Articles

Fitness Tips for Busy Parents

(When kids go back to school)

 

Even though summer break is enjoyable because of quality time shared with the family, many parents agree, that is a bit of a relief when the kids are back in school. It can be hard to find the time to implement a fitness routine when the kids are home all summer.

 

With school starting back, now is a great time to devote some time to yourself and set diet and exercise goals.

 

Fitness during the school year

 

When setting up all the family calendars of “To Do’s”, make sure to mark time to prioritize for your goals.  This may be difficult and take careful planning, but setting up an exercise plan and goal can help energize you and boost your self-confidence.

You may only have 30 minutes in the morning or afternoon 2-3 times a week, but you can plan and maximize that time to fit in your workout routine.

 

Exercise ideas during the school year

 

Walk your kids to school, a great way to start your day and accomplish a task. If you drop your kids off in the car, dress to workout and head for the fitness center or the trails. You can set a route on the trail that fits your time constraints.

 

Tips for staying on track with your diet and fitness routine

 

Do meal prep on the weekend with as many items as possible and then divide them up the night before into containers for the kids. Lay out your clothes and the kids clothes for the next day.

 

Setting yourself up for success

 

Do things you enjoy or at least know you will be consistent with. If you like running, run, if not, walk or bike.  The fitness center has plenty of options to exercise moderately or get in a more intense workout.  Many of our residents come into the fitness center and have a routine they have downloaded on their phone and follow that to get a workout in.

 

Lastly, do not stress over missing a workout. It isn’t the end of the world.  If you have a goal, you can get back on track.  It is going to rain, you are going to get behind and be in a rush some mornings.  Set that end goal and reach for it.

In the heart of Houston’s automotive culture, Cars and Coffee in Coles Crossing has evolved from a modest neighborhood gathering into a regional sensation. Huy Lam, who took the reins three years ago, has been the driving force behind this flourishing event.

 

The event’s roots trace back to a neighbor’s original vision. Lam, initially involved as a helper, stepped up when the organizer moved away. “I’ve been organizing it for about three years now,” Lam says, reflecting on the event’s growth from a local Coles Crossing affair to a popular meet-up spot for car enthusiasts from Tomball, Houston, Fairfield, The Woodlands, and Jersey Village.

Cars and Coffee has become a showcase for a wide range of vehicles, from vintage domestic cars and modern performance sedans to German and Japanese imports, and even historic models like the Ford Model T and VW Beetle. “We have no restrictions on who can participate,” Lam explains. “If you’re passionate about cars, you’re welcome here.” This inclusive spirit has fostered a rich community where enthusiasts connect and share their love for automobiles.

 

Organizing an outdoor event comes with its challenges. “Weather is a big factor,” Lam admits. “Deciding whether to cancel due to rain or thunderstorms can be tricky.” Additionally, Lam’s team strives to be considerate of nearby residents by discouraging excessive noise, maintaining a respectful environment for all.

 

The event’s success is driven by increased visibility through advertising and social media. “We’re seeing newcomers from different parts of Houston,” Lam notes. Partnerships with local businesses, including Lam’s own dental clinic, HDentaL, which provides coffee, have further supported the event and strengthened community ties.

 

For newcomers, Lam offers a friendly invitation: “You don’t need to bring a car! Feel free to come out, chat, and enjoy the event. It’s free and open to everyone.” The Cars and Coffee event remains a vibrant celebration of automotive passion, bringing together people from all walks of life to share in the joy of cars.

 

“Join us next month to experience the magic of Cars and Coffee for yourself. Who knows? You might just drive away with a new friend or two.”

Please join us for our seventeenth annual Coles Crossing Turkey Trot and Family Fun Run/Walk. The three mile (5 Kilometer) run/walk will start and finish on the grounds at the Community Center. The course will start and finish at the Community Center. The course is changing this year because of construction on the trails. The event will start at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 28th. In case of rain the rain date will be Saturday, November 30th.

 

•    Registration IS REQUIRED for this free event at  https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Cypress/2024ColesCrossingTurkeyTrot. 

 

All residents and guests are invited. Strollers & friendly pets on leashes are welcome. Due to the large number of participants walking, bicycles are not recommended. Parking is limited but available at the Community Center if needed. 

A donation of any canned or non-perishable food would be appreciated and collected at the start of the Turkey Trot. All donations will be taken to a local charity. 

 

 

 

Caramel Apples

 

Ingredients
8 large tart apples
8 wooden chopsticks for handles
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 

Directions
Gather all ingredients.

 

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Dip apples in boiling water for a few seconds, using a slotted spoon, then dry with paper towels to remove any wax from the peels. Set apples aside to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Insert sticks into the bottom of each cooled apple through the core for a handle.

 

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter together in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

 

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to medium. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees F (120 degrees C), stirring constantly to prevent burning, about 25 to 30 minutes. A teaspoon of caramel dropped in a glass of cold water, should form a firm ball.

