Seguin - December 2016

SEGUIN A u t h e n t i c

T e x a s

l i v i n g

December 2016|January 2017

The place to go to

Meet your friends Life coach | texas snowboarding | DIY Essential Oils

13625 US Highway 87 W La Vernia, Texas 78121 (830) 779-2600

Big City Class, Small Town Sass FEED STORE, WESTERN WEAR, LIVESTOCK, STOCK SHOW & PET SUPPLIES, GROOMING, GIFTS, ACCESSORIES AND CLOTHING BOUTIQUE.

THE ORIGINAL MECHANICAL BULL.

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509 W. IH 10 Seguin, TX 78155 (800) 925-3980 SeguinChevrolet.com

Open Mon-Sat until 7pm

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EXIT 609

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PARDON OUR CONSTRUCTION! ACCESS SEGUIN CHEVROLET ON EASTBOUND I-10 EXIT 609 AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN

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Vol. 3, No. 4 Seguin magazine is published six times a year by the Seguin Gazette.

PUBLISHER

Jeff Fowler EDITOR

Travis Webb LAYOUT

Hannah Ruiz Melissa Crume WRITERS

Felicia Frazar Jennifer Luna Lauren Dodd Marcel Louis-Jacques PHOTOGRAPHY

Lizz Pumphery

I

f you’re a new reader, you’ll soon discover that you are holding the one and only lifestyle magazine dedicated to all that is unique and wonderful about Seguin, aptly named Seguin, and tagged authentic Texas living.

If you are one of the many thousands of regular readers of Sizzle, you undoubtedly noticed something different. Sizzle is now Seguin.

I know, I know. Why mess with a good thing? Believe me, it was a struggle. We were pretty invested in the name too.

In the end, we wanted something that easily and clearly conveyed exactly what the magazine is all about. As we expand our readership, we want everyone to know exactly what’s inside before they ever turn to the first page. Seguin – Authentic Texas Living: We think that sums it up nicely.

The name is really the only thing that’s changed. We still have the same features you’ve come to expect and enjoy, and we continue to focus on interesting people, places and things in and around Seguin.

In this issue we take a close up and personal look at Seguin after dark, from the old (The Oak) to the new (Seguin Brewing Company) and everything in between. If you think there’s not a vibrant nightlife here, you’re just not paying attention. Of course, you don’t have to wait until sunset; it’s always 5:00 somewhere.

Did you know you can snowboard right here in Seguin? Well, technically it’s right up the road from here and not’s really snowboarding unless we get one of those freak storms, but it’s pretty close. As close as you’re going to get without packing up the car and heading west on I-10.

We’ve also got our regulars – Imbibe and Culinary Creations, brought to you this time around by the Park Plaza Hotel, our Closet Close Up with local Elvis impersonator Mike Andrews, and Under the Hood with a little red Corvette that has Santa drooling.

But wait, there’s more! Turn the page and come on in. Enjoy a slice of authentic Texas living, Seguin style.

ADVERTISING

Elizabeth Engelhardt Gay Lynn Olsovsky Delilah Reyes Denise Bryan TO ADVERTISE IN SEGUIN MAGAZINE CALL

830-379-5441 All material herein c. 2015 Southern Newspapers Inc., dba The Seguin Gazette, 1012 Schriewer Road, Seguin, TX, 78155.

All rights reserved

hot tip THE EARLY BIRD GETS THEWORM, BUT THE SECOND MOUSE GETS THE CHEESE.

An inside look from our WRITERS...

“I’ve got this gear-head side of myself that doesn’t normally get a lot of exercise in the newsroom or driving my sensible little car around. So getting a chance to be around a highperformance machine like this was a real treat. “ — Travis Webb “While hanging out in Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center’s studio A, it was inspiring to see members of all ages moving with ease as Nicole and Jill gave instructions.”

— Felicia Frazar “Whether they’re brand new or brimming with history, all of Seguin’s best night life spots seems to be full of local character. What a pleasure it was to visit some of these fine establishments around town.”

— Travis Webb “Hearing the story of how Vicki completely changed her diet and the affect it has had on both her and her husband was astounding. While chit-chatting over black bean brownies, I gained a whole new insight to a different style of healthy eating.”

— Felicia Frazar

SEARCH SEGUIN GAZETTE

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Jeff Fowler

SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

D

On

the

Cover

Photo by Felica Frazer Whether captured early in the morning or when it is in full swing on Thanksgiving Eve, The Oak gives off that quaint, downtown feel where the small town establishment is the place to be where friends meet.

GR

GRMC. Delivering over 1,000 blessings every year.

Nothing compares to the birth of your child — or The Birthing Center at GRMC. From birthing and breastfeeding classes to spacious private rooms and our exceptional nursing staff, every step of your pregnancy journey has been fine-tuned by our experienced team. GRMC provides an on-staff neonatologist, a lactation specialist and so much more. Even high-risk OB patients have access to maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists. Let GRMC deliver your next blessing.

Schedule a tour and tell your OB/GYN you want to deliver at GRMC. 1215 E. Court St. • Seguin, TX 78155 • 830.379.2411 • grmedcenter.com

GRMC-07-GazetteSizzle-12-4-16-FPBleed-8.375x10.875-BIRTHINGCTR.indd 1

11/8/16 10:10 AM

THE HOTTEST SPOT

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SIZZLIN’ FIVE

Find out five upcoming events that keep Seguin hopping.

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18 CLOSET CLOSE UP

38 SNOWBOARDING

You “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with what Mike Andrews has in his closet.

Learn to board without the snow.

42 CREATE YOUR OWN GIFTS 13 IMBIBE

22 FACES OF SEGUIN

Celebrate the holidays with a peppermint cosmopolitan from Park Plaza.

See what Seguin’s own are up to around town.

10 CULINARY CREATIONS

26 FAVORITE FINDS

Take stress out of the Holidays with dinner at Chop House.

Check out what the staff found on their adventures around town.

14 BE YOU – BE WELL

28 FASHION

Stretch yourself to the limits with Yoga at GRMC.

Get ready for a night out with these great fashions.

Learn how to make your own gifts using essential oils.

46 HEALTHY CHOICES Find out why this local changed her eating habits.

50 READER’S COMMENTS Find out what readers have to say about Seguin magazine.

51 TESTIMONIAL 16 UNDER THE HOOD

32 SEGUIN AFTER FIVE

How about a red Corvette for Christmas.

Read about the the places to go in Seguin for a drink.

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SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Find out why Tier One Dental loves Seguin magazine.

