Easy to make cocktails for Valentine’s Day

Twang’s Galentine’s Day Pink Drink. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is just two weeks away and many couples will be celebrating at home this year. Below are a couple of the best easy-to-make, cocktails lovers can shake up from the comfort of their own kitchens to share with their valentine or best gal pals. Best of all, all spirits mentioned are available nationwide for door-step delivery. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, Twang, 2021)

Garrison Brothers Distillery – the first legal whiskey distillery – Sweet-Mash Texas Bourbon Kicks Up A Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Martini
Recipe – Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini; Glassware – Martini
Ingredients:
• 2 oz. Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon
• 1.5 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
• 1 oz. half-and-half
• simple syrup to taste (1/2 oz. to 1 oz.)
• 2 whole strawberries, washed & stemmed
• 1 bottle Hershey’s dark chocolate shell

Instructions:
• prepare martini glass by dipping the rim in chocolate syrup and allowing it to harden
• swirl chocolate syrup in circular pattern inside the martini glass, place in freezer to chill
• dice one strawberry and place in bottom of mixing tin
• add bourbon, Godiva, half and half
• muddle until strawberry becomes pulp
• add ice
• Shake
• strain into martini glass
• garnish with upside down strawberry strawberry slice

Twang – Celebrate Girls’ Night In this Galentine’s Day With This DIY Cocktail
Recipe – Galentine’s Day Pink Drink; Glassware – Margarita glass
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
• 4 oz. Strawberry lemonade
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. Dulce Vida Tequila
• 1 oz. triple sec

Instructions:
• Run a lemon along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
• Add ice, strawberry lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec, and tequila. Stir to combine
• Garnish with lemon wedge

Valentine’s Day offers from local businesses

Bakery Lorraine’s Flower Box for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, whether enjoying a romantic night in, a Galentine’s Day get-together, or more of a ‘treat yourself’ day, local businesses are offering ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day safely. The San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting an outdoor, socially distanced picnic, The Jerk Shack is offering heart-shaped boxes of tacos, and Twang is offering up unique cocktail recipes to make at home and more. (San Antonio Museum of Art, Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, La Panaderia, The Jerk Shack, Twang, 2021)

San Antonio Museum of Art
A Heartfelt SAMA Valentine’s Day – The San Antonio Museum of Art is offering couples and Galentine’s Day pals a private escape. The exclusive “Night at the Museum” experience includes a private dining experience catered by Tre Trattoria with optional alcoholic beverages. Guests will have VIP access to an after-hours, self-guided tour through the galleries and be able to create a small artful token with their loved ones. Tickets are $155 for a 2-person party are $235 for a 4-person party, with discounts for members.

Bakery Lorraine
Dessert Boxes and Bouquet Packages – This year Bakery Lorraine is partnering with The Vintage Bouquet to create an enchanting Flower Box and a romantic Bouquet. The Flower Box includes an assortment of Parisian macarons (9 pack) that include chocolate, grapefruit, and Almond Joy flavors ($38) and is delicately decorated with fresh flowers. The Petite Bouquet is a fresh bouquet of dreamy flowers and includes twelve macarons, including chocolate, strawberry, pistachio and grapefruit flavors ($60). There are no substitutions for either of these packages. The Dessert Box comes tied with bakers twine and a heart-shaped tag. This package includes a 3 pack of lavender shortbread heart-shaped cookies, a heart-shaped Moonpie, a raspberry chocolate tart, and a raspberry rose Japonaise ($26). Customers will be able to add a 375ml bottle of Laurent Perrier Brut champagne for $24. Champagne additions are available at all locations except the Bakery Lorraine at the Medical Center.

Please note that the flower boxes and bouquet packages are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Preorders started on Tuesday, January 26 and orders can be placed online or in-person. The last day to place an order will be Wednesday, February 10 by 12p.m. Order pickups will be available Saturday, February 13 or Sunday, February 14.

EVO Entertainment
“Beer My Valentine” – This year, EVO Entertainment Springtown is hosting a socially distanced, seven course Valentine’s dinner with beer pairings for each course from local San Marcos brewery, Middleton. The event will be 21+ with a maximum of 40 guests to maintain social distancing guidelines. Each ticket will be $50, and groups will be capped at 4.

