained in both Thailand and Texas, licensed massage therapist Mona says, “Our masseuses may use their elbows, knees, forearms, thumbs, or even step onto your back...but each therapist chooses the right positions for your comfort level.”
Prefer to ease your way into Thai Massage? Theo recommends the Thai Combination Massage as an introduction. He says, “The Thai Combination Massage combines the therapeutic benefits of Thai Massage with the deep relaxation of Hot Stone Massage and aromatherapeutic oil. Some clients love the way this massage relieves soreness and restores peace so much that they keep asking for it over and over. It’s our most popular massage and the perfect choice for a Mother’s Day treat!” Mona adds, “On Mother’s Day we’ll offer a special sparkling complimentary drink for mothers to celebrate all they do!” Therapeutic Thai Massage 281-395-5652 1548 S Mason Road Katy, Tx 77450 281-310-1787 4787 Sweetwater Blvd Sugar Land, Tx 77479
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don’t fo
MheOr’s DM ay is
Mot y, May 8th Sunda
13346 Briar Forest Dr., Suite 150 Houston, TX 77077 (281) 752-9256 www.thaimassagehouston.com
$1 PIZZA
Get a medium one topping pizza for $1, with purchase of any large at regular price Offer Valid for Dine In, Carry Out or Delivery. One coupon per person. Offer not good with any other special offers. Expires 05-15-2014
Order online, call in, or drop by one of our local stores at your convenience. We are always glad to hear from you at Pepperoni’s. First Colony (281) 265-5555 Sienna (281) 778-7888
Greatwood (281) 545-3333 Pecan Grove (281) 239-6565
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Fulshear (281) 533-0000 Riverstone (281) 261-6665
Katy (281) 394-5565 Rosenberg (832) 595-0550
Body,
Reclaim Your Reclaim Your Health
L
At Ageless Med Spa
et’s face it… motherhood DOES take a toll on your body. Loose and sagging skin, extra weight, uneven skin tone and texture, hormone imbalances and laxity of pelvic organs are all very common after childbirth. Each one evidence of the self-sacrifice that is motherhood. But sometimes the results can be more than you are willing to accept. With this in mind, Ageless Med Spa has put together a special package to turn back the hands of time with a Mommy Makeover! Our package includes in-office liposuction, tummy tuck and a vaginal rejuvenation all done in the comfort of our office using tumescent technique eliminating the need for general anesthesia. Don’t need all of them? Then choose from any of our many other procedures and mix and match a program that’s right for you. Choose an “O” Shot, and bring back the excitement you once enjoyed, or help claim the pleasure you’ve never had before. It is a non-surgical, all-natural procedure — and increases sensitivity while enhancing your sex drive. Bothered by stretch marks or scars? Our skin tightening procedures are quick and painless and when combined with our platelet rich plasma (Vampire) are great for reducing many types of skin imperfections. Finally, a treatment for stretch marks that works! Wish you could take fat away from one area and put it somewhere
else? Well at Ageless you CAN with a combined liposculpt and fat transfer. Reduce the waistline and augment your bust, buttocks or any other area you wish with your own, natural fat. Ever wonder how the stars do it? Well the same procedure that took Hollywood by storm is now available to you. The Vampire Facelift infuses your skin with a concentrated form of its own, natural reparative cells filled with growth factors and stem cells to repair and rejuvenate with no down time. It is the same procedure used by athletes to accelerate healing after injuries. Are your hormones getting the best of you? Then regain control with a hormone evaluation and get your life back. Last but not least… we really do help you achieve your aesthetic goals “from head to toe.” Our Silhouette Face lift is minimally invasive, with no visible scars and done under a local anesthesia, in the comfort of Ageless Med Spa in just under an hour.
Choose your Mommy Makeover package today and be among the first 30 people to schedule and pay only $6500!
Want to know more? Check out our website at www.agelessmedspakaty.com or call (281) 392-3700 to schedule a consultation to have your specific questions answered.
Make an impression they’ll remember with Ageless Med Spa!
