In her book ‘Tears of Change,’ Debbie Monteggia portrays human emotions as an opportunity for personal growth. Photo: amazon
Debbie Monteggia is an interior designer turned author. Diagnosed with acute anxiety, she turned her condition into an opportunity to live an authentic life, pursue her passion for writing, and inspire other people through her poems. Throughout her journey in life Debbie has recognized the depth, diversity, and power of emotions. She understands how important it is to honor all emotions and not to suppress or ignore the more challenging or fearful ones. These are the ones that will transition you into your joy once you move through them. All your experiences are necessary to get you through your life lessons. Her book “Tears of Change” is a collection of unique poems and quotes that take the reader on a cathartic journey through life’s everyday emotions— sorrow, acceptance, loss, renewal, pain, and joy. It emerged from the author’s own tears of sadness and despair, and carried her through subsequent tears of joy, grace, and gratitude. (Black Château, 2021)
With its heartfelt message and beautiful illustrations, “Tears of Change” makes the perfect Mother’s Day gift and the kind of book that finds a permanent and cherished home on the coffee table. The poetry collection provides a roadmap for navigating inner and outer challenges and turning them into opportunities for personal growth.
Debbie hopes that some of her poetry will touch readers’ hearts and bring them to a place of appreciation and peace. Most importantly, she hopes that her work will reveal to the reader the depth, diversity, and power of emotions and help them understand how important it is to honor all emotions. She is passionate about expressing her voice through poetry and hopes that that one or many of the poems included in “Tears of Change” will inspire readers to take a leap in expressing all their emotions, so they might reach a deeper place of love and gratitude within themselves.
The Flower Box from Bakery Lorraine and The Vintage Bouquet. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and local businesses in San Antonio are offering a variety of ways to help celebrate moms. Dazzle her with delicious desserts or spoil her with breakfast in bed with a savory quiche from Bakery Lorraine or new croissant creation from La Panaderia. Let Mom explore her creative side while she wanders through the mesmerizing art installations at Hopscotch (20% off the regular ticket price for parents) and the shop at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Below are a few more gift ideas that any mother would be thrilled to get on her special day. (Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, San Antonio Museum of Art, La Panaderia, Hopscotch, Boiler House, Botika, Feliz Modern POP, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, Niche at Pearl, Ten Thousand Villages, 2021)
Bakery Lorraine This Mother’s Day, Bakery Lorraine will offer several specials that are sure to please moms. From flower boxes to fruit tarts, Bakery Lorraine and their partner, The Vintage Bouquet, are sure to have the perfect gift for Mom.
The Flower Box includes an assortment of six Parisian macarons that include raspberry, pistachio, and Almond Joy flavors ($35) and is decorated with fresh flowers. The Petite Bouquet is a fresh bouquet of flowers and includes twelve macarons, including raspberry, pistachio, blueberry violet, and Almond Joy flavors ($60). There are no substitutions for either of these packages.
Treat mom to a special breakfast in bed with Bakery Lorraine’s savory quiches. Quiche options include the traditional Quiche Lorraine filled with bacon, gruyere, and caramelized onions and the Veggie Quiche which includes leeks, Swiss chard, and gruyere. The large quiche is available for $40, serves up to eight people and is packed cold for reheating at home.
For moms with a sweet tooth, shoppers can gift Bakery Lorraine’s fresh fruit tart. This delicious fruit tart is filled with a creamy vanilla mascarpone and topped with fresh fruit. Fruit varies based on season and availability. The large fruit tart is available for $26.
Please note that the flower boxes and bouquet packages are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Pre-orders will start now and orders can be placed online or in-person. The last day to place an order will be Wednesday, May 5, by 12p.m. Order pickups will be available Saturday, May 8 or Sunday, May 9 between 9a.m. and 5p.m. at all locations.
EVO Entertainment EVO is hosting the ultimate Mother’s Day Brunch with special screenings of none other than “Mamma Mia!” so grab your fellow Dancing Queens and a feather boa for this one. The special brunch menu includes a refreshing sangria with Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, mimosas, Bloody Marys, pulled pork hash, chicken and waffles, and more. Tickets for this event are available at Schertz, Springtown, Kyle, and Belterra locations and can be purchased online.
