The Dominion Lifestyle

The Dominion

March | April 2013

DEBRA JANES The Dominion Real Estate Specialist

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BUYING OR SELLING, PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Having served as a luxury Dominion Realtor for the past 18 years, I’ve sold hundreds of millions of dollars in residential real estate and development property in The Dominion. I’ve sold most of my recent clients’ Dominion homes and my listing inventory is low! Your home is in high demand.

I have buyers in all price ranges that are looking for the perfect home in The Dominion for their lifestyle.

DEBRA JANES LUXURY REAL ESTATE GROUP 210.573.4040 dj@gvtc.com DebraJanes.com

DEBRA JANES

10 Dominion Drive, San Antonio, TX 78257

Debra Janes Luxury Realtor

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Natalie Biggers Licensed Realtor Associate

Maria Freyre Spanish Translation Specialist

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Luxury Realtor Specializing in San Antonio,

Texas Hill Country Ranches and the Texas Coastline.

In Good Taste Featuring Zocca Cuisine D’Italia 210.444.6070 | ZoccaRiverWalk.com

Event Calendar

THE PLEASURES OF

MARCH | APRIL 2013 San Antonio Symphony: The Four Seasons Majestic Theatre, March 22nd – 23rd 210.554.1010 | SASymphony.org After enjoying these four groundbreaking violin concertos in celebration of spring, summer, autumn and winter, you’ll never experience the great outdoors the same way again. The beautiful classical pieces you’ll enjoy include: Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, and Schubert’s Polonaise, Konzertstück, and Symphony No. 6, Little C Major.

SEARED SHRIMP PASTA WITH PESTO Shrimp Pasta 1 lb. of shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 lb. of fresh linguine pasta 4 Tbs. of fresh peas 4 Tbs. of unsalted butter 1 Tbs. minced garlic 4 Tbs. of pine nuts, toasted lightly Pesto 3 cups of fresh basil leaves, washed 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts 1 clove of garlic 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded 1. Add the fresh basil leaves to a blender with the rest of the ingredients except the olive oil.

2. Slowly add the oil in a steady stream and blend until smooth.

Alfredo Sauce 2 qts. of heavy whipping cream 1/2 lb. of asiago cheese, shredded 1/4 lb. of fontina cheese, shredded 1/4 lb. of parmesan cheese, shredded 1 Tbs. of salt & pepper 1/4 cup of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch & water) 1. Bring the heavy cream to a simmer, and blend in all cheeses using a hand blender. Slurry with cornstarch and water. Season as needed, and strain through a fine mesh sieve.

2. Grill or sauté the shrimp. Once cooked, add the garlic and butter and cook until soft.

3. Add the prepared Alfredo sauce and butter with 4 Tbs. of parmesan cheese and 4 Tbs. of pesto.

4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, top with the shrimp and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts.

Serves: 4

Spring is finally here! As colorful flowers are blooming and the cool winter evenings give way to warmer weather, our attentions turn to one of our favorite San Antonio pastimes— dining outdoors.

Although the Europeans have practically elevated dining outdoors to an art form, those of us living in the Southwest also know the pleasures of bringing the indoors out. With so many months of fabulous weather ahead of us, now is the time to begin taking your meals outside.

The Italian term al fresco directly translates to “in the fresh.” There is something absolutely magical about a wonderful meal enjoyed en plein air, where diners take their sweet time enjoying the meal, the company and the ambiance of a beautiful natural setting.

The best al fresco dining combines long, lazy meals with simple and fresh food.

Relax the rules, take your time; this is the perfect occasion to escape without leaving home.

One of the most difficult challenges of having your home for sale is the need to have it in constant “show ready” mode. There is no doubt that your home will sell faster and for top dollar if it is presented in its best light – so most homeowners go the extra mile on a daily basis to insure that the home is clean, clutter-free and looking its best.

Additionally, if you are a pet owner, do not overlook the importance of managing your pets while your home is for sale. It could make or break the success of the entire process!

You’ve planted colorful flowers along the front walkway, hung a brand-new wreath on the door, turned on soothing music, fragranced the home with an appealing scent and opened all of the blinds in anticipation of a showing. Do you realize how quickly the calming and appealing mood you’ve created gets ruined when a barking dog comes charging to the door? Or the smell of a litter box is wafting through the entire home? Or your beloved bird is squawking loudly from the kitchen?

