New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine - Nov/Dec 2022

Lifestyle New Braunfels

MODERN COUNTRY LIVING

Magazine

Nov./Dec. 2022

Sophie's Gasthaus

Weihnachtsmarkt

Gracie & Gretchen

Elise Craig

Downtown Luxury Hotel

Bringing beautiful tablescapes to homes for the holidays

A German-Styled Christmas Market Occupation: Artist!

Country Grace Photography

Cookies with Santa!

Letter from the Editor

F

all is finally in the air and we (and by we I mean all Texans!) can't even begin to express the joy of finally feeling that first fall nip! Without going into details about our long hot summer months, I'll just start with how much we luv that the Fall months are here. Not just for the temperatures but becuase here in New Braunfels, TX, it means the kickoff to Festival Season!

Comal County Fair kicks-off in September, then in October we have Gruene Music & Wine Festival, the Downtown Bier & Wine Stroll, then the Chamber and Hispanic Alliance Dia De Los Muertos Festival. November brings Wurstfest and Weihnachtsmarkt and finally December brings the Downtown Tree Lighting event and Waisallfest! I know! So many events but they're all so well-planned and it truly is fun for the entire family.

Editor-In-Chief Graphic Design Photography Melba Romero

Managing Editor Cortney Pickett

Other Fall favorites, of course, are the holidays with November bringing family and friends together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. That's why we decided to make the theme of this issue "Fall Gatherings". We highlight Sophie's Gasthaus as one of the more luxurious accomodations in town for hosting visiting family and/or friends; we also feature Gracie & Gretchen Tablescapes where the art of table setting sets the tone for warm and inviting dining experiences.

Other features include one of our beloved local artist: Elise Craig as well as a photographer, Sallie with Country Grace Photography, who has mastered the art of capturing the perfect shot of kids with Santa!

And last but not least, special props to the two newest members to the magazine team!

As Managing Editor, Cortney Pickett will be working with me on the production side to create and build a print and digital publication that embodies our luv for local artisans, DIYers, crafters, hobbyists, antique/pickers, designers, homebuilders, gardners and the local small business merchants that are the backbone of this community.

Also joining us, is Tammi Solis, as Advertising and Content Manager. I knew the moment I met Tammi that her bubbly personality, along with her energy and drive, would help take NBLM to the next level. And I was so right! She has brought an energy to the magazine that has invigorated our conviction to push forward and bring to fruition the great potential that this sweet little magazine has.

As a team, we are so excited to get these magazines out to you and look forward to moving thru the year with each new issue!

Happiest of Holidays,

Melba Romero Creator | Publisher | Editor-In-Chief

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Advertising Manager Content Manager Tammi Solis

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Sophie's Gasthaus

Downtown Luxury Hotel

Weihnachtsmarkt

German-Styled Christmas

Gracie & Gretchen

Celebrating Tablescapes

Elise Craig Artist

Country Grace Photography Cookies with Santa!

New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine® is a registered trademark of Black Pearl Publications, LLC and may not be used without permission. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, Black Pearl Publications, LLC. The information contained in this magazine is provided AS IS. Neither New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine nor Black Pearl Publications. LLC, make any representation or warranty with respect to this magazine or the contents thereof and do hereby disclaim all express and implied warranties to the fullest extent permitted by law. New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine and Black Pearl Publications. LLC do not endorse any individuals, companies, products, services, or views featured or advertised in this magazine. ©New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the copyright owner.

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Sophie's Gasthaus

The luxury boutique hotel of Downtown New Braunfels 4

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Sophie’s Gasthaus is truly one of a kind.

Originally built in 1906, the newly renovated Sophie's Gasthaus hotel is a perfect blend of classic German architecture & modern design. Sophie’s Gasthaus offers eight uniquely appointed rooms & suites. Guests are encouraged to linger in the elegant art-filled interiors or take pleasure in exploring the luscious courtyard, pristine pool, and sprawling lawn with a game room and fire pit.

You can quite literally step off the front porch into the heart of downtown New Braunfels and walk to all the nearby NB faves from the hotel.

