OurBlok CyFair Spring 2013 Issue

CY-FAIR

GREATER HEIGHTS

WHATS ON YOUR BLOK? 77429 / 77433 / 77065 / 77095

SmartPhone Video of SmartPhone “Top Ten Reasons To Video of Choose Kids ‘R’ Kids” “Top Ten Reasons To Choose Kids ‘R’ Kids”

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CY-FAIR BLOK MASTERS Tim Hartland tim@ourblok.com Rich Iazzetti rich@ourblok.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Holly Grajales holly@ourblok.com PAGINATION & DESIGN Roni Kop graphics@ourblok.com DIRECTOR OF WEB DEVT DANIELO ROJAS DANIELO@OURBLOK.COM WEB MASTER Danielo Rojas danielo@ourblok.com FOR ADVERTISING INFO info@ourblok.com 713-868-2002 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION info@ourblok.com 713-868-2002 Follow Us

OurBlok.com has made all reasonable efforts to verify the accuracy of articles and information within.

Responsibilities for accuracy of claims and information of our advertisers lie solely with them. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is considered information.

Copyright 2013 by OurBlok.com. All rights reserved.

Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the written permission from OurBlok.com.

OurBlok.com is published quarterly by OurBlok.com at 4920 Center St., Houston, Texas 77007.

2 OurBlok Spring 2 OurBlok Winter

EDITOR’S NOTE

by Rich Iazzetti & Tim Hartland SPRING 2013 ISSUE

Why Rewards?

You’ve experienced the explosion in Rewards programs in the past year almost everywhere you shop and eat out. From the drug store to the auto parts supply house, the cashier or checkout clerk solicits your participation. They generally are offering redeemable points or cash back and, in rare cases, gift amounts off your next purchase for signing up. Do you wonder why they do it? They are gathering your personal information so they can directly market to you via e-mail, text and print advertising. Further they are hoping to elicit your loyalty and increase the number of visits you make to their business over the course of time. In return they reward you with future discounts or cash back. The problem with most rewards programs is that they are a nuisance for you. How many cards can you carry? Do you receive immediate gratification or do you accumulate points toward some future benefit?

The OurBlok Rewards Program is unique and simple. We have meticulously studied the research and results of rewards programs across the country and we know what consumers value most. OurBlok Rewards Program is designed to be convenient and valuable to you, the consumer. OurBlok Rewards are available from hundreds of businesses all over Houston in one program with one card. In fact, you don’t even need your card. Once you’re registered all you need to do is give your phone number or email to earn Rewards. OurBlok Rewards are not based on earning points! You receive immediate cash benefits from most businesses the first time you use your card and earn cash discounts based on your purchase amounts each and every time you return. Because OurBlok cards are accepted at many businesses all over the area and Greater Houston, you may use your card many times on each shopping excursion or night out on the town!

Charitable Giving - The Charitable Giving aspect to OurBlok Rewards is another very unique feature. When you do business with a merchant who participates in the OurBlok Charitable Giving program, a designated percentage of the revenue from your purchase is donated to the charity of your choice. In fact, charities and nonprofits organizations around Cy-Fair, like the YMCA at Langham Creek and the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation, have their own logo on OurBlok Rewards cards distributed to their supporters. Any time a consumer shows their OurBlok card, the charity or non-profit designated on the card receives credit for the donation. What a great way to support your favorite cause! Reward cards from the big box stores and national chains don’t do that! Some may advertise that they donate to charity, but not to the charity of your choice!

Get your OurBlok Rewards card today! Get started earning cash and giving

to your favorite cause! If you haven’t obtained an OurBlok Rewards card from a local OurBlok business partner, get one today! Log onto www.CyFair.OurBlok. com and request a card! There is a continually increasing list of participating OurBlok Rewards businesses on our site, so be sure to check back often! When you do business with local Cy-Fair merchants, ask them if they participate in Our Blok Rewards. If not, ask why not? It’s a win-win-win for all!

Providing $3,000.00 in gift coupons all on one card.

Made simple by OurBlok Rewards Today OurBlok is simplifying the way consumers are rewarded. OurBlok Rewards is helping you, helping Cy-Fair area businesses, and helping non-profits connect. Save money with dozens of area merchants who have preloaded gifts on your OurBlok Rewards Card. It's just one more way OurBlok simplifies connecting with Cy-Fair.

