Bakery Lorraine will offer Halloween themed tarts, cookies, moonpies, and macarons from October 28 through October 31, 2023. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Bakery Lorraine is excited to announce that its Halloween treats are back this year for some spooky fun everyone can enjoy. From Saturday, October 28 until Tuesday, October 31, these fun Halloween treats will be available at all Bakery Lorraine locations. The delectable pastries are sure to satisfy any Halloween sweet tooth craving, whether at a Halloween themed party, welcoming trick-or-treaters or just enjoying a solo spooky treat. (Bakery Lorraine, 2023)
Its Halloween offerings include the below pastries:
Black Cat Tart – Milk chocolate mousse with a white chocolate mousse filling, chocolate shortbread base, chocolate eyes and ears
White Chocolate Mummy Tart – Buttery lemon curd in a crisp tart shell topped with torched meringue and two chocolate chips for the mummy’s eyes
Spooky Chocolate Caramel Tart – Salted caramel with a white chocolate glaze and spooky chocolate bats
Gingerbread Voodoo Doll – Gingerbread cookie dipped in milk chocolate and royal icing decor
Ghost Moonpie – Fluffy honey marshmallow sandwiched in between house made graham crackers and dipped in a white chocolate
Additionally, the first 30 children to enter Bakery Lorraine on Tuesday, October 31 only, will receive a FREE macaron. This will take place at every location.
Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery serves an all-day menu including items like its Croque Madame, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has four locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in the Medical Center, one in the RIM shopping center, and one inside The DoSeum. Bakery Lorraine also has an Austin location at the Domain NORTHSIDE and a Boerne location.
‘Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold’ is the new murder mystery novel by T.K. Ambers. Photo: Amazon
T.K. Ambers is the award-winning author of “Runway Dreams: A Pricey Affair.” Her novel has been recognized in four different award competitions and took second place in the Pencraft Awards, Women’s Fiction category. Her eighth-grade English teacher loved her work and pushed her to publish. Though writing has always been her passion, it took nearly eighteen years before she decided to follow her teacher’s guidance. T.K. has a love for nature, travel, photography, concerts, off-roading, and hiking and aside from her novels, she runs a website on travel and life. She lives in New Richmond, Wisconsin with her husband and two cats: Bellatrix and Kit. In her new novel “Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold,” everywhere Bell Price goes, death is stalking and toying with her. (Amazon, 2023)
“Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold” – The story begins with a Prologue that takes place overseas as a young lady is taken away to a new life. This is book two in the Runway Dreams series, so the events take place a few days after. Bell Price wants nothing more than peace, quiet, and a drama-free life for her family. With Martin now in custody, she thinks the worst is behind her but life has a few surprises for her. The last thing she suspects when she goes to the local police precinct is that the prior week’s horrors are only the start of what is headed her way. Gunshots ring out in the early hours of the morning and a scream pierces the air. It is now clear that an unknown assailant is stalking her with revenge in mind. Family, friends, and even innocent bystanders get caught in the middle as she is in danger no matter where she goes. She grows increasingly suspicious of everyone around her and finds it hard to trust anyone. Will Bell and her siblings be able to catch the stalker before one of them becomes the next victim? With their parents now gone, they must work together in spite of the increasing danger to finally have the much needed peace they all deserve.
The drama continues in the next installment of the Runway Dreams saga as the family of models is still in danger. Even though Martin is already in jail, someone out there is bound and determined to get revenge in his name. Danger and violence seems to follow the siblings wherever they go and just goes to prove that being rich and privileged does not protect anyone from the dangers of the real world, even with bodyguards and safe houses. The author brilliantly combines the action and suspense of a murder mystery with the glamour of the fashion industry, including fashion shows, parties, and traveling. Her writing style is beautifully descriptive: “A blood-curdling scream ripped through the early morning stillness” and brings the action to life. Thanks in part to it being highly dialogue driven, the story flows easily through the pages and makes this an easy read. Even though the characters can be considered privileged, they are still relatable due to the extensive character development, showing that everyone has drama in their lives and toxic relationships affect everyone, regardless of socioeconomic levels. As far as the murder mystery part is concerned, everyone is a suspect and there are plenty of plot twists to keep readers guessing. The young lady in the Prologue becomes relevant towards the end and perfectly wraps up it all up. Overall, “Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold” is a must read mystery novel and is recommended for readers who appreciate mystery, comedy, and psychological suspense fiction.