 

Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

 

Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot caramel to completely coat the apple and about 1/2 inch of the wooden handle.

 

Sprinkle apples with any desired toppings while still hot.

 

Let caramel apples cool on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 hour. Use caution, caramel is very hot.

Paw Prints

Pets enhance our lives and can be important members of the family, but they come with responsibilities. Please remember to keep your dog on a leash when out walking. Harris County leash laws require that dogs remain on a leash and under the control of their owners when not secured on the owner’s property. These laws are designed for the safety of our residents and for the safety of your pet.

 

If you are having an issue with loud barking dogs, please call the Sheriff’s Department non-emergency number, 713-221-6000 (option 6). The state’s noise ordinance limit is 85 decibels. There are apps for your smart phone that check noise levels.

Please pick up your pet’s waste. Remember, just as you don’t like stepping in poop, neither does anyone else.

 

Lost a Pet?
Make sure your furry friend always wears his or her I.D. tags and rabies vaccination tags. It’s not only the law, but it could help you get your lost pet back.

If you find a pet, check the tags first. Contact the owner, or a veterinarian of the SPCA if no owner information is available.
If you lose or find a pet and can’t find an immediate solution, contact Special Pals lost and found at 281-579-7387.

 

The Fitness Center is open daily from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. for Coles Crossing residents and guests. It is monitored by cameras, and rule violations will be handled by Crest Management. Coles Crossing reserves the right to deny access. 

 

Rules on Underage Children
1.     Children under 14 may not use equipment or loiter 
2.     Ages 14-17 may use the facility only with a parent, legal guardian, or approved trainer. Parents are responsible for their children. Violations will lead to suspension of amenities. For questions, call 281-225-9000.

 

The Fitness Center is open to all residents, but the key fob system provides individual family access. It’s understandable that some may be uncomfortable holding the door for unknown individuals. For safety and security, please use your key fob when entering to ensure that everyone inside is authorized. Our goal is to maintain a safe and secure fitness experience.

 

Approval from the Homeowner’s Association is required for all exterior changes. This includes, but is not limited to, Landscaping, Fencing, Lighting, Painting, Storage Structures, Patio Covers, Generators, Roofs, etc.  To request approval for an Exterior Modification, please visit the Crest Management website and complete their online form. A step-by-step “How To” Portal Guide is available on the Coles Crossing HOA website at the following link.
www.colescrossingcommunity.com/arc-information/
All Exterior Modification requests must be submitted prior to commencing work. Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Approvals usually take between 3-14 days. Click the link below to be directed to the Crest Management webpage to complete your request online. 
www.crest-management.com/Portal?ReturnUrl=%2FPortal%2FHomeownerDashboard
This month’s topic is Roofs and below you will find the Homeowner’s Associations Guidelines.
Minimum Acceptable Construction Standards - Coles Crossing
Roofing materials
1)    Asphalt shingled roof shall be of consistent color and quality through the neighborhood.  The standard color shingles for Coles Crossing shall be dark earth tones, to only include shades of Black, Dark Grey, or Dark Brown.
a.    Granular shingle material may contain several different shades of the same color-family to achieve the overall perceived color which must result in either Black, Dark Grey or Dark Brown appearance.
b.    Under no circumstances shall asphalt shingle roofing colors be perceivably lighter shades of the approved colors, or shades of any other color.
2)    Singles must be of architectural quality and provide a 3-dimensional appearance.
3)    Singles must be of a quality that is warranted for a minimum 25 years by the manufacturer.
4)    The use of alternative roofing materials that are perceivably different in appearance from typical asphalt shingles, such as clay or slate tiles, etc. may be considered for installation in the Estates section of the neighborhood as long as they are esthetically appropriate for the home elevation.
a.    Corrugated panels made of metal, fiberglass, plexiglass or other materials may not be used for roofing in any part of Coles Crossing on any structure.
5)    Singles that are storm resistant, energy efficient, hybrid material, or solar generating are permitted as long as they:
a.    Reasonably resemble the singles currently in use throughout the neighborhood.
b.    Are as durable and are of equal or superior quality to shingles specified here in.
c.    Match the aesthetics of the property surrounding the owner’s property.
6)    The builder for some homes installed sheet metal architectural roofing for porch areas and/or in small decorative accent roofing locations.  When necessary, these roofs shall be replaced with the same style materials and colors as originally installed (typically green or rust color). 
7)    Homeowners must apply for roof replacements with the ARC prior to installation to ensure the project complies with association ARC standards.  Should the HOA discover that a roof was installed without authorization and the ARC determines the roof does not meet specifications, the homeowner will be required to bring the roof into compliance at their own cost.
a.    It is understood situations occur where a roof must be repaired or replaced quickly to prevent damage to a home and ARC approval is sought after-the-fact.  However, it is incumbent upon the homeowner to review and comply with these requirements prior to installation, even in the event of exigent circumstances.