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Ready to be rewarded

this issue Fish Flops...

Local Teen Builds Dream

10

FEATURES

6

6 Fish Flops....for kids Local Teen Creates Dream Business

12 Don’t Watch Your Water Go Down the Drain

20 Parenting 101: Who Am I Raising Anyway 24 Are You One Of A Kind?

Know What It Is Worth

Don’t Watch Your Water Go Down the Drain

12

DEPARTMENTS 14

CyFair Weekly Menu

18

OurBlok Rewards

23

Preferred Service Providers

26

Photos & Events

28

Rants & Raves

20

Parenting 101 : Who Am I Raising Anyaway

OurBlok 646 OurBlok OurBlokWinter Spring Spring 66OurBlok OurBlok

Wherever you are, we are in your reach.

Made simple by OurBlok Rewards Today OurBlok is simplifying the way you receive information on Cy-Fair area businesses. Activate your OurBlok card to receive one optional email a week with special discounts and promotions. Download our free app on both iPhone and Android to have rewards offers at your fingertips! Pick up a free magazine or better yet, download the e-version on your iPad, Android Tablet, or Kindle. It's just one more way OurBlok simplifies connecting you with Cy-Fair!

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Ready to be rewarded OurBlok Spring 5

Fish Flops... for kids A Love for the Beach Brought to Life!

When did you come up with the FishFlops® concept?

I came up with the FishFlops® concept after a day at the beach.

I was born on Galveston Island and went to the beach all the time. I loved to draw, color, fish, and play on the beach as a kid. When I was 8 years old I was drawing and coloring and looked over at my many pair of flip flops in my room.

I thought I would draw some of my favorite ocean creatures on an outline of a flip flop. I decided to call them FishFlops® and I showed my dad and said, “Look Dad, I made FishFlops®!” He said that was the perfect name.

FishFlops® now offers footwear; do you see yourself designing other items in the future?

Yes. I love to go shopping and see all of the latest styles. I am designing shirts, back packs, bedding, and other beach items. I want FishFlops® to be a life style brand.

You have written Swimming with Spinner and Living Together at Sea by Orkicky what inspired you to write these stories for children?

Do you see yourself writing more books?

After drawing my characters, I gave them names. It’s always good to have someone encourage you when you are unsure of doing

6 OurBlok Spring

something. So, I thought these characters could tell a story but also be a friend to a child who needs encouragement.

What has been the most exciting thing to happen to you since becoming a business owner?

The most exciting thing that has happened to me since starting this is getting my shoes into Nordstrom and Journeys Kidz. Seeing my product on the wall of Nordstrom and Journeys Kidz was a moment I will never forget. Everybody at Nordstrom and Journeys Kidz has treated me like family.

How do you manage it all FishFlops®, school, social activities, and teenage life?

I am in my first year of high school and so most of my time will be on school work. Hanging out with my friends is something I really enjoy.

As for FishFlops®, I still have a lot to learn about the business side and that’s where my dad helps out.

I attended two trade shows this year and enjoyed meeting store buyers.

When do you get time to concentrate on your designs?

Even though I am in school and I am spending time with my friends and doing things with my family, I understand that in this business there are deadlines that have to be

met for next year’s designs. I make time to concentrate on my new designs on the weekends.

Who would you love to see wear FishFlops®?

I’d love to see kids across the country and my friends wear them.

We recently donated FishFlops® to Shoes for Orphan’s Souls®, which provides new shoes and socks to orphans and vulnerable children in the United States and throughout the world. I would love to see these children in my FishFlops®.

If you had advice for kids who have a passion and want to create their own product what would you tell them?

I would tell them to write down their idea, share the information with family and friends and get their opinions. Be open to suggestions. Be patient because it can be a long process but eventually things do start happening.

Please tell us how you use FishFlops® to give back.

I have worked with and donated my FishFlops® to Texas Children’s Hospital, Snowball Express Military Charity, Shoes for Orphan Souls and several others. I enjoyed talking with the kids and sharing my FishFlops® journey.

Is FishFlops® working with anyone regarding conservation? Your characters seem to be a natural fit.