As pet lovers, we tend to forget how others might view our pets. Even if your dogs are perfectly harmless, you must keep in mind that some people are very fearful of dogs. Others have a strong distaste for cats. So in protecting the home viewing experience for potential buyers, you should also protect the safety of your animals.

You will have strangers walking through your home and the potential for unkind actions to your pets is a

Depending on the time of day you’ll be dining, there are several ways to make your al fresco experience all the more special:

Afternoon Tea

Brunch

Set your table with vibrant and colorful table linens. In fact, it’s a perfect occasion to use your sunny French linens that just seem so appropriate in this celebration of le soleil. Decorate with flowers, flowers everywhere and if you’re poolside, enjoy the enchanting views as the sun sparkles off of the water.

Keep the menu casual and fresh. When planning your menu, it’s easier to serve dishes that can be enjoyed at room temperature. A luscious quiche, buttery croissants and fresh berries may be all you need for a delightful brunch. Of course, you may also add mimosas to the menu if you’re so inclined!

possibility. Or, simple neglect could mean that dogs or cats are inadvertently let out of opened doors while the home is being viewed. So, what options do you have in creating the best scenario for your home as well as your pets?

In an ideal situation, your pets could be away from the home during all showings.

If it’s at all possible, bring your pets with you for the day. Whether it’s to work or just running errands, some people have the ability to have their pets accompany them. Other options would be to leave the animals with a trusted friend or neighbor, take them to the kennel for the day, the popular doggy day care facilities or perhaps your groomer. For many families however, it’s just not always practical.

Some people will leave animals in laundry rooms or back bedrooms with a note on the door requesting that visitors do not enter. This is not best though, because it’s never a good idea to have rooms or areas of the home that are not accessible to potential buyers. Even though you feel that they

Sometimes a leisurely afternoon is just what the doctor ordered. Again, take a cue from our European friends and rest and relax over a nice pot of tea. The British advise that there’s not a trouble that can’t be resolved over a cup of tea. Bring out a tray of scones, mini fruit tarts and perhaps some cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches. Voila! You’ve created a wonderful respite in your day.

Dinner

Ahh… the sun is setting, a cool breeze blows across your patio and you’re taking delight in one of life’s simplest pleasures: splendid food and wonderful companionship to enjoy it with. Let the beauty of the evening be the star of the

can imagine what the laundry room looks like, it leaves a question mark in the mind of the viewer as they leave your property.

Your goal is to not have any question marks, only strong positive thoughts from potential buyers.

Putting your dogs into the back yard during showings often doesn’t solve the dilemma either. While potential buyers will be able to roam through your home at will, outdoor living environments are just as important to buyers and they’ll want to feel comfortable walking the entire property at their leisure.

Putting animals in a room, but with a child-safety gate enclosing them, is a better idea as people can still view the room. Even better, if your pets are crate or kennel trained, visitors can actually walk into the room while your pet is safely kept away.

Your Realtor should make a note on the MLS listing that there are pets in the home and any special instructions visitors should heed. That way, potential buyers can be expecting dogs, cats,

PETS AT HOME? Keeping Your Property “Show Ready”

show and set your table with elegant and subdued linens and tableware. Now is the time to break out the votive candles to add atmosphere as the San Antonio sunset gives way to twinkling stars.

Create a menu that is back-to-basics.

Dining al fresco is not meant to be fussy and super-sophisticated. Instead, it’s a salute to the pleasures of all things simple and delicious. A caprese salad, lemon-garlic roasted chicken (that can be prepared the day before), roasted eggplant and zucchini, and a loaf of crusty Italian bread is heaven.

So, here’s to living in beautiful San Antonio and to taking it outside! Enjoy the next several months of enviable weather and take all the delight from it that you can!

(or a snake!), rather than being startled when arriving at your home. It also gives those with pet allergies an opportunity to take any necessary medications to alleviate any allergic reactions.

A note near the front door may be helpful too as added insurance that everyone is aware of the presence of pets.

Having pets tends to create other issues besides how to handle them during showings. Your home may need some extra care to bring it to its best.

Make sure that there are no lingering pet odors in and around the home. Clean the cat box and the yard of waste at least daily. Keep your carpets and furnishings fresh and deodorized. The use of an air neutralizer may be beneficial. Take extra care to remedy any stains in the carpeting, scratches on doors or chewed-up baseboards.