Valentine’s Day Date Night Package – EVO will once again be offering the ultimate date night packages in store at Kyle, Schertz, Springtown and Belterra locations on Sunday, February 14. For $60, couples can enjoy a bottle of champagne or house wine, an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. After dinner, couples can stay to catch a movie, show off their bowling skills, or explore the state-of-the-art gaming centers.

La Panaderia
Mimosa Kit for Take-Away – La Panaderia’s mimosa kits are perfect for couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home this year. They are also perfect for Galentine’s brunches and singles. The kit comes with a bottle of JP Chenet Brut and half a gallon of fresh orange juice, and it pairs perfectly with a box of La Panaderia’s signature pan dulce.

Strawberry Heart Mousse – In addition to the traditional pan dulce classics, La Panaderia is bringing back the delectable Strawberry Heart Mousse this Valentine’s Day. The treat is made of a rich, vanilla mousse with strawberry cremeux and coated with a red chocolate mirror glaze. Spread a little love and sweetness by giving a loved one La Panaderia’s Strawberry Heart Mousse.

The Jerk Shack
Heart-Shaped Box Filled with Jerk Chicken Tacos – The popular Caribbean restaurant is offering the key to anyone’s heart this Valentine’s Day – a heart-shaped box full of jerk chicken (or pork) and tortillas. The special boxes will be available for preorder prior to Valentine’s Day in person at the restaurant or online. Please note, the Jerk Shack will be closed on Sunday, February 14. The boxes include six tortillas, 16 oz. of jerk chicken or jerk pork, pineapple habanero slaw, pico and an avocado cremé sauce. The boxes feed two people and will be sold for $20.

Twang
At Home Cocktail Recipes
See below for two curated cocktails courtesy of Twang that are perfect Valentine’s libations to make at home. Recipes courtesy of Aaron Peña, owner/bartender of the Squeezebox in San Antonio.

Love Potion with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
• 1 oz. green apple liqueur
• 1 oz. Deep Eddy Peach Vodka
• 4 oz. cranberry juice
• Orange wedge, for garnish

Directions:
1. Run a lime along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar
2. Pour the liqueur and vodka into a highball glass filled with ice
3. Top with cranberry juice and stir
4. Garnish with orange wedge

Galentine’s Day with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
• 4 oz. Strawberry lemonade
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. Dulce Vida Tequila
• 1 oz. triple sec

Directions:
1. Run a lemon along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
2. Add ice, strawberry lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec, and tequila. Stir to combine
3. Garnish with lemon wedge

 

Pearl’s February programming and curated Valentine’s Day gift boxes

Pearl Farmers Market Curbside Sweets for My Love Valentine Gift Box. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

This Valentine’s season, Pearl is thrilled to offer Month of Love programming. February will be filled with socially distant activities on site or virtually. Throughout the month of February, Pearl will offer “Surprise & Delight” musical acts for guests strolling the property. Pearl offers beautifully curated Valentine’s Day gift boxes in partnership with its farmers market vendors via Curbside. The property will also host the SA is Amor photo wall installation in partnership with Martha Martinez’s SA is Amor campaign benefiting local nonprofits. (Pearl, 2021)

Pearl’s 2021 February offerings include:

Pearl Farmers Market Curbside Valentine’s Gift Boxes: Order January 31 through February 11
This year, Pearl Farmers Market Curbside debuts a variety of curated boxes filled with themed artisan products from regional producers and family farms. Shoppers can pre-order their products packaged in a beautiful, hand-printed Pearl gift box starting on January 31 through February 11. Orders can be placed online and picked up on Sunday, February 14. Gift Box offerings include: Pasta Lovers for Two | $100; Filet Mignon for Two | La Babia $125, Startz Wagyu $200; Ms. Chocolatier Assorted Truffles | $60; Sweets for My Love | $75; Charcuterie for Two | $75

SA is Amor Photo Wall Installation: February 1 – 28
During the Month of Love, Pearl will create an interactive SA is Amor photo wall installation by local graphic designer Martha Martinez to raise support and awareness for local nonprofit Martinez Street Women’s Center while highlighting why San Antonio is so special. The wall will be available from February 1- 28 at the Pearl Shade Structure near Pearl Park and serve as a backdrop for guests to take photos and share on their social channels. There will be a QR code that will allow guests to send an AMOR e-card (a virtual love letter) to someone special.