Yes, one of the really neat things we’re doing with FishFlops® is supporting the Texas State-Fish Art Contest, which offers prizes to kids in grades K through 12 who create artwork of fish. FishFlops® shows that art can be a career as well as something fun to do.

I think it would be really cool if other kids could have their artwork on things that people can buy. Like Texas Parks and Wildlife, I believe that everyone plays a role in conservation. Life’s better outside and everything is connected. Please visit http:// www.wildlifeforever.org/contest to enter the contest.

If you would like to share my FishFlops® with someone, I suggest my “Lighted Octopus” FishFlops® at

www.FishFlops.com

Founded by, local teen Madison Robinson

OurBlok Spring 7

BlackHorse Animal Hospital

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Lillian Howard, M.D. Family Medicine Cypress

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• Patient Portal allows you to actively monitor your health, complete paperwork, refill prescriptions and communicate directly with your doctor.

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Monday - Friday 7am to 6pm ~ www.blackhorseah.com

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50 to 300 square feet of storage!

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Office hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Closed Sunday

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WINTER 2012/2013 - 11

first would be the use of organic materials over synthetic fertilizers,useing plants that require less water, a rain garden, pervious pavements, rain collection and obviously the most expensive would be a vegetative roof.

Don’t Watch So talk to us about how much water an Your Water Go Q:average lawn requires.

Most people don’t realize but your yard requires inch a week on your landscaped plants and two Down The Drain. aninches per week over the entire lawn area. // Photography: Dustin Brackney // Dustin Brackney Interview by Scott Talley

If

you are trying to be a good steward of our limited water resources there are a number of low cost ways that can make a real impact on both the environment and the size of your monthly water bill.

We sat down with Dustin Brackney of Hydroscapes to help us have a better understanding of the steps you can take to reserve water here in The Heights.

Q: D

So Dustin, tell us a little about yourself and your background.

ustin: Well I am a proud Heights transplant, after practicing my craft in Boston for the last ten years, where I specialized in sustainable landscape and vegetative roofs. I have a degree is in landscape architecture from the University of Wisconsin. I moved here for love new girlfriend but the Texas drought just happens to be timely for my business.

Q:

If you can highlight the things a homeowner might do to reduce their yards water consumption?

Let me go in order of minimal costs and effort. The

12 OurBlok Spring

Q:

So if I wanted to reduce my water consumption this summer what steps would I take and when?

As soon as practical I would encourage you to aerate your lawn. A professional landscaper can do it for you or you can rent the equipment from a number of places. Once you have the lawn aerated you want to fill the holes with an organic compost. You can buy that here in the Heights at Buchanan’s or Wabash.

For larger yards you may want to call “The Ground Up” or Living Earth. Basically you are going to dump the compost and spread it evenly with a dirt rake over your entire yard.

Q:

Will this really help?

When you consider 50% of your typical water consumption goes to you yard, you will see a difference. Traditional fertilizers put a strain on the soil and grass. In essence the lawn requires more water. With an organic compost, the opposite is true.

I believe you can reduce your water needs by 50% with this one step. Bottom line we should all use organic fertilizers.

Q:

Seems so impactful it is hard to imagine.

If you realize that when you spread these organic properties the soil will team with the micro bio life.

This encourages a stronger root system and then the better aeration allows for the system to access moisture. It is no doubt the single most cost effective measure you can take.

Q:

What would be the next step?

Obviously if you are planting from the beginning this is easier. Most homes in the Heights already have their gardens in place, but where possible ask your nursery for low water plants. These do not always have to be native. There are many low water plants out there that will suffice and still give you a nice variety. If you want to take things a step further you can add a “Rain Garden.” This is basically a recession

in your landscape that allows water to infiltrate into the ground system. This does not have to be an expensive endeavor but can be very effective.

Another option is to take advantage of pervious surfaces when you can. I am not suggesting everyone tear up their concrete driveways but certainly adding pebble, stone or gravel can be very effective in lowering your water usage.

Q:

Should every home install some rain water collection system?

the barrels. An average home might be able to utilize six to ten barrels.

There are also professional systems that involve a more sophisticated tank installation. These systems usually include a solar powered pump with automatic activation. Often they can be hooked up to an existing irrigation system.

Q:

You have provided us with some great ideas for saving water. I am personally fascinated with vegetative roots. Would they work here in the Heights?

