Page 2: Celebrating The Independence Of The United States Of Amer ica Page 4: Garcia Ar t Glass Inc. (on the cover)
Page 7: Oh, Wait Can You See Page 11: Wor th the Dr ive
Page 13: Are You Ready To Par ticipate In The Upcoming Benefit Bash? (WCR) Page 15: Are You Spreading Your self Too Thin In Proper ty Mamagement? (NARPM) Page 19: Culinar y Adventures in Romance Event Pictures , Announcements and More...
As we begin the month of July most Americans look forward to the fourth day when they celebrate the “independence” of the nation. By definition an independent nation is one that is able to make its own decisions and govern itself without influence or control from any external sources which was certainly not the state in which the original British colonists found themselves during the 18th century. As a very brief history of events: government of the colonies at that time was under control of local British Royal governors who were responsible for enforcing a series of “intolerable” taxes imposed upon the colonists that led to serious discontent, unrest and the desire for freedom from British rule. The British increased its military presence in the colonies and attempted to disarm the colonists while the Second Continental Congress established a Continental Army under the command of General George Washington and the two armies faced off at the Battles of Lexington and Concord that became a catalyst for the Revolutionary War (also known as the American War of Independence) which officially began in April of 1775.
As the war continued to rage on, the Second Continental Congress appointed a committee of five, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston to draft a document for independence which Thomas Jefferson actually wrote by himself. It was presented to the Congress as the Lee Resolution and was approved on July 2,1776 but was printed two days later on July 4th, thus bearing that date and was named The Declaration of Independence. However, even after the printed document was released the engrossed version (official reprinted copy of the text of a bill including any agreed upon amendments) was not released until weeks later and was finally signed by the delegates on August 2nd. There is a picture on the reverse side of the $2 bill of the delegates
signing the document; however, that is from a scene which actually occurred previously in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall, Philadelphia) on June 28, 1776, when the first rough draft of the Declaration was presented to the Second Continental Congress.
It is also interesting to note that John Adams was so excited about the vote to approve the document on the 2nd that on the following day he wrote his wife that their "Day of Deliverance" from Britain "ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more." It has been reported that when the official date became recognized as the 4th he refused to attend any celebrations on that date. Although the war was still ongoing at the time, Congress adjourned for the day on July 4, 1777, to celebrate the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Events were held in both Philadelphia and Boston where all the illumination needed came from the bonfires, cannon fire and gunfire present. Cannons and artillery were in use during the celebrations up to the mid-19th century when they were discontinued due to concern for public safety - and I am sure the public could do without loud cannon booms!
Today, without the use of weapons and ammunition, illumination is pretty much left up to fireworks, since bonfires can also easily get out of hand to do more harm than good. Most of the current firework displays associated with the holiday celebrations are handled by professionals, however many individuals do like to try their hand at exploding some smoke bombs, Roman candles, ground spinners, missiles, rockets, etc. These individuals should be aware that according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2021 alone there were 11,500 firework injuries, most of which were associated
with Fourth of July celebrations affecting primarily men and involving injuries to hands, fingers, face and neck in varying degrees of severity. Needless to say, this holiday is a very busy day in the local emergency rooms as people do get reckless with their home fireworks.
Although annual celebrations continued around the country, July 4th was not an official national holiday even though the Massachusetts legislature, in 1781 declared it to be a holiday in their state. It took the national congress until 1870 to vote to make it one and it didn’t become a paid holiday for federal employees until 1941. I would expect that is indicative of the speed with which Congress acts.
When mentioning some of the USA past Presidents associated with July 4th did you know that the only President to have a birthday on that day was Calvin Coolidge, born in 1872 and that President Zachary Taylor, who did not die on the 4th, did pass away on July 9th from cholera that he contracted during a July 4th celebration. Even more interesting is the fact that Founding Fathers and close friends Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4,1826, on the 50th Anniversary of the adoption of the document. Whether true or not it was rumored that Adams’ last words were about his friend as he said, “Thomas Jefferson survives.”