On Valentine’s Day (1/14), Wide Awake Creative will set up a photo booth at the installation for guests to enjoy. Feliz Modern POP will set up an “Amor” pop-up during Farmers Market to sell SA is Amor merchandise, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. A new product will be released in February, the proceeds of which will benefit the Martinez Street Women’s Center.

Love, San Antonio Notes: February 1 – 28
Pearl is a place where San Antonio gathers and special moments happen—from the mundane to the monumental. During Month of Love, Pearl will collect stories that illustrate the power of love and human connectedness. Pearl invites the community to share their stories of love from time spent at Pearl. Submissions can be sent from February 1 – 28 to love@pearlbrewery.com or by using this online form. All submissions will be entered to win a $200 gift card to a restaurant of their choice at Pearl.

Love Song Sessions & Playlist: February 1-28
In honor of Month of Love and Valentine’s Day, Pearl will celebrate San Antonio’s legendary music scene with the debut of the Love, San Antonio playlist and with Love Song Sessions music showcase throughout February. The Love Song Sessions will feature songs of love and heartbreak from San Antonio’s esteemed artistic community. The musical acts will be at random dates for guests strolling the property to enjoy, acting as “surprise & delight” moments. The Love, San Antonio playlist will be available on Spotify and feature legendary San Antonio musicians along with many artists that have performed at Pearl over the years. Pearl will announce via social media once the playlist is available to download.

Pearl Farmers Market Heart Healthy Campaign: February 1-28
During the Month of Love, Pearl will encourage self-care by promoting heart healthy produce at the weekend Farmers Market and Curbside. Pearl will promote heart healthy produce and recipes via its social media and newsletter. Leafy greens and other heart healthy produce will be the focus throughout the month at the weekend Farmers Market.

Pearl Restaurants & Retailers: February 1-28
Pearl’s restaurant and retail tenants will be offering their own specials throughout the Month of Love. Pearl will be highlighting the options via its social media and newsletter.

“February is Month of Love at Pearl. Our culinary, cultural, and maker community is at the center of our love-inspired efforts with campaigns promoting positivity, self-care, and human connectedness. Initiatives include surprise and delight music activations, invitations to share love memories from time spent at Pearl, the installation of a SA is Amor wall, and the debut of Valentine’s Day Gift Boxes through Farmers Market Curbside.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer

Pluckers Wing Bar Super Bowl pre-orders and giveaway

Pluckers will begin taking pre-orders and dine-in reservations beginning Sunday, January 31, 2021. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar is gearing up for the 2021 Super Bowl weekend by taking pre-orders and dine-in reservations beginning Sunday, January 31. Let them do the cooking so you do not miss a second of the game…or the commercials. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)

Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant will also be hosting a giveaway for the chance to win FREE Pluckers for an entire year (dine-in only). The lucky person who correctly predicts the score of the 2021 game will win the giveaway prize. Fans can enter via Pluckers’ Facebook page. Pluckers Club members will be able to input a second entry through the Pluckers app.

Fans can place pre-orders from the entire Pluckers menu for Game Day at ALL Texas locations. Online orders will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Pluckers will begin accepting restaurant reservations on January 31 for guests who want to watch the game in-store at any Texas location. Reservations will be available for $10 per seat, and guests must reserve the entire table by calling their desired location.