“The storm may have been outside, but it was raining inside the limo as a waterfall of silent emotion washed away their pain.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Infectious Injustice’ is the new book by Justin Cook. Photo: Amazon
Memoirs and biographies can be some of the most compelling books to read. They tend to provide first hand accounts of eras and places some of us might never get to experiences. Such is the case in today’s new book release: “Infectious Injustice” by Justin Cook. This true story is told by an inmate who was inside, living and breathing in the system of incarceration for nearly two years. No matter how many prison movies or television shows we watch, they will never tell the real story compared to someone who actually lived it. Curious about what prison life is like from the inside and what it says about the justice system, rehabilitation, and the mentally ill and addicted? Then get your copy of “Infectious Injustice” today, it is available on Amazon.
Justin Cook was born in Nevada. He is a technical architect who has worked at the most prestigious companies and holds over fifty technical certifications, including top-tier status among the technical community worldwide. He speaks four languages, which he developed while living abroad in Spain, France, and Germany and has has traveled to over thirty countries, which translates to he doesn’t know how to save money. He now lives in a house free of bars that is made for naps, reading books, and drinking too much coffee. Most days, you will find him lounging in his Kirkland sweats from Costco, writing, where he transports readers to a place where bold heroes have endearing flaws, as he broadly addresses the human experience. The swashbuckling action-adventure “Infectious Injustice” is his first novel.
“Infectious Injustice: The True Story of Survival and Loss Against Corruption, the COVID-19 Disaster Inside of San Quentin, and the Dumpster Fire that is Known as Mass Incarceration.” – A secret preview into the treacherous journey of a man thrown from a successful life in Silicon Valley into the dark asphyxiating prison of San Quentin, with murders, serial killers, rats, and COVID around every corner. He paints a masterpiece of detail by challenging the stigma that prisoners are less than people, that law enforcement is superior, and that the system of incarceration in the United States is still functioning. You will join him in the cell while he recounts hunger strikes, malnutrition, panic, and pandemonium, by weaving comedic banter with a stoic sense of realism. This is a captivating tale of how sick and dying men, caused by the nationally publicized disaster of thirty deaths in a short period in the prison, stitched together the remnants of their shattered dignity and formed a brotherhood to withstand all odds; it paints the solo journey of a man’s struggle through addiction, loss, corruption, oppression, racism, and fear. You won’t be able to put down this enthralling and uttering engrossing saga of survival, a triumphant testament to the endurance of the human spirit, loyalty, respect, and the fallacy of rehabilitation while incarcerated.
‘Losing Lee’ is the new mystery novel by Joe Egan. Photo: Amazon
When it comes to books, family drama fiction always draws me in, especially when there is a family secret involved. We tend to relate to these stories and characters, much so when the story takes place in our home town or state. Such is the case in today’s new book release “Losing Lee” by Joe Egan. The story takes place in 1998 Dallas, so it should resonate with former and current Texas natives. Bryant Blankenship’s brother Lee died in an accident when Bryant was just 12 years old. Now that he is older and in high school, he wants to know what really happened and won’t rest until he does. This contemporary coming of age novel is perfect for readers of all ages who appreciate family saga fiction as well as stories that take place in the 90s-so retro! “Losing Lee” is available on Amazon and signed copies are available through the author’s website. Get your copy today and find out what really happened to Bryant and why there is so much secrecy around his death.
Joe Egan, a Minnesotan, resides in the heartland with his wife and daughter. His literary journey began at the age of seven crafting short stories and creating student newspapers and he has been hooked to the pen ever since. Joe is a devout Catholic, a golf fanatic, and a friend of Bill W. In his spare time, you can find him driving his truck, hanging out with family, or writing his next novel. His new book “Losing Lee” is a mystery novel about the mysterious death of a teenage boy’s brother. (Joe Egan, 2023)
“Losing Lee” – In 1998 Dallas, Texas, 17-year-old Bryant Blankenship grapples with the mystery surrounding his older brother Lee’s untimely death five years earlier. Covered in secrecy, Lee’s passing has left Bryant yearning for the truth. An off-color comment from a classmate hints at Lee’s involvement in dubious activities, sparking Bryant’s quest for the truth. “Losing Lee” is a gripping mystery about what it means to find closure.
