Author: Sandra Cruz

Blogger, book reviewer, artist, poet, avid reader and nature/animal lover.

Monthly retreats at Hiatus Spa + Retreat

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Hiatus Spa + Retreat offers guests a different package each month.  Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Each month, Hiatus Spa + Retreat creates special “Monthly Retreat” packages for guests to escape their daily routines and enjoy unique body treatments that end with a specialty cocktail. The upcoming monthly retreats include Tuscan Sun in July, Pacifica in August and Lotus in September. (Hiatus Spa + retreat, 2018)

July Monthly Retreat: Tuscan Sun
80 minutes. $195 | $128 h-circle
Whether memory or fantasy, let Tuscan Sun call to mind one of the most beautiful and distinctive corners of the Earth. Essences of Cypress, Blood Orange and Wisteria blend with Mediterranean Sea Salt for an aromatic body polish. A refreshing Vichy rinse and a nourishing olive body butter massage will leave guests glowing and ready to sip an Aperol Prosecco Spritz.

August Monthly Retreat: Pacifica
80 minutes. $195 | $128 h-circle
For August, the package incorporates an Awapuhi scrub butter made with Hawaiian red alaea salt and blended with Geranium, Ylang Ylang and Cedarwood for an exotic aromatic body polish. A gentle Vichy rain gives way to a rhythmic Lomi Lomi style massage, followed by a mouthwatering Mai Tai.

September Monthly Retreat: Lotus
80 minutes. $195 | $128 h-circle
A warming body scrub of Verbena Powder blended with essences of Palmarosa, Sandalwood and Lime will uplift and focus the mind as Fall approaches. A cleansing Vichy rinse, an invigorating massage and a refreshing kiwi capiroska complete the package.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Independence Brewing Co. brings ‘Native Texan Films’ series to Alamo Drafthouse

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The summer film series ‘Native Texan Films’ is a tribute to the new Native Texan beer from Independence Brewing Co. Photo: Independence Brewing Co., used with permission.

Independence Brewing Co. is partnering with Alamo Drafthouse to bring a Texas-inspired summer film series celebrating the launch of the new pilsner Native Texan. The series “Native Texan Films” will take place from July 17 to August 27 and includes Texas-inspired film screenings at Alamo Drafthouse locations statewide. Each of the selected films, which include Friday Night Lights, Dazed and Confused and Urban Cowboy, is inspired by Texas pride as a tribute to the company’s new, authentically Texan pilsner. (Independence Brewing Co., 2018)

The film series will kick off with a screening of Bottle Rocket in Denton, Texas, where the cult classic was filmed nearly 23 years ago. Additional films will be screened at Alamo Drafthouse locations in Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Dallas (Las Colinas), Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, New Braunfels and San Antonio. Admission will be free to the public; however, attendees can reserve a seat by purchasing a $5 voucher, which can be redeemed at the theater for an ice-cold can of Native Texan or another concession item.

The full Native Texan Films screening schedule:

Independence Brewing Co. chose Alamo Drafthouse as the venue for its summer film series because of its distinct Texas roots and the fact that the cinema house was founded on the principle of enjoying great beer while watching great films. Tickets are now available for all 11 of the scheduled film screenings. Details are available online.

Independence Brewing Co. is a local craft beer brewery and taproom located in Southeast Austin, Texas. Founded by Amy & Rob Cartwright in 2004, Independence Brewing Co. has grown from a small mom, pop, and dog operation to a team of 40 people producing more than 17,000 barrels each year with distribution throughout Texas and Arkansas. Independence Brewing Co. is now one of the largest and most beloved breweries in Central Texas.

Television adaptation: ‘Sharp Objects’ by Gillian Flynn

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The series Sharp Objects, based on Gillian Flynn’s book, premieres on HBO on Sunday July 8.