Absolutely the most cost effective way is to plan ahead with new construction, there are load requirements that need to be factored in, I don’t think it will be too long before you see the first house in the Heights with a vegetative roof. You can install a roof that absorbs 60% of yearly rainfall while insulating your house and protecting your roof.

Great and Practical tips to take action now to keep from watching water literally “go down the drain!”

For more information on water saving steps you can go to www.texaswatersmart.com. Dustin’s company “Hydroscapes” is also participating in OurBlok’s charity program. He has committed to give back 3% to your favorite cause.

For more information you can visit www.hydroscapesolutions.com.

It seems to me the way Texans love their State and as green conscience as the Heights is, we would all want that. It is such a simple process. Basically, you strategically place 50 gallon rain barrels where you have water run-off. The slightest hint of rain will typically fill OurBlok SpringOurBlok 13 39

Cy-Fair Week MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

LA HACIENDA 12503 Telge Rd. 281-373-0300 Free Small Queso!

Mon.-Thurs.

DON JULIO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 25250 Hwy 290 281-758-4000 Mon-Fri 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. $3.50 house ‘Ritas

KILBURN’S TAVERN 11808 Barker Cypress 281-256-8755 Big Beer Night Fish & Chips 20% off

REDFISH SEAFOOD GRILL 26036 Hwy 290 281-758-3277 10% off lunch or dinner w/ OurBlok (no combined offers)

KILBURN’S TAVERN 11808 Barker-Cypress 281-256-8755 Bucket Specials Happy Hour 7 p.m. til close CANDALARI’S 25680 Hwy 290 281-373-0039 Kids eat free with adult entrée or pizza, dine-in only LA FINCA 7014 Fry Rd. 281-345-1122 Kids Eat Free Mon, Tue, Wed ROMERO’S LAS BRAZAS 15703 Logenbaugh Dr. 281-758-2426 Kids Eat Free Mon, Tue CORK CAFÉ WINE & COFFEE 25712 Hwy 290 281-758-1682 Flight Night! $5 off wine sampler flights TAPAS CAPRICCIO 10865 Jones Rd. 281-807-9442 $5. Tapas. $5. Wine by the glass specials Mon. Tues. Wed. 5 PM ‘til close D’VINE WINE BAR 21208 Northwest Freeway 281-213-4565 Free Pizza w/ 1 bottle of wine purchased

22 Winter 14 OurBlok OurBlok Spring 24 OurBlok Winter 22 OurBlok

WINESTYLES 12361 Barker Cypress Rd 281-758-3560 Wine Tastings Tuesday Evenings CANDALARI’S 25680 Hwy 290 281-373-0039 Kids eat free w/adult entrée or pizza, dine-in only MEZZANOTTE RISTORANTE 13215 Grant Rd. 832-717-7870 Daily Specials ROMERO’S LAS BRAZAS 15703 Longenbaugh Dr. 281-463-4661 11734 Barker-Cypress 281-758-2426 Kids Eat FREE ALL DAY BROTHERS PIZZA 25282 NW Frwy, #120 281-256-0737 Free 2 liter drink & garlic bread MAMACITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA 19831 Northwest Frwy 281-469-3663 Happy Hour Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

ROMERO’S LAS BRAZAS 11734 Barker-Cypress 281-758-2426 Open for Breakfast everyday CANDALARI’S 25680 Hwy 290 281-373-0039 Kids eat free w/adult entrée or pizza, dine-in only CORK CAFÉ WINE & COFFEE 25712 Hwy 290 281-758-1682 Wine tasting 30% off sparkling wine TAPAS CAPRICCIO 10865 Jones Rd. 281-807-9442 $5. Tapas. $5. Wine by the glass specials Mon. Tues. Wed. 5 PM ‘til close DJ’S UPPER DECK 21208 Hwy 290 281-758-4000 “Karaoke Night” 8:30 to Close D’VINE WINE BAR 21208 Northwest Frwy 281-213-4656 Ladies Night (20% off Bottles) ALL NIGHT LONG LIVE MUSIC at 8 p.m.