F CUS
When
Low
Adam becomes Eve
and Eve becomes Steve
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oes this sound familiar? Once a married couple hits forty...they’re not the same people who got married years earlier. Dad loses his energy and passion and sits around in the recliner watching “Animal Planet.” And Mom runs on pure adrenaline and aggression, going five hundred directions at once. Lance Campbell, Pharm.D., R.Ph. says, “When your hormones are out of balance, so are your relationships. Hormonal imbalance affects both men and women, but it isn’t an inevitability of aging. Once your hormones are in balance, you’ll enjoy life and all your relationships with energy and vigor again.” Some signs of hormonal imbalance are as plain as the nose—or the hair—on your face. When estrogen and testosterone become imbalanced, you may suffer anxiety, insomnia, poor concentration, irritability, weight gain, acne, hair loss, night sweats, or reduced sex drive. Women may lose their waists, have trouble sleeping, or suffer dull skin and facial hair. Men may grow flabby breasts, have poor skin tone, and lose their libido. Do you look in the mirror (or at your spouse) and wonder what just happened? You both may be in need of hormonal bal-
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ancing. After all, estrogen impacts more than fertility…it also affects bones, brain, beauty, and body weight. Testosterone plays a similar role for men. Dr. Campbell says, “It’s a common misconception that only women suffer from hormonal imbalances. Signs of low testosterone include weight gain, depression, and lethargy. Under the right circumstances, hormone replacement therapy can save your sanity...and your relationship!”
Call and set up a consultation with Dr. Campbell today…and see why so many have made Campbell’s Compounding their one-stop pharmacy. Campbell’s accepts major prescription and insurance plans, stocks all commercially available medications, and compounds medications to meet your needs. Dr. Campbell says, “Here at Campbell’s, we don’t stand at a distance…we give you our undivided attention and personal service. I believe that if you treat people with a good, ethical, Christian attitude, you’ll always have enough business. Working so closely with our patients means really remembering them as individuals. I find great satisfaction in getting to know you and your family and tailoring medications to fit your needs. I want you to enjoy your life and always be at your best!” Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy 281-980-2555 “If our staff can’t make it… then you probably don’t need it!” 4760 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 103 www.campbellscompounding.com
WHEN TO KISS and TELL…
Next to your partner or a very close friend, there is no more intimate relationship than the one you share with your Ob/Gyn. From babies to bladder issues, mood swings to menopause, the topics are decidedly delicate. Dr. Quynh-Thu “Gigi” Doan, MD says, “Trust that if it is on your mind, you can share it with me. When we start talking about your life, I’m considering your health, so please don’t be afraid or embarrassed to speak up...even about sex.”
“A by Katie Rice
sexual problem could be temporary (you’re a new mom, stressed at work, or jet-lagged) or ongoing due to a number of problems. If you haven’t enjoyed sex for quite a while or if you find sex painful...talk to me. Many common medications such as antidepressants, oral contraceptives, and medications to treat diabetes, high blood pressure and allergies could affect sexual desire and the ability to have an orgasm. Sometimes we have other options to protect your health and your sex life...for example the antidepressant Bupropion (Wellbutrin) has been shown to help low levels of sexual desire.” “Pain is your body’s signal that something’s wrong. Disorders of the bladder, urethra, and uterus or chronic infections can lead to painful intercourse...and that’s a symptom
with you every step of the way you’ll need to tell me about! You might have pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, scar tissue, but the sooner we diagnose the problem, the sooner we can treat it!” “Some of my patients going through menopause have discomfort because hormonal changes cause vaginal
To advertise, 281-235-0600
dryness. I might recommend lubricants or prescription vaginal estrogen therapy. Just giving the whole thing up isn’t an answer. Avoiding sexual activity can actually make matters worse with sex. Regular vaginal intercourse improves blood flow, lubrication and your overall physical health...as well as the health of your romantic relationship.” “As a woman, I’ve been a patient and I know how awkward and vulnerable you feel...especially discussing some of these awkward and difficult topics. As a doctor, I promise that once we chat about your problems as friends, I’ll be able to offer you treatment options. Believe me, you’ll be glad we talked!” Dr. Quynh-Thu “Gigi” Doan, MD 281-717-4366 777 South Fry Road, Suite 202, Katy, Texas 77450 www.drgigidoan.com UPCLOSE Katy ~ April-May 2014 ~ 11
Creating a Dream-Come-True! by Katie Rice
“W
e’d lived in our house for sixteen years,” says Claudia Yanchak, “and everything was dated! My husband Dennis likes to do as much home improvement as he can, but to get the bathroom of my dreams, I needed more than a change of wallpaper...I also needed walls and tubs and showers and plumbing moved, new tile, countertops, and everything! When I talked to Mark Carter of the Kitchen & Bath Showroom, he had good ideas and plenty of samples to consider. Mark made up our itemized invoice at the very beginning, and Dennis pointed to the things he wanted to do himself. I can’t imagine another contractor being so willing to share the labor and cut our costs.”
