Got jokes? Here’s your chance to get them printed on Laffy Taffy’s iconic wrapper … if you can make Damon Wayans Jr. laugh. Photo: Laffy Taffy, used with permission.
Make Damon Wayans Jr. Laugh—Your Joke Could End Up on a Laffy Taffy® Wrapper!
CHICAGO – Why did the candy fan call the Laff Line? For the chance to make comedian, actor, and producer Damon Wayans Jr. laugh—and maybe see their joke printed on a Laffy Taffy® candy wrapper. (Laffy Taffy, 2025)
The beloved candy brand, famous for its classic dad jokes, has teamed up with Wayans to launch its first-ever Laffy Taffy Laff Line—a hilarious hotline for fans to share their punniest original jokes. Winning jokes could land a spot on Laffy Taffy’s new, easier-to-open wrappers.
How to Call the Laffy Taffy Laff Line
📅 When: August 16, National Tell a Joke Day 📞 Number: 1-844-LOL-HOUR (1-844-565-4687) 🕒 Time: 3p.m. – 7p.m. Eastern Time (aka “Laffy Hour”)
During Laffy Hour, select callers will get the chance to tell their joke directly to Wayans and his “Laff Squad”—a team of comedians from Zanies Chicago—hoping to make them laff out loud.
Joke Guidelines:
100 characters or less
Must follow the classic Laffy Taffy format: setup + punchline (up to 50 characters each)
Wayans will also share some of his own one-liners back to callers.
“I like to consider myself a dad joke expert, so I’m excited to hear some fresh material,” said Wayans. “Do you have what it takes to make me laugh? If so, give me a ring!”
New Wrappers, Same Sweet Laughs
Laffy Taffy Mini Bars now feature a smooth, easy-open wrapper—no more sticky or shredded packaging—while still serving up that signature creamy candy. With the new look, the brand is also refreshing its jokes, inviting fans themselves to help write the next batch.
“These moments of connection bring joy to our fans every day,” said Ashley Incarnato, Senior Marketing Director at Ferrara Candy Company. “With Damon Wayans Jr., the Laffy Taffy Laff Line is the perfect way to connect with our community, give them the chance to test their comedic chops, and bring more laughter to families of all generations.”
Win a Spot on a Laffy Taffy Wrapper
All callers can submit their original joke for a chance to be printed on Laffy Taffy wrappers sold nationwide. Jokes will be judged on humor, originality, creativity, and brand fit.
Prizes:
Top 100 jokes printed on wrappers
Winners receive a custom bag of Laffy Taffy Mini Bars with an exclusive preview of fellow winners’ jokes
About Laffy Taffy®
Since 1971, Laffy Taffy® has been bringing little bites of delight to families everywhere. Its lineup includes classic mini bars, Stretchy and Tangy bars, and Laffy Taffy Ropes, available in flavors like Cherry, Strawberry, Grape, Watermelon, Sour Apple, Banana, and Blue Raspberry.
Contest Details: No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. Void where prohibited. Begins 3p.m. ET August 16, 2025, ends 7p.m. ET August 16, 2025. Full contest rules
Scheduled events include the hotel’s first-ever Quinceañera Showcase Expo on Sunday July 20. Photo: Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, used with permission.