Five years after their deaths President James Monroe died, also on the Fourth of July in 1831. Incredible!
Unless you hail from New England you may not be aware they have been celebrating independence for more than 200 years, but a bit differently than other areas of the country. In the past they followed a tradition of setting wooden casks afire at Midnight on July 3rd to usher in a new year of liberty and then on July 4th enjoyed salmon as their meal for the holiday, two practices that are no longer popular. They do, however, still hold an “Antique and Horribles Parade,” a satirical event where the participants wear outlandish costumes to poke fun at local and national figures without concern for political correctness and use floats to make fun of some of the past year’s controversial events. They must be having fun with that one!
Most folks don’t remember a lot of the history associated with the Fourth of July but do remember that it is a time to gather with family and friends to watch parades, and/or firework displays or maybe enjoy cookouts with hot dogs and hamburgers. Some may participate in eating contest like the one for hot dogs held at Nathan’s on the Coney Island boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York. Nathan’s claim is that the event has been held every year since 1917; however, there are only official records naming the winner since 1973 and for the next seven years the contest might have been on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day but since 1979 Nathan’s event has been celebrated on Independence Day each year. In any event it is now that time of year to celebrate your independence, for which many fought and died!
We certainly do not want to forget the many parades across the nation that go along with celebrating the “fourth” with the entourage of automobiles carrying V.I.P.s, entertainers performing as they move along the street and of course, the music of the marching bands. Most, if not all, marching bands play the compositions of John Philip Sousa, known as the “March King” who composed 135 marches including the best known among them: The Washington Post, Semper Fidelis and The Stars and Stripes Forever. Lee Greenwood, entertainer and songwriter said he was inspired by Sousa’s marches as he had played drums in his high school band. When he recently wanted to honor military veterans he wrote God Bless the USA, which had a slow beginning but became a patriotic favorite after the September 11 attacks and is now a Fourth of July staple.
Liza
Aug
Aug
Toby
Aug
Vortex Realty
Aug 7 Trudy Scott Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Janis Morgan Keller Williams Legacy
Joseph Hatem Keller Williams Boerne
Mike Lockridge BHGRE Homecity
Jason Gamboa LPT Realty
Rachell Bonds Century 21 The Hills Realty
Aug 8 Melinda Lange BHGRE Homecity
Rodney Coleman E Coleman Realty
Cindy Vest Realty Executives of S.A.
Aug 9 Scott Spencer Century 21 Scott Myers
Bob Brock Highland Homes
Kim Schmidt Old Republic Title
Aug 10 Rich Braune Premier Realty Group
Rosie Elizondo Keller Williams City View
Jackie Arnette Jackie Arnette, Broker
Phyllis Williams Old Republic Title
Whitney Solich Old Republic Title
Marjory Felter Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
William Osborne Century 21 The Hills Realty
Aug 12 Phil Gonzales Vortex Realty
Aug 13 John Chase JPAR San Antonio
Aug 14 Wayne Johnson Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Aug 15 Tori Vendola Reliance Residential Realty
Barbara Saathoff LPT Realty
Eric Davis Central Metro Realty
Linda Otri Perkins Vortex Realty
Aug 16 William Rosenthal Branded Realty
Chrystal Garcia Weichert Realtors Strategic Alliance
Dora Kaufmann Kuper Sotheby’s International
Lori Haecker Real
Aug 17 Beatrice Alvarez Realty Executives of S.A.
Roxane Cook Home Team of America
Gina Fontenot Texas Edge Realty
Aug 18 Alexander Baez Landlord Property Mgt.