“The design of our bath evolved naturally as we talked with Mark about what we wanted. I knew I wanted granite countertops, so we designed everything around that. We expanded the shower and turned the tub. All the workers were very professional and polite. They made me feel a part of the team. I wanted two sizes of tile in the shower. When we had trouble getting the smaller size I wanted, I asked the tile guys if they could cut the larger tile into fourths...and they did! I was really pleased with the way it turned out when I put my own stamp on things!” “Throughout the project it was a really satisfying collaboration. My husband really wanted a “rain shower” in our shower. Since I’m shorter, I preferred a traditional showerhead. Now, thanks to Mark, we have a “rain shower” and two showerheads that can be adjusted up or down. I was taking a little
electric heater into the bathroom, because my feet get cold on the tile. I thought about getting a built-in heater. Mark installed two “toe-heaters” under the sink...and they really warm up the room!” “Mark came up with the special touches that took it from “just a bathroom” to a showpiece. When we moved the bathtub, it created a little alcove. Mark fitted it with four shelves and recessed lights so I could display my perfume bottles on it. I can use a remote control to program the colors of the lights. The whole thing was his idea...and I love it!” “From building cabinets to moving walls to installing plumbing to laying tile, the Kitchen & Bath Showroom has the resources to do it all...and make it easy, too!”
ONE call does it all! 832-535-2501 Cabinets Showroom 928 Farm-to-Market 359, Richmond, TX 77469 www.theshowroomtx.com Appliance & Cabinets Showroom 12440 S.Sam Houston Pkwy W. Houston, Texas 77031 www.builtinappliancecenter.com
Re-Modelista: Your Home Renovation Specialist “We Get the Job Done!” 832-535-2501 www.theremodelista.com
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Visit our showrooms: www.upclosemagazine.com
Every Tooth Fairy Loves this Beach! T by Amy Sharp
he tooth fairy has a daunting task each night--so many homes to visit, pillows to lift and teeth to collect. They know everyone needs to relax...that’s why the very best tooth fairies ask their kiddos to spend a couple hours at the beach each year. We’re not talking about the Gulf Coast...we’re talking about Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental! Dr. Faisal M. Khan says, “I’m the tooth fairy’s biggest helper! My job is easier when the children relax...that’s why I want a visit to my office to feel like a day at the beach. Kids are exciting. They live in the moment. I love living vicariously through them, and some of my favorite stories from the kids are tooth fairy stories!” “I hear a lot of tales of crazy tooth fairy math skills,” continues Dr. Khan, “I know one tooth fairy who thought each tooth was worth the same as the age of the child who lost it. That wasn’t too expensive when the first teeth came out, because most kids lose their front teeth when they’re five or six. But the canines and back molars come out when kids are ten or even twelve…even a tooth fairy who doesn’t know multiplication knows those teeth get pricey really fast! I tell all the tooth fairies that if the math’s too tricky, you can always give a little toy or a good book instead.” All tooth fairies are different--but they all share a common goal--to find shiny, healthy teeth under all the little pillows! And getting those beautiful teeth is easy. Brush, floss, and visit the beach twice a year. At Dr.
Khan’s beach-themed office, kids love the floor-to-ceiling coral reef and fish mural…and the waiting room filled with toys, room to play and a movie. Teeth are cleaned while kids lay on orange and white “surf board” beds with TV screens mounted on the ceiling for each patient’s enjoyment. Dental procedures are performed in “Turtle Hut” and “Dolphin Cove”. Any day at the beach is a great day...and now is a great time to get those tiny teeth checked out. Dr. Khan says, “The tooth fairy has a very important job giving out rewards. But I know those tooth fairies need help. I have two kids and I understand the nervousness kids experience when going to the dentist--that’s why when you visit me, it’s like a day at the beach for kids and their parents!” Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS 832-222-TOTS (8687) 7830 W. Grand Parkway S, Suite 270, Richmond, TX 77406 www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com
Cleaned like MAGIC!