🎉 July Happenings at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
Summer is heating up, and so are the events at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection! Whether you’re looking to relax, celebrate, or simply enjoy a day out with family and friends, our hotel has something for everyone this July. From rejuvenating spa treatments and lively garden parties to unforgettable family showcases, here’s what’s happening this month: (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2025)
🌿 Now Through July 31: Red, White & Renew Facial
Treat yourself to our exclusive Red, White & Renew 50-minute facial in honor of the Fourth of July. 💆♀️ Price: $155 📅 Available until July 31 🔗 Book your appointment here
🧘♀️ Soul Flow Saturdays
Ease into your weekend with outdoor yoga led by Kristel Perry. 📍 Oasis Lawn, Spa Plaza San Antonio 🕤 Saturdays in July | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. 💸 Tickets: $17.85 🎟️ Reserve on Eventbrite
🍹 5•5•5 Sundays at Anaqua Garden Bar
Join us for an all-day summer series featuring: • $5 Pool Passes • $5 Cocktails • $5 Bites • $55 Cabanas • $55 Shareable Cocktails 📅 Every Sunday 💻 Use code SUNDAY555 on Resort Pass to book a pool Day Pass. 🎟️ Reserve a spot on OpenTable
🍽️ 4-5-6-7 Happy Hour at Corinne San Antonio
Enjoy delicious bites and sips — all for $7! 🕓 Monday – Thursday | 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. 🎟️ Make a reservation on OpenTable
🥂 Beats and Bubbles at Anaqua Garden Bar
Don’t miss this whimsical garden party featuring: 🎧 Live Vinyl DJ 🫧 Bubble Festivities 📅 Friday, July 26 | 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. 🎟️ Reserve your table here
🎉 National Tequila Day & National Avocado Day
Celebrate two delicious days at Anaqua Garden Bar: • July 24 – National Tequila Day: $6 Margaritas in Mexico • July 31 – National Avocado Day: $6 Guacapoke 🎟️ Book your spot on OpenTable
👑 Gowns & Glam: Quinceañera Showcase Expo
Plan the celebration of a lifetime at our first-ever Quinceañera Expo! 📅 Sunday, July 20 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ✨ Local vendors, inspiration, and a grand giveaway 🎟️ RSVP for FREE on Eventbrite
🎶 Music Under The Stars: Featuring Leon Sanchez
Unwind with cocktails and live music in the breezy Anaqua Pavilion. 📅 Thursday, July 24 | 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. 🎸 Featuring local favorite Leon Sanchez 🎟️ Reserve a table on OpenTable
🎧 Raspa & Rhythm on the Lawn
Cool off and dance it out with: 🍧 Ice-Cold Raspas 🎵 Upbeat House Music 🎯 Lawn Games 📅 Fridays, July 18 & 25 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Plus: 🔍 Kids’ Scavenger Hunt | 10:00 a.m. 🔥 S’mores by the Fire | 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Make the most of your July at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa — your downtown destination for summer relaxation, celebration, and connection.
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa announces upcoming events including trivia night, happy hour, spa specials, and more. Photo: Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, used with permission.
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection is welcoming spring with a lineup of exciting seasonal experiences. From indulgent dining at Corinne to wellness-focused events at The Spa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this April. (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2025)
Corinne San Antonio Shuck & Sip – The newly launched ‘Shuck & Sip’ happy hour began last week and will kick off every Fridayat 5p.m. with $1 oysters and $5 bubbles. Delicious cocktails and signature dishes will also be available for enjoyment, including favorites like the La Villita Margarita, Braised Prime Rib, and Verlasso Salmon. Reservations are recommended.
Anaqua Garden BarTrivia Night in Anaqua: Once Upon a Game Night – Enjoy the thrill of competition with the FREE Disney-inspired trivia night, “Once Upon a Game Night” from 6p.m. to 9p.m. onThursday, April 17. Guests who bring the most knowledge on Disney fairy tales, fantasy films, and animated adventures will have the chance to win exciting prizes while enjoying themed cocktails crafted exclusively for this one-night-only event. Walk-ins for this event are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended and can be made on OpenTable.
Music Under The Stars – Leon Sanchez will be performing during Plaza San Antonio’s Music Under the Stars on Thursday, April 24, from 8p.m. to 10p.m.. This FREE event offers the perfect opportunity for guests to unwind after a long week in Anaqua’s breezy pavilion. Featured cocktails and bites for guest enjoyment include Thai Shrimp Cocktail, Guacapoke, Margaritas in Mexico and Pretty Fly For A Mai Tai. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable.
The Spa at Plaza San AntonioPoses at The Plaza – EnergyXFitness will lead a relaxing 60-minute yoga flow session on the peaceful Oasis Lawn on Sunday, April 27, from 11a.m. to 12p.m. This event is designed to help participants unwind and rejuvenate while surrounded by the natural beauty of the hotel’s outdoor space. The event includes all-day access to the hotel’s pool, fitness center and Zen Lounge, as well as a guaranteed reservation at Corinne San Antonio. Guests are also invited to attend the Anaqua Tea Ceremony following yoga at 12p.m.