James Ynclan
Aug
Aug
Sherri Wolfshohl
Aug
Norma Callahan Avenue Realty
Sherri Bailey Home Team of America
Jim Shaw Century 21 The Hills Realty
Aug 22 Janie Munoz Premier Realty Group
Michael Barton MIDCITI Realty
Aug 23 Lori Hockley Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper
Marisa Estavillo Vortex Realty
Karen Evans / Contributing Writer
Garcia Art Glass Inc., founded by Gini Garcia in 1998, has become the premier glass art design, production, and fabrication studio in Texas and beyond. Innovation, communication, mutual respect, and flexibility have been vital to their success for the past 26 years. Due to the talented and dedicated team, which includes the director of production, Dora Elia Garcia, maestro glass blower Gerado Munos, and a solid administrative and sales team, Garcia Art Glass has served its clients well. The glass studio and gallery, located in Southtown, has the capacity to hand-produce thousands of hand-blown glass works for the residential, corporate, hos -
pitality, and nonprofit sectors. This team effort manifests in awards, dignitary gifts, wall art, sculpture, lighting, and chandeliers, to name a few. The Garcia Art Glass Gallery is home to a sizeable rotating collection of unique handblown designs that are signed, numbered, dated, and ready to be purchased and shipped worldwide.
After 26 years of devotion to design and glass making, Gini considers her life and work as a gift for the benefit of God's Glory. Her inspiration comes from her many travels, personal stories, and the unbelievable perfection of the natural world. "Art is a mirror into our society that can bring
change," she says. "Art glass can be used to provide a powerful narrative in the world or to tell a story to an audience that can be very intimate and personal." While using glass to tell their story, the client is welcomed to participate in the art-making process, which in turn results in an authentic expression. "It is always so much fun to see the end result!
Over the years, art created at Garcia Art Glass has
evolved. The beauty and attractiveness of colorful blown glass carry a large amount of sex appeal. It can be made to look shiny or dull, transparent or opaque. Both frail and strong, it has become essential to work beyond these inherent characteristics to provide further meaning to the already beautiful lure of molten glass
Many projects begin with listening and gathering all important aspects of each project. A significant exploration of the storyline brings meaning and reasons to exist. Gini's vast experiences and design acumen easily weave the story into her designs in glass. Her work can move beyond its decorative beauty to become a lasting work of personal or public significance.
The Garcia Art Glass client is extensive. Gini's work can be seen all around the world. She jokes about when she and her team hung a 1000pound chandelier in a castle for the City of Dresden. This installation was a highlight of her career. She recalls sending ten wooden crates the size of king-size beds to Frankfurt and personally being there to receive them for this particular Sister City installation.
The collectors of the work of Gini Garcia are vastly different. The custom projects will be designed and produced only once for that individual or business. This is why her work has become so collectible. You will never see the same work twice. She jokes that due to the complexity of the design and technique, sometimes her own studio can never even copy itself. In recent months, Garcia Art Glass has completed projects for the JW Marriott, Plant Riverside in Savanna, GA, and the W in Austin.
The positive influence of her father and mother played a big role in her upbringing.
They showed her the love of God, moral values, and how to live with a generous heart with gratitude and humility. Being one of seven siblings, she was raised to compete and is naturally driven for success. Her father acted as a great example in her life. His love of career and passion for his life as a surgeon were an inspiration for Gini. Additionally, her mother, Mrs. Garcia, continues to be the most meaningful and important inspiration in her life! Over these past two years, Gini and her mom, now 92 years old, restored a historic home together.
Gini has used her passion for design to create a truly oneof-a-kind Airbnb called Casa Artista. Located in the Lavaca Historic Neighborhood, this gem was built in 1876 and is fully decorated with her oneof-a-kind glass art creations, including her first chandelier.
Garcia Art Glass
Gini Garcia President/Creative Director 715 S. Alamo San Antonio, Texas 78205 studio: 210-354-4681 garciaartglass.com ginigarcia.com
Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer
July 4th is a time-honored American experience. All the flying flags paying tribute to our grand old country and all our celebrated freedoms. Reminders that we are the home of the brave and the land of the free. With grateful tributes to all those who served to preserve our freedoms, this is a side note on another great American tradition: interaction with the Internal Revenue Service. Or as I like to say, the Irritating Rip-off Society. Just another branch of the ‘service’ that works to aggravate true, blue Americans who work hard to follow the rules.
