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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Robynn Sweet-Barreras | robynn.barreras@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Joy and Cheer, Boerne

Connie Clark | connie.clark@lifestylepubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGER

Gay Harris | gay.harris@lifestylepubs.com

OKAY, SO MAYBE THE HOLIDAY SEASON ISN’T FULL OF JOY AND CHEER

AD DESIGNER

THE ENTIRE TIME. There’s a lot to do, and you want everything to be perfect so

Evan Deuvall

your family and friends know how loved they are. But take a big breath—we are here

L AYO UT DESIGNER

to help. This month’s issue is my last as publisher of Boerne Lifestyle. I have enjoyed touching each one of you in some fashion with these last ten issues. I hope you continue to read and enjoy the magazine as the new publisher takes over. My wonderful editor Connie and photographer Kate will continue their amazing work for the publication.

Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Connie McFall Clark, Whitney Grunder, Misty Stout, Dr. John Turner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kate Cooley/Cooley Portraits

This issue includes the ultimate gift guide for everyone on your list, and you can find each item here within our community. We are all about shopping local in Boerne and supporting each other. This holiday season is going to be wonderfully different, and we believe in you. Just remember to find time for yourself too. Your family wants you to be happy and healthy above all else. Happy holidays, Boerne. We can’t wait to see you next year!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Cheers, Robynn Sweet-Barreras, Publisher

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

Proverbs 3:5-6 Boerne Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Boerne area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Boerne Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 08 The Christmas Shoppe A second-generation family tradition of bringing Christmas joy to the Texas Hill Country

14 Saint Tryphon Farm & Vineyards Enjoy a beautiful country setting and drink elegant wines

18 Lisa Marie Sharp Sharing her voice through music and art

08 18

24 Holiday Doc Suggestions for a healthy holiday season

24 DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Travel Destination

Giving Back

Hot Spot

Back Stage

20 Inspired By 22 Financial Buzz 24 Healthy Lifestyle 28 Trend Setter 30 DIY 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Parting Thoughts

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

ARTICLE CONNIE MCFALL CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY KATE COOLEY/ COOLEY PORTRAITS

the christmas shoppe

A SECOND-GENERATION FAMILY TRADITION OF BRINGING CHRISTMAS JOY TO THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

AVE YOU EVER DREAMED OF SHOPPING

EUROPEAN

CHRISTMAS MARKET AND JUST

HAVEN’T MADE THAT TRIP YET? Until you do plan that excursion, check out The Christmas Shoppe on Hauptstrasse in our own historic downtown Boerne. That’s Main Street in this German town in the Texas hill country. Nestled between unique boutiques that attract visitors and residents alike, you’ll find the magic of Christmas all year round. The Giddens opened the shop in 1996 when they moved the merchandise from his mother’s storefront in Baton Rouge. And since that time Boerne is proud to claim The Christmas Shoppe as one of its mainstays. Current Head Elf Emily Carvalho began her holiday-centered career one bustling, magical Dickens night in 2003 as a part-time elf and knew by the end of that evening that she had found her calling. Emily and Tony had been married two months and were moving into their new home in Boerne when Giddens offered her the sale of the shop. She shyly asked her new father-in-law for a loan and was thrilled when he said it was a tremendous idea! Already knowing the ins and outs of a retail business and having a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UTSA, Emily told me she was ecstatic to carry on the Gidden’s family business for years to come. Loving Boerne, loving the Shoppe, and loving her customers, Emily’s positive attitude, bubbly personality and innovative ideas come through in the atmosphere of the shop. She will be happy to help you create an amazing holiday for your family to cherish. Tony sees The Christmas Shoppe as a tremendous blessing and hopes to help “keep ‘Christ’ in ‘Christmas,’ and every other holiday, and every day in between.” When I visited Emily, I also met S’more, The Christmas Shoppe’s resident Elf on the Shelf. You can always find S’more on social media posts and the shop’s blog space. You never know when he is going to show up at other storefronts or checking to see if children have been naughty or nice. S'more loves to share stories, tips, recipes, and odd bits of information he's picked up around town. He may also throw in an occasional coupon for his closest friends. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

Brianna Smith and Emily Carvalho

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

Oh, and if you’re looking for items for other times of the year, there is always a display on the table as you walk into the shop. The Christmas Shoppe is located at 132 S. Main Street; the phone number is 830-816-2176; if you prefer to shop online, the website is https://thechristmasshoppetx.com/.