Gillian Flynn is an American mystery author and former television critic for Entertainment Weekly. She has written three novels including “Sharp Objects,” “Dark Places” and “Gone Girl.” “Gone Girl” became an instant bestseller and was adapted into a movie starring Ben Affleck. Her debut novel, “Sharp Objects,” follows a newspaper journalist who must return to her hometown to report on a series of brutal murders.  It  has been adapted into a limited series on HBO starring Amy Adams. It premieres on Sunday July 8.

According to Amazon, in “Sharp Objects” Camille Preaker is an emotionally troubled reporter who is fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital. She now faces a troubling new assignment which involves returning to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. It has been years since she has spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or the half-sister she barely knows who is a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Once she is settled in, she finds herself identifying with the young victims and is haunted by her own demons. If she wants to get to the bottom of the story and survive being back home, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past.

Ole San Antonio events for this week at Pearl

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Flamenco at the Stable. Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.

To celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial and its Spanish heritage, Pearl announces Olé, San Antonio: When San Antonio Meets Spain. This summer-long celebration will take place from Friday June 15 to Sunday September 16 to commemorate the city’s 300th anniversary. There will be events and activities related to four main pillars: gastronomy, music and dance, arts and architecture. Events will include new programming while also incorporating existing Pearl activities. (Pearl, 2018)

Events scheduled for Olé, San Antonio this week, July 3 through July 8 includes Sound Cream at Pearl Park, a performance by Spanish artist Carlos Rodriguez and a Flamenco Tablao dinner.

Thursday, July 5: First Thursday Night Market at 4p.m.

Journey into Spain by joining Pearl for the Olé edition of First Thursday Night Market. San Antonio’s esteemed flamenco troupe, Arte y Pasion, led by dancer and artistic director Tamara Adira, presents a visually stunning and theatrical performance of traditional Spanish dance. Night Market goers will still be able to purchase items from their favorite vendors with Spanish-themed goods.

Friday, July 6: Flamenco Performance by Carlos Rodriguez at 8:30p.m.

Pearl Amphitheater will host Madrid-based Carlos Rodriguez for a Spanish dance performance. He will perform along with his eight-person company of musicians and dancers, Bendita, which blends original flamenco music (performed live) with Spanish dance styles ranging from Fandangos to Rumbas. This event is free and open to the public. Pearl Amphitheater overlooks the San Antonio River and is located between La Gloria and Hotel Emma.

Sunday, July 8: Flamenco Tablao featuring Carlos Rodriguez and Chef Johnny Hernandez at 6p.m.

Join Pearl Stable in a Spanish-inspired “tablao” to showcase dynamic entertainment and great culinary fare. Madrid-based Carlos Rodriguez will perform while guests enjoy a Paella Valencia by Chef Johnny Hernandez. Doors open at 6p.m. and performance begins at 6:30p.m. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased online.

Pearl
303 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Cast includes, from left to right: Rachel Pena, Aiden Michael, Madeline Gutierrez, Ivan Ortega, Joshua Buce with Manny as Toto. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is the family favorite musical ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ This show opened last Friday and will run through Sunday July 29 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is based on the popular 1939 movie adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s novel and comes to life onstage at the Woodlawn Theatre bringing with it the magic and music that has captivated audiences for almost 80 years. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is the story of Dorothy Gale who lives in a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and dog Toto. After being blown away by a twister, she ends up in the magical world of Oz where she meets Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. Together they journey to the Emerald City in search of a brain, a heart, courage and a way back home. It includes memorable songs such as “Over the Rainbow,” “If I Only Had a Brain” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz.” Cast includes Madeline Gutierrez as Dorothy, Aiden Michael as Scarecrow, Ivan Ortega as Tin Man and Joshua Buce as Lion. Jamie Rodriguez is the Musical Director and Michelle Pietri is the Choreographer.

During the run of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ the Woodlawn Theatre is accepting donations to benefit SNIPSA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless and unwanted animals in and around San Antonio. A complete list of requested items is online. The theater has partnered with Bihl Haus Arts to incorporate local visual art with performance art and David Guerrero, a retired NISD art teacher, will be exhibiting his works in the Woodlawn Theatre lobby. Upcoming promotional nights include Pride Night – July 7, ASL (American Sign Language) Night – July 14 and Student Night – July 20.