San Antonio Museum of Art Spend the day exploring the vast collection of the San Antonio Museum of Art or purchase a membership so she can enjoy the Museum’s offerings year-round, and spoil her with a trip to the shop, because The San Antonio Museum of Art Shop has a curated list of unique and local gifts sure to impress. Shop the full collection online.
La Panadería Breakfast in bed is nice, but brunch at La Panaderia is nicer. With a recently opened third location in La Cantera Heights, La Panaderia is serving up brunch all over the Alamo City. Treat mom to a delicious brunch and try one of the quirky new croissants – “The Elvis” made with peanut butter whipped cream, bananas, and bacon. Brunch to-go is also an option, complete with a mimosa kit so mom does not miss out on the fun. Do not forget a bag of pan dulce for the road.
Hopscotch Show Mom how much she rocks at Hopscotch. On Sunday May 9 and Sunday June 20, the immersive interactive art exhibit will offer 20% off gallery tickets for parents. Hopscotch will also feature live music from SA Brass Tacs, drink specials, and complimentary Pop Rocks.
Boiler House On Sunday, May 9, Boiler House will offer a special chef-curated brunch menu from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Menu offerings are available online and on Boiler House’s social media pages. Menu prices range from $15 to $30 for an entrée.
Botika Treat Mom to a much-needed glass of bubbly. Botika at Pearl will offer one free glass of champagne for all mothers. Reservations are highly encouraged and menu prices range between $15-$45. Botika serves inventive takes on traditional dishes from across Asia and Latin America.
Feliz Modern POP Feliz Modern POP will offer Mom 15% off one item. Surprise Mom with a one-of-a-kind gift and enjoy the 15% percent off as well. Shop online or in-store.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat Upgrade Mom’s operating system with The Mom 2.0 – two hours of well-deserved me-time. This spa package includes The Comeback Massage and The One & Only Pedicure. Treat Mom to some much-needed rest and relaxation. The Mom 2.0 is available for $165 (typically a $190 value). Book online now.
Niche at Pearl Join designer Nilgun Derman at Niche for a special mother-daughter maker session. Learn how to make kokedama, a unique Japanese planting technique that uses moss and twine to create sculptural plant art. The maker event is free and will be held at Niche at Pearl on Saturday, May 8 from 1p.m. to p.m. See full event details available online.
Ten Thousand Villages Feel good about that Mother’s day purchase by shopping at Ten Thousand Villages. Ten Thousand Villages at Pearl offers ethically-sourced global gifts and handcrafted products from more than 120 artisan groups in more than 35 countries. This Mother’s Day they are offering 205 on any purchase of $50 or more.
Pluckers Club and Pluckers Club Lite Members are eligible for a free meal for mom on Mother’s Day. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, Pluckers Wing Bar invites all moms to join them for a special dine-in treat on Sunday, May 9. Pluckers will be offering a free meal (up to a $19 value) to moms that are either Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite members themselves or come with a guest that has a membership. This special will be available for dine-in only. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)
Known for their perfect combination of homemade food and atmosphere for watching sports, the iconic Pluckers menu includes fan favorites, such as Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni, the Bypass Burger, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Additionally, Pluckers’s famous wings are offered in-bone or boneless, grilled, and paired with signature sauces, like Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with such unique flavors as Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin.
Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul, and Sean Greenberg, 2017 Ernst and Young Central Texas Entrepreneurs of the Year opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 25 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 30 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Killeen, San Marcos, and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for its signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant in the cities where it is located. Offering guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports, Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants,” ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work” for three years by Austin Business Journal.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the limited-time margarita, ‘La Bandera’ at Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Launching May 5, 2021, Cinco de Mayo, Taco Cabana invites TC and MargaritaPalooza fans to celebrate the holiday with the limited-time “La Bandera” Margarita. The “La Bandera” Margarita is layered with Lime, Strawberry, Mango, and Blue Curacao flavors and will be available at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas for $3. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Also launching on May 5, 2021, Taco Cabana guests can enjoy a limited-time food bundle featuring a half-order of Taco Cabana’s Kickin’ Nachos and 12 signature TC chicken flautas for $19.99.