Experience fine dining at Myron’s Steakhouse, McAdoo’s Seafood, or Huisache Grill. Stop by a local favorite for brunch or a brew at Krause’s Café. For dessert & java, we recommend Scoop Street and 2Tarts Bakery. Boutique shopping, top-notch restaurants, entertainment, and one of Texas’ best farmers’ markets are all within walking distance. When the sun goes down, stop in at nearby popular nightlife spots like the Downtown Social, Pour Haus, or Phoenix Saloon for drinks and live music.

Adventure is endless in New Braunfels. Go tubing, paddle boarding, and rafting on the Comal or Guadalupe rivers, take a trip to one of the beautiful Hill Country Golf Courses within 10 minutes of downtown, or put on your dancing shoes and enjoy live music at Gruene Hall, Whitewater Amphitheater, or River Road Ice House.

Whatever your ideal vacation is, make Sophie’s Gasthaus your home base to explore the Texas Hill Country or for a day trip to Austin and San Antonio!

For more information or to check availability please visit: www.sophiesgasthaus.com

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Weihnachtsmarkt German-Styled Christmas Market with a Texas Twist November 18 - 20, 2022 - New Braunfels Convention Center Weihnachtsmarkt (a holiday shopping market), founded by the Sophienburg Museum & Archives in 1988, is the museum's largest fundraiser.

Weihnachtsmarkt began in the Civic Center, and has expanded its presence to consume the entire venue. This allows for comfortable shopping no matter the weather. Merchants and artisans offer a wide array of wares. The market is a one-stop shop for artisan and international gifts, ranging from ladies apparel, T-shirts to jewelry, beef jerky to lavender, custom embroidery, holiday florals and other unique finds. And don’t forget to take Elfies with Santa just for fun!

Weihnachtsmarkt kicks off each year with the Glittering Star Party—a dressy, sparkling affair. The main hall is festooned in German fashion with stars hung in honor of donors. Guests enjoy a large spread of wine, drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres while live music and pre-market shopping keep the event festive.

Weihnachtsmarkt remains successful through the years due to the commitment of volunteers, who continue to show up and bring younger ones onboard. Interested? You can still join next season’s fun or help throughout the year by submitting an application online to the Sophienburg Museum & Archives. Needs range from computer and cataloging skills to executing exhibits, working at Sophie’s Shop, Wurstfest and more.

To learn more, visit Visit www.sophienburg.com for details.

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HOLIDAY Calendar GRUENE HISTORIC DISTRICT AT THE WATER TOWER

EVERYDAY

LIVE TUNES AT GRUENE HALL Gruene Hall features live music every day year ‘round. Most shows are free Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Friday and Saturday evenings are generally ticketed shows. For band schedule and availability, visit GrueneHall.com or call (830) 606-1601.

NOVEMBER 15

HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: SIP-N-SHOP Stroll through Gruene Historic District enjoying complimentary beverages and special offers at the many participating shops. This event is also the official "Kringle Cash" kickoff, available at select retailers. Stroll as long as you can between 5 and 8pm, then rest your feet at Gruene Hall with free live music from 6 to 10pm. For more information, visit HolidaysInGruene.com.

NOVEMBER 17 AND DECEMBER 15

COME AND TASTE IT On the third Thursday of each month (except January), come to The Grapevine and taste some of Texas' best wines and craft beer straight from the winemakers and brewers. This monthly event features complimentary tastings, live music and door prizes. It's the perfect opportunity to sit, sip and relax in the heart of Gruene Historic District. For more information, visit GrapevineInGruene.com or call (830) 606-0093.

NOVEMBER 18

THE CADILLAC THREE: HILLBILLY HYPNOTIZED TOUR AT GRUENE HALL*

NOVEMBER 19-20

HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS & PHOTOS WITH COWBOY KRINGLE Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items, and packaged Texas foods.Market hours are 10am to 5pm. Free admission. Visit GrueneMarketDays.com or call (830) 832-1721 for information. Reserve a spot in advance to create a lasting Christmas memory with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene's own brand of Santa! Packages are available, along with Christmas cards and other special order items.