Proudly serving Seguin, New Braunfels, Lake McQueeney and the surrounding lake and river communities

Debbie Freeman Brown SEGUIN

Eve Hiner SEGUIN

Jay Crowell SEGUIN

Karen McMillan SEGUIN

Carol Sewell SEGUIN

Christy De Wolfe SEGUIN

Brannon Monkerud NEW BRAUNFELS

Matt Skinner SEGUIN

Don Ennis NEW BRAUNFELS

Cynde Parker SEGUIN

Mike Stevens SEGUIN

Julie Ennis NEW BRAUNFELS

Lea Phelps SEGUIN

Jordan Lippe Walker NEW BRAUNFELS

Fanny Harkins SEGUIN

Kelley Rose SEGUIN

Lynn Zarr, Sr. NEW BRAUNFELS

Celina Ross SEGUIN

Stephanie Besett Ryan Sales Manager

Not pictured from Seguin: Cindy Olvera and Willie Velasquez

SEGUIN NEW BRAUNFELS

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Seguin, TX 78155

251 S. Seguin Ave., Suite 110

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sizzle SEGUIN

December 9

th

GERONIMO SIP ’N STROLL

The Village of Geronimo Merchants Group is looking to warm up the community with cocoa, cider or wassail from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 9. The event offers community members a chance to get in the Christmas mood.

December 11th

CONCERT NO. 3

Music from the masters will fill Jackson Auditorium during the Mid-Texas Symphony’s Concert No. 3 at 4 p.m. on Dec. 11. The orchestra is brining to life a few of the classics and some original pieces, including Maestro David Mairs’ “Carols from Near and Far” and Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” For more information, visit www.mtsymphony.org

December 15th

CAROLING IN THE PARK

Community members are invited to join the Seguin Gazette staff at the band stand in Central Park at 7pm for an evening of singing Christmas Carols.

January 16th MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY Seguin and Guadalupe County residents pack Central Park and then make their way to TLU’s Jackson Auditorium as part of the march that is the highlight of area’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities.

The events unfold the weekend before and Monday, January 16.

January 19th-21st

YOUTH LIVESTOCK SHOW

One of January’s biggest events it he Guadalupe County Youth Livestock and Homemaker’s Show which brings youth from all around the area together to put on their best on display. It all wraps up with a Saturday auction where the grand champions collect big prizes for the students scholarship purses. You can learn more at www.gcys.org 6

SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Five events you don’t want to miss

spring, well done 2016

An ArchitecturAl Wonder

Founded in 1838 by Texas Rangers, Seguin boasts a bounty of historic landmarks, most notably the best preserved limecrete structure, Sebastopol House Historic Site. Visit Sebastopol Thursday thru Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm to tour this historic and mysterious Greek Revival Mansion. 704 Zorn St.

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Wilson Pottery is on exhibit at Sebastopol. See these historic and rare pieces from the first post-Civil War business owned by freed slaves in Texas.

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Peppermint Cosmopolitan 2.5 oz Absolute vodka or vodka of choice.

1 oz. Cranberry juice .5 oz Creme de menthe .5 oz Peppermint Schnapps Directions: Shake the vodka with cranberry juice and pour into a glass. Add the creme de menthe and the peppermint Schnapps.

“It’s your regular cosmo with a little twist. It gives it a nice Christmassy minty flavor to enhance the cosmopolitan.

The fanciness of the cosmo plus the spirit of Christmas with the peppermint.”

- Nathan Engelman, Park Plaza bartender.

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SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

A Fine Jewelry Store • Since 1981

For the most important gift of your life New Braunfels Marketplace • 651 N. Business 35 Suite 240

830-625-3203 www.ernestos.com

CoolAdvantage is here!

CoolAdvantage is a highly advanced applicator for Coolsculpting, and Hill Country Vein & Aesthetics is the first to offer this treatment in New Braunfels.

Recent clinical studies found that with CoolAdvantage, patient comfort increased by 45%.

CoolSculpting eliminates stubborn fat safely and effectively, without surgery or downtime. It’s the only FDA-cleared procedure to use controlled cooling to safely target and eliminate diet- and exercise-resistant fat. CoolSculpting results are proven, noticeable, and lasting, so you’ll look and feel great from every angle.

CoolAdvantage is a Coolsculpting procedure that takes only 35 minutes to complete.

The key benefits to you are: • Shorter treatment time • Greater comfort • More tissue treated

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www.hillcountryveincenter.com AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN

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Chop House celebrates first anniversary in holiday style

‘T

is the season for food, drinks and holiday celebrations.

As the holiday season is upon us and 2016 comes to a close, one local establishment has much to celebrate.

On Dec. 2, the Chop House, located inside Seguin’s historic Park Plaza Hotel, will celebrate its first birthday, just before the hotel hits the big 100 in January.

Designed by architect Leo M.J. Dielmann, also known for San Antonio’s Fairmont Hotel, Park Plaza was built for a mere $75,000 and opened on Jan. 9, 1917.

The hotel changed owners a number of times over the course of a century. In 2013 Jenny Savage, of Remote Logistics International, took interest in returning Seguin’s architectural gem back to its original beauty.

After some tender loving care and a modern facelift, the newly renovated Park Plaza Hotel reopened to the public on Dec. 2, 2015 and looks to be here to stay.

It’s no wonder why this holiday season is a time to celebrate for Park Plaza Hotel staff.

Celebrating his one year anniversary with the restaurant, Chop House Executive Chef Lionel Guerra said he looks forward to bringing families together for good southern comfort food during the holidays.

For the past 11 years, Chef Guerra has enjoyed cooking up dishes at a number of fine dining establishments across the U.S., but now calls Seguin home.

“I came back to the area to be closer to

my family, then came in for an interview one day and have been here ever since,” he said.

Guerra’s passion for food is undeniable.

“When I’m in the kitchen, It doesn’t matter if it’s 16 hour days, it allows me to get away from the world and all the stress and chaos,” he said. “I put my love and passion into the food I create.”

The Chop House regularly offers breakfast, lunch and dinner plus weekly holiday specials to make guests feel at home.

“I want to figure out what the guests want and give them the best flavor I possibly can for the best price and make it something special for them,” he said.

“I take traditional things that I know grandma makes around the holidays, something everyone enjoys.”

For New Year’s the restaurant will feature a four course meal — Chop House Salad, butternut squash soup, certified black Angus steak, asparagus, plus a Champagne toast and homemade Tiramasu for dessert — for one set price of $65 per person.

“We do traditional comfort food, something you can get at your family’s house, but with white tablecloths and a little bit more upscale,” he said. “Better quality, but still with that home comfort.”

“We take all the stress out of the holidays,” said Tracie Claypool, Park Plaza Marketing Director.

For more information on upcoming celebrations at the Chop House Bar & Grill or Park Plaza Hotel visit parkplazaseguin.com.

BY LAUREN DODD AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 11

Lionel’s Sweet Potato Casserole 5 lbs. large raw skinned yams 1 pound butter 2 quarts of Bourbon Caramel Glaze Fresh Seguin toasted pecans Baby marshmallows Cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste Add large, diced sweet potatoes into boiling water, cook until fork tender, strain off all excess liquid.

Place cooked sweet potatoes in large mixing bowl, add butter, bourbon caramel sauce and one pound of pecans. Mix well, adding a little salt and pepper to taste.

Plating in a small casserole dish, add finished sweet potato mix 4 to 6 oz., top with remaining toasted pecans and small marshmallows.