Guests can paint a Western Halloween, craft and celebrate Día de los Muertos, honor Native American culture and heritage, and view ‘American Cowboys’ exhibit, among other activities. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Fall in the West is picture perfect and thanks to the stunning art and fantastic programming at the Briscoe, everyone can enjoy the season. Step into the intimate lives and culture of today’s cowboys through a showcase of stunning black and white photographs at the Briscoe Western Art Museum during Anouk Masson Krantz: “American Cowboys,” on view through January 22, 2024 and mark your calendar for everything from Western Halloween fun to stories for the smallest cowpokes and their caregivers to enjoy. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)
Community Ofrenda and Crafts: Celebrating Día de los Muertos in the West Ofrenda: October 5 through November 2 Art Sessions: October 28, 11a.m. – 3p.m.
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, the community is invited to participate in the Briscoe Museum’s Community Ofrenda honoring influential figures in Western art and the American West, as well as the museum’s late namesakes, Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe. Everyone is welcome to add photos of lost loved ones and personal offerings to help celebrate their lives. The ofrenda will be on display in the museum lobby and free Día de los Muertos-themed crafts will be available for those who would like to participate. The Briscoe’s Hendler Family Museum Storewill have Día de los Muertos items available for those who wish to add to their offerings.
Learn about the art traditions behind papel picado, then create your own, and paint your own calaverita – “little skull” – with local artists at the Briscoe’s Día de los Muertos celebration. Artist Renée Letapi-Gamez will lead everyone in painting calaveritas while artist Kathy Trenchard will lead an informal discussion and work with two classes to demonstrate the craft of papel picado. Both programs are included with museum admission and all materials are provided. Two papel picado sessions will be held on a first-come, first-served basis at noon and 2p.m.
Halloween Western-Style: Painting with Gio October 26, 6p.m. – 8p.m.
Enjoy a Halloween painting session led by energetic and charismatic international artist Gio DiZurita. Based in San Antonio, DiZurita tells stories through her art, an everlasting transformation of life experiences. Add some spooky Western vibes to your Halloween during a relaxing evening sipping beer, wine and acrylic painting on an 11 x 14 canvas in a hands-on session with Gio as she guides guests through their own creepy take-home work of art. Tickets are $45, or $35 for museum members. Registration for this 21+ event is per person and includes beer, wine and all supplies. Class size is limited, so register today to secure your spot.
Honoring Native American Heritage: Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival November 11, 10a.m. – 4p.m.
Highlighting the continued vibrancy and artistic traditions of Native American communities, the free Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival offers a glimpse into traditional and contemporary Native American culture. Featuring Native American artists, musical performances and dancing, the free event includes storytelling, artist demonstrations of painting, printmaking, pottery, weaving and carving, as well as Native American-inspired food and free museum admission. Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival also features workshops and lectures celebrating Native American culture.
Monthly Fun: Free Admission for Locals, Hands-on Education, Storytime
• Locals Days: First Sundays Free for Local Residents First Sunday of the month, November 5 and December 3
To thank the San Antonio community for its continued support, the Briscoe Western Art Museum makes the first Sunday of each month “Locals Day,” greeting locals with free general admission. Bexar County residents can enjoy the Briscoe’s Locals Days through 2023, with free admission. As always, children 12 and under receive free admission to the Briscoe every day, as do active duty members of the military, making the Briscoe a terrific spot for local families to enjoy any time.
• Full STEAM Ahead: Free Education Series Offers Hands-on Learning Fun First Sunday of the month, November 5, 1p.m. – 3p.m. Topic: Engineering Challenge – Native American Homes
Families and visitors of all ages can learn about the American West in the Briscoe’s free monthly education series, “Full STEAM Ahead.”Learners of all ages work together and learn about the American West by engaging in hands-on, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning experiences. Each of the activities ties back to the Briscoe’s art and artifacts, bringing the West to life in a new way. From transportation and weather to animals, astronomy and engineering, each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning. Full STEAM Ahead is included with general admission.
• Storytime Stampede: Stories and More for Little Cowpokes Third Saturday of the month, October 21, November 18, December 16, 10:30a.m. – 11 a.m.
Families and caregivers of young children can enjoy Western fun and stories each month at the Briscoe’s Storytime Stampede. Featuring 30 minute programs designed for young children ages 18 months to 5 years, Storytime Stampede includes stories told and acted out, books read aloud, movement activities, songs and art fun. Adults bringing children to Storytime Stampede receive half-off general museum admission. Children 12 and under always receive free admission at the Briscoe, making Storytime Stampede affordable family fun.
Putting Western Virtues on Display: Anouk Masson Krantz
Highlighting the enduring traditions around ranching and rodeo life from an outsider’s perspective, American Cowboys shares an intimate look at America’s Western heritage. Nearly 100 images captured on solo journeys across the American West by the celebrated photographer Anouk Masson Krantz reflect the greatest virtues of America’s heritage.
