Category: celebrations

Halloween party idea: ‘Sip and Shade Party Art Book’ by Sunny J Shores

This Halloween, let ‘Sip and Shade Art Book: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation’ by Sunny J Shores inspire you. Photo: Sunny J Shores, used with permission.

Halloween is right around the corner and if you are hosting a Halloween party and looking for original ideas besides the tired old costume contest, I have an exciting and creative idea. How about hosting your own Sip and Shade Party with this Halloween-themed edition book?

Adult coloring books have gained popularity in recent years because they can be therapeutic. Some studies have shown that focusing on the complex drawings on these coloring books can actually put your mind into a relaxing and meditative state. So why not get together with friends this Halloween, put on your best costume, and enjoy some adult beverages, all while bonding, expressing yourself, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“Sip and Shade Party: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation: Halloween Edition” by Sunny J Shores is more than just a coloring book; it is also a party planner to help you host the best spooky get together this season. It is made from high quality paper perfect for all types of mediums, from colored pencils to markers. The padded pages are sure to handle all types of artists, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. Do you have guests who are left handed? This coloring book is formatted to complement left handed or right handed artists. It even comes with a guest list and memories page perfect for capturing every moment. (Sunny J Shores, 2023)

So this year surprise your friends with a unique Halloween party courtesy of the Halloween edition of “Sip and Shade Party.” Set aside a space for creativity to bloom surrounded by spooky Halloween decorations, drinks, and a variety of art supplies to fit every artist’s needs. Of course, costumes are always encouraged! And remember, if it is not on social media, it did not happen, so share your experiences online by using the hashtag #SipAndShadeParty.

“Sip and Shade Party: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation: Halloween Edition” is available online. For bulk orders of 10 or more, you can order directly from the publisher’s website. Happy Halloween!

Photo: Sunny J Shores, used with permission.

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Francis Bogside announces grand opening weekend celebration

Popular modern Irish pub grand opening weekend celebration includes expanded food menu launching this Friday, June 23. Photo: TXTroubleMaker, used with permission.

Francis Bogside is now open in its new location at St. Paul Square and excited to announce its Grand Opening Weekend Celebration with the expansion of its food menu and the launch of brunch service on Sundays and live music. (Francis Bogside, 2023)

The Grand Opening Weekend is set for Friday, June 23 – Sunday June 25, and will include the expanded food menu including fan favorites from its previous location like the SmashBurger, Fish and Chips, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Chicken Wings, Devilled Eggs, Fried Pickles, and more. Brand new menu items include the Cauliflower Parm Pasta, Green Curry with fresh Steamed Rice, Braised Short Ribs, Blackened Shrimp Pasta, Focaccia Deep Dish Pizza, and more.

To celebrate the grand opening, Francis Bogside will also be launching Sunday Brunch Service with Mimosa and Bloody Mary specials, including menu items like Prime Rib, Crab Cakes with Eggs, Seafood Platter and more. Brunch service will kick off on June 25 and be held every Sunday from 12p.m. to 3p.m.

The grand opening celebration will include live music throughout the weekend, including Mike Ryan set to perform on Friday, June 23 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. and Christine Roberts and the So So’s performing from 9p.m. to 2a.m. Yacht Rock will be performing on Saturday, June 24 from 10p.m. to -1a.m.

Grand Opening Weekend: Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25
Brunch Service: Sunday, June 25 from 12p.m. to 3p.m.

New Operating Hours (Starting June 23):
• Tuesday through Saturday: 4p.m. to 2a.m.
• Sunday: 12p.m. to 2a.m.
• Closed Mondays

Francis Bogside
1170 E Commerce St. Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78205

Father’s Day gift ideas from Whataburger and iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Whataburger’s new Father’s Day Collection has a variety of gifts for Father’s Day. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger

Everyone has come to love the Whatastore, which has Whataburger gear for every occasion. The new Father’s Day Collection makes it easy to get the perfect gift for the dad in your life, whether he is out on the lake or just enjoying a classic #1. To make things even easier, Whataburger is offering 20% off the Father’s Day Collection in the Whatastore on June 13. Just load up your cart and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. (Whataburger, 2023)

To pair with Dad’s favorite taste-tee meal, the newly designed golf gear is a hole in one. The course will know just how he likes it with the new Mint Golf Hat. Help him tee off in style with the Otterbox Golf Kit or keep his clubs looking crisp with our Day Dot Golf Head Cover. They are guaranteed to make it look like he shoots a low score.