Guests may also enjoy a 25% discount on spa services booked the same day. Guests should bring their own yoga mat (limited mats available for rent). Attendees can purchase their tickets for $15 via the Eventbrite.
Fiesta Feet Spa Special – Enjoy the Fiesta Feet Spa Special available for booking now through Wednesday, April 30. Locals and visitors alike can take advantage of this exclusive promotion to pamper themselves before the festivities or after a long day of exploring Market Square. Priced at $145, the treatment includes a soothing steamed towel wrap followed by an invigorating scrub. To wrap up the experience and prepare guests for endless Fiesta fun, a refreshing minty masque and hydrating butter will be applied to ensure soft, smooth and revitalized feet. Bookings can be made on their website or by calling the Spa Plaza San Antonio at 210-353-8016. Discounted valet parking is included with the treatments.
Fiesta Skin Detox Special – Kick off the festive season with the 50-minute Fiesta Skin Detox service. Available for booking now through Wednesday, April 30, both locals and visitors alike can rejuvenate after celebrating. Priced at $145, the service includes a hyaluronic acid treatment, followed by a boost of vitamins D and C to revitalize the skin. Guests also have the option to add additional spa services at checkout for their convenience. Bookings can be made through their website or by calling the Spa Plaza San Antonio at 210-353-8016.
National Tea Day: Anaqua Tea Ceremony – Enjoy curated tea this National Tea Day on Monday, April 21, with Plaza’s Anaqua Tea Ceremony, a FREE tea service taking place at 7:30a.m. Guests are encouraged to gather under the shade of the magnificent 50+ year-old Anaqua tree to indulge in curated tea mixes while embracing the rich history of the property. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to extend their relaxation with a rejuvenating spa service or delicious cocktail in Anaqua Garden Bar’s pavilion, ensuring the serenity continues all day.
Earth Day: Week-long Spa Promotion – In commemoration of Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, guests who book a service for the week of Earth Day, Sunday, April 20 through Saturday, April 26, will receive 25% off a singular Spa treatment. This is not applicable to retail and cannot be combined with any other discounts or packages. Guests can just mention Earth Day when booking over the phone or type that into their booking notes if booking online. Bookings can be made through their website or by calling the Spa Plaza San Antonio at 210-353-8016.
Plaza San Antonio Hotel PackagesBrunch & Bliss Weekend Package – The Brunch & Blissweekend package offers an unforgettable culinary experience at Corinne San Antonio, Plaza Hotel’s premier restaurant. Guests who choose this package will receive a $60 brunch credit at Corinne, along with complimentary valet parking. Please note that this promotion is applicable only for bookings made on Saturdays or Sundays and for rooms featuring a king-size bed. Customers can secure additional information and take advantage of this package through the booking link.
Stay For Breakfast (Kids Eat Free) – Children can enjoy culinary delights with the Stay for Breakfast hotel package. When guests purchase this package, kids eat free at Corinne San Antonio, which includes two kids’ meals and two kids’ drinks. The menu features tasty options like banana pancakes and breakfast burritos. This promotion is only available for those booking Double Queen rooms with utilization limited to Friday and Saturday. Customers take advantage of this package through the booking link.
Cabana Experience Package – The full-day Cabana Experience Package is perfect for those looking to relax by the pool. Upon booking, guests receive a $50 food and beverage credit that can be spent while dining at Corinne San Antonio or by enjoying a beverage at Anaqua Garden Bar. Additional perks within the package include the luxury of early check-in, based upon availability. Guests must book one room for three nights, three days in advance for the promotion to apply. Bookings and stays must be made between now and Tuesday, September 30. Customers can secure additional information and take advantage of this package through the booking link.
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa 555 S Alamo St San Antonio, TX 78205
Valet parking is available at the hotel at $15 for a three-hour duration.
Bakery Lorraine’s Two-Layered Moist Carrot Cake. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Easter is a cherished holiday celebrated worldwide, symbolizing renewal, hope, and resurrection. For Christians, it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, making it one of the most significant religious events of the year. Beyond its spiritual meaning, Easter brings people together in joyful celebration. Traditions vary globally—from sunrise church services to colorful egg hunts, festive meals, and spring-themed decorations. Many enjoy brunches filled with seasonal dishes, while others gather with family for large dinners. In some cultures, parades, dances, and special pastries mark the occasion. Regardless of tradition, Easter serves as a time of reflection, unity, and new beginnings.