It’s often a lot of effort to keep your home looking its best while for sale. Obviously having pets puts an entire different set of issues into play. But your hard work and attention to detail should pay off in the end if you’re able to sell your property faster and at a higher price point.

Culinaria 5K Wine & Beer Run Shops at La Cantera, March 23rd 210.822.9555 | CulinariaSA.org Culinaria´s 5K Wine & Beer Run is back. What better way to celebrate completing a 5K than with some refreshing libations at The Shops at La Cantera. This third annual race will take place on the roads and pathways in and around The Shops at La Cantera, situated at the edge of the Texas Hill Country. There will be an array of pre and post-race festivities for runners, as well as entertainment, great food and more.

Kenny Barron Jo Long Theatre of the Performing Arts at Carver Community Cultural Center, April 12th 210.207.7211 | TheCarver.org Are you ready to come in contact with a living legend that is a jazz genius? Piano artist, Kenny Barron, is a world-traveling musician that recently received the prestigious title of “Jazz Master” from the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the highest honor in jazz that the nation can bestow. Barron has been nominated nine times for a Grammy Award, and for the American Jazz Hall of Fame.

Fiesta San Antonio 2013 Various Locations, April 18th – 28th 210.227.5191 | Fiesta-SA.org Welcome to Fiesta® San Antonio—100 events, 11 days, 1 Fiesta! Choose from more than 100 official events—parades, festivals, concerts, coronations, athletic events, art exhibits and more. It’s a “Party with a Purpose” because each official event is produced by a local nonprofit organization or military unit providing services to San Antonio citizens throughout the year… so you could say that Fiesta never ends!

14th Annual A Taste of the Northside Club at Sonterra, April 24th 210.826.4492 | BrightonSA.org Your favorite Northside restaurants will be in attendance with delicious samplings of their best dishes. Tastings of a variety of wines and Silver Eagle beers will whet the appetite of all partygoers! Music from a variety of live bands will entertain guests throughout the evening. All proceeds from A Taste of the Northside benefit Brighton Center.

In Good Taste Featuring Zocca Cuisine D’Italia 210.444.6070 | ZoccaRiverWalk.com

Event Calendar

THE PLEASURES OF

MARCH | APRIL 2013 San Antonio Symphony: The Four Seasons Majestic Theatre, March 22nd – 23rd 210.554.1010 | SASymphony.org After enjoying these four groundbreaking violin concertos in celebration of spring, summer, autumn and winter, you’ll never experience the great outdoors the same way again. The beautiful classical pieces you’ll enjoy include: Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, and Schubert’s Polonaise, Konzertstück, and Symphony No. 6, Little C Major.

SEARED SHRIMP PASTA WITH PESTO Shrimp Pasta 1 lb. of shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 lb. of fresh linguine pasta 4 Tbs. of fresh peas 4 Tbs. of unsalted butter 1 Tbs. minced garlic 4 Tbs. of pine nuts, toasted lightly Pesto 3 cups of fresh basil leaves, washed 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts 1 clove of garlic 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded 1. Add the fresh basil leaves to a blender with the rest of the ingredients except the olive oil.

2. Slowly add the oil in a steady stream and blend until smooth.

Alfredo Sauce 2 qts. of heavy whipping cream 1/2 lb. of asiago cheese, shredded 1/4 lb. of fontina cheese, shredded 1/4 lb. of parmesan cheese, shredded 1 Tbs. of salt & pepper 1/4 cup of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch & water) 1. Bring the heavy cream to a simmer, and blend in all cheeses using a hand blender. Slurry with cornstarch and water. Season as needed, and strain through a fine mesh sieve.

2. Grill or sauté the shrimp. Once cooked, add the garlic and butter and cook until soft.

3. Add the prepared Alfredo sauce and butter with 4 Tbs. of parmesan cheese and 4 Tbs. of pesto.

4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, top with the shrimp and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts.

Serves: 4

Spring is finally here! As colorful flowers are blooming and the cool winter evenings give way to warmer weather, our attentions turn to one of our favorite San Antonio pastimes— dining outdoors.