If golf is not his game, tackle Father’s Day for your favorite fisherman with a variety of new gear. Premium activewear is built for his favorite hobby, like the Whatacatch UV Tee, or go lightweight with the Magellan Outdoors Toile Sketch Print White Short Sleeve Shirt. Every Whataburger dad needs that signature orange-and-white accessory that matches everything. For the ultimate in refreshment all summer long, the Whataburger YETI stainless steel Rambler® tumblers are iconic for a reason. Grab the 30-oz. stainless steel Rambler® tumbler that is designed to look just like Whataburger drink cups. This double-walled tumbler will keep his drink icy cold from the cupholder to the course. 

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Father’s Day is this Sunday and if you are looking for last minute gifts, iFLY Indoor Skydiving will make fathers feel like the super hero they are, briefly giving them the power of flight. At an iFLY tunnel, they can experience body-flying “indoor skydiving” in a vertical wind tunnel either with the whole family or on an adventure of their own. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2023)

Instead of searching for another baseball cap or goofy trinket, iFLY offers digital gift cards Dad will not lose and can redeem whenever they are ready to take flight. Digital cards include Dad worthy designs with phrases like “From your least disappointing child” to “Hope your Father’s Day is better than your Dad Jokes.” 

Give dad the ‘gift of flight’ this Father’s Day. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.

Celebrate Pride in San Antonio with Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s open-air Cenote Pool Deck. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Happy Pride Month! Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will celebrate with a special pride package available throughout the month of June, including pride-themed cocktails, delicious bites, and striking city views from the hotel’s vibrant rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, and open-air Cenote Pool Deck, complete with luxury cabanas and a poolside bar for all-day entertainment. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)

This June, San Antonio is full of pride parties and rainbow-hued festivities, including the biggest pride parade in South Texas on June 24, featuring live music, family-friendly drag performances, and LGBTQ-run artisan and food vendors along the San Antonio Riverwalk.

Fun ways to spend those long summer evenings

Food on brown wooden table with chairs and plates. Photo: Pexels

The sun hasn’t quite gone down yet, the sky is peachy orange or pale pink, and the air has a certain haze to it. That’s right, the season of long summer evenings is in full swing. And finding ways to spend time when it’s seemingly forever light outside is all part of the charm. But if you’re already out of ideas for this year, we’ve got a couple of suggestions for you down below. Use this time wisely – it’ll be winter again before you know it.

Spend Time in the ‘Pool’
Lucky enough to have a pool, or a hot tub? If not, don’t worry. Even if you don’t have one, you can buy a small paddling pool and spend some time luxuriating in the warm outside air and the weightless feeling around you.

Set it up in a flat, private space, wear your favorite swimwear items, pour yourself a yummy drink, and then spend a good half hour out there watching the sun go down. The water will help to keep you cool, and as that elusive evening breeze moves in, you’ll be able to truly cool off from the day behind you.

Host a Proper Streaming Night
Whether you’ve got a new box set to binge or you want to watch a bunch of horror movies back to back, this idea will align neatly with your plans. Why not host a big streaming night for your friends to come along to? Make up a creamy crack dip with bacon and cheese, make sure there are plenty of dipping chips available on plates (with a few raw vegetables for a healthy option!), and buy some special drinks for the occasion too.

Take the Cinema Outside
Tired of evenings indoors? If you’ve got the garden space, you can invest in a projector and a screen to show it all on. Wait until it’s a bit darker outside, put up an awning or gazebo to sit under and keep the screen safe, and set up some fairy or candle lights. Once you’ve done this, invite a couple people around for an outdoor cinema night. Put on your favorite movies, or have a theme night featuring the best animated classics, and watch late into the night while it’s warm and cozy outside.

Go Adventuring with a Pet
If you’ve got a dog, or even a cat, take them out in those later evening hours while there’s still a bit of sunlight. A late one down the dog park or through your neighborhood, your pet by your side with a few treats in your pocket – it can be magical. And it’s good to get a bit of late day exercise; it can help you cool off, give you a healthy outlet from heat frustrations, and it’ll help you meet other lovely pet owners looking to do the same thing.

Long summer evenings don’t have to be boring, or overbearing with the heat! Make it fun with ideas like these.

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Festive drinks for Cinco de Mayo celebrations

Smirnoff ICE Preparadas. Photo: Chris Perez, used with permission.

Cinco de Mayo is this Friday, and if you are looking for cocktail ideas for your get together, here are two of them. (Giant Noise, 2023)

Cantina Margarita:

Austin-based CANTEEN Spirits launched a Mexican-inspired, margarita-style hard seltzer in February 2023. It is currently available throughout Texas with national distribution coming soon. Dubbed the Cantina Margarita, the new seltzer is available in three flavors — original (margarita), strawberry, and mango. Each 12-oz can contains only 110 calories, 1 gram of sugar, and 1 gram net carbs and is brewed at 6% alc/vol, higher than most big brand hard seltzers. Unlike their previous lines, the Cantina Margarita is made with alcohol produced from cane sugar, a departure from the company’s spirit-based model.