This dish can be made in advance and refrigerated. Place finished casserole dish into oven, bake for 10-15 minutes until internally hot 145 degrees F.

Bourbon Caramel Glaze Yields 3 quarts 8 cups of raw sugar 3 tbs lemon juice 2 shots bourbon 1/2 pound butter diced 1 qt. heavy cream

12 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

In sautĂŠ pan add raw sugar, around the outer rim add a little lemon juice to prevent crystallization.

On medium heat let sugar caramelize stirring occasionally, until all sugar is caramelized (Should be a nice amber color).

Now add 2 shots of your finest quality Kentucky bourbon (caution: it will catch fire) let the alcohol dissipate (fire is out). Add butter and mix well. Then while slowly stirring add heavy cream until you get a nice creamy caramel sauce.

PP Happy Holidays From

park plaza hotel

seguin

New Years Eve

Join us for Dinner, Dancing and Bubbly 4 Course Dinner Menu • Live Music From Outliar New Years Eve Hotel Room Packages

830-584-4400 AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 13

BE YOU • BE WELL

Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center

YOGAhhh

BY FELICIA FRAZAR

Yoga has a way of helping one exercise their mind, body and spirit.

Whether a person is 16 or 60 — or even older — they can find a yoga workout that suits them at Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center “Yoga is something I think everybody should incorporate into their daily regiment, whether they are trying to have fitness goals, flexibility goals or they have general health goals,” instructor Nicole Bennett said. “It is literally perfect for anybody, any fitness level any age, it is prenatal, postnatal, kids, a style for everybody. It also is recommend for people who suffer from anxiety from depression.”

The center hosts two styles of yoga — regular and gentle.

The gentle yoga classes are held at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the traditional yoga class at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 5:30 on Wednesdays.

“They are all a little different, so the members can pick what is best for them,” instructor Jill Head said.

In Nicole’s classes she focuses her teaching style on the Vinysas-based methods.

“Vinyasa means it is more going to be a flow pace; it is a little bit more of a traditional practice,” she said. “It is accessible for all levels.”

The classes held at the Wellness Center are open to people of all ages, which brings teaching to a new level, Bennett said.

“Part of the reason that I like teaching here is that I do get to teach all levels.” he said. “I might have a 16-year-old and a 60-year-old in the same class. As an instructor, I enjoy that challenge because I want both of those people to leave feeling successful. I don’t want one person to feel like this isn’t for them.”

The 8 a.m. gentle class has more of a

14 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

therapeutic touch, allowing the members to use a chair if they choose, Jill said.

“This one is more therapy-based yoga, like restorative,” she said. “Somebody may have just had surgery or they were injured and they may not be ready for a traditional pose, so I do things that are more simple. I do more therapeutic things that are not so far from the mid-line. Typical yoga poses aren’t always best for everyone. If you’re got a bad hip or bad back, I will choose exercises that will work for you. Just because the moves are textbook, they are not for everybody.”

The later gentle yoga class is closer to a traditional class, but with a chair, Jill said.

“Even though the two classes are called the same thing, most people know that this one is more gentle than the 10:30 class,” she said. “A lot of our members, if 10:30 is better they will go to that. They will mix it around.”

The instructors will tailer moves to suit the level of fitness of each person in their class, Nicole said.

“We try to make sure that people leave feeling successful and they leave feeling good,” she said. “I always encourage my class to find what feels good for their body. I give tons of modifications and variations for a specific pose so they find what is good for them.

My goal, and our facility’s goal, is we want people to feel good about themselves.”

Yoga offers a change of pace and something different when working out, Jill said.

“I think that when people think of fitness, a lot of times they think of weight-lifting and cardio first, but the flexibility in yoga is so good, not just for the flexibility, but balance and strength as well,” she said. A lot of people get fit, they run and they lift weights but then they are not stretching like they should and they get injured.”

Yoga offers various benefits from increased flexibility to mental clarity, Nicole said.

“Beside the increased flexibility, it helps with mobility, it has fitness benefits and it helps with depression and anxiety,” she said. “It forces you to breathe and then to connect with your breath, which we forget to do.”

Participating in a yoga class is all about taking time for yourself, and could help some disconnect from the world, even if only for a short time, Nicole said.

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1637 N. King Seguin, TX 78155

“I recommend yoga for stay at home moms, and I recommend it to people who work 9 to 5 jobs because at all points of life we are attached to our phone or looking at a screen and we are not even connecting to what we are doing; we are doing everything on autopilot,” she said. “You are taking that 45 minutes to an hour to go in that room, for yourself. It is literally just a dark room, you and your mat, and you just have to focus on your body, you have to focus on your breathing.”

But most importantly, it is about putting yourself first, Nicole said.

“It is about investing time in yourself and make you feel like you are worth it,” she said. “If you are curious about yoga or it is always something you wanted to try or it is something that you are used to doing or what to get back into come back take a class. The first step is to come in and step on a mat and get back into it.”

“Don’t feel intimidated whether you’ve had an injury or you feel like you are in a different place fitness wise or you have some weight to lose or whatever the case is. Just come in and you’ll feel better at the end of the hour.”

Accepting Medicare, Medicaid, VA and other insurances.

For questions or inquiries contact Wendy Moore, 830-865-0223 • Fax: 830-303-7153 AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 15

e h t r Unde d o o H

16 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Kathy Torrey of Kingsbury Luling Chevrolet Torch Red C7-Z51 Stingray Year: 2014 Horsepower: 460 Engine: LT-1 6.2 V8 Favorite thing: “I just like it, the design, everything. It’s a conversation starter.

Everybody’s surprised I’m driving one. I’m thrilled with it.”

Santa’s view: “I really want to take this back to the North Pole.

It’s definitely faster than reindeer. It might take a lot of magic dust to get all the presents into the back.”

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 17

s i v l e

r d n A Mike “I love to entertain.”

18 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Closet

Close Up

BY JENNIFER LUNA

W

henever you see Mike Andrews flaunting his pink Elvis jumper, or maybe the white one, he’s typically offering a shot of tequila and a smile — and whichever one you get depends on what seems like the best option at the time. Mike says that if you’re down on your luck, he hopes its a highlight to your day.

“Whenever I can be the comic relief after somebody has hit a pothole or something in their day, that’s fine, that’s my job,” he said.

And, if you take a peek in his closet, amongst the typical business wear and special Elvis tie, there’s a few jazzy items that turn Mike into the King of Rock N’ Roll, Rocky Balboa, or a guy showing off a six pack in a speedo — all things he wears in public to put on a show for the community — and for those in Las Vegas.

Mike said that it’s all thanks to his friend Cheryl McMullen, an owner at Double D’s Ranchwear.

She created Elvis costumes for him to dress in after friends encourage Mike to impersonate Elvis.

“I started appearing ... in different functions,” he said. “I did chamber banquets as Elvis, ... I’ve been the MC at Junior Miss now for 14 out of the last 15 years — I’m always in costume for that — mainly as Elvis.”