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NOVEMBER 22, DECEMBER 20 AND DECEMBER 27

SWING DANCE LESSONS AT GRUENE HALL Learn simple, fun East Coast Swing steps in this one-hour class before the Two Ton Tuesday show at Gruene Hall! This class is perfect for beginners or those wanting to polish their wraps, tunnels, turns and spins! The one-hour lesson begins at 6pm and is just $10 per person. Hang around Gruene for dinner and try out your moves with popular rock-a-billy group Two Tons of Steel that evening, starting at 8:30pm. Call Gruene Hall toll free from San Antonio at (830) 606-1281 for more information.

NOVEMBER 22, DECEMBER 20 AND DECEMBER 27

HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: TWO TON TUESDAY HOLIDAY SHOWS AT GRUENE HALL A summertime rock-a-billy favorite, Two Tons of Steel will play three special holidays shows at Gruene Hall. If you haven't felt the energy of Two Tons live, grab your dancing partner and get ready for a rockin' night. The band takes the stage at 8:30pm. Come early for Swing Dance Lessons from 6pm to 7pm. Call Gruene Hall toll free from San Antonio at (830) 606-1281 for more information.

NOVEMBER 24

HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: 14TH ANNUAL GRUENE TURKEY TROT Fun for the whole family! Start your Thanksgiving Day with an exhilarating 5K run/walk through Gruene Historic District. Kids under 12 years old will have a blast chasing a Turkey Mascot for a 1/4 mile. Races begin and end in front of Gruene Hall. Benefiting local charities, including the Comal County Sheriff's Green Santa Program and the New Braunfels Police Department Blue Santa Program. Register online at ComalCopsForKids.org or email ccfk@comalcopsforkids.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 19-20, NOVEMBER 25-27, DECEMBER 3-4, DECEMBER 10-11, DECEMBER 16-18 HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: PHOTOS WITH COWBOY KRINGLE Reserve a spot in advance to create a lasting Christmas memory with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene's own brand of Santa! Packages are available,along with Christmas cards and other special order items.

For times and information, visit HolidaysInGruene.com

DECEMBER 3 - 10AM HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: ANNUAL GRUENE PONY EXPRESS RIDE Gruene Historic District will receive a Pony Express rider from the Heritage Trail Ride Association of New Braunfels at 10am. Relay riders carry a “Christmas Greetings” message from the Governor of Texas. A temporary Post Office will be set up next to Gruene Outfitters in Gruene to cancel stamps for mailing. Bring your Christmas cards to have the stamps cancelled with the commemorative stamp representing Gruene. For more information, visit HolidaysInGruene.com.

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DECEMBER 3 - 1PM HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: BAH HUMBUG AT THE GRAPEVINE It's Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol with an amazing twist — one actor plays all the roles in this powerful tale of hope and compassion! Awardwinning stage actor Damian Gillen transforms before your eyes into all those beloved characters...from Scrooge to Tiny Tim, in this magical and imaginative re-telling of the holiday classic! Complete with numerous costume changes, special effects and traditional Celtic Christmas tunes! Great fun for the whole family!

DECEMBER 3 - 5PM HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: GRUENE TOWN LIGHTING Gruene closes out the many festivities of the day with a brass band street performance at 5pm followed by the annual town lighting at 6pm when Cowboy Kringle rides into town on horseback and hands out candy canes to the kids. Free admission. For more information, visit HolidaysInGruene.com.

DECEMBER 3-4 HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: GRUENE CHRISTMAS MARKET DAYS Nearly 100 vendors offer Christmas gifts, uniquely crafted items, and packaged Texas foods. Perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Market hours are 10am to 5pm. Free admission. visit GrueneMarketDays.com or call (830) 832-1721 for information.

DECEMBER 10

HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: ANNUAL JINGLE BELL RUN This 5K Run/Walk and Kid's K event benefits St. Jude's Ranch for Children. Awards will be given to the top male and female finisher, the top male and female masters, the top 3 finishers in each age group (All ages – 5 year increments through 75+), and the top three wheelchair athletes. Sponsored by the New Braunfels Running Club and held in Gruene Historic District. For information, call (830) 708-2991 or visit AthleteGuild.com.