DINE-O-BITE BURGERS, FRIES & PIES 9522 Huffmeister Road #500 Houston, TX 77095 832-427-5153 Now open for Breakfast Fresh Hot Pies Daily Specials $2 Menu “Fantastic Burgers”

DON JULIO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 25250 Hwy 290 281-758-4000 LIVE MUSIC CORK CAFÉ WINE & COFFEE 25712 Hwy 290 281-758-1682 Live Music & Teacher Happy Hour 1/2 price flight samplers MERCHE’ RESTAURANT 21208 Hwy 290 281-949-5999 Happy Hour Spec 4-7 p.m. M-F KILBURN’S TAVERN 11808 Barker-Cypress 281-256-8755 Ladies Night TAPAS CAPRICCIO 10865 Jones Rd. 281-807-9442 Live Music Happy Hour 5 p.m. ‘til close HUSKY’S BURGERS 16010 West Rd. 281-858-1750 Student Special – Free fries w/ any drink Every day Mon thru Sun Dine in only - Show ID

kly Menu

Sunday Services

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

KILBURN’S TAVERN 11808 Barker Cypress 281-256-8755 Live music Friday Night

THE BAKE SHOPPE 12724 Grant Rd. 281-320-2253 Soul”Full” Breakfast 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

MERCHE’ RESTAURANT 21208 Hwy 290 281-949-5999 Brunch 10 am. – 3 pm.

Bottomless Mimosas

TEXAS TAVERN 12800 Cypress N. Houston 281-897-0828 LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC

DON JULIO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 25250 Hwy 290, 281-7584000 $10 Bottomless Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas

ALICIA’S 26326 Hwy 290 281-304-1833 Happy Hour 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

MEZZANOTTE RISTORANTE 13215 Grant Rd. at Louetta 832-717-7870 Live Music TAPAS CAPRICCIO 10865 Jones Rd. 281-807-9442 LIVE MUSIC 7:30PM ‘til close HUSKY’S BURGERS 16010 West Rd. 281-858-1750 Student Special – Free fries w/ any drink Every day Mon thru Sun Dine in only Show ID MAMACITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA 19831 Northwest Frwy 281-469-3663 Happy Hour Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. with Extra Large Pizza pick-up only DINE-O-BITE BURGERS, FRIES & PIES 9522 Huffmeister Road #500 Houston, TX 77095 832-427-5153 Now open for Breakfast Fresh Hot Pies Daily Specials $2 Menu

“Fantastic Burgers”

MEZZANOTTE RISTORANTE 13215 Grant Rd. at Louetta 832-717-7870 LIVE MUSIC TAPAS CAPRICCIO 10865 Jones Rd. 281-807-9442 LIVE MUSIC 7:30PM ‘til close CORK CAFÉ WINE & COFFEE 25712 Hwy 290 281-758-1682 LIVE MUSIC KILBURN’S TAVERN 11808 Barker-Cypress 281-256-8755 LIVE MUSIC CANDALARI’S 25680 Hwy 290 281-373-0039 $2.99 Margaritas ALL DAY HUSKY’S BURGERS 16010 West Rd. 281-858-1750 Student Special – Free fries w/ any drink Every day Mon thru Sun Dine in only Show ID

DARIO’S 14315 Cypress-Rosehill 281-304-1825 Brunch 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

JITTERBUG CAFÉ 15201 Mason Rd., #500 281-758-3411 Brunch 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

TACO DE ORO 9740 Barker-Cypress Rd. 281-345-7632 Tex Mex Brunch Buffet 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

LA MADELEINE 19710 NW Frwy 281-720-1000 Brunch All Day 6:30 a.m. til 10 p.m.

HARRIS COUNTY SMOKEHOUSE 13280 FM 1960 W. 281-890-5735 Brunch 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.

THE FOUNDRY UNITED METHODIST 8350 Jones Road 713-937-9388 9:20-10:40 a.m. Traditional 9:20-10:40 a.m. Contemporary Fry Rd. Campus (at Cinemark - Spring Cypress) 9 & 10:20 a.m.

CHRIST THE REDEEMER 11507 Huffmeister 281-469-5533 Masses: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

5 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday) ST. AIDAN’S EPISCOPAL 13131 Fry Rd., 281-373-3203 Services: 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

COMMUNITY OF FAITH 16124 Becker Rd. Services: 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

SECOND BAPTIST AT THE BERRY CENTER 8877 Barker-Cypress Rd. 713-465-3408 Service: 9:30 a.m.