If you’re in the San Antonio area, or plan to be during the upcoming holiday weekend, here are some ways you can celebrate Easter in the Alamo City. (Bakery Lorraine, Tenfold Rooftop Bar, La Panadería, Dean’s Steak & Seafood, Chef Jason Dady Restaurants, Hotel Contessa, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Omni La Mansión del Rio, 2025)
Bakery Lorraine – Bakery Lorraine is offering a delightful selection of seasonal pastries to celebrate Easter, including:
Easter Chick Tart ($7.50) features a whimsical design with raspberry jam, vanilla sponge cake, and a refreshing lime mousse
Easter Nest Tart ($7.00) combines a rich caramel chocolate filling with Cadbury Milk Chocolate Eggs and a crispy fillo dough topping
Easter Bunny Carrot Cake ($7.50) is a moist blend of pineapple, coconut, walnuts, and fresh carrots, finished with cream cheese frosting and playful white chocolate bunny ears
Easter Egg Moon Pie ($5.50) offers a nostalgic twist with graham cookies, marshmallow, and white chocolate
Flower Macaron with Lemon Ganache ($4.00) is a refreshing, tangy treat with a smooth lemon filling
For those seeking a complete Easter experience, Bakery Lorraine offers the Easter Box ($25), which includes one of each of the featured treats—Easter Chick Tart, Easter Nest Tart, Easter Bunny Carrot Cake, and Easter Egg Moon Pie. The Easter Box is available now for pre-sale orders, with store pickup on April 18-20, and limited quantities will be available for in-store purchase.
Additionally, Bakery Lorraine is offering their Two-Layered Moist Carrot Cake in 7” & 9” sizes ($50/$70), made with pineapple, coconut, walnuts, and fresh carrots, topped with cream cheese frosting and mini macarons. Whole cakes are available for pre-sale online now through 4/16, with pickup available at all Austin, Boerne, and San Antonio locations on April 19-20 only.
Tenfold Rooftop Bar at Kimpton Santo – Tenfold brings two exciting cocktail offerings to Easter brunch this year. The Bunny Blanco ($16) combines 400 Conejos Mezcal with carrot, lemon, ginger, and sparkling wine for a unique, vibrant drink. The Tenfold Tulip ($15) is a beautiful blend of Teremana Tequila, lime, agave, butterfly pea tea, and tonic, creating a striking, flavorful sip. Both cocktails will be available for guests to enjoy Easter weekend from Friday, April 19, to Sunday, April 20. Reservations are encouraged and can be made online through OpenTable.
La Panadería – La Panadería is offering their fan-favorite Brunch on Easter Sunday from 7a.m. to 4p.m. at all four San Antonio locations. The brunch menu features signature dishes like Fiesta Lobster Benedict, Tequila Butter Steak and Eggs, LP Waffle Croissant, and Ranchero Eggs Benedict, alongside unique twists on traditional bites like Tortas and Ensaladas. Guests can also enjoy mimosas and cerveza with their meal.
Dean’s Steak & Seafood at Kimpton Santo – Dean’s Steak and Seafood is offering a unique, Easter Sunday cocktail: the Springtime Spritz ($15). Crafted tableside with Ketel One Botanicals, St. Germain, Washington Peache, and house bubbles, this refreshing cocktail is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Alongside their iconic brunch menu served until 3p.m. this exclusive cocktail will be available all Sunday, April 20, adding a festive touch to any Easter gathering at Dean’s. Reservations are encouraged and can be made through OpenTable.
Chef Jason Dady Restaurants is thrilled to offer special coursed brunches at Jardín and Tre Trattoria this Easter Sunday, April 20. Each restaurant will also offer kids’ menus for those 10 and under, making these brunches perfect for families to celebrate the spring holiday together. Jardín will exclusively offer a four-course, Mediterranean-inspired brunch menu for $49.95 per person. Tre Trattoria will serve a four-course, Italian-focused brunch for $54.95 per person.