Pluckers has all the great wing flavors, in addition to a few unique ones such as:
• Dr. Pepper
• Manganero: Mango + Habanero
• Ginger Peach Sriracha
• Spicy Mandarin
• Gochujang: a savory and sweet Korean BBQ sauce

Super Bowl local take-out options and recipe

Mac & Cheese recipe from Twang – spices up the Southern comfort classic mac with hints of New Mexican peppers. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Update: 2/03/2021:

For the Big Game Weekend, Taco Cabana will also offer the new TC Big Game Box for $19.99, which makes it the perfect addition to any Big Game watch party. The TC Big Game Box includes: 2 large cheese quesadillas, 12 chicken flautas and (3) 3.5 oz. containers of queso (no substitutions).

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This year, Super Bowl parties may be smaller, but that does not mean the food has to be any less remarkable, which some would argue is the best part of the game. See below for some ideas on where to grab some grub worthy of the big game or DIY snacks courtesy of Twang that would make you the MVP of any Super Bowl watch party. (The Jerk Shack, Taco Cabana, Twang, 2021)

Game-winning meals to go:

The Jerk Shack – The Jerk Shack’s family packs are designed to feed groups of six, making them the perfect option for a small Super Bowl gathering, which is an all too real situation during a pandemic. Guests can order Jerk Ribs, Jerk Tacos, and Jerk Chicken with shareable sides to feed the group. Price: Jerk Ribs with four sharable sides ($55), Jerk Tacos with two sharable sides ($45), Jerk Chicken with three sharable sides ($45)

Taco Cabana
In conjunction with the Big Game, Taco Cabana is offering customers a variety of options to celebrate the weekend. Available February 5-7, 2021, offers include:
• 10% off Big Game Party Bundles when using code CODE426
o Bundles include the TC Taco Bar for 10, TC Nacho Bar for 10 or the TC Breakfast Taco Box for 10
• $5 Chicken Nachos
• $29.99 Gallon Margaritas
• Assorted margaritas starting at just $2

Snacks worthy of a touchdown courtesy of Twang:

ZAS Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese – In this dish creamy cheese and roasted hatch complement each other to turn a classic dish into a new favorite.

Serving Size: 14

Ingredients:
•1 lb. uncooked elbow pasta
•4 tbs. butter melted
•2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
•8 oz. can hatch chilis
•3 tbs. flour
•3 tbs. butter
•3 cup whole milk
•2 cup Sharp cheddar Cheese grated
•2 cup Mild Cheddar cheese grated
•2 cup Colby jack cheese grated
•4 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning

Instructions:
1. Set oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to box until al dente
2. In a small bowl toss together melted butter, breadcrumbs, and 2 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning and set aside
3. In a medium saucepan melt 3 tbs. butter. Add flour and whisk until roux paste forms. Slowly add milk and whisk until slight boil begins
4. Remove milk mixture from heat and add in all three cheeses and 2 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning. Stir until melted.
5. In large bowl pour cheese mixture over cooked drained pasta and stir until combined.
6. Spray a 9X13 cooking pan and fill with macaroni. Sprinkle panko bread crumb mixture on top.
7. Bake for 15 minutes then broil for 2-3. Serve immediately.

Texas style Valentine’s Day getaways

Commodore Perry Estate in Austin, Tx. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, couples may be looking for romantic weekend getaways that are close to home. These two Lone Star State destinations offer couples escapes from the daily grind and are perfect for Valentine’s Day weekend. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa; Commodore Perry Estate, 2021)

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa – Sonora, TX
Lonestar Lover’s Weekend: The boutique ranch and resort located on a sprawling 13,000 acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country is offering several romantic packages for couples seeking a secluded, naturally distanced getaway this Valentine’s Day between February 10 – 14, including:

Romantic Dinner for Two: Guests and locals alike can enjoy an intimate happy hour with live music before enjoying an exclusive 4-course dinner developed by the JL Bar culinary team. The 4-course meal will include an array of Texas’ finest locally inspired dishes alongside elevated favorites, such as Seared Scallop with Citrus Shaved Fennel and Grapefruit; Bone-in Beef Filet with Yukon Gold potato puree, roasted fennel and asparagus, and a red wine demi-glace; and Chocolate Caramel S’mores Tartlet. Seatings at 5p.m. and 7:30p.m. ($150/couple, alcohol not included)

Lover’s Weekend Getaway: Starting at $499 per night ($399/night when booked alongside other couples), guests will experience couples activities and romantic amenities including a “Wine Down Happy Hour” with live music on Friday; a complimentary bottle of Prosecco and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival (option to upgrade with additional bottle of wine, fresh flowers, and more); complimentary Valentine treats in-room daily during their stay; and additional daily activities including horseback riding, hiking, spa and salon services, and wine tasting.