Taco Cabana will continue its signature MargaritaPalooza with 12 other margarita flavors for just $2 all day, every day, including its three classic margarita flavors Lime, Strawberry and Mango. The nine limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:
Pineapple Jalapeño
Dragonfruit
Pickle
Violet
Orange
Pistachio
Orange Cream
Chili Lime Cucumber
Pineapple Banana
*Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost.
TC guests may also purchase gallon margaritas of Lime, Strawberry and Mango for $34.99.
“Every year, Cinco de Mayo is always a big celebration for Taco Cabana, guests and team members included. This year we combined MargaritaPalooza and the launch of the new ‘La Bandera’ margarita with Cinco de Mayo to make it even more of a celebration. We invite everyone to include TC in their Cinco de Mayo plans whether it be dine-in, takeout or delivery.” – Rich Stockinger, President and CEO of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., parent company of Taco Cabana
Taco Cabana is also creating a series of short videos entitled “In The Kitchen With Taco Cabana,” led by TC corporate chefs, Sergio Remolina and Chelsea Lietz. Each video speaks about a TC favorite, brought home and given a “unique twist” in the kitchen. Something to make your Cinco de Mayo celebration, or any celebration, slightly more festive with Taco Cabana as your partner. These videos will be available online on Friday, April 30 and will also be featured across TC’s social media.
All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
Las Hermanas García, ‘Pobre Tierra Mia.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Days before ‘International Earth Day’ (April 22), Las Hermanas García, two young singers from Guerrero’s Costa Chica, at just 19 and 20 years old, express with music and lyrics their concern for the destruction of the planet by singing a ‘Chilean’ song entitled ‘Pobre Tierra Mia’ in traditional music from their region. The video for ‘Pobre Tierra Mia’ was filmed in a dumpster near their village to highlight the destruction brought about by consumerism. (Vesper Public Relations, 2021)
For the new single to have an impact, they decided to record the video in an illegal dumpster, a place that symbolizes both ecological neglect and the uncontrolled use of plastics. These young women want the current generation, of which they are both a part of, and future ones, to continue to enjoy the beauty of the coast. Las Hermanas García asked their father Mariano García, a poet and musician, to write both the lyrics and music of ‘Pobre Tierra Mia.’
Celia and Laura García, known as Las Hermanas García, are native to Ometepec Guerrero, Mexico, where there is almost no access to recording studios, stages, or music schools. Despite this, the talented duo has been able to attract the attention of a worldwide audience with their interpretation of boleros and ‘Chileans,’ music native to Guerrero and Oaxaca. These artists have performed on prestigious stages in Mexico and Europe and have received millions of visits to their YouTube channel and other renowned music platforms.
Due to the popularity in their region of boleros with romantic lyrics, Laura and Celia began singing in public at an early age. The duo is reminiscent of the famous classics of the 40s, 50s, and 60s performed by popular artists such as Alvaro Carrillo and Indalecio Ramírez. Las Hermanas García represent the Costa Chica and their success is bringing countless optimism to their region. Songs such as ‘Qué Sepan Todos’ and ‘Sabor A Mi’ both sung in ‘Amuzgo,’ their father’s native language, have received more than 6 million views on Spotify.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum has membership packages perfect for Mother’s Day. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
This year, celebrate mom by lassoing the perfect gift this Mother’s Day: the wide open spaces of the West. Let mom get away from it all and head West whenever she likes with a membership to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, where she can soak in art and beauty all year long. The Briscoe is offering Mother’s Day membership specials paired with fantastic gifts from the Museum Store to make Mother’s Day gift-giving a breeze. All mothers receive free museum admission on Mother’s Day, the perfect way to surprise mom with her gift. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)
Now through Mother’s Day, save 30-40% off select membership packages that include a year-long membership to the museum along with gifts for mom to enjoy. The membership specials may be ordered online with gift pickup from the Briscoe’s Museum Store. Package options include:
“Lone Ranger” Individual Membership: Allow mom to escape to the museum on her own with an individual membership, along with a Cacti garden tea towel and dish set from the Briscoe’s Museum Store, $65.