In 2007, Mike first made a trip to Las Vegas, as the Love Me Tender singer.

“I’ve been the warm-up act, before the real act comes on for the Circus Ole and for the Rio Hotel,” he said about the gigs. “The warm-up acts is kind of like telling the audience jokes and sing a song to get everybody kind of happy ... so, I did that and got noticed. Herrah’s asked me to do some thing, the Gold Nugget, and the Plaza.”

His fascination for dressing up as the Rock N’ Roll legend is simple — who doesn’t love Elvis?

“No one has sold more than Elvis,” he said. “And, whether it’s a 90-year-old person or a 15-year-old person, they know Elvis. I think if you went up to 90 year olds and asked who Beyonce was — no offense to her, because I think she’s great — but they wouldn’t know who she was. If you ask a 15 year old who Frank Sinatra was, they may not know Frank Sinatra. But Elvis, is timeless.”

If you ever want to see Mike in costume, cracking jokes, he said all you have to do is ask.

“I love to entertain.”

drews

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 19

FACES OF SEGUIN 20 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

WANT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES ON THIS PAGE? SEND THEM TO US AT SIZZLE@SEGUINGAZETTE.COM

Infants—Children– Adolescents For Appointments or Questions Call Infants—Children–

Adolescents

For Appointments or Questions Call – (830)672-8473 830-672-8473

For Appointments or Questions Call

Open Monday - Friday 8:15 - 5:00 PM Open Monday - Friday 8:15 - 5:00 PM | We also see Minor Emergencies Offering Daily Walk-in Visits Before Noon Offering Daily Walk-in Visits Before Noon

830-672-8473

We also seeDrive Minor Emergencies 1110 N. Sarah DeWitt Gonzales, TX 78629 | www.Docs4KidsPA.com Located at Sievers Medical Clinic next to Gonzales Memorial Hospital

Open Monday - Friday 8:15 - 5:00 PM Offering Daily Visits Before Noon 1110 N. Sarah DeWitt Walk-in Drive Gonzales, TX 78629 Www.Docs4KidsPA.com We also see Minor Emergencies Located at Sievers Medical Clinic next to Gonzales Memorial Hospital

1110 N. Sarah DeWitt Drive Gonzales, TX 78629 Www.Docs4KidsPA.com

Roll Off Services • Competitive Pricing • 24 Hour Turnaround Same Day Available • Demolition Services • Land Clearing Brush Haul Off • Free Estimates

830.914.3900

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AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 21

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BECKER’S

Feed & Fertilizer, Inc.

2433 N. Austin - Seguin, TX | 830-379-5679

Lawn & Garden supplies and decor Pet feed and livestock feed

Checkout our New Website www.beckersfeed.com

Fresh seasonal produce • Locally sourced protein • The freshest seafood

WANT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES ON THIS PAGE? SEND THEM TO US AT SIZZLE@SEGUINGAZETTE.COM

- Refined Classic American Food Served in a Casual Atmosphere

Indoor & Outdoor seating, both offering views of Walnut Springs Park Monday-Tuesday 11a-2p | Wednesday-Thursday 11a-2p & 5-9p Friday 11a-2p & 5-10p | Saturday 11a-10p | Sunday 11a-2p

830.433.4695

320 W. Nolte St. • Seguin • www.tavernonthecreek.com

22 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

FACES OF SEGUIN AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 23

favorite finds

A hometown read

What’s a better find than a book written by a Seguinite?

How about two! Drew Dozier’s God and the Bee and B.J. Jeffers’ Stir-Fry and Grandpa P, both are available at Design Associates.

Stink-Free

Simply spray the water in the toilet bowl with Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray before using and keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.

Poo-Pourri is avaliable at Gift & Gourmet.

Shield your eyes

BEX creates lightweight polarized sunglasses, apparel and accessories for the active lifestyle.

Style and performance, redefined. Available at La Vernia Country Store.

A Simple Reminder

Keep a calendar for Birthdays with this calendar from Bling.

Seguin’s Best Kept Secret

An everyday Ornament

Keepers Interiors carries Kitty Keller’s Seguin inspired Cloisonné Ornaments. These ornaments will be a great addition to your tree or a ornament stand year round!

24 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Anyone who walks into the GRMC Gift Shop will tell you that it is the perfect place to get a gift for anyone in your life. These tin angels and wall art will look great in any home.

K

Home Decor • Art • Rugs • Mirrors • Accessories Fine Furniture • Blinds • Shades • Shutters • Draperies • Gifts Lampe Berger® • Candles • Frames • Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® Specialty Window Fashions • Cornice Boards • Custom Upholstery Custom Bedding • Delivery and Installation • Design Consultation

830-379-9995 keepersinteriors.com 615 N Austin St, Seguin, TX 78155

Keepers Interiors

Gracie’s Gold Jewelry Design Studio 830-515-5001 Custom Designs • Fine Jewelry • Jewelry Repair • Appraisals

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As Independent As Texas Seven Locations To Serve You

New Braunfels: 1525 S. Seguin Ave. (830) 221-3900

1837 W. Comal 830-334-8022 Pearsall, TX 78061

1656 State Hwy. 46 W. (830) 625-2661

13333 Blanco Rd., Ste 100 210-493-3500 San Antonio, TX 78216

Seguin: 1336 E. Court St. (830) 379-8390 Seguin, Texas

120 E. Bassee Rd., Ste 100 210-826-8600 San Antonio, TX 78209

1301 Oak Street 830-769-3557 Jourdanton, TX 78026

www.1cb.com

533 E. Court St. • Seguin www.wkitexas.com Accessories Lamps Tables Chairs Art Hummingbird Farms Candles Vases Bowls Old New Vintage Mirrors Fabrics Window Treatments Upholstery Sofas Christopher Radko Accessories Lamps Tables Chairs Art Hummingbird Farms Candles Vases Bowls Old New Vintage Mirrors Fabrics Window Treatments Upholstery Sofas Christopher Radko Accessories Lamps Tables Chairs Art Hummingbird Farms Candles Vases Bowls Old New Vintage Mirrors Fabrics Window Treatments Upholstery Sofas Christopher Radko Accessories Lamps Tables Chairs Art Hummingbird Farms Candles Vases Bowls Old New Vintage Mirrors Fabrics Window Treatments Upholstery Sofas Christopher Radko Accessories Lamps Tables Chairs Art Hummingbird Farms Candles Vases Bowls Old New Vintage Mirrors Fabrics Window Treatments Upholstery Sofas Christopher Radko

the Shop

656 S.H. 123 Bypass

shop

www.graciesgold.com

a d

d e s i g n a s s o c i a t e s

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES & PLANNING

110 West Nolte Street in Downtown Seguin

Member FDIC

830.303.1522

www.texasdecorators.com jeffdesignassoc@sbcglobal.net

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 25

Ready to Kick up your

Heels

Photos By - Lizz Pumphrey Photography Location - Seguin’s Central Park and Park Plaza Hotel Models - Daniel Ruiz, Amanda Palazsky, Christy Holt & John Holt AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 27

Christy is wearing a bronze blazer by Wrangler, and brown Nikibiki tank, Rock 47 by Wrangler Jeans, Pink Panache earrings and necklace, Circle G black cross boots all from La Vernia Country Store.

