Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection. Photo: google
Create a memorable spring retreat this Mother’s Day at Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection in Austin, Texas. The storied resort-style hotel is unveiling new guest experiences for the upcoming holiday, providing countless ways to rest, reconnect and celebrate Mom. (Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)
Throughout the weekend, guests are invited to discover The Furtuna Pop-Up Spa Suite, where Mom can be treated to a luxurious Furtuna Skin Deluxe Facial or enjoy integrative wellness experiences led by Caitlin Fennessy of Peach House ATX.
Spend Sunday celebrating mom with a special Mother’s Day Brunch at the Mansion. Indulge in a decadent dining experience complete with a selection of Chef Bradley’s savory dishes and Chef Susana’s pastries. Families can also visit the Mansion lawn where ATX favorite Gypsy Floral’s signature flower bar is perched for the weekend. Here, they can create the perfect bouquet for mom using a selection of their luscious blooms. Finally, enjoy a special Kentucky Derby watch party in the Garden Nook on Saturday, featuring mint juleps and Derby-inspired bites.
Treat mom to a relaxation experience with specials from Hiatus Spa + Retreat. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.
Give your mom the relaxing Mother’s Day she has always dreamed of with Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s spa specials. This year, Hiatus will be offering a Mother’s Day Gift Bundle featuring Hiatus Everyday products plus two spa packages that will ensure mom gets a Spa-cial day including the Silence Is Golden and The Big Chill. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat,2022)
Silence is Golden
This wonderful deal includes the following: Pick any two essential services for $198. Wherever you are, you can ensure your mom gets a Spa-cial day. (2 hours, $198 | $240 value)
The Big Chill
Hiatus’ 90-minute Signature Massage followed by a super-charged plant peel in The 29 Again Facial will help you hit refresh on that inner glow. We second that emotion. (2.5 hours, $265 | $330 value)
Mother’s Day Gift Bundle
Buy any three Hiatus Everyday products and receive a free Hiatus Gift Cylinder ($10 Value). Available for purchase in-spa only from April 12 – May 15 and excludes any lip products. Use this bundle to get your mom something small, something special, something for her.
With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with environmentally-friendly ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.
‘Battlefield Earth’ by L. Ron Hubbard. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Science fiction classics are timeless stories that continue to captivate readers over the generations. I love books of all genres (at least most genres), both new and classics, especially science fiction. Books like “The Expanse” and “Expeditionary Forces” are very entertaining, but anyone who loves sci-fi will agree that there are several sci-fi classics that stand the test of time and are must-reads. (Galaxy Press, 2022)
Take for example “Battlefield Earth” by L. Ron Hubbard It is right up there with “Dune,” The Foundation Trilogy, and “Ender’s Game” and it is similar to Star Wars in terms of epic space opera adventure. Because this year marks the 40th Anniversary, I want to give it a shout-out.
Like many other classics, it was made into a major motion picture; it stars John Travolta and Forrest Whittaker and is directed by Roger Christian. While movies may not measure up to the novels that inspire them, this one has an average of over 3.8 stars on Amazon (not bad!). Also, the unabridged audio is outstanding with thousands of 5-star reviews on Audible. The story is non-stop, and a real page-turner.
Here is the Amazon description:
Sadistic Aliens……Man is an endangered species. Is it the end of the world or the rebirth of a new one? In the year A.D. 3000, Earth is a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Cities stand crumbling as a brutal reminder of what we once were. When the aliens invaded, all the world’s armies mustered little resistance against their advanced weapons. Now, all that stands between mankind and total extinction is Jonnie Goodboy Tyler—the courageous young warrior determined to rally the scattered tribes of humanity in an all-out battle for freedom. The fate of the Galaxy lies on the Battlefield of Earth. Get it now.
Notable authors LOVE this book. Here is what a few of them have to say:
“Pulse-pounding mile-a-minute sci-fi action-adventure that does not stop. It is a masterpiece of popular adventure science fiction.” —Brandon Sanderson (Way of Kings)
“Over 1,000 pages of thrills, spills, vicious aliens and noble humans. Un-put-downable.” —Neil Gaiman (Good Omens)
“Battlefield Earth is a terrific story! A masterpiece.” —Robert A. Heinlein (Starship Troopers)
“Wonderful … adventure … great characters … a master piece.” —A. E. Van Vogt
“Non-stop and fast-paced. Every chapter has a big bang-up adventure.” —Kevin J. Anderson (co-author of the Dune Sagas)
“With great heroes, battles, wonders, and interstellar intrigue, this is a book that you won’t put down.” —David Farland (Star Wars novels)
SA Examiner 