“After carefully examining the current RTD market, we saw the popularity of hard seltzers declining, with one exception: Mexican-inspired cocktails like margaritas and agua frescas are still growing, and doing so at a rapid pace. Expanding from spirit based RTDs into the hard seltzer realm was a natural evolution for CANTEEN.” said CANTEEN’s co-founder and CEO, Brandon Cason.

CANTEEN Spirits’ new Cantina Margarita-Style Hard Seltzer. Photo: CANTEEN Spirits, used with permission.

Smirnoff ICE Preparada:

The Smirnoff ICE Preparada is over-the-top, bright, and colorful, just like Cinco de Mayo. It showcases an array of ingredients and flavors and is endlessly customizable. Made from a refreshing combo of Smirnoff ICE, fresh chopped fruit, chamoy, chili salt, and spicy/sour Mexican candies, the drink was first popularized at drive-thru daiquiri shops in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. 

Preparadas skyrocketed in popularity at San Antonio’s iconic Fiesta celebrations in 2011 and have been a staple of the city-wide party ever since. They are now regularly enjoyed at bars, restaurants and festivals throughout Texas in the spring and summer months. Here is a recipe to make one of your own at home:

Ingredients

  • 1 (one) 11.2 oz bottle of Smirnoff ICE (Original, Spicy Tamarind or Green Apple flavor)
  • 1 oz chamoy
  • chili salt (for rim)
  • 1/2 cup diced pineapple
  • 1/2 cup diced strawberries
  • sour gummies, and Mexican candies
  • 1 package dried chili mango
  • 1 bamboo skewer

Instructions

  • Rim your favorite glass with chamoy and chili salt
  • Fill glass with ice
  • Add in diced pineapple and strawberry
  • Fill glass with your favorite flavor of Smirnoff ICE
  • Top with sour gummies and Mexican candies. 
  • Drizzle chamoy over gummies and candies
  • Garnish with skewer of fruit, candies, and chamoy

Mother’s Day gift ideas: Mindful Moms Retreat at Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk

Gift ideas for moms at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk include a Mindful Moms Retreat and more. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so if you are looking for gift ideas, consider Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk.

A spa day is one of the most rewarding Mother’s Day gifts, and this year Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is offering moms everything from luxurious spa treatments to specialty cocktails at the rooftop bar and lounge to provide them with all of the celebrations that they deserve. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)

Over Mother’s Day weekend from May 12-14, guests can enjoy the following Mother’s Day programming:

  • Mindful Moms Retreat: For the month of May, moms can enjoy a mindful mimosa to kick off their spa day and choose from two restorative treatments, including a 50-minute Brighten & Renew Facial, a 50-minute Sleek & Slim Body treatment, and a 50-minute pedi or 50-minute “mommy” mani. Guests can enjoy the sauna and steam room before their treatment and afterwards cheers to self-care with a complimentary glass of champagne while unwinding in the spa’s relaxation area. $275.00 (discounts cannot be applied).
  • Ario Launch Party: Kick off the summer at the hotel’s Cenote Pool Deck on May 13 from 2p.m. – 4p.m., where the Thompson Spa will debut its summer hydration product line.
  • Mother’s Day Brunch: On Sunday, May 14, families can gather at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature restaurant, Landrace, helmed by James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, for a special family-style Mother’s Day brunch featuring a seafood display, brisket carving station, lemon prickly pear cupcakes, banana cream parfaits, mimosas, and more.
  • Bad Moms Event: On May 12, moms can gather with their girlfriends for the “Bad Moms event” at the hotel’s enchanting rooftop bar and lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, for a well-deserved night out perched over the city with specialty cocktails and live DJ performance at 8p.m.
Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Celebrate Fiesta at Thompson San Antonio’s block party

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is hosting a block party to celebrate Fiesta in style. Photo: Google

San Antonio’s Fiesta is coming up this month and it is one of the largest festivals in the U.S., providing countless special events that showcase the city’s rich Latin heritage and culture. On April 29, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk invites guests and locals to a Fiesta Block Party with fun activities, food and drinks, live entertainment, and excellent views of the Flambeau parade, America’s largest illuminated parade. Additionally, the hotel will offer family-friendly activities on April 28 for the day parade with a coffee bar, mimosas, breakfast tacos, and more. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)

Fiesta San Antonio is a citywide celebration featuring locally themed culinary offerings, decorated floats, musical performances, and vibrant colors. The tradition of celebrating Fiesta started in 1891 as a parade to share memories with loved ones and honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. The city’s signature event, sponsored by various nonprofit organizations, returns to San Antonio for another year from April 20-30.