She is carrying a Jon Hart Bolsita wristlet from Gift & Gourmet.

28 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Amanda is wearing Wrangler sleeveless Aztec fitted dress and Circle G black and gray cutout shorties from La Vernia Country Store and Kendra Scott Anastasia statement necklace in rose gold, Bianca cuff bracelet in rose gold drusy, and Lety hoop earrings in rose gold all from Gift & Gourmet.

John is wearing an Ariat twill black shirt, Wranger Advanced Comfort Slim jeans and Anderson Bean HP1071 western boot with black nile croc print foot and a double stitch square toe all from La Vernia Country Store.

Daniel has Cinch western shirt mens long sleeve, Cinch brown bonded vest, Bex brown cap, mens Twisted X jeans, M&F wild rag all from La Vernia Country Store.

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 29

Christy will be dancing the night away in this Rock 47 by Wrangler women’s sequin neon aztec print long sleeve blazer, NikiBiki tank in black, jeans and boots from La Vernia Country Store. Kendra Scott Tricia shoulder duster earrings in gold, Stassi bracelet in gold, Mackenzie pendant necklace in gold from Gift & Gourmet.

John is taking a walk downtown wearing Resistol’s mens’ L/S solid brown falcon snap shirt, jeans and boots from La Vernia Country Store

Daniel is wearing an Ariat men’s canoga fitted floral long sleeve shirt, 3D Belt Co black belt , Sun Body Hats straw hat, Anderson Terra elephant print boot from La Vernia Country Store.

30 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Gift & Gourmet

830-379-1242

212 S. Austin

Like and follow us! facebook.com/giftandgourmetseguin @giftandgourmetseguin

Monday-Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-4pm Closed on Sundays

Bling & Company Giftique

A gift store and a boutique all in one Christy is wearing Love Riche black dress with lace sleeves, pearl cross necklace from Bling and Company. She is carrying Barrington’s Saint Anne tote from Gift & Gourmet.

Amanda is ready for a night out in a Charlie 1 Horse Free Spirit floppy wide brim hat in burgundy, Umgee hi lo top in grey, NikiBiki leggings in red from La Vernia Country Store and Kendra Scott Berniece collar necklace in burgundy illusion, Bexley drop earrings in burgundy illusion and Elton bracelet in maroon jade from Gift & Gourmet.

In beautiful downtown Seguin.

Candles, home decor, trendy fashion items, boots, chocolates, specialty soaps, Texas made products, unique gifts for everyone.

115 W Court Street 830-379-1609

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830-305-8829 830-305-8829 AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 31

32 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

SEGUIN After Five

BY TRAVIS WEBB

Out front of Seguin’s oldest bar hangs a weathered sign. It’s the last remaining sign in town than overhangs the street. The wires above were recently replaced, ensuring it will continue to hang safely overhead for years to come, proudly declaring the establishment’s name: The Oak Tavern.

That sign, and the story of the bar behind it, is Seguin’s story. It is that same preservation of the old, even amid rapid growth and change, that makes Seguin the place it is. It’s a growing city with rural roots, home to industry, home to students and teachers and parents, bankers and ranchers. It’s a city with a newspaper that opened in 1888 and a stateof-the-art, environmentally friendly library that just opened.

It is also, increasingly, a fine place to grab a drink on a Saturday night.

With a mix of long-running establishments and local favorites to brand-new, or newly refurbished hot-spots, the night life around Seguin has never been more entertaining.

Little country bar Established in 1935, The Oak has the kind of oldtime saloon feel that might suggest a lineage in the “three R’s” school of bars: Rustic, rough around the edges and rowdy.

While the first are certainly truly, the third couldn’t be further from the truth.

“The big thing is, it’s a place where you can meet any friends. If you look at our business cards, they say ‘Meet your friends at The Oak,’” said owner Terry Jurek. “It’s just a friendly little country bar.”

Terry officially took over ownership of The Oak from her uncle, longtime proprietor Melvin Voight, in 2012. But you can still find Melvin bustling about the bar.

He can point out the old yearbooks and framed

photos, some stained with years of smoke (The Oak became a no-smoking establishment back in March), or the vast collection of beer bottles and cans that line the high shelves behind the old bars.

“We put up those shelves and people started to bring in maybe 4 or 5 dusty bottles, collections their wives or girlfriends had gotten tired of looking at,” Melvin said. “Now they’re full. Show them an empty shelf they’ll bring in enough to fill it.”

Melvin and Terry’s family acquired The Oak in 1955, 20 years after it’s initial opening. It was already a fixture of downtown Seguin, and has continued in that role since, barely changing.

“We haven’t really made any big changes,” Terry said. “We’ve made some renovations, but only a few things, like tearing up the linoleum to bring out the old wooden floors. They’re gorgeous.”

Part of that continuing legacy, that preservation from the past comes from being family owned.

Generation after generation of loving care made The Oak as comfortable as a favorite chair.

“So many memories. I remember when my grandpa had it. Then I remember, after he died, my grandma ran it, and then my uncle,” Terry said. “I remember, one thing my grandfather wouldn’t have, you know, people will whistle at a bartender to get their attention. He did not like that. He wouldn’t have it.”

Fortunately, that family owned and operated feel isn’t going away any time soon. Melvin ran the bar for 36 years and Terry says she’s got another 36 or so in her run.

“I certainly know my kids have always been interested in it,” she said. “And hopefully for many, many generations to come.”

The Oak is located at 110 E Gonzales St. in Seguin.

Call 830-379-9956 for more information.

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 33

Of Seguin, By Seguin, For Seguin Just around the corner from The Oak, Seguin Brewing Company co-owners Brian Wallace and Shaun Washington, who began brewing their popular line of beers at a location just outside Seguin, have relocated their business to a new home downtown.

And that same commitment to community that has steered the city’s oldest bar for generations is also readily apparent in Seguin’s new brewpub.

It’s even evident in details like their labels, which were designed to be a mix of “classical and newer looks.”

“We were really going for a community beer hall atmosphere, just a friendly place where you can come in and have some beer that’s local,” Brian said.

The local aspect is important to Brain and Shaun, an aspect of their business nearly as vital as the beer. Both are native Texans: Shaun hails from Cypress and Brian is from right here in Seguin. Both attended Texas Lutheran University.

“Seguin just makes me tick. I care about 34 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

our town. We like being here. This place is of Seguin, by Seguin and for Seguin,” Brian said. “All our marketing is driven around marketing our community.”

While they continue to do most of their business through wholesale distribution, the pair are excited about the possibilities the brewpub format opens up.