Optional wine pairings are available at both Jardín and Tre Trattoria for $29.95 per person. Tax and gratuity are not included. For those interested in dining at Chef Jason Dady’s other concepts, Two Bros BBQ, Range and Tre Pizzeria will all remain open for regular service on Easter Sunday.
Hotel Contessa Easter Bunny Happy Hour | Saturday, April 20 | 3p.m. – 5p.m. The Easter Bunny is hopping into Ambler Bar for a uniquely San Antonio pre-Easter celebration. Friends and neighbors can pop by for specialty drinks and deviled egg specials. There will be photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny while enjoying Ambler’s festive atmosphere. It’s a grown-up Easter celebration with all of the fun and none of the early morning egg hunt.
Easter Sunday Brunch | Sunday, April 20 | All Day Experience a San Antonio Easter tradition reimagined at Ambler Bar. Chef Mike Collins has curated a special brunch menu featuring seasonal Texas ingredients and festive spring flavors. Meals will be paired with their handcrafted Easter cocktails for the ultimate Sunday celebration.
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection Corinne Easter Brunch – Indulge in a chef-curated brunch featuring seasonal favorites this Easter Sunday, April 20. From 10a.m. to 3p.m., guests can look forward to chef-carved ham, shrimp cocktail, cinnamon rolls, a mimosa and juice bar, and much more. The Easter Bunny will also be present for delightful family photos. Pricing for the Easter brunch is $65 per adult and $17 per child (10 & under). Reservations are highly recommended.
Easter at Ostra at Mokara Hotel & Spa – Ostra’s limited-time Easter menu includes a Beet Cured Ocean Trout served with Everything Bagel chips, orange marinated sun gold tomatoes, whipped chive cream cheese and dill. A Salad Nicoise also graces the holiday selection, with seared Ahi Tuna, haricot vert, fingerling potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, a soft-boiled egg, baby cucumbers, baby lettuces, marinated olives and red onion. Easter Brunch at Ostra is $55 plus tax per person.
The Spring festivities continue at the bar with the Peeps Spritz, a 2025 “Easter basket candy” must-have according to Forbes. Crafted with Lalo Tequila, Cointreau, lime, Topo Chico and Dr. Pepper, and topped with a Peep, this cocktail is a signature treat for this time of year. All weekend long, families and couples can experience exquisite seafood cuisine at this AAA Four Diamond riverfront restaurant at Mokara Hotel & Spa.
Four Brothers at Omni La Mansión del Rio – Flavors of the South with a Tex-Mex flare take over the Easter Brunch menu at Four Brothers, the stunning on-site restaurant at Omni La Mansión del Rio. This three-course style menu begins with Street Corn Deviled Eggs topped with roasted corn, jalapeño and cilantro followed by a Chicken and Corn Bread Waffle served with a side of blueberry compote, maple syrup and jalapeño butter. The dessert course is appropriately named the Easter Basket, a pineapple upside-down cake topped with a cremé cheese mousse and candy eggs. The three-course brunch is $65 plus tax per person; Brunch is served all day.
To sip on Easter flavors, the Cotton Tail delivers a taste of Spring in a glass with Brugal 1888 Rum, pineapple and real coconut topped with whipped cream and jelly beans.
The First PechaKucha of 2025 will be at the Historic Sunken Garden Theater. Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – PechaKucha San Antonio – the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format – is excited to announce its Volume 46 as the first event in the 2025 series. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Historic Sunken Garden Theater (3875 N. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78212), centrally located at Brackenridge Park. The night begins with a welcome reception at 7p.m., followed by presentations starting at 8p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2025)
The Historic Sunken Garden Theater has long been a local favorite for hosting annual events such as Fiesta’s Taste of New Orleans, as well as staging concerts featuring Carlos Santana and other well known national acts. Originally carved into an old Limestone Quarry in the 1930s, the San Antonio Civic Opera Society quickly established the site as a premiere performing arts venue. Renovated numerous times, and having played host for thousands of events, the Theater, centrally located in the heart of San Antonio, remains popular with concert goers of all ages.
Volume 46 will feature a talented group of local speakers. The six presenters include:
Emily Casso, Animal Advocate
David Carlos Garcia Jr., Creative Director & Designer
The evening’s emcees will be local artists and husband-and-wife duo Cruz and Olivia Ortiz, co-owners of Burnt Nopal creative studio and longtime San Antonio residents fiercely dedicated to the development and enrichment of the local community.