Commodore Perry Estate – Austin, TX
Cupid’s Arrow Heads to Austin: From the rosy hues of the Mrs. Perry Suite to the fragrant rose gardens, every corner of the estate exudes an intimate romance. Spend the day on a sprawling picnic blanket or cuddled up by a fire. Foster harmony in the body and mind with couples yoga or add a little spark with a private tequila tasting. Surround yourself with flowers as you sip on cocktails and chef-prepared snacks in the elaborate Library of Flowers installation by Gypsy Floral. Plan the perfect date or gather for Galentine’s in the Mansion Library for a memorable experience within a cascade of fragrant florals. Abundant range of experiences exclusively available throughout the long weekend. Receive a flexible $200 resort credit to utilize for dining and activities; two night minimum required. Reserve online.

Library of Flowers: Surround yourself with flowers as you sip on cocktails and chef-prepared snacks in the elaborate Library of Flowers installation by Gypsy Floral. Plan the perfect date or gather for Galentine’s in the Mansion Library for a memorable experience within a cascade of fragrant florals. Reservation required, Private bookings for 1.5 hours, Friday 4p.m. – 9:30p.m., Saturday 11a.m. – 9:30p.m., Sunday 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Includes 2 cocktails per person, spread of canapes and mignardises (5 kinds). Polaroid camera provided to capture snapshots of the experience – Price: $75 pp

Valentine’s Day at Briscoe Western Art Museum

Enjoy Valentine’s Day at the Briscoe’s ‘Sips and Sounds of the West’ this February 12. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Start your Valentine’s weekend under the stars at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s “Sips and Sounds of the West” series on Friday, February 12. With live music, drinks, and tasty bites in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, kick up your heels with your Valentine or enjoy a night out with friends surrounded by the beauty of the fantastic bronze sculptures and lush greenery that create the perfect getaway on the banks of the River Walk. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)

Each Sips and Sounds ticket includes chocolate covered strawberries from Choco Fresitas and a Pony Express Love Letter calligraphy kit with everything you need to pen a love letter to your valentine. A virtual option includes a front-row livestream with contact-less curbside pickup of your Pony Express Love Letters calligraphy kit and sweet treats. The calligraphy kit is a nod to the Briscoe’s beloved annual Pony Express Love Letters program, cancelled this year due to COVID. With the antiqued stationary paper and envelopes, mock wax seal, decorative stickers, calligraphy pen kit and ink, a how-to guide and Western love poetry prompts, everyone who enjoys Sips and Sounds will take home all they need to craft the perfect love letter.

Sips and Sounds of the West is the Briscoe’s seasonal music series that kicked off last fall with a safe, socially distanced, limited attendance sold out evening. The second event in the series is the perfect way to kick off Valentine’s weekend with Ty Dillon, a singer-songwriter who will fill the garden with a fantastic acoustic set. The socially distanced evening features a margarita bar and food available on site by True Flavors. Doors open at 6p.m. with music, drinks, and food until 9p.m.

Sips and Sounds of the West flows in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, a lush public outdoor space featuring a beautiful courtyard surrounded by bronze sculptures that depict iconic figures of the American West. The sculpture garden offers the perfect respite during any River Walk visit, with tables, chairs, and benches to rest and enjoy the view. With the lights of downtown in the background, and the River Walk’s famous holiday lights glowing through Valentine’s, the garden becomes magical at night, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.