“People are coming by just to check the place out,” Brian said. “We trying to build beer culture — responsibly. It’s all about quality over quantity. You don’t come here to drink 20 beers, you come to here to try a few good ones.”

These two have a serious commitment to quality brews, as any fan of their line-up knows.

“We’re beer enthusiasts — not beer snobs. We’re just about brewing beer and pouring it,” he added. “We just want it to be a fun place to visit.”

Seguin Brewing Company is located at 111 W Gonzales St. in Seguin. The tap room is open from noon to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Satudays. Call 210-771-3913 or visit www.seguinbrewing.com/ for

more information.

Part of our vision A generation ago, Seguin — like many in small towns in Texas — had an abundance of closed shops and vacant buildings downtown. Night life hot-spots were limited to a handful of old favorites.

Today, there’s a downtown renaissance in the making and options — both new and old — for entertainment all around town.

Whether you’re starting off an evening with fine food, up for some boot scootin’ at Double Diamond Dancehall and Saloon or just kicking back with a cold one at the Rocking K Bar, there’s plenty of ways to live it up around town. And the word is out: the city’s first pub crawl, part of

the recent Pecan Fest Heritage Days events, drew hundreds of participants who mixed it up at Austin Street Live, Park Plaza’s Bar 217, Playoff ’s Sports Bar and Grill, Seguin Brewing Company, Tavern on the Creek, The Oak Tavern and Court Street Coffee Shop.

And speaking of downtown, it’s hard to do so without mentioning Court Street Coffee. Owned and operated by Mary Jo and Lyndon Langford, the little coffee house has made a big splash, with Mary Jo recently winning Rural Business of the Year at the inaugural Governor’s Business Forum for Women.

And there’s far more than just coffee on the menu: delicious food, Clear River Pecan Company ice cream, live music and other forms of entertainment most weekend nights. Plus the Langford’s recently began offering a limited selection of adult beverages.

“We struggled a long time over having alcohol. We didn’t want to be a bar,” Lyndon said.

Not that’s there anything wrong with a good bar, but the Langford’s wanted to create something else, a different environment. That difference is evident as soon you step foot in the place, with decor that wouldn’t be out of place in a hip coffee joint along Austin’s East 6th Street or one of San Antonio’s artsy districts, but with a down-home welcoming sense that’s pure Seguin.

“We definitely wanted a place where can kids come. All ages,” he said.

And for Lyndon, a major aspect of creating that environment — and one of the best parts of the business — is bringing people music.

“I’m just so excited about it. That was always a part of our vision,” he said. “We try to do everything we can to encourage bringing music to downtown.”

Court Street Coffee Shop is located at 111 W Court St. in Seguin. Call 830-379-7711 for more information.

Guadalupe county bras for a cause Thursday, March 2, 2017 Seguin-Guadalupe county Coliseum 950 S. Austin Street 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Join us for the third annual fundraising event.

There will be music, dinner, wine and margaritas, great entertainment, and an inviting silent auction packed full of goodies. Bras for a Cause is an uplifting experience to benefit Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation Cancer Assistance Fund combining live and silent auctions, fantastic food, and local firefighters strutting their stuff on the runway to help our community in the fight against cancer.

Tickets are $50 and are available at Keepers Interiors, 615 N. Austin Street & Seguin Gazette, 1012 Schriewer Table Sponsors & Sponsorship available For more information call 830-305-5858

Bras

s afor rBras Ba a roffor a

ECaUsE sUaCaUsE C

This is an event you won’t want to miss!

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 35

Snow days Snow days at the Ranch at the Ranch

BY MARCEL LOUIS-JACQUES

W

ith winter just around the corner, thousands of snow enthusiasts nationwide are grabbing their snowboards and making their weekend plans to hit the slopes.

California, Colorado, and New Mexico residents have relatively easy access to ski resorts scattered throughout their respective states. Texans, on the other hand, aren’t so lucky.

Here in South-Central Texas, we’re not exactly blessed with snow-capped mountains — or mountains in general; however, the Texas Ski Ranch may have the next best thing.

The 70-acre self-proclaimed “sports paradise” is located just off Interstate-35 between New Braunfels and San Marcos, and offers extreme sports fans an avenue to alleviate their cravings for water skiing, wakeboarding, skateboarding, and most recently paintballing.

While the water sports are by far its most famous attraction, a relatively new addition to the park has emerged in the 36 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

form of a large blue structure easily visible from the freeway.

TSR’s snow terrain park stands alone on the south side of the complex, and looks quite unlike any ski slope you may have seen on television or in person. It’s not a man-made mountain of fake snow (although TSR will spray fake snow on the course during special events), but rather a large hill covered in a vibrant blue turf.

The blue monolith is more than just a haven for thrill seekers looking to stay close to home. It’s a place to cultivate your snowboarding talent before committing time and money to an out-ofstate trip.

“The biggest thing with people from Texas when they go on snow trips, is they spend a whole day or two on the mountain just taking lessons, rather than enjoying their lift tickets,” said Morgen Burchell, special Event marketing and indoor operations manager at the Texas Ski Ranch, . “(The snow complex) gives

le p o e p e v i g e l ab “For us to be s not ’ t i e r e h w e c that experien n’t o d y e h t d n a , freezing cold is s t n a p r i e h t wn o d w o n s e v a h really cool.”

riders the opportunity to get a head start and learn the sport, so they don’t have to spend as much time learning it on the mountain.”

Morgen estimated 70 percent of riders at the snow complex are beginners, and said it’s popular for families that want their young children to learn the ropes before hitting the slopes.

TSR’s employees were trained

by Burton

Snowboards — which provides the park with boards and other equipment — to coach riders of all ages.

“When the hill first opened, Burton sent a team out to train all of us how to coach,” Morgan. There’s a couple of different steps involved, things like seeing if (riders) can stay on their heel-side edge, now their toe-side edge, see if they can go backand-forth ...It’s always nice to have consistency in coaching.”

The average first-time rider who heads out to a ski resort, spends a day-and-a-half falling while they learn the basics, and returns home with a bruised tailbone (and ego) may not want to return. Texas Ski Ranch wanted to make training at the terrain park a way for those beginners to try to sport without hurting themselves in the snow.

“For us to be able give people that experience where it’s not freezing cold, and they don’t have snow down their pants is really cool,” Morgen said. “That’s always our goal, is to get that large group of beginners to try it again.”

So on paper, this terrain park is an almost necessary first step to take before taking a 10+ hour road trip to the nearest ski resort, but does the added training actually pay off ?

She says all the right things, but Morgen is more than just a spokesperson for the complex — she’s living

proof of how much it helps. A firsttime snowboarder herself when the park first opened, Morgen was able to try it out herself after coaching her fellow beginners.

“I’ve snow skied pretty much my whole life, but never snowboarded because every time I got to the mountain, I didn’t want to spend a whole day on my butt,” she said. “I’d rather ski and do what I know how to do. When I had the opportunity to try it here, and not spend a whole day learning it on the mountain, it motivated me.