THE CHURCH AT BRIDGELANDS 17330 W. Little York Rd. 281-345-2900 Services: 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 20155 Cypresswood Dr. (Fairfield) 281-373-2273 Services: 8:30 & 9:30 a.m. Traditional 11 a.m. Contemporary ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 15235 Spring-Cypress Rd. 281-373-0503 ST. CUTHBERT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 17020 West Rd. 281-463-7330 Services: 8 & 10:30 a.m.

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH (2 Cy-Fair locations) 13000 Jones Rd. Service: 9:30 & 11 a.m.

7811 Fry Rd. (Hopper Middle School) Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m.

OurBlok Spring 15 OurBlok 23

CAN I FIND SPECIALS FOR E CAN I FIND SPECIALS FOR WHERE CAN FIND Y CLEANING IN IKATY? RY CLEANING KATY? SPECIALS IN IN CY-FAIR

Has an app for that Has an app for that Visit the AppStore Visit the AppStore to download to download

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OurBlok Spring 17

Use your OurBlok Loyalty Card to get special offers & discounts, cash back and donate to local organizations!

Support Local Charities!

The following are a few of the charities located in CyFair that are participating in this program

CrimsonCadettes,Cy-Fair Educational Foundation, Langham Creek YMCA, Cy-Hope, Saint Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Inspiring Possibilities!

www.OurBlok.com Education

Great Play Kids ‘r’ Kids Spider Smart Cypress Center

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Food & Drink

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Includes designer frame, safety lens & warranty *some restrictions may apply.

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*some restrictions may apply. Includes standard eye exam and contact lens fitting. Flasses from select frames, single visionCR-39 lenses, contacts from select lines,upgrades at addtl. cost. Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or Expires 12/31/11 insurance benefits. Expires 7/31/13.

*some restrictions may apply. Please ask store representitive for details before selection. Not to be combined with any other purchase or other 12/31/11 stores. Offer ends 7/31/13.

OurBlok Spring

19

Parenting 101: Whom am I raising anyway?

I

there is help!

What does all of this have to do with the missing manual?

Everything! Your offspring learn from their environment, and for many years you are the biggest part of it. Little did you know that when you decided to reproduce you had the manual all along. One of the chapters is titled Role Modeling and it is central to raising your offspring.

As your offspring grows his/her needs change and this is when things become interesting. This is when the proverbial seemingly nonexistent manual could really come in handy.

Caregivers begin to think it was so much nicer when little (you fill in the name) couldn’t talk because now all he/she says is “no.” He/she doesn’t do what I ask and I don’t know him/her anymore. Growth continues and he/she who isn’t so little anymore has opinions and seems more alien than that baby who was brought into the world not that long ago. Well get used to it because this is all a part of life and the stages of development. In many ways it is healthy and necessary. But

One of the first things the manual should contain is that you are in actuality raising an adult despite hearing most caregivers say, “I’m raising my child.” Hopefully this makes sense because for most, a child would not be turned loose in the world without the independent living skills to survive.

Therefore, a caregiver’s number one job is to be a healthy role model and foster the growth and development of a healthy adult. “Healthy role model” might have different meanings to different people, but for the most part the definition should have major similarities. The Golden Rule also comes to mind and if you want to be treated with respect from your offspring you will also treat him/her with respect. Some cultures may have different views, but hopefully the following will help.

And it goes without saying you are the adult caregiver, not a friend!

t leaves a bad taste in my mouth to begin with a cliché, but here goes anyway. Babies aren’t born with manuals. For most, when babies are born it is a joyous time and their needs consist of feeding, changing and bonding with their caregivers. There are other needs, but the ones I mentioned are the ones most caregivers look forward to and remember fondly.

Having said all of this look through your manual and see if you don’t find some of these tips: Remember it is important to listen to your young person. His/ her thoughts and feelingsare important! Because you are the adult you need to make final parenting decisions, but your young person needs to know his/her opinion counts. And, if you make a different decision he/she needs to know you took his/her opinion into account and why you made your decision.

Don’t give in to his/her decision just to satisfy him/her if doing so would put him/her at risk.