Opened in February 2021, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat soaring 20 stories above San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk – capturing the contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city. The hotel features a stylish living room bar; celebrated dining from a James Beard Award finalist; a show-stopping pool deck; and a luxurious full-service spa.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Big Country Organic Brewing Co launches organic beer line

Big Country Organic Brewing Co launches three new beers in 2023 beginning in April. Photo: Big Country Organic Brewing Co., used with permission.

Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. is growing with the launch of three new beers slated for 2023. The first to hit shelves is TexMex Lager, a bright, refreshing Mexican style lager made with organic ingredients. Beginning in April you will be able to find TexMex Lager in 6-packs of 12oz. cans at your local retailer, and on draft in restaurants and bars throughout Texas. (Big Country, 2023)

Following the launch of TexMex Lager, the journey to highlight beer styles from across our great big country will continue with the release of a West Coast style IPA and Hazy New England style IPA. Both certified Organic IPAs will be available in July.

Big Country® may be known for their Organic Hard Seltzer, but the team has been producing high quality, crushable beers since the inception of the company. The release of these beers into the market is bringing Big Country’s dedication to organic production to the craft beer community so everyone can enjoy what was previously only available to visitors of the Austin brewery.

“We love craft beer just as much as we love the craft seltzer we introduced in 2021. We have an outstanding and very capable brew team, we have a certified organic production facility, and we have a dedication to making world class organic beverages for adults. There are a lot of great craft beers in the market, but there aren’t enough of them meeting the high standards to qualify as organic. We want to change that.” – Bill Gillies, Founder and CEO of Big Country

There will be a launch party at Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. on Friday, April 7 from 4p.m. – 8p.m. with live music, new food truck menu items, giveaways and more. Big Country® will be a main sponsor at the inaugural Wild West Brew Fest Pflugerville on Saturday, April 8 from 3p.m. – 9p.m., and will be sampling the TexMex Lager along with several limited release brews.

Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. beer and hard seltzer is currently available for purchase and shipment in 32 states via their online store (valid ID required, 21+ only). Big Country® is distributed statewide in Texas through Ben E. Keith Beverages, and launching statewide April 2023 in Colorado through Colorado Craft Distributors. Big Country® is available in major retailers including Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, H-E-B, and Total Wine & More.

Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. is the currently the only operating certified Organic brewery in Texas. Big Country® prides themselves in becoming pioneers in the organic movement in the alcohol industry and carries three of the most distinctive and well-respected certifications in the food & beverage industry — USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Fair Trade Certified. They first entered the craft beverage market with Big Country® Organic Hard Seltzer in the spring of 2021 becoming the first and only Fair Trade Certified™ libation of its kind in the US.

Their Fair Trade commitment means that every can puts fair wages directly into the hands that harvested its ingredients. It also ensures farmers work in safe conditions, protect the environment, build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities. Big Country® fair trade purchases have sent over $91k to the farmers since they started.

The Dollar Sale returns to Twin Liquors this week

Twin Liquors’ annual The Dollar Sale returns on Thursday February 23 – February 25, 2023. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Texas’ favorite sale, The Dollar Sale, is returning this month to Twin Liquors. Featuring savings on all wine and spirits across the store, Twin Liquors drops the price to the absolute lowest, then adds $1. Shoppers can look forward to unbeatable prices on collectible wines, rare whiskies and other popular spirits like Lalo Tequila for $39.99 on sale, versus $49.99 as the regular price, and Jameson Caskmates $24.39 on sale, versus $29.99 as the regular price. (Twin Liquors, 2023)

The Dollar Sale, which began over ten years ago, was created as a way to say thank you to all Twin Liquors customers and the team is excited to bring back the sale to the community. To celebrate the kick-off of the annual three-day sale, all Marketplace locations will be offering free breakfast tacos and Deep Eddy Bloody Marys on February 23 beginning at 10a.m. until supplies last. The Dollar Sale will take place at all 100+ Twin Liquors locations, and will include Sigel’s locations across Dallas.

The Dollar Sale will take place at all 100+ Twin Liquors locations plus the Sigel’s locations in Dallas. To locate the store nearest you, visit Twin Liquors and Dallas online.  

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” family-owned company. Twin Liquors has a unique and well known reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. There are currently 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston, and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.