“It’s cool to see that it really does work, being somebody who never went snowboarding, and now goes four times a year. It definitely helps.”

So just how does this pseudomountain compare to the real thing?

Morgen says the blue astroturf-like material is sprayed down to give it a “packed snow” feel. The padding underneath the turf softens the blow when you fall (yes, when), but it’s recommended riders wear long pants and sleeves.

The turf can give you an uncomfortable rug burn, so to borrow a line made famous by an episode of South Park, if you don’t wear the right clothing “you’re gonna have a bad time” and nobody wants that.

Morgen said more advanced riders may or may not like the packed snow feel, but the complex added ramps and rails over the years to appeal to any rider who needs a little extra. The complex also features small, medium and large hills for riders of all skill levels, as well as a tubing ramp.

Texas Ski Ranch is a popular site for parties and group events; if you’re interested in starting your amateur snowboarding career, contact Morgen Burchell at morgen@texasskiranch. com, or call her at 830-627-2843. The park is located at 6700 IH-35 North in New Braunfels. You can also visit www.TexasSkiRanch.com to learn more about the complex, and fill out a waiver form.

Sophisticated Design

in your own home

PRODUCTS ARE HERE! Seguin | La Vernia | Gonzales | Cuero

www.gvechome.com

40 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Essentail Oil Gift Ideas

BY JENNIFER LUNA & TRAVIS WEBB

Christmas is getting closer and closer and, with all the mayhem going around in preparation for the holidays, don’t let gift giving become another stressful task.

Lori Baker from Young Living Essential Oils shares her tips and tricks on skipping the long checkout lines and creating do-ityourself gifts at home.

Lori, who has been working for Young Living Essential Oils for 3 years said when making gifts, essential oils can give you a variety of options.

“You can do all sorts of things with them,” she said. “I made bath salts and sugar scrubs to give as gifts for the teachers at school.”

According to the Young Living Essential Oils’ website, the oils are a steam distilled fragrance of plants or flowers that may help promote many positive outcomes, such as relieving pain and stress or falling asleep more easily.

If you’re not sure which oil to start out with, a safe bet is Lavender, Lori said.

“I think we know everybody, and their mother, struggles with sleep nowadays,” she said. “Lavender, Peace and Calming and Jasmine, they’re super relaxing to the body and help promote a better night sleep.”

Lori said one trick for a well-rested night is using a spray bottle: dilute the lavender oil as needed and spray it on the pillows before bed.

“We do a lot of this type of stuff in my

classes,” she said. “We talk about where to put the oils, if you use it on kids, you have to dilute it and what oils help with certain body functions.”

Another oil Lori suggested was Stress Away, a diffusible oil blend of Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla, Ocotea and Lavender.

“It smells like a vacation in a bottle,” she said. “Mid-October through January I live on it.”

Once you got the oils you want, Lori suggested a recipe for making different kinds of sugar scrubs and bath salts, but warns that when creating the gifts, its best not to use table salts.

“Pink Himalayan salt helps draw out toxins and replenishes minerals in the body,” she said. “Table salt is stripped of its minerals because of production, it’s not 100 percent mineral free, but its not as mineral rich.”

Of course, making your own products isn’t for everyone — especially as the holidays near and shoppers may be looking for last minute gifts.

That’s where Hill Country resident Paula Burck, better known as the Gruene Witch, comes in.

Paula has been selling her “lotions and potions” — all made with essential oil and organic ingredients — for the past 4 years.

“My background was in commercial real estate. But my passion was always in

making organic products,” Paula said.

Initially, Paula was only looking to make products for her own use, cutting cost on some of the more pricey items on the market. But that quickly turned into her own small business.

“I was just looking for a better way of life,” she said. “And especially at cutting the price on some organic products. But now I’ve been selling for almost four years.”

While you can find Burck’s booth during trade day events in Gruene, her products are also available at gruenewitch.com/ wordpress1/.

She’s currently offering a holiday gift box that features organic soaps, lip balms, all natural luffas and more. The Gruene Witch also offers a smaller gift bag with many of the same products.

“Our skin is our largest organ and we should treat it that way,” Paula said.

“Everything we put in or on our bodies is absorbed and so many of us are eating organic these days. We should treat are skin the same way.”

To learn more about essential oils, visit www.got-oils.com.

For products and more information about The Gruene Witch, visit: gruenewitch.com/wordpress1/ or facebook. com/GrueneWitch/

AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 41

Do It Yourself HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT VANILLA SUGAR SCRUB 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup coconut oil 6 drops peppermint essential oil or peppermint extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small half-pint jar, gently mix the coconut oil and white sugar. Add the peppermint oil and vanilla extract, and stir until sugar is no longer dry. Add more sugar if a dryer scrub, or add more oil for a wetter scrub. It’s really a personal preference, and you can easily adjust the amounts as you go along.

MINTY FRESH SHAVING CREAM 8 ounce glass jar 1/3 cup of Shea Butter 1/3 cup of Coconut Oil 3 TB raw olive oil 1 tsp. Castile soap 7-8 drops of Peppermint

Put shea butter and coconut oil in a double burner, on low heat and let the fats melt. Take off of heat and pour the oils into a glass bowl. Add olive oil. Let slightly cool and add Castile soap and essential oil. Put in refrigerator for about an hour or until the solution starts to solidify. Then remove from fridge and whip the solution with an immersion blender until it forms a whipped cream texture. Scoop into a glass jar. Close with lid and store in a dark, cool place. Scoop out silver dollar scoop of cream and spread before shaving.

LAVENDER LINEN SPRAY

DIY BEARD OIL RECIPE

Add Lavender to a glass bottle.

Then add witch hazel. Fill the remaining bottle with distilled water. Put on spray cap and shake bottle well. Spray on freshly laundered clothes or on pillows and linens before bed.

Fill the dropper bottle up 3/4 of the way with the oil base you chose. Add in 2-3 drops of each essential oil. Fill the bottle the rest of the way with vitamin E oil. (Of course, make sure to leave a little wiggle room so the dropper top can fit on without any spillage.)

2 ounce dark glass spray bottle 1 teaspoon of witch hazel 15 to 20 drops of Lavender Almost 2 ounces of distilled water

42 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

Sweet almond oil 2-3 drops Tea tree essential oil 2-3 drops Cedarwood essential oil 2-3 drops Lavender essential oil Amber dropper bottle

MUSCLE LOVE BATH SALTS

D

l’s Luthe ue

Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. and Day School Ages 18 months to 5 years

n ra

Put your Epsom salts into a big glass bowl.

Add essential oils and mix well with a metal spoon. Carefully pour into an 8 ounce glass jar and cover tightly with lid. Scoop out 1/4 to 1/2 cup and put into a warm bath when needed.

Ema n

8 ounce glass jar 10 drops of Panaway and/or Aroma Siez 5 drops of Copiaba 1 cup of Epsom Salts

Day School

Certified Teachers in Pre-K Literacy Skills Program Educational Gradening Program Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m.

Informal Worship: 10:15-11:15 a.m.