Although the Europeans have practically elevated dining outdoors to an art form, those of us living in the Southwest also know the pleasures of bringing the indoors out. With so many months of fabulous weather ahead of us, now is the time to begin taking your meals outside.

The Italian term al fresco directly translates to “in the fresh.” There is something absolutely magical about a wonderful meal enjoyed en plein air, where diners take their sweet time enjoying the meal, the company and the ambiance of a beautiful natural setting.

The best al fresco dining combines long, lazy meals with simple and fresh food.

Relax the rules, take your time; this is the perfect occasion to escape without leaving home.

One of the most difficult challenges of having your home for sale is the need to have it in constant “show ready” mode. There is no doubt that your home will sell faster and for top dollar if it is presented in its best light – so most homeowners go the extra mile on a daily basis to insure that the home is clean, clutter-free and looking its best.

Additionally, if you are a pet owner, do not overlook the importance of managing your pets while your home is for sale. It could make or break the success of the entire process!

You’ve planted colorful flowers along the front walkway, hung a brand-new wreath on the door, turned on soothing music, fragranced the home with an appealing scent and opened all of the blinds in anticipation of a showing. Do you realize how quickly the calming and appealing mood you’ve created gets ruined when a barking dog comes charging to the door? Or the smell of a litter box is wafting through the entire home? Or your beloved bird is squawking loudly from the kitchen?

As pet lovers, we tend to forget how others might view our pets. Even if your dogs are perfectly harmless, you must keep in mind that some people are very fearful of dogs. Others have a strong distaste for cats. So in protecting the home viewing experience for potential buyers, you should also protect the safety of your animals.

You will have strangers walking through your home and the potential for unkind actions to your pets is a

Depending on the time of day you’ll be dining, there are several ways to make your al fresco experience all the more special:

Afternoon Tea

Brunch

Set your table with vibrant and colorful table linens. In fact, it’s a perfect occasion to use your sunny French linens that just seem so appropriate in this celebration of le soleil. Decorate with flowers, flowers everywhere and if you’re poolside, enjoy the enchanting views as the sun sparkles off of the water.

Keep the menu casual and fresh. When planning your menu, it’s easier to serve dishes that can be enjoyed at room temperature. A luscious quiche, buttery croissants and fresh berries may be all you need for a delightful brunch. Of course, you may also add mimosas to the menu if you’re so inclined!

possibility. Or, simple neglect could mean that dogs or cats are inadvertently let out of opened doors while the home is being viewed. So, what options do you have in creating the best scenario for your home as well as your pets?

In an ideal situation, your pets could be away from the home during all showings.

If it’s at all possible, bring your pets with you for the day. Whether it’s to work or just running errands, some people have the ability to have their pets accompany them. Other options would be to leave the animals with a trusted friend or neighbor, take them to the kennel for the day, the popular doggy day care facilities or perhaps your groomer. For many families however, it’s just not always practical.

Some people will leave animals in laundry rooms or back bedrooms with a note on the door requesting that visitors do not enter. This is not best though, because it’s never a good idea to have rooms or areas of the home that are not accessible to potential buyers. Even though you feel that they

Sometimes a leisurely afternoon is just what the doctor ordered. Again, take a cue from our European friends and rest and relax over a nice pot of tea. The British advise that there’s not a trouble that can’t be resolved over a cup of tea. Bring out a tray of scones, mini fruit tarts and perhaps some cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches. Voila! You’ve created a wonderful respite in your day.

Dinner

Ahh… the sun is setting, a cool breeze blows across your patio and you’re taking delight in one of life’s simplest pleasures: splendid food and wonderful companionship to enjoy it with. Let the beauty of the evening be the star of the

can imagine what the laundry room looks like, it leaves a question mark in the mind of the viewer as they leave your property.

Your goal is to not have any question marks, only strong positive thoughts from potential buyers.

Putting your dogs into the back yard during showings often doesn’t solve the dilemma either. While potential buyers will be able to roam through your home at will, outdoor living environments are just as important to buyers and they’ll want to feel comfortable walking the entire property at their leisure.

Putting animals in a room, but with a child-safety gate enclosing them, is a better idea as people can still view the room. Even better, if your pets are crate or kennel trained, visitors can actually walk into the room while your pet is safely kept away.