The welcome reception will feature live music by Primo y Beebe – based in Marfa, Primo Carrasco and David Beebe play traditional border music of the Chihuahuan desert. The evening will also feature complimentary bites by San Antonio chefs and restaurants including Liberty Bar, Melvin’s Homemade Ice Cream & Expresso Bar, and Pharm Table. Additionally the event will feature cocktails available for purchase curated by local bar Amor Eterno.
Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at Eventbrite.
Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. We host speakers who share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40). San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It showcases a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1200 cities around the world.
Argentinian band Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado will make its only Texas stop in Dallas. Photo: LPA Beer & Music Festival.
Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, also known as EMAUPM or Él Mató, is an Argentinian indie rock band from La Plata established in 2003. The band has just announced their North American tour, and before they kick things off, they’ll be making a special stop in Dallas as part of Frontera 2025. This will be their only Texas performance.
This intimate 500-capacity show is free and open to the public, but RSVP is highly encouraged to guarantee entry: RSVP HERE. The performance will take place at Kessler Theater on Friday, April 11. Doors open at 7:30p.m., show begins at 8:30p.m. (Giant Noise/Southwest Review, 2025)
More information on Frontera 2025:
DALLAS – Dallas-based magazine Southwest Review, the third-longest-running literary quarterly in the United States, announces the lineup for the second annual Frontera. This year’s festivities will take place April 11–12, 2025, in Oak Cliff’s historic Bishop Arts District.
The lineup assembles artists from English-speaking North America and Spanish-speaking Latin America for a two-day celebration of literature, music, comics and film. Set to take place at The Wild Detectives, Kessler Theater and Texas Theatre, all Frontera events will be free and open to the public.
Frontera will kick off at The Wild Detectives with a conversation between American cartoonist Lynda Barry and fiction writer Mary Miller, followed by musical performances from The Paranoid Style, Karly Hartzman and Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado at Kessler Theater. RSVP highly encouraged HERE.
The second day will feature a screening of the Blood Simple (1984) by Joel and Ethan Coen, plus a conversation between award-winning author Megan Abbott and crime novelist William Boyle at the Texas Theatre. Additional readings at The Wild Detectives will feature Mateo García Elizondo, Brenda Lozano, Ashleigh Bryant Phillips, Joseph Grantham, Brenda Navarro, Federico Perelmuter, Julia Kornberg, Patricio Ferrari, Eli Cranor, and Kimberly King Parsons, offering audiences a chance to engage with some of the most compelling voices in contemporary literature.
Guests are invited to the festival’s final event at The Wild Detectives featuring a celebratory DJ set running from 7:30p.m. until close.
Because the Southwest is a place where borderlands converge, the region is dependent on the two-way flow of language and culture. Southwest Review has long championed Latin American literature in translation, working closely with independent publishers to introduce groundbreaking voices to new audiences. Thanks to the generous support of the Southern Methodist University Department of English, Frontera brings this editorial vision to life in an increasingly bilingual North Texas region.
Get ready for summer skin at Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa with Vitamin C Week. Photo: Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, used with permission.
Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against the sun and environmental pollutants, making protection essential for long-term health. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause premature aging, sunburn, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Environmental factors like pollution and harsh weather conditions can accelerate skin damage, leading to dryness, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and maintaining a skincare routine with antioxidants can help shield your skin from harm. Hydration and a healthy diet also support skin resilience. Prioritizing skin protection today ensures healthier, more youthful skin in the future.
As sunny days are finally approaching, Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa is celebrating with Vitamin C Week,running April 1st to 7th. Protecting against sun and environmental damage is always important, especially as the UV increases with the Texas heat. (Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, 2025)
Vitamin C helps protect, brighten, and rejuvenate while boosting collagen and defending against environmental damage. Guests can enjoy Vitamin C week with 15% off best-selling SkinCeuticals antioxidant products, including C E Ferulic, Phloretin CF & Gel, Silymarin CF, AOX+ Eye Gel, and Resveratrol B E. Additionally, purchase three full-sized bottles and receive a large travel-size (15ML) PTIOX serum as a complimentary gift (while supplies last).