Never say, “Do as I say and not as I do.”-What kind of message does that send?

Never say, “Because I said so.”-Young people need explanations when you say “no.” It is what will help him/ her develop analytical thinking and to understand the various reasons why you feel “no” is the best response in that situation. For example, their request might be unsafe (you need to explain why), or not in the budget. First

20 Spring Ourblok

and foremost the young person needs to know the word “no” doesn’t mean I don’t love or care about you. If you don’t know why you are saying “no” figure out the reason so it doesn’t become simply a control issue.

Expose your young person/people to healthy activities. – You can provide cultural opportunities that don’t always cost much or can be free. Go to a park, the library, a museum, opera, concert, play or other event that stimulates the mind (MediaTeach©) and understanding of the world around your young person/people.

Expose your young person/people to people from all races, cultures, beliefs and faiths. –One only fears what one doesn’t understand.

Babies aren’t born with manuals. For most, when babies are born it is a joyous time and their needs consist of feeding, changing and bonding with their caregivers.

Remember your young person needs your attention even though it might seem theyare older than their years. If you have several young people and have a time consuming/ demanding job or other activity that takes you away from them make sure they know there will be time for them to be with you and time for them to get their needs met.

Try not to spank if words will work just as well, and don’t let your young person/peopleget hurt (e.g., touching something hot) as a means of teaching because, “That’s whatmy parent(s) did and it worked for me.” You don’t want your young person/ people to learn love hurts.

Know that you need to write most of your own manual based on the culture in your family and the needs of your young person/people.

Know when you need outside help in the form of psychotherapy either for your young person or to learn healthy parenting if necessary, and make the decision to remain healthy by making an appointment with a psychotherapist.

Information provided by: Debbie Edmunds, MA, LPC-S, CART H.O.P.E. Psychotherapy of Houston, PLLC 17510 Huffmeister Rd., #103 ~ Cypress, TX 77429 281-373-5200 | Office 281-373-5202 www.HopePsychotherapyOfHouston.com OurBlok Spring OurBlok Spring21 21

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22 Spring Ourblok

8 — Summer 2012

LANDSCAPING

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Employ NATE Certified technicians. NATE is a certification program for the HVAC industry.

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ELECTRICAL SERVICES Wired Electrical 713-467-1125 www.wiredes.com We oer a broad range of services including new construction, renovations, panel upgrades, inspections, all the way down to installing a single outlet in your home. We are the all around solution for all of your electrical needs. No job is too big or too small!

GRANITE COUNTER TOPS Granite Transformations 713-541-1545 713-541-0535 www.granitetransformations.com/Houston Granite Transformations oers new and exciting alternatives to traditional counter tops, backsplashes, cabinet refacing, floors and more. Trend Stone, Trend Glass , wood cabinet refacing and much more.

INTERIOR DESIGN Decorating Den 281-719-0741 www.carriedavies.com Imagine the fun and convenience of having your own personal Interior decorator come to your home to take care of your challenging project - with talent, creative ideas and an incredible array of brand names you love, all to fit your taste, your style and your budget.

PLUMBING The Water Pros 832-474-4508 281-TANKLESS (826-5537) Full service residential plumbing contractor oering the latest in water treatment and water heating technology. We specialize in improving the quality of your water and in replacing inecient hot water systems. We install RinnaiTankless Water heaters providing continuous flow of hot water on demand without the tank!

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PREFERRED SERVICE PROVIDERS

Larry Jones Landscaping 281-935-8058 Complete landscaping and landscape design services.

Lawn, plant, shrub and tree treatment. Unique Moisture Manager and Plant Growth Regulator product applications to make your landscape the best it can be and control watering costs! Eco-friendly premium fertilizers and pest control products.

POOL SERVICE & REPAIR

ABA Pools 281-924-7724 www.abapools.com ABA Pools is a family owned business with over 15 years experience in the industry. We provide weekly pool maintenance, chemical service, pool equipment installation and repairs, specialized bead blasting tile cleaning, tile installation and plastering.

Classic Pools & Spa Services 281-201-0927 Providing our customers with uninterrupted weekly swimming pool service and maintenance, we can also provide you with one-time services without setting up a weekly maintenance program.

REMODELING Doma Enterprises 832-877-1660 www.domabiz.com Your premier master remodeler! Bathroom & kitchen, outdoor kitchens & landscaping. Room additions.