Your Realtor should make a note on the MLS listing that there are pets in the home and any special instructions visitors should heed. That way, potential buyers can be expecting dogs, cats,

PETS AT HOME? Keeping Your Property “Show Ready”

show and set your table with elegant and subdued linens and tableware. Now is the time to break out the votive candles to add atmosphere as the San Antonio sunset gives way to twinkling stars.

Create a menu that is back-to-basics.

Dining al fresco is not meant to be fussy and super-sophisticated. Instead, it’s a salute to the pleasures of all things simple and delicious. A caprese salad, lemon-garlic roasted chicken (that can be prepared the day before), roasted eggplant and zucchini, and a loaf of crusty Italian bread is heaven.

So, here’s to living in beautiful San Antonio and to taking it outside! Enjoy the next several months of enviable weather and take all the delight from it that you can!

(or a snake!), rather than being startled when arriving at your home. It also gives those with pet allergies an opportunity to take any necessary medications to alleviate any allergic reactions.

A note near the front door may be helpful too as added insurance that everyone is aware of the presence of pets.

Having pets tends to create other issues besides how to handle them during showings. Your home may need some extra care to bring it to its best.

Make sure that there are no lingering pet odors in and around the home. Clean the cat box and the yard of waste at least daily. Keep your carpets and furnishings fresh and deodorized. The use of an air neutralizer may be beneficial. Take extra care to remedy any stains in the carpeting, scratches on doors or chewed-up baseboards.

It’s often a lot of effort to keep your home looking its best while for sale. Obviously having pets puts an entire different set of issues into play. But your hard work and attention to detail should pay off in the end if you’re able to sell your property faster and at a higher price point.

Culinaria 5K Wine & Beer Run Shops at La Cantera, March 23rd 210.822.9555 | CulinariaSA.org Culinaria´s 5K Wine & Beer Run is back. What better way to celebrate completing a 5K than with some refreshing libations at The Shops at La Cantera. This third annual race will take place on the roads and pathways in and around The Shops at La Cantera, situated at the edge of the Texas Hill Country. There will be an array of pre and post-race festivities for runners, as well as entertainment, great food and more.

Kenny Barron Jo Long Theatre of the Performing Arts at Carver Community Cultural Center, April 12th 210.207.7211 | TheCarver.org Are you ready to come in contact with a living legend that is a jazz genius? Piano artist, Kenny Barron, is a world-traveling musician that recently received the prestigious title of “Jazz Master” from the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the highest honor in jazz that the nation can bestow. Barron has been nominated nine times for a Grammy Award, and for the American Jazz Hall of Fame.

Fiesta San Antonio 2013 Various Locations, April 18th – 28th 210.227.5191 | Fiesta-SA.org Welcome to Fiesta® San Antonio—100 events, 11 days, 1 Fiesta! Choose from more than 100 official events—parades, festivals, concerts, coronations, athletic events, art exhibits and more. It’s a “Party with a Purpose” because each official event is produced by a local nonprofit organization or military unit providing services to San Antonio citizens throughout the year… so you could say that Fiesta never ends!

14th Annual A Taste of the Northside Club at Sonterra, April 24th 210.826.4492 | BrightonSA.org Your favorite Northside restaurants will be in attendance with delicious samplings of their best dishes. Tastings of a variety of wines and Silver Eagle beers will whet the appetite of all partygoers! Music from a variety of live bands will entertain guests throughout the evening. All proceeds from A Taste of the Northside benefit Brighton Center.

The Dominion

March | April 2013

DEBRA JANES The Dominion Real Estate Specialist

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BUYING OR SELLING, PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Having served as a luxury Dominion Realtor for the past 18 years, I’ve sold hundreds of millions of dollars in residential real estate and development property in The Dominion. I’ve sold most of my recent clients’ Dominion homes and my listing inventory is low! Your home is in high demand.

I have buyers in all price ranges that are looking for the perfect home in The Dominion for their lifestyle.

DEBRA JANES LUXURY REAL ESTATE GROUP 210.573.4040 dj@gvtc.com DebraJanes.com

DEBRA JANES

10 Dominion Drive, San Antonio, TX 78257

Debra Janes Luxury Realtor

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Natalie Biggers Licensed Realtor Associate

Maria Freyre Spanish Translation Specialist

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Luxury Realtor Specializing in San Antonio,

Texas Hill Country Ranches and the Texas Coastline.