Appointments with skin care specialists who can help select the right Vitamin C serum for each skin type can be booked here.
Portrait of a woman wearing a blazer. Photo: RDNE Stock project/Pexels.
Being a business owner takes a lot of hard work and dedication. What you choose to do and focus on daily matters and will make an impact regarding how much you can achieve.
The good news is that there are always ways to improve and do better. All it will require is an open mind and willingness to head down a different path. It’s worth taking the time to evaluate your management and leadership style and figure out what changes can help you get the results you desire. Here you can review some tips for running a more effective and successful business.
Use Project Management Tools
There are likely many different assignments and projects that you and your team are tackling regularly. You need a way to keep track of all the necessary tasks and ensure you stay on schedule. Therefore, you should consider using project management tools so you can accomplish all you set out to do. Hire a project manager who can be in charge of the various to-dos and monitor the progress you’re making. These tools can enhance collaboration, increase productivity, and help you mitigate risk so you can find business success.
Prioritize Enhancing the Customer Experience
Another tip for running a more effective and successful business is to prioritize enhancing the customer experience. It’s especially important if you are in retail and have customers coming in and out of your store. You want to make a good impression and ensure a smooth and seamless shopping journey. For example, if you sell CBD or hemp products then you may want to look into enhancing the customer experience by exploring CBD processing solutions. This way you can offer your customers the opportunity to pay for purchases using a credit card instead of cash. It’s often more convenient and customers may end up spending more when they can put their items on a credit card.
Analyze Your Target Market
Marketing should be a top priority for you as a business owner. You want to avoid assuming everyone will want to work with you and sending out board messages. Instead, take the time to reflect on and analyze your target market. It’s important that you know who is most likely to make purchases from you and where they are spending their time. Your goal should be to tailor and personalize your marketing messaging based on what you discover. You want to understand their needs and preferences better so you can achieve greater customer satisfaction.
Establish Policies & Procedures
It’s important that everyone at your company is working together and is on the same page. You want to ensure high productivity and avoid duplicating efforts. Run a more effective and successful business by establishing policies and procedures to follow. Gather your teams and brainstorm and discuss what these are and the best ways to tackle various tasks. You’ll soon find that there is better consistency and efficiency and that your employees improve their performance overall. It’s a useful way to streamline operations and reduce ambiguity so that you can run a more effective and organized business.
Pearl has been transformed into a showcase of custom-built pet habitats designed by local architects, builders, and designers, with public voting from March 1-22. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
SAN ANTONIO –Pearl is giving the community and visitors another reason to plan their next visit by hosting a Claws and Paws Construction event across its 22 acre footprint for the first time. This innovative architectural and design competition, modeled after Dallas’ successful Bark n Build, showcases pet-friendly structures created by local talent. (Pearl, 2025)
The showcase will feature custom-built pet habitats designed by local architects, builders, and designers. The structures will be on display for public viewing and bidding across Pearl from March 1-22, 2025. The competition aims to support two local pet charities, Daisy Cares and PAWS for Service, while highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of San Antonio’s design community.
Visitors are invited to view and vote on their favorite designs throughout the event. “We’re thrilled to showcase San Antonio’s incredible architectural and design talent through this collaboration with Claws and Paws,” says Mesha Millsap, CEO of Pearl. “This event not only highlights our city’s creativity but also demonstrates how local innovators can come together for a great cause. We’re eager to see the ingenious and inspiring pet habitats that our community’s skilled professionals will design.”
The builds will be on display at Karnes St., between Pullman Market and Can Plant Residences at Pearl. The competition features entries from local firms including The Lique Group, Sol Studios, Villa Park Architects, Pfluger Architects, Garza Architects, and three entries from Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat Home Center.
Awards will be presented in various categories, including the Top Dog Award (People’s Choice), Best in Show (Overall design winner), and category-specific awards for Canine Cabin, Furr-niture, and Cat Condo.
The pet habitats will be auctioned off at a “Housewarming” event on March 22, 2025, with all proceeds benefiting Daisy Cares and PAWS for Service. The event is made possible through the support of sponsors including Historic Pearl, PAWS edu, NorthPark Subaru, IBC Bank, and Chicago Title.