“Roam on the Range” Duo Membership: A membership for two that allows mom to share the beauty of the West and the museum’s events with a guest, along with a Cacti garden tea towel and dish set, a Votivo red currant travel candle, and a Bee Bella lip balm from the Museum Store, $85.
“The Whole Posse” Family Membership: Museum admission for two adults and all children/grandchildren under 18, as well as a Cacti garden tea towel and dish set, a Votivo red currant travel candle, a Bee Bella lip balm, and the book “The Texas Ranch Sisterhood: Portraits of Women Working the Land” from the Museum Store, $100.
Each gift membership provides unlimited access to the Briscoe’s unforgettable exhibitions, lectures, and community events for a full year. Memberships are instrumental in helping the museum preserve and present the art, history, and culture of the American West. Memberships are tax-deductible. Full membership benefits are available online.
Spend Mother’s Day exploring the Briscoe, where the talent, skill, and nuanced storytelling of Western women is showcased in its collections and exhibitions. Through May 9, enjoy the scenic landscapes, inspired Native Americans and classic cowboys, stunning wildlife and a strong representation of Western women featured in the Night of Artists 20th Anniversary Exhibition and Sale. Night of Artists features the best contemporary Western artists in the country, including a wide range of women artists. If you are looking to step up your Mother’s Day gift, some works in Night of Artists are available for purchase.
For more stories of Western women, stroll the Briscoe’s Ruth McLean Bowman Bowers: Women of the West Gallery. Highlighting works that feature Western women and those created by women artists, the gallery includes both a mixture of art about women and by women artists. The diverse stories represented include Native American women from diverse cultures, working the land, as well as Hispanic women promoting the culture and legacy of Mexico; immigrant women looking for new and better opportunities; freed women forming colonies; and women ranchers reclaiming the West.
An oasis of Western beauty just off San Antonio’s River Walk, the Briscoe campus features 32 sculptures portraying various aspects of Western life. From the McNutt Sculpture Garden to the museum’s beautifully restored historic home inside the former San Antonio Public Library building, the Briscoe’s collection spans 14 galleries, with special exhibitions, events and a fantastic Museum Store, providing art, culture, history, and entertainment. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online. The museum is operating with health and safety protocols that require both staff and guests to wear masks.
Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden.
The giveaway’s Grand Prize Winner will receive a private TC On Wheels Patio Pit Stop home visit. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Launching this week, Taco Cabana invites its fans to share why their #MamaNeedsMargaritas on their social media platforms to enter for a chance to win one of 12 great prizes. The #MamaNeedsMargaritas social media giveaway will run through May 10, 2021, and up to 12 winners will be selected and notified on May 12, 2021. To enter, participants must post a photo or video to Facebook or Instagram showing why “mama needs margaritas,” and tagging @TacoCabana and #MamaNeedsMargaritas and #Sweepstakes in their post. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Entrants into the #MamaNeedsMargaritas giveaway must follow the official Taco Cabana Facebook page and Instagram account. Submissions must be posted using one or both methods of entry between April 19, 2021 and May 10, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. CST. Multiple entries are permitted per person, but do not increase the participant’s chances of winning the giveaway prizes.
Prizes for #MamaNeedsMargaritas include:
(1) Grand Prize Winner
The grand prize winner will receive (1) private TC On Wheels Patio Pit Stop home visit, featuring an all-inclusive home catering/fiesta for up to 50 guests. *Offer is valid in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas only; residents from El Paso will receive (1) private TC experience for 50 at a designated El Paso Taco Cabana location.
(1) Second Place Winner
The second place winner will receive (1) private ZOOM kitchen tutorial led by Taco Cabana’s Corporate Chefs showcasing the creation of a fantastic Tex-Mex meal at home using many Taco Cabana items as the foundation. All ingredients for the meal will be supplied by Taco Cabana and delivered to the winner prior to the ZOOM tutorial date.
(10) Third Place Winners
Up to (10) winners will receive Taco Cabana $50 gift cards.