310 N Travis St. Seguin, Texas 78155 830-372-0332 | emanuels.school@sbcglobal.net www.emanuels-seguin.org (Click on Day School)

You are invited to join Dr. Weinman & Team for their 7th annual

Wednesday, February 1st | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Share your soup recipe on Facebook, email us, fax or drop it off at our office and we will post it for you. Ask your friends to LIKE our Facebook page and then vote for their favorite soup recipe. The recipe with the most votes will win a $50 Visa gift card. The top 5 soups will be prepared and served by the Seguin Smiles TEAM! Please submit your recipe by January 23rd.

This year we will also have the Tasters Choice Award! Everyone that attends the Soup Social will be able to vote for their favorite recipe after tasting all the soups served.

The winner will win a $50 Visa gift card.

Please bring your friends so they can meet your awesome dental TEAM!!

Learn all about the following services while you are enjoying your soup: • Laser Treatments • Insurance • Oral Hygiene • CEREC • HydroFloss

S

eguin miles

Attendance prizes will be awarded every 30 minutes.

Must be present to win!! www.facebook.com/SeguinSmiles

830.372.2949 • f: 830.372.3636 Dr. Weinman

1460 Eastwood Dr. Seguin, TX 78155 www.SeguinSmiles.com | info@SeguinSmiles.com AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 43

HEALTHY CHOICES A

s a new year rolls around, people start looking to make a change.

Resolutions to lose weight or eat healthier are among the most common– and Vicki Spradling has a different take on making that happen: the wholefood plant-based diet.

BY FELICIA FRAZAR

44 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

“A lot of people refer to it as a vegan diet, which basically in a lot of ways – it is, but it is a little bit different,” she said. “There are a lot of foods that basically have no animal foods in them and are vegan, but they are not necessarily healthy for you. I’m healthier now than when I was in my 40s. I’m about to be 65, and I am so much stronger, so much healthier. I’m on no medications, I don’t have any arthritis, I have amazing blood numbers. I have perfect blood pressure.”

Prior to her changing her diet, Vicki said she dealt with what she called typical aches and pains.

“I would wake up in the mornings and my hands would be stiff, I would be aching, my knees would be bothering me, my back bothered me and I had allergies and high blood pressure, everything everybody else had,” she said. “I thought it was normal.”

Vicki’s life changed for the healthier after reading a book recommended to her by a doctor five years ago.

“I had broken my wrist, and Dr. Irvin Sahni treated me for my wrist for a year,” she said.

“The last time I went to see him, I told him I was having trouble with my knees and my back. He said tell me about your diet. I ate mostly vegetables and fruits, chicken and fish. He said that doesn’t sound too bad, then he asked if I liked to read and he told me to read ‘The China Study.’”

That afternoon, Vicki went home, downloaded the book, began reading it and couldn’t stop.

“I was probably 50 pages into, jumped up and told my husband, Dennis, we will never, ever as long as we live, have dairy in this house ever again,” she said. “That day, I changed my diet. I couldn’t sleep until I finished reading this book. I

read this book and from that day on, I have not had any animal proteins. That book was life-changing. ” From there, Vicki couldn’t stop gathering more information, but it wasn’t just what she was reading the convinced her the change was for the better.

After a week of changing her diet, removing all animal proteins, Vicki started noticing a difference.

“Within a week all of my gastric problems that I had my whole life were gone — that was incredible,” she said.

“Within two weeks, I woke up one morning and realized my hands don’t hurt and my energy level was unbelievable.

I was sleeping better, I felt better, before I knew it, I lost 10 pounds. I’m talking within 3 weeks without trying. My goal wasn’t to lose weight, it was to feel better. The changes were so dramatic and so fast.”

HEALTHY LIFE AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING ~ SEGUIN 45

Vicki’s blood pressure dropped, allowing her to stop using medications.

While Vicki’s changed her diet, her husband, Dennis kept eating the same as he had.

“My husband was taking 10 pills a day to keep his blood pressure good and he ate horribly,” she said. “He would eat what I fixed, but then he would eat a frozen pizza or something. I would tell him it is all chemically induced, it’s not OK.” That continued until about two years ago, when Dennis had a heart attack, landing him in the hospital and having quadruple bypass surgery.

“The doctor said, he’s in bad shape. He’s got a lot of blockages and it is just a matter of time,” she said. “It was very scary. After, they recommended a modified diet, it was not a complete change. I told him we were going to change.”

But a week after getting home, he pushed back on the change, prompting Vicki to seek outside assistance from a pair of doctors — Caldwell Esselstyn and John McDougall — who wrote books on healthy living.

“I explained that my husband had a heart attack and I was trying to get him on board with changing his diet because people are telling him different things,” she said.

“That afternoon, Dr. Esselstyn called me in person. He talked to me and he talked to Dennis. He said, you have to read my book and I want you to watch ‘Forks Over Knives.’ After watching it, Dennis was saying ‘I didn’t have to go through this, I could have saved myself.’”

Contrary to what people may believe, Vicki and Dennis eat more than just salads and vegetables.

“I eat probably more food now, than I probably have my entire life and a larger variety of food, without a whole lot of cooking,” 46 SEGUIN ~ AUTHENTIC TEXAS LIVING

she said. “We eat a lot of starch.

I would say our diet is based on starch, which is something a lot of people are afraid of. Starches are a storage mechanism for a plant, like potato, sweet potato, grains, rice, beans, lentils. If you are a vegan or whole-food plant-base, you need starch. They way we eat is so simple, it takes no time at all.”

While cooking at home is a cinch, eating out is a little more difficult, Vicki said.

“I do believe the world is changing. I think more people are doing this,” she said. “We can go to Austin and to and there are lot of places, but I would like to see some of the restaurants locally open up and start thinking about heart healthy choices.”

Making the adjustment isn’t easy, but with family support and understanding makes it easier, Vicki said.

“My family supports it, especially after Dennis’ heart attack,” she said. “With friends I sometimes get the ‘oh, one thing won’t hurt ya.’ I tell them, ‘you don’t understand how good I feel and I’m not jeopardizing that.’”

Vicki’s passion for her healthy lifestyle has prompted her to reach out and speak to others.

“I care about it so much. It is hard for me to watch my friends and people be unhealthy,” she said. “I just want everybody to feel as good as me. I share the information, about what you need to do and what you need to read and what documentaries to watch and then make up your own mind. I will talk to anybody who will listen to me. I tell people, it is really easy. You just have to get into the mind set that you know it is the right way to eat and you know it is good for you.”

Anyone wanting to learn more about the whole-food plant-base can contact Vicki by email at vicki78155@gmail.com .

Black Bean Brownies

15 oz. can black beans drained and rinsed 1-1/2 cups pure maple syrup 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 3/4 cup flour 1/2 cup chocolate chips (vegan) optional 1/2 cup nuts optional

Use food processor to blend beans and syrup and remaining ingredients and blend.

Pour into 8x8 pan in preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

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