Cypress, TX

Well it's here! I finally made it over to check out the wonderful new outlet mall which just opened in Cypress. I'm a huge fan of Katy Mills Malls, which is an outlet mall featuring Off Saks, Last Call (Neiman Marcus), Juicy Couture, Cole Hahn and a host of other outlet stores. It's close to Katy and convenient. It has a movie theater and a nice mix of stores. So I was anxious to try the new outlet mall in Cypress, which is run by the company that has my favorite outlet malls in Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Camarillo (Los Angeles) among others - all of which I have spent a pretty penny in! So, I was familiar with the line up of stores and was pleased to see they hadn't changed the line up - including Burberry, Calvin Klein, Juicy Couture, Cole Hahn, Nike, Puma and Tahari (to name a few). There were good buys to be had. A number of stores haven't opened yet - but I was pleased with the stores that were. I do hope, however, they add a few more restaurants in the food court (although everyone quite happily stuffed their faces in the 4 or 5 open restaurants). The mall is located right off the 290 in Cypress. For a fuller list of the mall offerings, stores and directions - visit their website at:

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/brands/brands_3rd_level.asp?id=290

My broker sent me this link a couple weeks ago and I've been using it ever since to check gas prices in my area. One of my favorite one is the Kroger's gas station located on Spring-Cypress Rd and HWY 290. Besides their lower price, you get $0.10 off per gallon if you're a Kroger's Plus member. Good deal, check it out to see what are the prices in your area.
http://www.gaspricewatch.com/new/default_V3.asp

Summer is here! We are approaching the end of another school year and the beginning of the summer season. Here in Houston , as opposed to Florida where we lived for 9 years, the pool is closed throughout the school year. This weekend, it reopens in our Cypress Subdivision, Sydney Harbour. My children just could not wait to dive in and safety is always a top priority.
I prepare myself for the season by purchasing high SPF sunscreens; I want to make sure we enjoy our daily outdoor activities by preventing sunburn. I use SPF 70 for the face and SPF40 or 55 for the rest of the skin. It is important to ensure these sunscreens are easy to apply and waterproof. Many times children are not too patient to allow the lotion to penetrate the skin before getting in the water.
In addition, I pack cold drinks and fruits or light snacks. It is essential to be hydrated while exposed to the sun, bodies tend to sweat in excess and if we are inside a pool we might not notice that we are dehydrated. Of course, provide that you know how to swim; otherwise, you'll be drinking plenty of pool water.
Moreover, enrolling children in swimming lesson at about 4 to 5 years old is a common practice. There are programs for babies too, such as http://www.babyswimming.com/benefits.htm which can become a family adventure. Likewise, there are many floating devices to choose from, arm floats, vests, float suits, etc. These simple tips and common sense will make this summer season a memorable experience for the family. Make sure that there is a lifeguard on duty at your local pool or if in a private pool ensure someone knows how to perform CPR.
For more tips on pool safety check the Red Cross website at http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/healthtips/safetywater.html

Longwood Village is located just Northwest of Houston nestled in popular Cypress Texas. The neighborhood began development in 1993 by Cypress Real Estate Advisor's.Longwood is located off Louetta Blvd, about equidistant between Hwy 249 & US 290. It is bordered by Lakewood to the North and Coles Crossing to the South. The Developers founder managed the Harvard University Endowment Real Estate investment portfolio. They've since relocated to Austin, and gone on to do some well respected & popular developments around the country. Without question a First class outfit.

The temperature varies from the low 60's in January to the mid 80's in July. This wooded community is approximately 18 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport & nearby Cy-Fair College including the new mega Berry Center sport & education facility.

Homes in Longwood range from the low 170's up to the high 800's. Wooded Neighborhood, Hike & Bike trails & more! From Custom built, to the popular Trendmaker & Plantation floorplans this community has many reasons to call it home...

Popular Longwood Village has plentyof additional features like the 2 parks with clubhouses, Olympic pool, splash pads, playgrounds, and tennis courts. Longwood Pond has picnic tables, bbq grills, jogging trails and catch & release fishing for the kids

Enjoy Championship Golfon one of three 9 hole courses. The Longwood Golf Clubhouse, is modelled after a Kentucky horse farmMiles!