In addition to the giveaway, guests can enjoy a special Mother’s Day food bundle featuring a half-order of TC Kickin’ Nachos and 12 signature TC chicken flautas for $19.99. Taco Cabana will also continue MargaritaPalooza with 12 margarita flavors for just $2 all day, every day, including the featured Violet margarita that any “mama” is sure to love. The nine limited-time MargaritaPalooza flavors include*:
Pineapple Jalapeno
Dragonfruit
Pickle
Violet
Orange
Pistachio
Orange Cream
Chili Lime Cucumber
Pineapple Banana
Taco Cabana also offers its three classic margarita flavors for $2, including Lime, Strawberry and Mango. *Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost.
All menu items, including MargaritaPalooza margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat has gift packages available for Mother’s Day. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.
Mother’s Day is right around the corner and Hiatus Spa + Retreat has several packages for the mother who likes to be pampered. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2021)
Mother’s Day Gift With Purchase – Guests who buy a $250+ Hiatus gift card will receive a free FOREO Play Plus ($49 value).
Mom 2.0: 2 hours, $165 (up to $190 value) – Upgrade Mom’s operating system with two hours of me-time and she will be ready to take on the world. The Comeback Massage and The One & Only Pedicure give Mom some much-needed time to re-charge.
Happy + Happier + Happiest: 3.5 hours, $260 (up to $320 value) – Take care of yourself from head to toe. Their three most popular services combine— The Signature Massage, The One & Only Mani-Pedi, and The Tailor-Made Facial— to leave you sparkling.
The Big Chill: 2.5 hours, $240 ($305 value) – The 90 minute Signature Massage followed by a super-charged plant peel in The Perfectionist Facial will help you hit refresh on that inner glow.
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 real 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.
Taking care of our planet is something that can be done any day of the year. Photo: google
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network in more than 193 countries. While it is exciting to participate in Earth Day activities once a year, you can make a difference every day of the year by doing small things to help protect and preserve the environment.
Plant a tree. This is usually done around the world on Earth Day but the act of planting a tree any day of the year has a variety of benefits. By doing so, you are creating a new habitat for wildlife, helping to clean the air, and replacing resources that have been used.
Start a garden. Gardening not only benefits you, but it also helps give back to the earth by cleaning the air. Growing your own food helps you eat sustainably and organically and gardening is even proven to help reduce stress. You can even share your bounty with friends, family, and neighbors who are in need. Buy local and frequent your local farmers’ market to reduce the distance from farm to fork.
Join a clean-up. There are numerous Earth Day activities that involve cleaning up parks, beaches, river and stream banks, and more. One way to do this every day is by plogging – picking up trash while jogging.
Go on a hike/walk. Spending time outdoors is not only good exercise, but it is a constant reminder about why it is so important to celebrate Earth Day and protect our planet.
Go dark for a day. This is an excellent way to celebrate Earth Day: commit to unplugging from electronics and all non-essential appliances and devices for a day. Get back to basics and participate in Earth Day activities that are completely environmentally friendly. On any given day, save electricity and turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Build a home/office recycling center. At home, organize your garbage disposal area to easily sort recycling. For work, get permission to purchase the supplies needed to create a recycling station and encourage co-workers to participate.
Cut back on plastic. Most disposable plastics at home can be replaced with reusable options, including reusable water bottles, grocery bags, and other containers. If possible, buy products in glass or paper. Glass products are easily reused and paper is a much friendlier product to the environment. When I used to pack my lunch for work, I always carried a portable travel fork/spoon set in my bag as well as reusable straws. Remember the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle.
Educate yourself. Read a book, subscribe to a blog, watch a documentary, or attend a seminar to help you learn about environmental issues and why they are so important.
Practice sustainable fashion. We all have usable items lying around the house that have been forgotten. Clean out a closet and donate gently used items to local charities to give them a new life.
Get rid of unwanted junk. This is another excellent project for Earth Day. Get the family together to clear out the junk around the house and then go with professionals like Junk Queen TXto haul it away. They are a junk removal company serving the homes and businesses of the Collin County area. If you are looking for same day affordable junk removal to remove furniture, debris, trash, garbage or rubbish from your Texas home or business, they are one of the most experienced hauling companies in the area. If you need trash removed, furniture picked up, or rubbish cleared away from your home or business, check out, Junk Queen TX. They will remove single items as well, including beds, dressers, sofas, mattresses, couches, refrigerators, and even pianos.