“CELEBRATE ALWAYS” WHERE IT’S CHRISTMAS EVERYDAY! 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16

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GIVING BACK

BOERNE GROUPS PROVIDE C H R I ST M A S C H E E R TO

CHILDREN

YOU TOO CAN HELP BRING JOY TO UNDERSERVED CHILDREN IN KENDALL COUNTY!

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

CHRISTMAS TIME IS MEANT FOR CHILDREN. Boerne people and

ARTICLE CONNIE MCFALL CLARK

organizations love to help bless the underserved children in Kendall County with toys and gifts for Christmas. With an attitude of gratitude it feels right to help out those in need … to share abundance so that all children may enjoy the holidays and look to a brighter future. The Hill Country Family Services works with the Kendall County Sheriff’s department in collecting toys for the Blue Santa project. Because of COVID, they are unable to host a party this year. Instead, there will be a Winter Wonderland drive-through in the Sheriff’s parking lot in December … complete with lights, music, pizza, cookies and a dressed-up K9 officer! Santa will “deliver” gifts to the trunks of cars with at least 500 families participating. Staci Almager, CEO of HCFS stated, “Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the sheriff’s office at 6 Staudt St. in Boerne; at the Kendall County Elections Office, 2210 Fawn Valley; at Black Rifle Coffee, 101 South Main St.; and at Access Storage, 105 Shooting Club Road.” The Blue Santa program accepts applications until December 7 to be included to receive toys for Christmas. Toys can be dropped off at the venues above or Boerne Police Department, Apache Rifleworks/ Comfort, Hauptstrasse Barber Shop and Boerne Dodge Chyrsler Jeep Ram. The deadline for toy drop-off is December 7. Boerne ISD and Blue Santa are also teaming up and are planning a fun event on December 4 at the BISD Central Office. The Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department is collecting toys for children. Check their website for more information. St. Helena's Episcopal Church coordinates the Salvation Army Angel Tree project each Christmas. Children in BISD's free lunch program are eligible for their names to be placed on a paper angel and then decorated on trees at BISD campuses and other locations throughout Boerne. Donors of gifts have a December 5 deadline for delivering the gifts to be placed under the trees.

“WITH AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE IT FEELS RIGHT TO HELP OUT THOSE IN NEED … TO SHARE ABUNDANCE SO THAT ALL CHILDREN MAY ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS AND LOOK TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE.” CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

ARTICLE CONNIE MCFALL CLARK | PHOTOGRAPHY KATE COOLEY/COOLEY PORTRAITS

HOT SPOT

saint tryphon

Silouan Bradford

farm & vineyards ENJOY A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY SETTING AND DRINK ELEGANT WINES 14

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

SAINT TRYPHON IS AN ANCIENT CHRISTIAN SAINT, THE PATRON OF WINE-GROWERS, GARDENERS AND BIRDS. Saint Tryphon Farm & Vineyards developed from three core loves: TEXAS, the great wines of the world and good people. The goal is to craft great wines from grape varietals that like the hot Texas climate. Saint Tryphon’s wines are interesting, wild and authentic – made with minimal intervention in the cellar using native yeasts. Mourvedre is the gem of the grapes. “We make clean, beautiful, elegant wines with grapes that want to be in Texas,” according to vintner and owner Silouan Bradford. The family farm also includes Sil’s wife Mary Elizabeth and daughter Anna along with horses, sheep and chickens. “We curate a farm that works to create harmony within itself: love, compost, rigor and invention.” Farmhouse Vineyards is a brother/sister combo multi-generation farm family that farms four vineyards in three different sites in the Texas High Plains. They are first and foremost growers, focusing on quality over yield. The Newsom brand is one of the top wine grape growers for Texas wineries. They believe in the future and superiority of Texas wine and wine grape production. The High Plains consistently produces the finest quality wine grapes and the wineries of Texas know this and continue to look to the region for more of its grapes. Saint Tryphon is located at 24 Wasp Creek Road outside Boerne. They are open by appointment only on Mondays through Thursdays with limited capacity on Fridays through Sundays. It is best to make a reservation via email: silouan@sainttryphon.com. The tasting room and vineyard sits adjacent to the 1890s Boerne homestead, which is now available for lodging. https://www.sainttryphon.com/ At Boerne Lifestyle’s request, Sil created a delicious mulled wine that our readers can make for themselves. He used a 2018 Triptych red blend, simmered in a enamel cast iron pot for about 30 minutes on low heat. He added: + 10 cloves + 3 sticks cinnamon + 5 star anise + 2 blood oranges juice and peel + ¾ cup brown sugar