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388

‘Mamma Mia!’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

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‘Mamma Mia!’ opens Friday July 6 at The Public Theater of San Antonio.

Up next at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the global smash hit ‘Mamma Mia!’ It will be playing in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater from Friday July 6 through Sunday August 5. This jukebox musical is based on the music of ABBA with music and lyrics by Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and some songs with Stig Anderson. Book is by Catherine Johnson. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Thursday July 5 is ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ preview day and on opening night Friday July 6, there will be a reception following the performance. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Groups of ten or more receive a special rate. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

‘Mamma Mia!’ takes place on the Greek Island of Kalokairi.  Twenty-year-old Sophie is getting ready to marry her fiancée Sky and wants her father to walk her down the aisle, but she doesn’t know who he is. When she discovers her mother’s old diary with details about the men she dated, she invites them to the wedding. Donna, Sophie’s mother, has invited her two best friends, practical and no-nonsense Rosie and wealthy and multi divorcee Tanya to the wedding. The three of them were once part of the girl group “Donna and the Dynamos.” During the next 24 hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled. ‘Mamma Mia!’ has been seen by over 54 million people around the world in 14 different languages and is one of the longest running shows on Broadway. With its enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship it is the ultimate feel good show that keeps audiences coming back for more. Featured songs include “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “Money, Money, Money.”

The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Fast Eddie’s 2nd Annual Hot Dog Eating Competition

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Fast Eddie’s 2nd Annual Hot Dog Eating Competition takes place this Tuesday July 3 at all locations. Photo: Fast Eddie’s, used with permission.

Attention all foodies: Fast Eddie’s Annual Hot Dog Eating contest is back. This Tuesday July 3, head over to Fast Eddie’s or Eddy’s Tavern from 11a.m. to 11p.m. for the 2nd Annual Hot Dog Eating Competition. (Fast Eddie’s, 2018)

Fee is only $5 to compete for the grand prize. There will cash prizes for the winners and a month of FREE pool in July. Come out and enjoy the fun, and $2.75 Bud Light brews and $4 Will Turkey. Event will be at all Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar locations nationwide.

San Antonio locations:

9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX

7616 Culebra Rd #103
San Antonio, TX

502 Embassy Oaks
San Antonio, TX

Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic

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This year’s Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic is set for Wednesday July 4. Photo: Circuit of the Americas, used with permission.

Live Nation, C3 Presents and Circuit of The Americas (COTA) recently announced the performance order for the 45th edition of Willie’s 4th of July Picnic on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. This year’s 4th of July Picnic will once again feature two stages: the main Austin360 Amphitheater stage and the Honor Flight Grand Plaza Stage. The all-day event celebrating America’s birthday features performances starting at 11:30a.m. on the Honor Flight Stage. This year’s picnic is excited to announce a very special guest to present the fireworks display to commemorate the show and to celebrate America’s birthday. (Circuit of the Americas, 2018)

Honor Flight Grand Plaza Stage (listed in order of performance):
David Allan Coe, Yellow Feather, Raelyn Nelson Band, Folk Uke, Particle Kid, Gene Watson, Johnny Bush, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Billy Joe Shaver, Asleep at The Wheel

Pavilion Stage (Austin360 Amphitheater – listed in order of performance):
Jamestown Revival, The Wild Feathers, Lukas Nelson and Promise of The Real, Margo Price, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, Ryan Bingham, The Head and The Heart, Sturgill Simpson, Willie Nelson & Family

The Grand Plaza will have picnic tables where fans can eat, drink, celebrate and watch their favorite artists, as well as a shopping area featuring a wide variety of Texas-based vendors.