If purchased in advance, tickets for Sips and Sounds of the West are $20 per person for museum members and $25 per person for future members and include an admission ticket to come back and enjoy the Briscoe’s full collection during regular museum hours, as well as a 20% off coupon to the Museum Store. To safely ensure proper social distances are maintained, groups are asked to purchase tickets in one transaction. A minimum of two tickets must be purchased to ensure guests are seated appropriately. Groups of three to five are seated at a larger round table. Groups of two are seated at intimate cocktail tables. Tickets will be sold at the door as available and are $25 per person while supplies last. To enjoy the at-home livestreamed evening, a single ticket reserves your front row seat and includes four chocolate strawberries for sharing, as well as a Pony Express Love Letters calligraphy kit.

The museum’s health and safety protocols require that both staff and guests wear masks. Temperature checks are also part of this protocol.

San Antonio Museum of Art to host virtual lecture with Dr. Peniel E. Joseph

The virtual lecture will be on Friday, February 5, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In conjunction with Black History Month, on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 6p.m., the San Antonio Museum of Art will host a virtual lecture with Dr. Peniel E. Joseph. Dr. Joseph is the author of the award-winning book, “The Sword and Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.,” noted as one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Must-Read Books of 2020.” “The Sword and Shield” brilliantly weaves the biographies of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. and provides a detailed analysis of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and their relationship toward one another while re-examining the Civil Rights Movement and the era they both came to define. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)

Dr. Peniel E. Joseph holds a joint professorship at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the History Department in the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin. He is the founding director of the LBJ School’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy (CSRD), and his career focus has been on “Black Power Studies,” encompassing interdisciplinary fields such as Africana studies, law and society, women’s and ethnic studies, and political science. He is also a frequent national commentator on issues of race, civil rights, and democracy.

Those interested in registering for the Zoom lecture to learn more about “The Sword and Shield” and Dr. Joseph’s studies can do so online by selecting the event date. Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members.

Valentine’s Day spa packages at Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Hiatus Spa + Retreat has four packages available for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, Hiatus Spa + Retreat has four spa packages available. These include The Greatest Love of All, The Love Everlasting, The Unforgettable, and the Take the Romance Home. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2021)

The Greatest Love of All – Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you. 2 hours $179 | $138 H-Circle ($220 value)

The Love Everlasting – Give built-in me-time all year long with a one-year membership to H-Circle our spa lifestyle. Includes a signature Hiatus neck wrap and a $50 spa credit to use toward products or other services as our gift. $69/month on credit card

The Unforgettable – The super-customized Yours Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Honey-Dew Facial for a spa day that will leave you glowing, and forever ours. 4 hours, $349 | $287 H-Circle

Take The Romance Home – Give both you and your sweetheart what you really need – some space. Pick between two 90-minute Essential Services and relax simultaneously, from separate rooms. Then take a special package with you complete with champagne, a sweet treat, and a Hiatus Everyday Aroma Oil to experience Hiatus at home. $350 | h-circle $239

Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry with eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model. 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. 

The DoSeum celebrates with Virtual Countdown for kids

The DoSeum’s new year countdown will be virtual this year. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.

This year, The DoSeum is keeping its annual New Year’s Noon countdown tradition alive with a virtual celebration for the whole family to enjoy at home. Families are invited to join from home for a fun-filled Facebook LIVE event on Thursday, December 31 at 11:45a.m. with a hands-on celebration.  (The DoSeum, 2020)

Everyone can make their own Confetti Poppers to prepare for the noon countdown for kids. Creating a confetti popper is a fun activity the whole family can do together with easy to find supplies: balloons, four-inch-long cardboard tube (e.g., from a roll of toilet paper), scissors, tape and glue, colored paper, stickers, markers, and confetti (pre-packaged or cut some paper into small pieces). No registration is required for this event.  Families are encouraged to use #TheDoSeum in their social media posts to connect with and engage with other families participating in this fun virtual event.  

The DoSeum is a place where interactive fun and hands-on learning come together—a place where minds are always at play. The DoSeum offers exhibits, programs, camps, classes, and field trips designed for all learners, encouraging young minds to explore the joy of learning through connections to STEM, the arts, and literacy. Originally founded as San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown over the past 25 years to become a premier leader in informal education, while still staying true to the mission of connecting families and transforming communities. As a 501(c)(3), The DoSeum is committed to accessible and free programming to low-income San Antonio-area children, with a goal of serving 10,000 kids from Title I schools annually.