DECEMBER 31 HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: NEW YEAR’S EVE AT GRUENE HALL* A Gruene Hall favorite returns to help ring in the New Year at Texas’ Oldest Dance Hall. For information or to purchase tickets, visit our website at www.gruenehall.com, call (830) 629-5077 or toll free from San Antonio (830) 606-1601, or stop by Gruene Hall in person.

Advance tickets are recommended.

JANUARY 1 HOLIDAYS IN GRUENE: HAIR OF THE DOG DAY Free live shows all day at Gruene Hall on New Year's Day. For details, call (830) 629-5077 or visit www. holidaysingruene.com 14

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*Advance tickets recommended Band Information: GrueneHall.com Gruene Texas Information: GrueneTexas.com

BE SEEN WHEN AND WHERE IT COUNTS! Advertise with NBLM to expand your market reach!

We are currently working on the Winter 2023 Issue and the Spring 2023 Issue and we'd love to have you join us!

For Advertising Opportunities, or editorial inquiries, contact us today! info@nblifestylemagazine.com or call 210.570.2076 EDITORIAL CONTENT ALWAYS WANTED! Let us know if you, or someone you know, has an interesting story, craft, or talent that should be shared with the masses and we'll include it for consideration of future coverage.

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Two Sisters Celebrating the Beauty of a Pretty Table

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W

e are sisters that grew up in the small town of Brenham, Texas.

Our dad was the head football coach and athletic director for our high school and our mom was the artistic brains behind building the community for the Brenham Cubs by my dad's side. Our mother was the host of all hosts, she hosted book clubs, bible studies, threw us the best birthday parties, hosted supper clubs with their couple friends, after-game football parties and the list goes on. It’s safe to say our mother was the influence for us learning how to host, to love setting a beautiful table, and more than that she taught us the art of hospitality and all that that entails. Along with our mother we watched our grandmothers do this as well. Our Gigi was also a coach's wife and a wonderful host, throwing fabulous parties. Our Gran would always set beautiful tables that wow’d a crowd. We grew up loving to help and watch how these powerful women in our lives made a difference in their communities by mastering the art of hospitality as well as creativity.

We both went to TCU for college and adored our time there. We pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma and through that made the most wonderful friends from all over. This chapter definitely played a part in growing who we are and how we do business. Being different ages our paths were a little different from each other, naturally.

The oldest of us two is Gracie, once graduating from both college and grad school she started dating a wonderful guy she grew up with from Brenham, Michael Buro. At the time he was coaching in Brenham for our dad.

They got married a few years later and moved back to Austin (Michael went to the University of Texas) for Michael’s job as a football coach for

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and men around us shy away from doing this in their homes and with their communities, realizing hosting is becoming a lost art. And what if we made it our mission to reintroduce the art of hosting?

Where does building family and fostering fantastic friendships and conversations happen? Around a table. There it was, we found our calling.

Our whole goal for our business is to provide the tools to help women and men in our generation master the art of hosting in their own space. We provide tips, tricks, how-to’s, design ideas to facilitate hosting on their own and feeling confident doing so.

We know that building a beautiful table is not only fun, but sets the tone for your guest and invites them to sit back and enjoy the evening. This is where you build not only your community, but your confidence. Our main forms of reach is through our website/blog, instagram, and TikTok. We also partner with businesses to provide our design services and brainstorm on creative ways to lean into the educational side of it… facilitating fun “how-to” workshops and so on.

Vandegrift High school. They lived in Austin for 4 years and expanded their family by one, welcoming little Henry “Hank” Buro.

We got to live in Austin together for 4 years which is where this idea of starting G&G began.

We loved throwing fun parties and designing beautiful tables for our friends in Austin, but it was just a hobby and our creative outlet at that point. As we were hosting these fun parties, book clubs, birthday dinners… etc, we saw women 18

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We spend a ton of time in New Braunfels at our parents house, as it is our halfway meeting point and hope to reach more of our clientele in this wonderful town. We have fallen in love with New Braunfels since our parents moved there and couldn’t imagine a better place to be connected.

