iFLY’s Valentine’s Day offer runs through February 20, 2022. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is spreading the love by offering a unique, special “Love is in the Air” package, featuring four flights and two videos for two flyers, which will run from February 4 to February 20. Packages are available for purchase online at iflyworld.com/valentines-day/ and can be redeemed at participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving locations. iFLY is dedicating the month of February to bringing loved ones together for a unique, nontraditional Valentine’s Day experience that will take love to new heights. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2022)
iFLY is a sports and recreation company with the mission to deliver the dream of flight. The company pioneered the body-flying “indoor skydiving” experience and is the world leader in vertical wind tunnel technology. Guests do not need to be athletes or in the best shape of their lives. iFLY’s world-class instructors are pros at making flying safe and fun for everyone.
Each iFLY tunnel is taking the proper precautions to ensure guests enjoy their flying experience by making a tremendous investment in new safety measures. In fact, iFLY’s wind tunnels have a fresh air advantage over other experiences. Advanced wind tunnel technology provides guests with clean air while flying by recirculating and refreshing the air from outside the iFLY facilities. Tested and proven, iFLY’s wind tunnels create an environment at least 10x fresher than the average store or gym when flying guests—even at slow wind speeds.
Prices vary per iFLY location. Offer available at participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving locations, excluding iFLY Detroit.
Twin Liquors is having specials for Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day festivities. Photo: google
Let Twin Liquors be your one-stop-shop when it comes to all things Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day festivities this year. Available for pick up in-store or delivery to your door, Twin Liquorshas you covered. (Twin Liquors, 2022)
A number of wines + spirits will be discounted for Valentine’s Day from February 3 through February 14, 2022. With complimentary gift wrapping, you can have your gift delivered right to your special someone. Additionally, from February 7 through February 12, save on bottles of spirits for your Super Bowl party to celebrate the biggest sports event of the year. Run out of drinks during the game? No need to miss a play or commercial thanks to Twin Liquors’ delivery service. For more information, please visit Twin Liquors or follow along on social media @TwinLiquors.
Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful, “home-grown,” Texas family-owned company. Twin Liquors has a unique 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. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston, and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.
The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat in downtown San Antonio. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
This year for Valentine’s Day, couples are seeking romantic weekend getaways for a change of scenery that is still close to home. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner reservation or planning a sweet staycation, these three Lone Star State destinations are offering the perfect getaways for couples. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, Thompson San Antonio, Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa | SONORA, TX Located on 13,000 acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, JL Bar Ranch is the ideal destination for couples seeking an off-grid getaway this Valentine’s Day. From relaxation at JL Bar’s spa to outdoor excursions on horseback or ATVs, couples can choose their own adventure while visiting the ranch. JL Bar also offers wine tastings with the property’s resident Sommelier, outdoor games, an infinity pool and hot tub with unrivaled sunset views, shooting instruction, romantic outdoor dining, and more. For added seclusion, each of JL Bar’s 32 luxury accommodations boasts a private patio. With Valentine’s Day on a Monday this year, guests can extend their romantic weekend and receive a fourth night freewhen booking a three-night stay.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk | SAN ANTONIO, TX 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 and this year, promises to be the ideal Valentine’s Day destination. Couples can enjoy a romantic date night at landmark restaurant Landrace, from James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, including a Valentine’s Day menu, rose table décor, and special entertainment. The enchanting rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters,which floats high above the River Walk, is going all out with a “Love Stinks”-themed singles vibe Monday – Thursday leading up to Valentine’s Day. Events include pre-fixe menu, live entertainment and a Sexology Pop-Up on January 29, and February 5 and 12. On Superbowl Sunday, February 13, The Moon’s Daughters will be hosting a Thompson Tailgate, with grilled menu items and large format drinks. Guests can also book the Thompson San Antonio SpaSpatastic Room Package, which includes champagne, a $100 spa credit and a spa retail amenity item. Lastly, the hotel is offering a new Thompson Temptation Room Package, which includes a bottle of prosecco delivered to the room, a special amenity from San Antonio’s Sexology Institute, and a late 2p.m. check out on Sundays.
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection | AUSTIN, TX With intimate spaces tucked throughout the historic property, Commodore Perry Estate offers the perfect retreat for a Valentine’s Day filled with vintage, one-of-a-kind charm and romantic moments. The resort has special offerings for the holiday, from private couples yoga classes and gourmet fireside s’mores on the Estate grounds, to a ‘crafting your own vintage Valentine’ experience, perfect for families, featuring snacks, beverages and a wide selection of art supplies. Couples can also arrange a romantic picnic on the lawn, featuring a cozy blanket made for lounging and a basket filled with chilled Champagne and a selection of gourmet bites. Feel the warm embrace of romance in the Mansion’s oval library. For the Valentine’s Day weekend, the luxury resort will have a lush Valentine’s floral installation in the sophisticated library that offers the ideal backdrop to snap some instant photos of your romantic moments together. Reserve your experience and savor floral-inspired cocktails paired with a selection of canapes and bite-sized sweet treats.