If after all that clean up you need dumpster rental service, consider dumpster rental Collin County. They offer dumpster rentals for multiple days so you do not have to feel rushed and you can fill it up as much or as little as you want or need. Why hire a national company to do a local job? Junk Queen TX has been in the dumpster and trash removal industry for decades, and they put their reputation and customers first. You can rely on them for extremely low, fair pricing, on-time, reliable dumpsters, service, and friendliness. They follow Texas law and best practices with disposing of your trash. You can take your time, knowing you have multiple days to fill up your dumpster before they come pick it up, without ever having to stress or rush your process. Most importantly, they recycle because it is environmentally focused, locally responsible and financially wise because recycled products are worth more than a landfill. Junk Queen TX recycles and disposes of debris, waste, furniture, plastics, wood, metal and other materials common in dumpster trash disposal services.
Bakery Lorraine will be offering several Easter treats. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Easter is right around the corner, and whether you are planning a socially distant picnic or a small gathering with family, these San Antonio favorites can help make your celebration memorable. (Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, Twang, 2021)
Bakery Lorraine – This year Bakery Lorraine will offer a festive Easter themed dessert box. This box is available for $28 and includes the following treats:
2 Egg shaped Moonpies
1 Chocolate Nest Tart
1 Bunny Tart
1 Lemon Blueberry Tart
Bakery Lorraine will also offer a delightfully decorated spring themed Carrot Cake for $65. Both items are only available by pre-ordering through Bakery Lorraine’s website under the “Custom Orders” tab. The last day to place an order is Wednesday, 3/31 by noon. Items are available for pickup on Saturday 4/3 and Sunday 4/4 starting at 9a.m. at all Bakery Lorraine locations. Bakery Lorraine will continue to offer its signature Easter treats for in-store or online pickup on Friday 4/2 through Sunday 4/4 at all locations until items sell out. Items include:
Egg shaped Moonpies $4
Chocolate Nest Tart $6
Bunny Tart $6
Lemon Blueberry Tart $6
EVO Entertainment – EVO will be hosting Easter-themed pajama pancake parties at the Schertz, Springtown, Belterra and Kyle locations on Saturday, April 3 at 9:30a.m. Kids can enjoy screenings of the festive movie, “Hop” while chowing down on a stack of pancakes from EVO’s specialty menu, which includes Classic, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry, and Birthday Cake pancakes. Tickets will be available online.
Wow your friends and family with these light and fresh appetizers/sides from Twang.
Cucumber Avocado Chili Lime Roll
Ingredients:
1 avocado
¼ of cream cheese block (4 oz.)
1 clove of garlic
2 tsp of lime juice
3 tbsp. of pine nuts
1 tbsp. of ZAS Chili Lime (and a dash for garnish)
1 cucumber
Mandolin or potato peeler
Preparation:
Toss all ingredients (except cucumber) in a blender or food processor. Or if you want to be traditional do it by hand, finely mince garlic and mash ingredients together with a fork until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture sit in a refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Use a mandolin or potato peeler to cut long thin strips from the cucumber. Be sure to leave the skin for pretty color.
Take a cucumber strip and spread a thin layer of the avocado mixture along the length of the strip. A little goes a long way so be mindful. Make sure the spread goes all the way to the end so that it sticks once rolled.
Roll it up! No toothpicks needed. Sprinkle on a dash of ZAS Chili Lime Seasoning to give it more presentation.
Tamarind Tomatillo Watermelon Salad
Ingredients:
3 cups of watermelon, chopped bite sized
8 strawberries, chopped bite sized
1 cup of tomatillos, chopped bite sized
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ tbsp. of fresh lime juice
ZAS! Tamarind Super-Seasoning
Preparation:
Put watermelon, strawberries, tomatillo, and onions in a bowl and gently toss.
Drizzle olive oil and lime juice and gently toss once more.
Sprinkle on ZAS! Tamarind Super-Seasoning and serve immediately
SA Examiner 