This photoshoot was taken in our parents home, and to make it more fun we got to show off the beautiful table bought at Adele Kerr's to support local shops and antiques of the town.

To learn more about tablescapes by Gracie and Gretchen, visit www.gracieandgretchen.com

For more Beautiful Tablescape ideas Around Town, visit...

The Traveling Gypsy Antique Mall Downtown New Braunfels, TX

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About our Shop!

CCB was created in 2019 and that's when owner, Haley, started her journey with the business as a side hustle to her full-time job. But after being blindsided and let go due to COVID, that's really when she was able to solely focus on Casa Creek and make it the biggest little boutique it is today with a warehouse store front and a thriving online presence.

Now a mother-daughter duo, Casa Creek continues to grow in New Braunfels, TX, and some might even say we are a hidden gem with a little something for everyone!

Here at CCB, we love fashion because we love it when our patrons look great and because fashion encourages women to feel confident in their own skin.

Sometimes all you need is that perfect little number to make you feel like you can conquer the world!

We are so grateful to do what we love everyday and appreciate every single one of our customers!

Thank you for shopping small and come by for a visit!

www.shopcasacreek.com 20

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Elise Craig: Occupation - Artist 22

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lthough it’s rare to hear these days, I’m a lifelong resident of New Braunfels, TX, as well as my parents who were high school sweethearts, both graduating from New Braunfels High School (‘63 and ‘62, respectively). My mom actually grew up in a farmhouse in Gruene while my grandfather, Ruben Jacoby, taught school in a one-room schoolhouse in Gruene in the 1940’s. So, we’ve been around the area for a long time.

everything, and consider all ideas and perceptions, whether in regard to visual art or otherwise, as I consider myself a lifelong learner. I’m always a little amazed and rattled at everything I DON’T know. I absolutely love to learn.

After college, I taught English for thirteen years and art for ten years, both at the middle school level in and around the New Braunfels/Austin area.

Growing up, I always leaned towards creative, artsy hobbies-writing, drawing, painting, working with clay, anything I could get my hands on. My parents were supportive of this, but mostly saw it as a talent that would probably stay just that, just something to do in my spare time, and not really as a career choice. I never really considered becoming a full-time artist in the traditional sense, but felt myself more and more drawn to some sort of creative field as I got older.

I graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1990 and attended The University of Texas at Austin from ‘90-’93, taking many hours in liberal and fine arts such as English literature, art, art history, psychology, theology, and linguistics classes, with a somewhat “loose” plan for graduating, and ultimately earned my degree in English with a minor in Art & Design. Artistic influences throughout college to the present would be everyone from Giotto to Miro to Warhol to street art and murals in Austin, ‘80’s and ‘90’s album covers the bold graphics of skateboard designs to Stephen Sprouse and others in fashion to contemporary artists like Yayoi Kusama, Okuda, Shepard Fairey, Jen Stark--the list goes on. I have an eclectic range of art that I appreciate and find interesting, and that’s in line with just about everything else. I don’t consider myself a black or white person on any topic. I try to stay open to

I left public education just this past year to pursue my own creative journey full time, and it’s been very exciting, but I do miss having that connection with kids, so at some point, I’d like to figure out a way to do classes or camps. Middle school kids are their own special kind of people…they’re hilarious…. and they kept me young at heart for a long time! So many great memories of my years in the classroom.

Whilst teaching, I married and had two kids, Mia, who is now 20 and a junior in college, and Lucas, who’s now finishing his final year in high school.

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I have since remarried to Kyle Craig, my absolute best friend and soul mate (An accountant! Who would have thought!) But who 100% supports and encourages all of my creative ventures.