A French fine-art photographer and author based in New York City best known for her American Western work, Krantz has logged more than 125,000 miles traveling the West by herself in her quest to reveal the authentic daily lives of humble and virtuous American cowboy. Krantz’s photography has received worldwide acclaim, including the 2023 Western Heritage Award for her latest artbook, “Ranchland: Wagonhound.” The exhibition is included with museum admission and is on view through January 22, 2024.
‘Forbidden Bodyguard’ by Rachael Theron is an Enemies to Lovers Romance novel. Photo: Rachael Theron, used with permission.
Contemporary romance novels have always been the most popular subgenre of romance novels because they take place in modern times and the characters tend to be more relatable. If you are a fan of these novels, I have exciting news for you: today’s new book release is a contemporary romance titled “Forbidden Bodyguard: An Enemies to Lovers Romance” by Rachael Theron. As an added bonus, you can take advantage of a Free Book Download offer to check out this forbidden romance between a bodyguard and his boss’ daughter. Sounds steamy, doesn’t it? Don’t wait! Get yourself a free copy and find out what happens when you mix business with pleasure.
Hooking up with my boss’s gorgeous daughter wasn’t part of the job description.
Isabella Blackwood is back from college and is more entitled than ever. As the head of Blackwood security, I can work things around to make sure we don’t cross paths. But I secretly crave her smart mouth, wondering what other nasty things her full lips can do. Her privileged attitude, stunning looks, and seductive body —she’s a maddening mix of irritation and fascination. Things get complicated when Isabella’s father insists she has her own bodyguard, but I don’t trust him.
My protective instincts go wild.
When we’re stuck together for a weekend wedding, everything is put on the line, and I’ll risk it all to keep her safe: my career, my life, my heart. (Rachael Theron, 2023)
‘My Goodbye Girl’ is a contemporary romance novel by Anna Gomez. Photo: Amazon
Anna Gomez is a hopeless romantic who writes about real life, flawed characters and the saving grace of unconditional love. Her experience of living and growing up in a foreign country plays a large part in her stories. Her full-time career and ability to travel extensively also add flair and individuality to the vividly written settings in her books. They transport the reader to faraway places and make them feel like they have been there before. Anna’s inspiration stems from the people she meets and the places that she has seen. Her stories are realistic and honest, thought-provoking and impactful. Her love for poetry is evident in her writing style. She also has written under the pen name Christine Brae and six books of her books have won literary awards and ranked as bestsellers upon release. In her latest novel “My Goodbye Girl” Tessa must let go of the past and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye. (Amazon, 2023)
“My Goodbye Girl” – This contemporary romance begins when Tessa Talman first meets Simon Fremont as they are both waiting to board a plane bound for La Guardia. Not only is she attracted to him, she is intrigued by how different their lives are. He is a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded. She is a head-in-the-clouds romance author. As their relationship grows, they meet in places around the world, while continuing to live in different countries. Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon. Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways she never imagined.
Romance novels are usually a guilty pleasure because they are predictable and include a ‘happily ever after’ plot. The two main characters in this story are so different from each other and meet at predetermined sites around that world that it is impossible to picture them having a serious future together. Tessa is a free spirited author who enjoys traveling around the world while Simon is a serious scientist who is ready to settle down. The first part is just about them meeting in different places and then hurriedly saying goodbye. Because there is little development or depth to these characters, they are not relatable, so it is hard to be concerned about what happens to them. The real action does not take place until the end of the first part, in Chapter 35, and by then, it feels rushed. Regardless, it is an easy read and since it is heavily dialogue driven, with descriptive language and short chapters, the story flows through the pages. Tessa and Simon’s story takes place through the years as they experience the harsh reality of life – no spoilers! Far from original, “My Goodbye Girl” is still an easy and enjoyable read about two people who are polar opposites yet are involved in a whirlwind romance that takes them around the world. It is recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and multicultural romances and appreciate emotional plot twists.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Kristen Grainger & True North launch new album Fear of Falling Stars – due out November 10, 2023. Photo: Kristen Grainger & True North
In a world thirsting for authenticity and genuine connection, Kristen Grainger & True Northoffers a wellspring of soul-stirring songs. Led by the enchanting vocals of Kristen Grainger and drawing on elements of bluegrass, country, and Americana, the Pacific Northwest string band writes songs that connect us, illuminating universal truths with haunting beauty. The band is made up of three champion instrumentalists, Dan Wetzel, Martin Stevens, and Josh Adkins, and is fronted by lead vocalist Kristen Grainger, a storied songwriter who has taken top honors at some of the nation’s most prestigious songwriting competitions, including Telluride Bluegrass Festival, MerleFest, and the USA Songwriting Contest. Kristen Grainger & True North launch their new album with the first single Across the Mountains. The new album, Fear of Falling Stars, will be out November 10, 2023. (IV-PR, 2023)
In the first four measures of Kristen Grainger & True North’s new tune Across the Mountains, listeners experience the full range of what sets the award-winning Americana quartet apart; tried and true musicianship and songcraft steeped in both the old and new. With equal focus on compelling songwriting and excellent instrumental execution, this new album offers ten songs that nestle in the ear on the way to the heart. From heart-wrenching ballads to foot-stomping anthems, Fear of Falling Stars reveals a series of musical zoom shots through the windows of modern life.