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

BACK STAGE

L i sa marie SHARP 18

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

BORN ON A LARGE FARM IN DELAWARE, LISA'S LOVE FOR THE ARTS FLOURISHED AT A VERY EARLY AGE AND QUICKLY EXCELLED IN HIGH SCHOOL WHEN HER ART AND MUSIC STUDIES LED TO EXHIBITING WITH THE REHOBOTH BEACH ART LEAGUE AND A SPOT IN THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE FOR ART HELD AT UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE. From there, Lisa attended the university studying visual communications/design and music. Afterwards Lisa developed opportunities in singing full time which took her away from her art for many years. A resident of Boerne, Lisa has had the honor of sharing the stage with Percy Sledge, Archie Bell & The Drells, The Shirelles, The Four Freshmen and The Temptations. In 1987, she spent her Christmas holidays in Thule & Sondertrum, Greenland and Nova Scotia singing with USAF USO tours. During the COVID-19 pandemic Lisa toured neighborhoods in the back of her husband’s truck singing for the neighbors. She has a wide range of vocals and can really croon in the manner of Patsy Cline, Whitney Houston ARTICLE CONNIE MCFALL

and Frank Sinatra remakes. She continues to write and

CLARK | PHOTOGRAPHY KATE

record her songs and freelances on other recording

COOLEY/COOLEY PORTRAITS

projects. She entertains the residents at Franklin Park/ Sonterra and Care Choice/Boerne on a regular basis in

SHARING HER VOICE THROUGH MUSIC AND ART

their outside venues. She sings for dances at the Elks Lodge in New Braunfels and at Waterford Retirement Community in San Antonio. When asked what her favorite songs to perform at Christmas, Lisa referred to her one-horse open sleigh she inherited from her family, making “Sleigh Ride” and other sleigh-related songs appropriate. The Charlie Brown “Christmas Time Is Here” is a mustsing as well as “O Holy Night” and “Snow” from White Christmas.

lmsharpvocals@excite.com

schedule a performance. Lisa has come full circle with her art. She is currently knife-painting landscapes with acrylics and is working on an outrageous and extreme set of eight large panels of sunsets. The explosion of colors is truly amazing! When Lisa worked as an Ophthalmic Assistant, she photographed the internal eyeball with a camera and microscope. She has turned those images into abstract acrylic paintings that are displayed at Boerne Vision Center. That is a sight to see! View her artwork at the online gallery www.sharp-artstudio.com. The Robert Frost poem, “Dropping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening” is Lisa’s favorite winter poem.

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

INSPIRED BY

INSPIRED BY NEW PERSPECTIVE FOR A NEW YEAR

DITCH THE LOFTY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS AND DARE TO DREAM BIG IF YOU’RE LIKE ME, YOU STRUGGLE WITH THE CONCEPT OF MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS AND STICKING TO THEM. It’s fantastic that people want to set goals to get in shape at the beginning of the year, but I get grumpy when my go-to workout class is booked full of new people who won’t last a month. So do we just ditch the traditional idea of resolutions all together? That would imply we remain complacent in our ability to accomplish goals. If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s learning to be flexible and open to new possibilities. Before COVID-19 became a global pandemic, I started practicing yoga regularly. ARTICLE WHITNEY GRUNDER 20

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

The discipline of showing up on my mat again and again taught me

is, set goals that make you feel excited about the future. When putting

to set positive intentions for my future. Rather than feeling obligated

them into practice they should bring you joy and make you feel alive.

to check off a box, I strive to welcome new potential. It works like this.

If there are changes you want to bring into existence, say it

Instead of, “I will go to the gym and lose 20 pounds,” you set a pos-

out loud or write it down. Do not be surprised when the universe

itive intention: I devote a few hours each week for myself to find some

brings you exactly what you wanted. Fear holds us back, and

form of movement, an activity that makes me feel stronger and health-

pressure to succeed hinders our progress. But dreams, desire,

ier. Maybe it’s walking with friends, taking a cardio dance class, or

creativity, and sometimes even failure – these are what move us

devoting more time to chasing your kids around the park. Whatever it

to create real change in our lives.