In the fall of 2019, I was doing a project with my students at school which involved alcohol inks. I was mesmerized by their vibrant colors, fluidity, the way the inks interacted with each other, and created these gorgeous abstract shapes and compositions… that was all she wrote. I couldn’t get enough. And THEN I discovered….gold. Literally. A gold alcohol ink that I learned how to manipulate through air (my breath, blowing through straws, an air compressor) and learned to mix it into my art with the other inks. It was just magic. I had some control, but not total control, as to how the piece was going to turn out. I just began experimenting and trying different techniques and using different tools. Up until then I had never found a medium that I connected with so much. I finally took a leap and started posting my art on Facebook – which is SO scary, because you just don’t know until you try what sort of reaction people will have. Kat Balmos, owner of Lot 59 and The Local, happened to see my work after a few months of me over-posting (sorry, friends!) and one day commented that she liked what she was seeing.

We decided to meet and chat and that’s how I became lucky enough to become a featured artist at The Local.

I still can’t believe it, actually. My advice to anyone reading this…. PUT. YOUR. WORK. OUT. THERE. You never know what will happen. Share it with the world, because the world for sure needs more people doing what they love and sparking joy in themselves and others. To this day, two and a half years later, I’m still learning new techniques. I love the imperfection of this medium…nothing is completely purposeful. I can start a piece with an idea in mind and it can turn out very, very different from the original idea. I’ve also heard this type of art referred to as fluid or intuitive.

It has a very organic feel to it, and I really strive for my pieces to have a connection to nature, whether it’s abstracted florals or landscapes, or geodes, or earth strata, Sometimes I see waves and bubbles and think of the ocean and sea life. But whatever it is, it will have some component of metallic (usually gold) in it, somewhere, vibrant color, and tons of texture. I want something visually interesting to be happening no matter where a person looks when they view my art.

Of course, it makes me happy to no end when I can create a piece of art that someone connects with, or complete a commission that makes a client say, “That’s exactly what I wanted!”

I’m so, so happy to be doing this, something I love and have always loved, for people in the town I grew up in. I’m extremely grateful for the support of everyone and the positive feedback I’ve received.

It’s just unbelievable to me and I have to pinch myself all the time. In addition, I love that art has allowed me to meet and connect with so many new people.

Another thing I love is the flow of creativity that seems to happen, thank goodness, from one idea to the next. My biggest fear is just RUNNING OUT. Out of energy, out of creativity, out of ideas for new pieces…just hitting a wall. But thankfully it’s still flowing and I love that whole process.

Again, I’m just grateful for this moment in my life. Who knows how long it will last, but I can’t imagine my life without creating or without a component of art somewhere in it. So, if it’s not alcohol inks, it will be something else, for sure.

I’ve branched out a bit into mural painting, both commercial and residential, and I’ve just begun showing my work at different markets in the area.

I’ve had a couple of events in the Kendra Scott Flagship store on South Congress in Austin.

Another highlight was being part of the Queens Lounge Art Show at Lot 59 with my art squad homegirls, Sarah Donovan, Sarah Heinbaugh, and Courtney Holder. I was also very honored to be one of eleven American artists in the Palermo Biennale and a participant in the Coming Out show in M.A.D.S. Gallery in Milan. There’s so much incredible opportunity out there and I’m beyond excited to see what happens next!

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Red & Gruene A Holiday Shop Red & Gruene, A Holiday Shop--is nestled under the beautiful live oaks of Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels, TX. Our family has been creating and sharing the holidays with Christmas retail stores in Texas for over 40 years.

We can't wait to meet you and help find your "something special" for the holidays!

Specializing in: Holiday and year-round ornaments and unique gifts.

1706 Hunter Rd., Suite B | New Braunfels, TX | 78130 940-704-5896

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Country Grace Photography Sallie Scott - Owner, Photographer I grew up in the country in a tiny town called Dunlay west of San Antonio. I’m the oldest of three kids, having two younger brothers. We were raised in the outdoors between the property we lived on and our family ranch. Spending a lot of time outside, with mainly my brothers to play with, is where my creativity began. I would make up games for us to play, make believe forts in the woods, stories and plays to act out. We were and still are an extremely tight knit and close family. I had always loved small children and wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher when I grew up.