Tickets are priced at $99.50 for the GA Pit Section and Reserved Seat Section in front of the stage. Reserved bowl tickets are $52.50–$99.50 and $42.50 for H-E-B General Admission Lawn. All tickets are available for purchase at Ticketmaster, Circuit of the Americas, or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Standard parking lots at Circuit of The Americas open at 10a.m. and gates to the Austin360 Amphitheater open at 11a.m. Standard parking is included in the price of the ticket. Premium parking, bus parking, RV parking, as well as campsites are also available to buy at the time tickets are purchased.

As the event is scheduled to run for approximately 13 hours, venue management is extending the opportunity for patrons to bring in one (1) 1-quart-sized clear plastic bag with food, per person, for Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic. Standard venue policy allows patrons to bring in one (1) 20 oz. factory-sealed water bottle, per person.

Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic will be broadcast live on Willie Nelson’s exclusive SiriusXM channel, Willie’s Roadhouse, Channel 59 on SiriusXM radios and streaming live on the new SiriusXM mobile app and SiriusXM connected devices and speakers. In addition to live sets, the broadcast will include backstage interviews hosted by Willie’s Roadhouse and Outlaw Country DJs Dallas Wayne and Willie’s daughter, Paula Nelson.

Circuit of the Americas
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd
Austin, TX 78617

Kitchen Remodeling From the Floors Up at O’Krent Floors

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Kitchen Remodeling From the Floors Up will be held on Tuesday July 10 at O’Krent Floors. Photo: O’Krent Floors, used with permission.

For anyone interested in kitchen remodeling ideas, on Tuesday July 10 from 11:30a.m. to 1p.m., O’Krent Floors and Swiff-Train Company is hosting a Virtuoso Builders Seminar. ‘Kitchen Remodeling, From the Floors Up’ is an informative and fun event that will give guests an in-depth look at all flooring options available for the ultimate kitchen remodeling project. They will gain valuable information on current trends in flooring options, kitchen dos and don’ts and how to find the right remodeler for the job. Bring your questions and come hungry; lunch will be provided. Since this is a limited seating event, RSVP must be in by Friday July 6. Email Molly Sowry or call at (210) 525-8750. (O’Krent Floors, 2018)

O’Krent Floors
2075 N Loop 1604 E (At Gold Canyon)
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 227-7387

Culinary Monographs at Hotel Emma to celebrate Ole, San Antonio

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Hotel Emma is hosting Culinary Monographs this summer to honor Spain’s most beloved flavors.

Olé, San Antonio is in full swing at the Pearl and Hotel Emma is joining in the celebration by hosting Culinary Monographs. These are six delicious, immersive experiences that will honor the most beloved flavors of Spain: olive oil, jamón (Spanish ham), tinned fish, salt and spices, wine and sherry and cheese, to help celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

These culinary monographs will take place every two weeks, beginning on Wednesday/Thursday from June through September, each offering a look into the history, craftsmanship and diversity of flavor and utility of each product.

Each monograph includes a ticketed Monograph Session facilitated by experts and makers of the individual product. Guests will enjoy, depending on theme, a deep dive into the culture, economy and trends of the product and an expertly guided tasting opportunity. There will be an open-to-the-public Casual Tasting at Larder, where the fine grocery store at Hotel Emma will support each monograph with a multi-day tasting of the highlighted product. Tapas tastings will be held at Sternewirth, the main bar at Hotel Emma, which will create a special tapas dish highlighting the product at play. There will also be a Dinner at Supper series, where Chef John Brand will create a special tasting menu highlighting the various uses, applications and flavors of the spotlighted product. Monograph Sessions and Dinner at Supper will be ticketed events, while Tapas will be a menu option for Sternewirth guests and tastings at Larder will be free and open to the public. More information on these event is available online.

Upcoming Culinary Monographs:

  • June 27 – Olive Oil
  • July 11 – Spain’s Great Match
  • July 25 – Salt & Spices
  • August 8 – Tinned Fish
  • August 22 – Jamón
  • September 6 – Cheese

In honor of San Antonio’s Tricentennial, Hotel Emma is also offering a special rate now through September 16, 2018. The special ‘300 years, 300 dollars’ features rates starting at $300, plus complimentary valet parking.

Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300