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

FINANCIAL BUZZ ARTICLE MISTY STOUT

WHAT HAPPENED? LIFE HAPPENED. WHAT EXCUSES DO YOU USE TO PUT OFF PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE?

"IT'S BETTER TO OFFER NO EXCUSE THAN A BAD ONE." - GEORGE WASHINGTON Getting back in shape, saving money, starting a new hobby. We are all working on those 2021 resolutions and self-improvements for the upcoming new year. Just about anything we do to begin the new year will HAVE to be better than whatever happened in 2020. Every January we talk to many clients who want to complete their will and estate plan. They begin to gather their information and then ... crickets. What happened? Life happened. Which one of the following excuses do you plan to use to put off planning for your future? I bet we can come up with more excuses for you not to get your will done than you can. + It costs too much. That is not where I want to spend my money right now. + I don't have kids, so it is not really necessary. + I don't want to think about negative things like that. + I cannot decide who should be my kids’ guardians. + I am young and healthy. I can think about this later in life. + I don't own property or have any assets. + My family knows what I want. They will take care of me. + I am too busy. That can be something I tackle next year. One thing excuses accomplish is assure that your life will stay the same as it was yesterday. The reality is: + Planning your will is actually not that expensive and is a very good investment into your future, not to mention the priceless peace of mind. + We get it. It is never a "good" time to think about death. However, the sooner you get it done, the better. Check it off your list rather than having the burden dangling over your head. + Nobody wants to ever imagine their kids being raised by someone else. But do not leave that big decision up to a stranger. Your children deserve that tough decision to be made by you.

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

+ We can never anticipate what life will bring! + Losing a loved one is very stressful. Do not burden your loved ones with difficult decisions while they are in the midst of grieving.Â + Work schedule too hard? We have that covered too. If you and your coworkers would like to have us come to your office, we are happy to do so. #willsatwork We at LOVORN & OGLE are here for you. We are ready to team up and make 2021 the year you get this done. Let's make sure you, your children andÂ family are taken care of. Give yourself some peace of mind, you deserve it. We are located at 507 E. Blanco Road. Call us at 830-331-2772.

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ARTICLE JOHN TURNER, MD

Holiday Doc SUGGESTIONS FOR A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

WITH A COVID CHRISTMAS COMING SOON, WHAT DO WE DO TO STAY HEALTHY? First, continue to follow the advice of our health officials regarding social distancing, wearing masks, and hand washing. Anyone at high risk due to conditions like lung or heart disease or obesity or cancer, just to name a few, should be extra cautious. Second, keep alcohol consumption under control. There is a condition known as ‘Holiday Heart’ that occurs from overconsumption of alcohol. The alcohol acts as an irritant to your heart and causes it to go into a cardiac arrhythmia - a fast or irregular heartbeat. Although most frequently associated with atrial fibrillation, the condition can even occur in healthy individuals who don’t have underlying heart disease. Fortunately, Holiday Heart tends to resolve on its own when people stop drinking; so, if you notice a faster than normal or fluttering heart rate while drinking, you should consider drinking water, tea, soda – but not alcohol! In some cases, however, you may need a doctor to reset your heart into a normal sinus rhythm. Third, an easy way to know if you have eaten more calories than you should is if you get up from the table feeling "full". I know you are laughing at this point because most people probably plan on overindulging a little during the holidays…not to worry! All you need to do is balance eating a little more with some exercise. Some people prefer to hit the gym while others just want to go for a nice long walk. Do what makes you feel good. Keeping your exercise regimen up throughout the holiday season will help not only with weight control but also your mood and mental health. Lastly, it is my strong medical recommendation that you do all you can to steer clear of political discussions with your family and friends as you all come together this season - if you don’t want to risk your close relationships, that is! I wish you all a Merry COVID Christmas!