Just as I am a loyal election voter, a speed limit follower, a returner of too much change in a cash transaction person, I am a dedicated income taxpayer to the penny of my accountant’s directions. I always pay my obligations a month early to avoid any delay in processing my payment. I use my convenient electronic banking watching for the check to clear and then I sleep soundly again knowing I owe estimated taxes each quarter.
How they calculated my taxes is beyond me, but I do not poke the bear, I just pay the piper.
After four decades of avoiding any conflict with the Society, their accomplice, the U.S. Postal Service delivered a notice from the Society. Mixed in with the too many requests for a simple, tax-deductible donations (the irony) was a one page NOTICE. No niceties, no inquiry to how I was doing, no thank you for being a loyal payee to the Society. Just a cryptic note that I owe $31.62 in penalties for not paying my 2022 taxes on time. This was an unwelcomed conundrum and so begins my less than joyful interaction with least liked Service of the American Services.
First, I located my bank statement from March 2023 to confirm the Society received their dues. Indeed, they did, but they titled it an ‘electronic payment’ and there was no copy of my original check. For the record, my antique accountant never mentioned making a payment electronically. We are all old fashion that way. I thought
a check was a great way to have proof of payment, but I was wrong. NOW, I discovered this tidbit from the Society’s website: “For security reasons, we will destroy your original check, but we will keep a copy of the check for recordkeeping purposes.” More on that later. I decided $31.62 was not worth proving a point over, so I just wrote another check, sent it off and assumed we were good.
The following month, my ‘check’ did indeed remove funds from my account. No copy of the check was available, but they called it an electronic transaction. The month following that, I received yet another letter from the Society announcing I now owed the entire payment of my 2023 taxes plus penalties and interest for NOT paying my taxes. WHAT?! Of course, the letter arrived late on a Friday, so I had the entire weekend to fret about what on Earth was happening to Little Miss Rule Follower.
Of course, my electronic trail confirmed that indeed, the Society had cashed their four-figure dues directly out of my account. Simple mistake by them to think I did not pay responsibly. First thing Monday morning, I set up camp in a comfortable location to prepare to the estimated wait time for assistance. Two hours and 26 minutes later, Danica was on the line with me to resolve my problem. I had my doubts. She was nice enough and the clicking sounds on her side of the call indicated she might be competent. “I
see from our records you now owe $58.37 cents in non-payment. Can I deduct that from your account?” I took a deep breath and continued praying on my rosary.
I told her I was holding a letter from her that said I owed nearly four grand and I was not clear why I owed an additional $58.37. “That is your penalty payment for not making your four grand payment.” I could tell this was not going to end well. I explained I have proof that the Society TOOK that four grand out of my account. “Really? We do not show that on our records.” Big surprise. I heard her take a deep breath and said, “All you need to do is send us a copy of the canceled check.” I then repeated their website quote to explain I had no canceled check, they have it. “Well, dear, you need to go your bank and get a copy of the check.” As nice as I could be I informed her there was NO CHECK. She then acknowledged that was a problem.
She took a deep breath and noted the Society has 90 days to investigate. WHAT?! They have my money; my check, and they are investigating themselves? I did ask my bank if they could find an IRS canceled check. They giggled as they said that was not possible, but they could write a nice letter that says someone took that money out of my account. So, for now, I am in an Oh, wait can you see state of mind.
Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer
It gets hot here in the summer - there’s no doubt about it. But, there are still ways to get out and explore the beautiful natural areas around San Antonio without melting or being entirely miserable from the heat.
There are five state parks and natural areas within an hour’s drive of San Antonio. That means you have at least 5 chances to upgrade one of your weekend days this summer. These fun day trips are the perfect way to get your recommended dose of natural Texas beauty and Vitamin D without breaking the bank or leaving you too exhausted for tomorrow.