Carpentry, floors, siding, windows & doors and much more.

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR Champions Investigations 832-286-4166 www.championsinvestigations.com Champions Investigations is a full service premier private investigative agency specializing in a wide range of cases. They strive to provide customer satisfaction by combining both traditional''gumshoe" investigative techniques with modern technology.

OurBlok Spring

23

Are You One of a Kind?

How to know if your furniture and collectibles are valuable in today’s market?

Well, I’ve got good news and bad news.

Good news first! Yes, there is inherent value in your antiques and collectibles, even in a 2013 recession-like market. Bad news - the value GREATLY depends on the item’s age, condition, provenance (story behind it) and, in almost every case, the most important factor being rarity. Are you one of a kind?

Now you might say this was always the case.

Truer today, so take note! We will deal with furniture items in this article. The internet has made any single item available from a household attic to a worldwide market of potential buyers. This also means it is very seldom you are the only one of your kind up for sale. It’s absolutely imperative to be aware of what you have so you are not unpleasantly surprised when you are ready to sell your pieces.

Got wood?

Let’s begin by identifying the basics of antique furniture. Knowing what you have is a great place to start. A safe assumption is your antique furniture piece is made of wood. Certain types of wood are more valuable than others. The least valuable woods being Oak, Pine and Maple as those are generally the most common. Mahogany, Rosewood and Walnuts typically being more valuable. It’s gets more complicated,

24 Spring Ourblok

but most antique pieces will fall into one version or another of the above. To figure this out, you may need an expert but you can certainly refer to online resources to begin your process.

Now, you need to identify WHERE your piece originated, if possible. This can be much more difficult. Antiques are like art. They originated by trade, by artist and by design. Queen Anne and Victorian are interchangeable terms in today’s market, but really are quite different. How does one know? These namesakes are used in furniture stores even today to describe a piece you can buy, but they often do not have a clue about why.

Find someone in your community to ask. There are people who know and see antiques on a daily basis and will share their lifetime of information for free!

If you’ve discovered what you have, American antiques still hold the highest re-sale value overall in the United States. Followed by French, Italian, Belgium, and English. I’m not even delving into the Asian markets since they are quite specific and segmented. Also, keep in mind where in our country you might live (or have items to sell).

Here in Houston, we get a much larger inflow of French and British, and lack in American and primitive American influences. Your American antiques can be more valuable in your own backyard than you once thought! You just never know. I’ve personally seen an American Primitive butcher block command more than an English sideboard, and by a long stretch!

So, know what you have or know where to go!

You have resources in your backyard!

Your Cypress neighbors that contributed this article are: Aleesa and Brook Hardage, Owners Timeless Antiques & Consignments 16518 House & Hahl Rd | 713-409-7944

OurBlok Spring

25

Bridgeland Grand Opening @ Water haven Park

YMCA Miracle League Game 1 Bridgeland Easter Egg Hunt

CY-FAIR PHOTOS & EVENTS

YMCA Miracle League Game 2

Bridgeland BBQ Cook Off

INoah, n the year 2013, the Lord came unto Who was now living in the Heights and said: "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me."

"Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying: "You have 6 months to build theArk before I will start the unending rain for’ 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark."Noah!," He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?" "Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed." "I needed a Building Permit." "I've been arguing with the Boat Inspector about the need for a sprinkler system."

"My homeowners association claim that I've violated the Neighborhood by-laws by building the Ark in my back yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the local

28 OurBlok Spring

Planning Committee for a decision."

"Then the City Council and the Electricity Company demanded a shed load of money for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear none of it."

"Getting the wood was another problem.

There's a ban on cutting trees due to the drought and the spotted owl" "I tried to convience the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!"

"When I started gathering the animals, PETA took me to court. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space."

"Then the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on Your proposed flood."

"The Immigration Dept. Is checking the

visa status of most of the people who want to work."

"The labor unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only union workers with ark-building experience."

"To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species."

"So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this ark."

"Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine and a rainbow stretched across the sky."

Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord. " The Government beat me to it."

We wanted to share this tid bit found on social media. If you have any Tid Bits, Rants or Raves to share please submit to INFO@OurBlok.COM

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