Spa packages from Hiatus Spa + Retreat make an excellent Valentine’s Day gift. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.
With Valentine’s Day coming up next month, award-winning Texas day spa Hiatus Spa + Retreat has 2022 Valentine’s Day spa packages available to gift loved ones, or yourself, this year.(Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2022)
Valentine’s Day Gift Card In-Spa Promo Buy a $250 gift card for $200.
Greatest Love of All Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you. ($179, $220 value)
The Unforgettable The super-customized Yours Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Sparkler Facial for a spa day that will leave you glowing, and forever ours. ($348.99, $420 value)
With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’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 green 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.
National Popcorn Day is Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Photo: google
EVO Entertainment is celebrating National Popcorn Day by giving away free popcorn on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at all EVO locations in Texas (with the exception of Fritztown). Guests can snag their complimentary popcorn during standard hours of operation before catching films like Spider-Man: No Way Home or while enjoying EVO’s state-of-the-art gaming centers. Quantities are limited to one regular-sized bag per customer with no bottomless refills and the purchase of a movie ticket is not required. (EVO Entertainment, 2022)
EVO Entertainment Group is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator made up from several innovative brands including EVO Entertainment, EVO Cinemas, and EVO Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest growing independent cinema circuits in the country.
Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.
Make your New Year’s Eve celebration festive with a champagne combo package from WB Liquors & Wine. Photo: google
From Wednesday, December 29 through Friday, December 31, WB Liquors & Wine will be offering a promotional champagne combo package of Moet & Chandon Imperial, 750ML, and a 4 pack of stemless champagne glasses at $65. The promotional special will be available at all WB Liquors & Wine locations. WB Liquors & Wine stores will be open regular hours from 10a.m. to 9p.m. It will be closed on New Year’s Day. (WB Liquors & Wine, 2021)
For more than fifty years, WB Liquors has helped Texans across the state celebrate their special occasions. As a family-owned business, we began with a simple desire: to help customers make the good times even better with convenient locations and an extensive variety of liquor, beer, and wine – along with fast, personalized and expert-level service you would expect from a neighborhood store. Today, that simple vision still defines our business and it is what keeps our customers coming back.
La Panadería’s Rosca de Reyes will be available through January 7, 2022. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
As we look ahead to the New Year, one thing that remains constant is La Panadería’s pride and dedication to sharing “Bread Cultura” with residents and tourists to San Antonio, Texas. Beginning December 27, 2021, La Panadería will offer their traditional Rosca de Reyes in celebration of the holiday season and Epiphany Day on January 6, 2022. (La Panadería, 2021)
The Rosca de Reyes pan dulce features flavors including orange and guava with chocolate and vanilla butter crust and topped with cherries. In Hispanic culture, it is tradition to hide a plastic baby figurine inside of the Rosca de Reyes to symbolize baby Jesus. Every year on Epiphany Day, families and friends then gather together to celebrate Día de los Reyes Day (or Epiphany Day) by cutting a slice of the Rosca. La Panadería offers the plastic baby separately so families can enjoy the fun of hiding it within their pan dulce at home.
Guests can purchase a small Rosca de Reyes for $4.00 or a family size Rosca de Reyes for $24.00. Rosca de Reyes can be pre-ordered online starting December 27, 2021 and bought in store from January 3, 2022 through January 7, 2022.
In philanthropic news:
Thanks to the community’s support during the month of October and their Pink Concha initiative, La Panaderia was able to donate nearly $3,000 to the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation.
It is a cause near and dear to founder David and Jose Caceres after losing their mother to breast cancer. After the success of the Pink Concha initiative, the brothers are looking forward to a continued partnership and collaboration with the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness for breast cancer research in San Antonio throughout the year.
Naco 210 is hosting a Holiday Hangover Brunch on Sunday December 26, 2021. Photo: Naco 210, used with permission.
To help guests get over the strain of the holidays, Naco 210 is hosting a Holiday Hangover Brunch all day on Sunday, December 26 from 8a.m. until closing at 6p.m. The Naco team will be serving up pozole, tamales Oaxaqueños, special chilaquiles, and more, in addition to Mexican fruit punch and cafe canela, a cinnamon infused coffee. Pricing is based on a la carte items. (Naco 210, 2021)
The restaurant, an extension of the popular Naco Mexican Eatery food truck, just opened its first brick and mortar location earlier this month at Los Patios. The menu at Naco 210 includes all the food truck fan-favorites, but also includes all-day chilaquiles, a selection of breakfast egg benedicts made with traditional Mexican toppings including huitlacoche and Naco’s Mexican brisket, Mexican-inspired croissants with options like guava and cheese, all-natural aguas frescas, and more.