Here’s what I recommend: start the day early. If you’re an ambitious early riser 5 AM- and it means you get to watch the sunrise. If you’re more the slow-torise type and require that your weekend alarm go off later than the workweek alarm, aim for 8 AM. However you can - start
early. The earlier the better. The goal is to beat the heat of the day.
Find some jams for the drive or roll down the windows and cruise. Grab a coffee and drive to your destination, but great newsyou’re only driving about an hour.
Check in, find a map, and find a parking spot that will stay in the shade for the morning.
Pick your daily dose of adventure based on your experience and current level of ambition.
Aim for a hike or activity that will bring you back to your car around noon.
Grab your water, backpack, and sunscreen and get out there! Go! Have fun!
Don’t forget to take pictures and drink water. It’s important. Plan to rest for a bit when you get back to your car. Give the air conditioner a chance to cool everything down.
Find a local restaurant for lunch or plan ahead and bring a
lunch with you for a nice picnic.
After lunch, stay cool during the heat of the day by heading in to an indoor adventure or head out on a scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country.
Government Canyon State Natural Area is certainly the closest option to San Antonio. This beautiful spot is on the northwest side, not too far outside 1604. Upon arriving you’ll receive maps to over 40 miles of trails, including ones that lead to dinosaur tracks and amazing views. After your hike, head into Helotes for the afternoon. Visit Old Town Depot Antiques and Floore’s Country Store or take a leisurely drive through Pipe Creek towards Medina Lake.
Guadalupe River State Park is also very close to town, just north of 46 near Spring Branch. It has miles of scenic riverfront trails and beautiful limestone bluffs. You have a good chance of seeing more than just a few birds at this park - lots of wildlife can be seen here, especially in the morning.
For the afternoon, retreat underground to Cave Without a Name or Natural Bridge Caverns. While certainly not air-conditioned underground, it is naturally cooler than the outside temperature.
The Hill Country State Natural Area is about an hour outside San Antonio. Several short and moderate trail options are
great for a morning walk that won’t leave you feeling exhausted. I highly recommend checking out the Bandara Natural History Museum or Frontier Times Museum after lunch.
For the next option, turn off I-10 at the Lulling Buc-ee’s and head a little further south. Palmetto State Park is a great option for a hot Texas day. This unique-looking park offers a lot of shade under its dense canopy, but make sure to bring bug spray. There are a lot of options for things to do here - you can swim, tube, fish, and canoe! You may find something fun to try in Gonzales or Lulling, but I recommend heading back toward Seguin for the afternoon since you’re much more likely to find shopping or fun activities there.
Blanco State Park is the only park on the list that I highly recommend you extend your visit well into the afternoon even on hot days - especially on hot days. This riverfront park, visible from 281, is the perfect spot to swim, paddle, or picnic on the Blanco River. Head into Blanco for a little shopping or have fun at the Buggy Barn Museum if you must get out of the sun.
As tempting as it may be to stay in and soak up the air conditioning this summer, try to get out and experience the best of Texas just outside your back door.
The San Antonio network of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) is proud to be one of the REALTOR® organizations at the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® that will co-sponsor a major fundraiser to benefit the Alamo Post #2 of the American Legion, a non-profit organization serving veterans and the community surrounding it. The event is hosted by our very own Pat Farrell, REALTOR® Emeritus, who is also First Vice Commander of the Post. The facility that houses the Post was built in 1950 and is definitely showing its age especially after the period during the early 2020s when the Covid episode forced it to remain inactive for a couple of years. All building maintenance is funded completely by Post activities and individual donations so the upgrade process has been slow since it again returned to activity. After several visits to the
Post the need for a major fundraiser was obvious so the REALTOR® community decided to see how they could help and gave birth to the idea of a Benefit Bash. WCR has been recently joined by the Asian American Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), Independent Real Estate Professionals (IREP), National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) who met and planned a fun DANCE event primarily for, but not limited to, REALTORS®.