H
ow many times have you sat and looked at a messy house and wished you had a magic wand to pling? Well, using a professional maid service can do just that! We asked Amy, a Greatwood resident, why Professional Maid Service is one of her favorite things and here is what she had to say…”Being a mother of three,”she said, “I cook for my kids, drive them to all their activities, volunteer at the school, and do a little parttime work from home. Having the Professional Maid Service team come in and clean for me feels like a treat. Not only does it free me up to do all the other things on my schedule, it also gives me a lift!” Max McCammond, owner of Professional Maid Service, says, “We are serious about providing a reliable and convenient service. With a drop-off key option, we make a clean home seriously simple for you! A team of our professional maids will show up on time in a company car with their own name brand supplies. We are bonded and insured for your peace of mind. All of our maids are trained and motivated to
get your home clean––really, really clean––in the most efficient and effective way possible. We’ll get to all those little places that get neglected like baseboards, around the back of the toilet and window treatments for a sparkle that will make you smile.” Amy’s friend Trisha from Sweetwater told us, “My husband and I work full time and our evenings are packed...helping the kids with homework and catching up with each other. The maids come during the day, and we say, “Look, the house has been magically cleaned!” Our kids think that’s really exciting!” Ready to see the difference a cleaning service can make? Call the Professional Maids at 281-342-6500. Be happy... and leave the cleaning to the professionals! Professional Maid Service 281-342-6500 www.professionalmaidservice.com
Cleaning to the
“Max”
Max’s Cleaning Tip: How long has it been since you cleaned your child’s toys? Max says, “It’s easier than you might think! Most plush toys just take a quick spin in the washing machine, but check their labels first. Plastic toys are usually dishwasher safe. A little detergent and hot water and they’ll be disinfected and good as new. Large toys or electronic ones will need to be dusted and disinfected by hand. Use a weak bleach solution on bath toys or previously used toys. Give outdoor toys a once-over with a spray disinfectant, or let the kids give them a “toy-wash” on the driveway...and they’ll be ready for more fun!”
UPCLOSE Katy ~ April-May 2014 ~ 13
KEEPING YOU
C / A . Mr he Day Saves th
. . . n i a g A d n Again a Sarah Warburton
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ow many ways can Mr. A/C, aka Bryan Bellamy, of All Out A/C save the day? Rhett Baker has four...and the last one’s a doozey! Rhett says, “My oldest son and Bryan’s went to school together. When I bought an older home a few years ago, I realized that Bryan and Chance Kamp owned All Out A/C. I called them up to replace the old A/C in my ‘new’ home. Bryan explained about the new dual-speed units, how they use less electricity. I got one...and my electric bill dropped so much the new A/C actually paid for itself in about two and half years! It comes on in a lower, quieter, more energy-efficient setting….essentially it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool. Since then I’ve moved into a bigger home and I had Bryan install two of those dual-speed A/ Cs into the new house. When we bought a condo in Galveston, All Out installed new equipment and handled everything we needed to have air conditioning in that salty environment.” “Any of those three experiences would be worth a testimonial, but about two years ago Bryan and All Out really went above and beyond. I own a manufacturing facility that’s about 40,000 square feet...and 15,000 of that is office space. In the middle of summer, six of the A/C units that cooled our offices were stolen. I called several different companies, but 14 ~ UPCLOSE Katy ~ April-May 2014
they weren’t very responsive. I didn’t know if All Out A/C did commercial work, but I gave Bryan a call. Summer’s their busiest time, but he told me, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll make this happen!’ Literally, about three hours later our office was cool with new units installed, up and running. The thieves had taken all the copper piping and conduits, but there was no way we could wait for the insurance company to send out adjusters...it was over a hundred degrees outside! Bryan helped us clear all the insurance hurdles by documenting every step with photos and making sure we had a clear price estimate. I’ll never forget that when we really needed help, All Out A/C was there for us.” “I’m an expert in my own business, but I don’t know anything about air conditioners. Luckily, I feel I can trust Bryan. When I have a question, I can
just call him up. All Out A/C’s done maintenance on my air conditioners and has been really flexible with pricing. Their excellent service gives me a high comfort level.” When it comes to comfort, nobody beats Mr. A/C and the team at All Out. Bryan says, “Right now we have some amazing limited time offers on qualifying systems including a Centerpoint instant rebate of up to $1450 and instant manufacturers rebates of up to $1200. We always offer quotes at no charge and we have 100% financing and options that include no payment for first whole year with approved credit. Don’t wait for an emergency to get a new energy-efficient A/C system...these deals won’t last!”
281-238-9292 License #TACLB8446E
www.alloutacandheating.com www.upclosemagazine.com
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www.agelessmedspakaty.com
Now Available in KATY!!!
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Offer Expires April 30, 2014
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