Holiday Hangover Brunch at Naco 210 2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop San Antonio, TX 78217
New Year’s resolutions meant to better yourself. Photo: google
The year is almost over and a new year on the horizon means people are looking forward to new beginnings. Making New Year’s resolutions is one way to greet the new year and improve your life. Some of the most popular include getting in shape, getting organized, and finding a better job. In the spirit of new beginnings, I wanted to look into unconventional resolutions, while shining the light on some of the tried and true ones that are worth mentioning.
Better fitness This often includes a combination of getting in shape and losing weight. One way to help you stick to an exercise routine is to have a workout friend. Another is to find an activity you enjoy, otherwise you will get bored and lose interest. I am particular to roller skating and riding my bike. Accountability is important to help you stay on track of your wellness goals and fitness technology like Fitbit is fast becoming the norm. While exercising is important for improved health, you will get better results if you combine it with cutting calories – it is all about moderation.
Live life to its fullest This does not necessarily mean making major life changes, but rather enjoying the life you already have. Do not wait for special occasions to give someone a gift. Celebrate the small moments. Create your own opportunities by taking action instead of waiting for life to come to you. When all else fails, make a bucket list. Carpe diem!
Accept change Life is full of changes; it is inevitable. It is what helps us grow because we become exposed to new ideas and experiences that come along the way. Embrace life’s little surprises and strive to think positively about changes. When life throws me a curveball, I just say to myself “Plot twist,” and move on.
Be kind to yourself Do not be so hard on yourself, we are not meant to be perfect. Let go of what you cannot control and try to get past what hurt you in the past, including heartbreaks, disappointments, and anger. Stop trying to please everyone and learn to say ‘no’ to make room for more important matters in your life.
Be empathic Try to see life through other people’s eyes. When we only see our own perspective, we tend to be judgmental and close-minded. Like my father always told us while we were growing up, “if everyone were the same, this world would be a very boring place.”
Better money management To help you make better financial decisions, consider setting a budget and looking for ways to cut costs or make extra money. This includes everything from selling your unwanted possessions to consignment shops to buying from thrift stores. It is surprising the excellent deals you can find at Goodwill. Remember that just because something is on sale it does not mean you have to buy it.
Give back to your community Depending on how much time you have to give, consider taking time out to volunteer. It does not take much to practice random acts of kindness and make someone’s day. Donating to charity organizations makes you feel better and is an excellent way to declutter your home. Nonprofit organizations that support your skills or values are always appreciative of your time and money.
Manage your stress Stress management and reduction techniques like meditation and yoga can do wonders for your nervous system. To keep yourself focused, practice mindfulness – the state of being in the present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
Know your limits This is especially true during a major life event like moving to a new home, whether across town or across the country. We do not always have to do everything ourselves. To make moving easier and less stressful, consider hiring movers to handle the load. If you are in the Dallas area, consider Youngstars Moving & Delivery.
Youngstars Moving & Delivery specializes in local and long distance moving. The company is made up of movers with years of experience in the moving industry and pride themselves in competitive prices and above all, customer satisfaction. Moving can be a pain and their goal is to make your move as painless as possible. They are committed to providing service of the highest quality, paying particular attention to working efficiently while keeping the lines of communication with clients clear and concise. Their mission is simple: to provide high-quality services in a timely manner. Their team caters to each project’s specific needs to ensure excellence. If all you need is movers to do the heavy work, Moving & Delivery has labor movers in Dallas. Fee includes tools and dollies. There is a two hour minimum charge. Packages range from one mover for $45 an hour to 6 movers for $210 an hour, whatever it takes to get the job done.
Youngstars Moving & Delivery, for all your moving needs. Photo: Youngstars Moving & Delivery, used with permission.Youngstars Moving & Delivery offers residential and commercial moving services. Photo: Youngstars Moving & Delivery, used with permission.
Bakery Lorraine’s gingerbread men. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission
For the month of December, Bakery Lorraine is adding new items such as a hazelnut tart and rum cake in addition to the classic gingerbread man, Buche de Noel, and apple pie options. No masterpiece is made instantly, so their specialty desserts require at least a 72 hour advance notice. Available for takeout to share with family and friends at home, you can check for their availability and order online or you can call a location directly to place an order. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)
December 2021 Menu:
Redberry Tart – Vanilla mascarpone filling with fresh raspberry
Chocolate Caramel Tart – Caramel filling topped with a chocolate ganache and mini chocolate macaron
Gingerbread Man – Spicy gingerbread cookie dipped in dark chocolate
Sacher Torte Cake
Opera Cake
Red Velvet Cake – Layered with a light cream cheese frosting
BUCHE DE NOEL (Available December 13 – 31) for $48 – Black forest Christmas log: Tart cherries, vanilla mousse, chocolate sponge cake soaked in a spiced kirsch syrup *mushrooms may vary*
Apple Cranberry Pie for $26
Dutch Apple Pie for $26
Whiskey Pecan Pie for $26
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 and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, 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 also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.