The event is planned for Thursday evening, August 8, 2024 and will be held at Alamo Post #2 located at 3518 Fredericksburg Road, 78201 in San Antonio. The doors will open at 6 PM when the Post’s popular Fish Fry meals (Fish Plate or Country Fried Steak Plates) will be ready and available from 6 to 8 PM. The band will
start at 7 PM and play until 11 PM and there will be opportunities to win prizes all during the evening. There are ten round tables that comfortably seat eight and are considered to be V.I.P. tables as they surround and offer easy access to the dance floor that are for purchase at $400 primarily by the event sponsors and to others if still available. There are also a number of rectangular tables that could be purchased for $350 to be sure one has an assigned location to be with their friends. For table purchases please call 210-9128115. There are also a number of seats available for purchase but on a first come, first served basis for $30 per seat without table
assignment. For one or two seat purchases please call either 210789-2651 or 210-724-4491.
Not sure you will be in San Antonio on August 8th? How about purchasing a seat or two anyway, as a donation (for taxes) and we will see that it is occupied by a veteran in your name. In any event all proceeds from this event will go directly to either the Building Fund or to the Scholarship Fund that helps the family of and honors the military member who was designated a Prisoner of War or was Missing in Action (POW/MIA).Please consider supporting this event as your help will be greatly appreciated by so many!
Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM Past President
That’s a great question and although it may feel at times that you are, let’s take another perspective about all the repetitious and, at times, heart-stopping things we do. With that in mind, I think there’s no such thing as spreading yourself too thin in Property Management. Unfortunately, that’s just the way the industry is and It takes a special person to do what we do. Expertise doesn’t always come from a book, in fact most of our knowledge comes from hands-on experiences. There're many times that we try to duplicate a scenario or process and sometimes it needs some tweaking or further knowledge to come up with the correct end result. Not all transactions are the same, that's for sure. I find myself reading, compiling information, researching and being flexible to get the job done, and all while being compliant and following the law. There’s no need to make this an anxiety inducing activity. The more information you have, the
more prepared you are to handle what gets thrown your way. And who doesn’t like a resource to bounce ideas off of or from whom you receive good recommendations or advice? I love to share and learn from other property managers (PMs) as it’s intriguing how everyone has their own style. Learn to emulate the PMs that are cool as a cucumber and also be there to help your fellow PMs that need a little assistance.
If you’re one of the ones that is not as cool as a cucumber at this time, that’s okay too since this article is going to motivate you to turn over a new leaf. You’re going to Identify the areas you need more work on and get to studying. Make a schedule for your daily activities and make it a priority to stick to it. And that schedule should include reading and education time. It’s never too late and you just need to fit it into your life to have a successful business. I have 2 quotes from Tony Robbins that can change your life and help you see the positive. So, let’s use
this quote for your current business status: “Every problem is a gift- without problems we would not grow “. What a beautiful way to look at things that are currently going on.
I’d like you to use this next quote as your goal for the end result: “Leaders spend 5% of their time on the problem and 95% of their time on the solution”. Wow what a difference that would make with some work and determination. You know you got this, right? Let go of the mentality that you are spread too thin. Think positive, do the work as mentioned above and you’ll see that it was all worth the time and effort. You’re going to crush it and become the best that you can be. Before you know, you’ll be on another level and say to yourself, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”. Let me know how it goes. I’d love for you to share your story.
Speaking of goals- SAMAC has been great about reaching higher goals every year and is living up to this year's theme “Walking with a purpose”. SAMAC has been having an awesome line up of classes and speakers, introducing new ways to engage with our members and affiliates, offering opportunities to earn designations and continue to participate in activities that help our community. SAMAC recently worked at at Habitat for Humanity painting, caulking, installing siding, trim and so much more. Events such as this are vital to our organization as they allow us to
beautify our neighborhoods and be part of the growth.
Lastly, I’m excited about our next chapter meeting. It’s a Mastermind of everything Property Management: We’re covering: Insurance, Lead/EPA, Maintenance, HOA’s, Virtual Employees and AI in your business and all taught by individual specialists in their respective fields. It doesn’t get any better than this. Sign up now!