Following my dream of being a kindergarten teacher, I went to Texas State College after high school graduation in pursuit of a teaching degree. At this time, I did not have an interest in photography yet, it had never even crossed my mind. My plan was to graduate, marry my high school sweetheart, and have lots of babies! Two out of three happened, I married the high school sweetheart, Chris, and we have 4 kiddos! I never did finish college tho--I quit college my senior year to do full time work as a private tutor/nanny. I wasn’t enjoying college and not finding any fulfillment in becoming a teacher. I really didn’t know what I wanted to be anymore, other than be a wife and mom. So, Chris and I married in 2007 and I became a mom a little over a year later. By the time baby number two came along, I quit my 28

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job and became a stay-at-home momma to my two little ones. And this is where my photography interests flourished!

My husband was and still is a New Braunfels Police officer. Living off one income was rough, and I wanted to find something to do from home that would help us out financially.

I loved taking pics of my kids, dressing them, posing them in cute ways…I thought if I could just start taking a few pictures of others people’s kids maybe I could turn this new hobby into a side gig. So, I borrowed $2,000 from my dad (an amount that at the time seemed impossible to ever pay back) and bought my first DSLR camera. I was so excited!

I can vividly remember getting home with this brand-new expensive camera, sitting at the kitchen table and opening the box. The excitement, however, was short-lived, I broke the camera by shoving the memory card too far in before I ever even took a single pic. A $400 repair later and overcoming ideas of quitting before I even started, I went ahead and

started practicing on my kids.

I soon realized I would also need a new lens. Then…yup, I got the new lens, sat down at my kitchen table to open the box and dropped that brand new lens on our tile kitchen floor, shattering the glass and suffering through another $400 repair. However, and thank goodness, I didn't let those mishaps discourage me from at least trying to make a go of this.

Fast forward a few years, I started Country Grace Photography in 2011. With the goal to be able to make enough money to cover the grocery bill every month. I had no idea what I was doing.

Everything I have learned is from trial and error. By year two, I was actually making some money at this and ready to take it to the next level.

My husband converted our carport garage guest room into a studio for me. And from here my business really took off, having a dedicated space to use as a newborn

studio. Then, just six months after the completion of the studio we were hit by an EF2 tornado. It not only caused major damage to our home, but it completely destroyed the studio. My props were blown fields over, the roof was gone.

I had just sold out my first ever children Christmas minis sessions the night before the tornado hit. And now I had nowhere to offer them. It was a scary blow to my business.

But the Lord used that to force me to trust and walk by faith. I found and leased a new studio space with a kitchen. I

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remember saying “I’ll never use the kitchen, that's really wasted space for me, I’ll just end up using it as storage”. Little did I know that that very kitchen would inspire my biggest business venture yet.

Cookies with Santa!

My husband came home from work one day and told me that he knew a Santa in town that had told him “Hey if your wife wants to do Santa pics let me know”. I told Chris eww. I would never want to do Santa pics. Everyone does them and they aren't creative at all. Kids are just forced to sit on Santa's lap and if clients want that it's offered at the mall. A year later, I'm in my new farmhouse randomly decorating the kitchen for Christmas and a crazy idea popped in my head. What if I did a Christmas cookie photo shoot in here? What if I did a Christmas cookies Photoshop with Santa? I wanted this to be more of an experience than a photo shoot I wanted the kids to be able to interact with Santa, bake with Santa and just be silly together. I went back to my husband and asked for the Santa contact. And in 2016 the first ever cookies with Santa was born! I was shocked when I sold out 40 spots that year. Every year

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New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine

these sessions have grown and now we do over 500 sessions a year with the possibility of actually hitting 600 cookies with Santa photo shoots this year! I know! It’s crazy! As you can imagine this has pushed my business to a whole different level.

This past year we purchased a new studio off of FM 1101 and we designed it from the ground up with a new Cookies with Santa kitchen! I have added a second photographer, also my bestie, Kristen. An office manager, JC, who is a godsend!

And we have seasonal help during our cookies with Santa busy season.

The journey has certainly been tumultuous, I have to say, but I guess this was my intended path and I’m so glad that I never strayed too far from it.

I love what I do and honestly believe in that old adage, if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life!

To learn more about Country Grace Photography or to book a session, visit www. countrygracephotography.com

Modern Country Living

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