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

DR. JOHN TURNER Dr. Turner graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996 with a degree in Biology. He then attended medical school at Ross University School of Medicine. He trained in Family Medicine at Brackenridge University Medical Center in Austin, Texas. He was an attending physician for a Family Medicine residency program in New Mexico for a few years before deciding to go full time in Emergency Medicine. In 2018, he opened My Urgent Care Clinic in Boerne and added an online virtual clinic in 2018 while continuing in Emergency Medicine. He has a beautiful wife and two sons he loves dearly. He enjoys flying, floating on the river and eating amazing food. https://www.myurgentcareclinic-boerne.com/ CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

Coach/Consultant B E S T O F B OT H W O R L D S

H OW TO AC H I E V E SUCC E SS I N YOU R C A R E E R & PE RSO N A L LI FE

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830.331.5750 terri@terrijwrightcoaching.com T E R R I J W R I G H TC OAC H I N G .C O M

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

Our sincere appreciation for your vote naming

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TREND SETTER

m o r e s pa r k l e s

PLEASE! ARTICLE WHITNEY GRUNDER | PHOTOGRAPHY KATE COOLEY/COOLEY PORTRAITS

FIND JOY AND TURN HEADS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH A LITTLE BIT OF GLAM

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

DRESS – CHECK. SHOES – CHECK. HAIR AND

leopard earrings or glow brightly with a pair of gold

MAKEUP – CHECK, CHECK. After months of

flitter earrings (found online at glitziepixie.com). Is

sweat pants and scrunchies, it’s time for some much

your hair starting to fall flat? La Te Da has adorable

needed glam and a night out (with that outfit-coor-

corduroy knot headbands that come in a variety of

dinating mask, of course).

colors to pair with the entire look.

Your holiday plans might look a little different this year, but that’s no reason not to look and feel

THE SHOWSTOPPER:

your best. Whether you are headed out for a hol-

You have pulled out all the stops for that holiday

iday dinner with friends or gearing up for a family

party, but you deserve to shine brightly. Pair a knot-

event – every outfit can turn heads with the help

ted necklace or stunning layered crystal strands

of a few accessories. We’ve got you covered on the

with some chic crystal earrings to dazzle your way

local front. Boerne’s own Pixie and La Te Da shops

through the night.

can check all your boxes this winter and hook you

Regardless of the type of event (casual or dressy)

up with plenty of sparkle and fun. To help you pre-

do not be afraid to play – whether it’s with colors,

pare, we have a few suggestions for those empty

shapes, or layering of necklaces and tones (golds,

shopping bags.

silvers, coppers). Most importantly - choose statement pieces that bring you joy! Your joy and sparkle

THE CASUAL HOLIDAY SWEATER: Throw on your coziest sweater this winter, but

will light the entire room up this season and keep you glowing.

don’t stop there. Add a little sass with a white leopard wallet or keep it cool with a jet black crossbody wristlet. Accessorize with some chunky cork

Find Pixie and La Te Da in Boerne at 129 S Main Street and 133 S Main Street. CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

DIY

bullet journaling 101 ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY ESTÉE JANSSENS

Let’s face it—in today’s so-much-to-do-and-so-little-time cultural mindset, it

can be hard to keep track of everything we need to do. Wake up—did you get enough sleep? Brush your teeth. Feed the kids. Feed the dog. Get ready for work. Make your lunch. Those are just six things to think about in the span of 15 minutes after your alarm goes off.

With all of these things to keep track of and our lives moving a mile a minute,

anything we can find to streamline our obligations (and our thoughts) can be a lifesaver! Enter: bullet journaling. It’s equal parts calendar, meal tracker, diary, self care and, well, really anything else that you want to keep tabs on! The “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system,” coined by creator Ryder Carroll, can help you master the art of intentional living—any way you want to.

THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE + ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOALS

start simple

make it your own

There’s so much you can do

When you start searching for

The most important thing to

here with just a notebook (you’ll

bullet journaling on Pinterest,

remember is that it is for you

probably want one with a dotted

it can get really overwhelming

and not anyone else. Find lay-

grid) and a pen! If you want to

really fast. Decide what is most

outs that help with what you

add some creative flair, consider

important for you to keep track

need, use your favorite colors,

incorporating markers, stickers

of and start with that! If you try

doodle things that help you out

and washi tape.

to do too much at once, you’ll be

and make it work for YOU and

less likely to stick with it.

your goals!

what you need

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

page styles

t ypes of pages in a bullet jour nal + Mood tracker + Activity tracker + Exercise tracker + Ideas list + Chore list + Budget tracker + Spending log + Bucket list + Reading list + Yearly goals + Happiness log + Sleep tracker

symbols

s ymbol char t A bullet journal really becomes what you make it. Use symbols that speak to you! Here are some basics to start with:

Task

Event Note Complete CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

OLD WEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT FEST

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Enchanted Springs Ranch, Boerne

Late Night Shopping Events

BOERNE PERFORMING ARTS CONCERT

Get your fill of holiday magic, flavors

Downtown Boerne is all dressed

Tickets to the special event, The

and family fun under the lights at

up and ready to welcome you for

Canadian

Old West Christmas Light Fest. Add

late night holiday shopping! Come

are available

Texas-sized sparkle to your holidays

experience our small town hospitality

of 2021 season tickets. Purchase

with the glow of lights.

and personalized customer service!

tickets by phone: 830.331.9079 or

Shops open until 9 p.m. on the fol-

online: info@BoernePerformingArts.

lowing Fridays and Saturdays:

com and at Greater Boerne Chamber

11/27 & 11/28

of Commerce at 121 South Main Street.

BOERNE STOCKING STROLL

12/11 & 12/12

Boerne Hill Country Mile

Champion High School Auditorium

Brass with

Holiday the

Show,

purchase

12/04 & 12/05

Main Street, Boerne

Boerne Stocking Stroll takes place over two days - December 4 and 5. Each $30 ticket allows entrance for either or both days. Collect a special

9 BETHLEHEM DRIVE THROUGH

19 COWBOY CHRISTMAS MARKET DAYS Main Plaza

St. Helena's Episcopal Church

December 19 and 20 is this year's

you visit while shopping along the

As you enter the city, allow the sights,

Cowboy Christmas Market Days with

beautifully decorated Hill Country

sounds and smells to carry you to

festive booths of collectibles and

Mile and beyond. Face coverings are

a period of time that changed the

remembrances of the past to modern

required

gift from each participating business

event.

world. Journey through the heart

innovations that will bring a smile of

Businesses will be following current

of the city after being counted for

wonder to those whose stroll past.

capacity rules.

the census. Collect your denarii and

Enjoy food and music.

throughout

the

enter the marketplace. Performances

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

are on December 9 and 10 from 6:00

Due to COVID-19 some events may be

until 8:00 p.m. Free to the public.

rescheduled or modified.

Keeping your family

on the road...

Ritchie Automotive REPAIR AND ALIGNMENT

Open Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm 29059 Interstate 10 West (830) 755-8550

Col. 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

CityLifestyle.com/Boerne

PARTING THOUGHTS CROCHET HANDMADE GIFTS THAT ARE STITCHED WITH LOVE!

T H I S H O L I DAY S E AS O N T R Y A

N E W H O B BY

ARTICLE WHITNEY GRUNDER

WITH 2021 CREEPING UP ON US, START YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION EARLY AND TRY SOMETHING NEW! This winter we’ve got everything you need for a budget-friendly hobby that you can practice from the comfort of your home. Crafting Essentials: Head to your neighborhood craft store for the basics. There are a variety of yarns and hooks, but start simple. Soft acrylic yarn is less expensive, making it a good option for beginners. Typically, yarn labels indicate what size hook to use. A good rule of thumb is the thicker the hook, the thicker the yarn should be. Why Knot Try? Start small with the slip knot. Avoid hand cramping by holding your crochet hook as if you were holding a pencil. Quickly twist and loop the yarn onto the hook, then wrap the yarn under the hook, and pull it through the loop to tighten. Repeat this step until you’ve got the hang of it. Congratulations – you’ve just made your very own chain stitch! This is the first step to learning how to crochet. Practice, practice, practice! Keep Calm, Stitch On: Once you have practiced the basics and feel comfortable with the slip knot, you can start to explore more complex pattern work. If you are a visual person, YouTube has several how-to videos that break down the basics so you can crochet your way to creating mittens, sweaters, blankets, and other gifts for you and your loved ones! Crocheting Woes: Tried this hobby and didn’t love it? First, be proud of yourself for trying your hand at a new activity and then open your mind to new possibilities. Might we also suggest the following hobbies: 1. Start a daily gratitude journal 2. Learn a new language 3. Bake favorite holiday recipes 4. Start a book club 5. Practice yoga or meditation Wherever your home hearth may be, you can try any of these new hobbies and enjoy the winter days in new ways. 34

Boerne Lifestyle | December 2020

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