FYI: Don’t forget we changed our meeting hours from 10am-1pm to 11am-1pm. Same place and better time slot, so you can get some work done before coming in and leave early enough to complete your workday and feel accomplished. Like our Facebook page, San Antonio Metropolitan Chapter of NARPM, to stay in the know of our upcoming classes, charity opportunities and social activities or visit our website: https://sanarpm.org/
Check out our calendar of events:
July 9 - Pickleball Pandemonium July 10 - Chapter Meeting –Masterminding Insurance, Lead/EPA, Maintenance, HOA’s, Virtual Employees and Using AI in your business
July 15 - Renters Rights and Responsibilities Information Session July 18 - SABOR Leasing & Property Management Committee Meeting
1 1/3 cups sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
8 egg yolks
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 12 ounce package vanilla wafers
Instructions:
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons rum
6 bananas, sliced
6 English toffee candy bars, crushed
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
COMBINE first 3 ingredients in a large heavy saucepan; whisk in milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Remove mixture from heat.
BEAT egg yolks until thick and pale. Gradually stir about one-fourth of hot mixture into yolks; then add to the remaing hot mixture, stirring constantly. Cook and keep stirring constantly for 1 minute or until thick like pudding. Stir in vanilla.
LAYER one-third of the wafers in the bottom of a 4-quart trifle dish. Stir together the bourbon and rum; brush over wafers. Top with one-third of the banana slices. Spoon one-third of the custard over banana slices and sprinke with one-third of the crushed English toffee. Repeat procedure twice.
CHILL a medium metal mixing bowl in the freezer. Pour whipping cream into chilled bowl and beat at medium high speed with an electric mixer until foamy, gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream over trifle and sprinkle with remaining crushed English toffee. Cover and chill at least 3 hours.
NOTE: I used Heath Candy Bar Happy Eating!
Karen Evans!
The Security Service Title Company is growing with the addition of 2,500-square-feet of prime office space anchored to the Credit Union’s premier New Braunfels location. Complete with a team of experienced title professionals, the state-of-the-art facility will provide a local setting for both residential and commercial real estate professionals to utilize for title insurance coverage and escrow services for their clients.
“While we’ve been in the community since 2017, this is our first full-ser-
vice branch location,” said Charles Goss, executive vice president and chief lending officer for Security Service Federal Credit Union. “Having a brick-and-mortar location will allow us to expand upon the business relationships we have in the community and ensure each closing is memorable for our clients.”
Now open:
190 Creekside Crossing, Suite 1102 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Our company is so happy to welcome Cynthia Irving to our staff of real estate professionals.
Cynthia started her career in Connecticut in 2007, and has been active in San Antonio since 2017.
She holds the NAR designations of GRI ( Graduate Realtors Institute), MRP ( Military Relocation Professional), and SRES ( Senior Real Estate Specialist) .
Phillips & Associates Realty May Pet Supply Drive for the Animal Defense League of Texas! Over a truckload of pet supply items were collected from local businesses and the community and put to good
use for the shelter’s dogs and cats in need.
Pictured: Tom Phillips of Phillips & Associates Realty, Emma of Animal Defense League, Elizabeth Blue of Phillips & Associates Realty
A huge congratulations to Megan Cloud, our exceptional Senior Vice President and Branch Manager, for being recognized as the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation's Top Loan Officer!
The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) is a
nonprofit organization that helps Texans achieve the dream of homeownership and access to affordable housing. TSAHC provides a variety of programs and services aimed at increasing housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Their initiatives include down payment assistance, mortgage credit certificates, and affordable mortgage loans.
Karen Evans / Contributing Writer
Summer dating is here, making it a magical time to explore the city's most romantic spots. Whether you are strolling hand in hand along the Riverwalk or enjoying the historical charm of The Pearl, San Antonio offers a plethora of enchanting settings to experience love in all its glory. The Happy Critic surveyed romantics of all ages to discover their favorite loveydovey places. I hope you can visit a few of these places, create new memories, and even fall in love!