Fans can stream or purchase Across the Mountains, watch the lyric video, premiered by The Bluegrass Situation, and stay up to date on Fear of Falling Stars ahead of its November release.
Fear of Falling Stars track list: Don’t Take Me Back Go-Nowhere Town Extraordinary Grace Memories and Moments Across the Mountains It’s the Little Things The Avalanche Pent-Up What Might Have Been Stop Me If I Told You This Before
Catch Kristen Grainger on tour: November 4 – Seattle, WA – Concerts At Our House Series November 10 – Portland, OR – PNC Live Studio Concert November 18 – Portland, OR – Alberta Rose Theatre November 29 – Sisters, OR – The Belfry
Taco Cabana’s holiday gift offer begins on October 18 and runs through the end of the year. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
The season of giving is upon us, and if you are looking for gift ideas for the foodie in your life, consider this gift idea from Taco Cabana.
Give the gift of Taco Cabana this holiday season! Taco Cabana gift cards are a quick and easy present that everyone can enjoy throughout the holidays and beyond. (Taco Cabana, 2023)
Beginning Wednesday, October 18, 2023, for every $25 spent toward Taco Cabana gift cards, guests will receive a complimentary $5 Holiday Guest Appreciation Card for a limited time. The Holiday Guest Appreciation Cards can be redeemed at any Texas Taco Cabana location beginning two hours after purchase/activation and will remain active until Sunday, March 31, 2024. Taco Cabana gift cards can be ordered online or at any participating Taco Cabana location; e-gift cards are also available online.
The Taco Cabana holiday gift card offer is available beginning Wednesday, October 18, 2023 through Sunday, December 31, 2023 at all participating Texas Taco Cabana locations.
Taco Cabana offerings are available via curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and mobile order through the My TC! App.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of October 12, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Whether you are a parent, a teacher, or just someone else who cares about children in some way, you might well be keen to know exactly what it is that children need in order to have the best start possible in their lives. As it happens, there are a few things in particular that you might want to be aware of which can be particularly useful to children early on. In this post, we’ll look at four examples of things that kids generally need in order to have a strong start in life.
Encouragement First of all, most people need plenty of encouragement, and especially when they are young. If you are able to provide this to your kids, then it’s going to make a world of difference to how much they feel they are capable of and what they are generally able to achieve, which in itself will affect their life considerably from here on out. So make sure that you are encouraging them in all they do, and especially where you notice any particular skills or interests that seem to be developing. That could make a world of difference to their lives.
Communication Having the ability to communicate well is something that can set a person up very well in life, and it’s certainly the kind of thing you should be aiming to encourage in your kids as best as you can. There are many ways to do this. First, if there is anything specifically getting in their way of easy communication, then you might want to find them some help with that, perhaps through something like the Scottish Rite Foundation or similar. Then it’s about making sure that you are personally communicating well, so that they do the same in return. It’s amazing how much this can help.
Friendship Nobody can do very well without people around them, and so this is something that you definitely need to make sure you are thinking about too. If you want your kids to be as happy as possible, it’s always going to be important for them that they have friends, but some kids find it naturally easier than others to make friends. If you happen to have children who are finding it somewhat difficult to do this, then you can help them along, and helping them is going to give them a much brighter start on the whole.
Education Overall, a good, strong education is obviously one of the most important things of all. You can encourage and ensure this in a few ways, including finding them a good school, making sure that you give them the necessary motivation to actually learn well, and making sure that you help them with any areas of education that they tend to find difficult. If you can do those simple things, it’s going to mean that they have a much stronger, happier and well-rounded start in life, and the ongoing effects of this can be really quite profound.
SA Examiner 