Claws and Paws Construction is an innovative architectural and design competition that brings together local talent to create unique, pet-friendly structures. Modeled after Dallas’ successful Bark n Build event, Claws and Paws Construction showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of architects, builders, and designers while supporting local pet charities. The event features custom-built pet habitats that are judged on innovation, sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Through public engagement and auctions, Claws and Paws Construction raises funds and awareness for animal welfare organizations, fostering a community that values both design excellence and compassion for pets.
La Panadería’s limited edition green conchas, available at all locations until Monday March 17. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17, is a vibrant holiday in the United States, honoring Irish heritage and culture. Cities across the country hold parades, with New York City and Chicago hosting some of the largest. People wear green, decorate with shamrocks, and enjoy Irish music, dance, and food. Many bars and restaurants serve traditional Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage, along with green beer. While rooted in Irish Catholic traditions, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a widely celebrated cultural event embracing fun and festivity.
Two restaurants on the River Walk are ready to join in on the festivities with their own Irish classics.
Four Brothers Southern Provisions, located inside the historic Omni La Mansión del Rio, is known for its fresh Latin approach to traditional Texan cuisine. Now, they’re aiming to maintain their flair for fusion by putting a San Antonio spin on the holiday’s cultural favorites.
Available this weekend, visitors can choose between the Iced Irish Espresso Martini, a whiskey-based rendition that’s been mixed with sweet Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur and a boldly rich espresso roast, and the Spiced Irishman, a multifaceted whiskey and club soda that adds elements of flavor by topping off with hot honey syrup and tangy lemon juice. Don’t forget to snack on a few (or all) of Four Brothers’ Leprechaun Loaded Potato Skins, a hearty and comforting shareable that incorporates corned beef, cabbage, and Guinness Beer Cheese with its slow-baked spud base.
Located across the River Walk is the high-energy upscale eatery, Ostra. Connected to the award-winning Mokara Hotel & Spa, guests are invited to enjoy the destination’s limited-time St. Patrick’s Day offerings. Known for their crafted cocktails and fresh seafood, Ostra has partnered with Jameson Irish Whiskey to create three specialty items, only available this weekend.
For something fruity and refreshing, order the Jameson Orange Mule, a simple yet delicious drink made with Jameson Orange, ginger beer, and lime juice. For those in the mood for something crisp and tart, try the Celtic Spritz. The cocktail combines Jameson Triple Irish Whiskey, elderflower liqueur, limoncello, and sparkling water and is sure to help cool visitors off from the upcoming weekend heat. And because you can’t visit Ostra without experiencing their acclaimed Oyster Bar, pair either cocktail with a few savory chargrilled oysters, served with Jameson Whiskey Butter and warm-baked bread.
While the River Walk has plenty of options for the holiday celebrations, bar hoppers beginning to create the weekend’s itinerary should plan to add these two spots as necessary stops. (Four Brothers Southern Provisions, Ostra, 2025)
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, The Newstand, the now local favorite, has joined the holiday festivities by creating their own themed menu creations. Known for their unique and delicious offerings, The Newstand has done it again with the “Bella Loca Latte” and the “Grinch” cookie.
The Bella LocaLatte is an iced matcha latte that mixes together creamy pistachio milk (DF/GF) before being topped off with a lightly sweetened matcha cold foam and a festively opportunistic green straw. And since it’s criminal to visit The Newstand without selecting one of their house-made pastries, make your order a greenified duo with a sweet treat. Named the Grinch, this matcha cookie is soft, chewy, and subtly sweet. Topped with a thin layer of matcha icing, pistachio crumbles, and sea salt flakes, it might be big enough to share, but you might not even want to.
These seasonal favorites are only available for the month of March. For customers aiming to potentially save a little green, they can purchase both together and receive 10% off their order. (The Newstand, 2025)
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day (3/17), La Panadería is adding a festive twist to their beloved conchas with a special Green Concha, available now through Monday, March 17. This vibrant concha features a green exterior, filled with a rich and creamy pistachio ganache that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Perfect for celebrating the season or adding a touch of color to your treat selection, this limited-time concha is priced at just $3.75 and can be purchased at any La Panadería location. (La Panadería, 2025)
SA Examiner 