Without a doubt, picnics stand out as the most memorable and romantic dates I have ever experienced. I had a rule that I would only date someone after they joined me on a picnic that I had put together. Food holds great importance in my life and contributes significantly to the romantic charm of the picnic. From simple yet delicious homemade fare to elegant gourmet spreads, the outdoors can be deeply intimate. Whether indulging in delish finger sandwiches and stuffed dates or sharing a bottle of pink bubbles, the act of dining alfresco adds a touch of luxury and freedom to the experience, heightening the romance of the occasion. It could be on the secluded banks of the Riverwalk under the big tree at King William Park or the perfect picnic table amidst the lush trees at Brackenridge Park; the connection with nature can evoke
a sense of peace and beautiful romance. Furthermore, the relaxed and unhurried nature of picnics allows for genuine connection and meaningful conversations. Let your creativity shine through in your menu, embrace spontaneity, dress like Kim Novak, and let love blossom!
Some of the most romantic spots named in the survey are at The Pearl on The Riverwalk. Hands down, the restaurant's Mon Chou Chou and Cured were enthusiastically voted on as the superstars for romantic dinner dates at The Pearl.
Mon Chou Chou, under the guidance of the talented Manager Phillippe Place, offers a classic French dining experience with a modern twist. The sophisticated French brasserie is renowned for its elegant ambiance and culinary excellence, serving up timeless charm and comfort food. One of the most enchanting features of Mon Chou Chou is its cozy, intimate booths, setting the stage for an unforgettable and romantic date. The menu is designed for sharing, and the must-try item is the sandwich au framage raclette with a side of ham, a delicious choice for a romantic meal. By the end of the evening, you might find yourself affectionately referring to your date as "Mon Chou Chou," a sweet French nickname reserved for a special person.
Texas Chef Steven McHugh is the esteemed culinary mind behind Cured, one of the best restaurants in San Antonio. Chef McHugh has deservedly been a six-time finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef in Texas! Cured is the perfect choice for a visually memorable first date in a renovated historical building built in 1904 and named after Chef McHugh's successful battle against cancer and the smell of the curing meats hanging in the restaurant. Chef McHugh's focus is on whole-animal cooking and local ingredients. He adds a dash of creativity and artistry to Cured's Charcuterie Boards, turning them into a fantastic bonding experience while dining. An afternoon date at Cured allows you to explore homemade hand-crafted and pickled foods such as Boudin Empanadas, Fried Chicken Livers, Pork Belly and Hogs Head, Hazelnut Salami with Bread and Butter Pickles, and much more! What a great date that would be!
Aphrodisiacs typically refer to foods that ignite sexual arousal, and oysters are an excellent choice for a romantic date! It's no surprise that the "Oyster Date" was a standout favorite memory. And what better place for sharing oysters and fun flirting than savoring East Coast oysters at Rebelle at The St Anthony Hotel? Couples rave that they are the freshest and most amazing oysters they've ever eaten. If raw oysters are not your thing, try their char-grilled oysters drizzled in butter-they
are fantastic. And let's remember the sophisticated nightclub vibe at Rebelle with its purple lighting and decor. Nothing is better than experiencing high-end hotel bars, and Rebelle is a must for Happy Hour!
For a more laid-back and carefree date, I've heard Double Standard is the place to go for excellent oysters and entertaining. Double Standard is becoming a local favorite hot-spot, offering a welcoming ambiance with the best bar seating and service. It's a friendly place where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the fantastic menu, including the delicious oysters, cold beer, and really good music. A lot is happening at this bar! Perfect spot for a casual date! Happy Hour Everyday from Noon to 6 pm. Big, beautiful oysters for One dollar and Cold Beer for two dollars!!!!
"The end of the story is the kiss. That's how you will know that your love story has only just begun."
