Category: Recreation

Five activities that can bring your life joy

Woman forming heart with hands. Photo: Unsplash

Life is often so busy. We have many responsibilities and commitments that it’s so easy to forget to live. After all, there are so many things in our lives that can bring us joy and we definitely deserve to indulge in them regularly. Yet, either we just can’t find the time or them or we don’t always really know what to turn to. If you’ve found yourself in a rut, you may want a little inspiration. So here are five things that you should always look to fill your life with for more joy.

1. Books
First of all, we have books. When you’re a bookworm and avid reader, books are always going to bring you joy. You’re going to find that you’re able to really immerse yourself into a relaxing environment when you read. It’s okay to always want to prioritize reading time. Filling your life with books and stories can be a simple way to make sure that your life feels fulfilling.

2. Food
It’s safe to say that food always brings us joy. When you’re eating your favorite meals, life can feel good. And if you’re a foodie, taking the time out to go to the right restaurants and trying new dishes is always going to be fun for you. But you can also do the same by cooking things up at home too. Maybe it’s an authentic goulash or your favorite pasta dish – another way, cooking can always make you happy. And it’s certainly something to enjoy the results of too.

3. Movies
If you love cinema, then turning to the right movies is always a good idea. You’re likely to find that filling up your time with amazing stories, documentaries, and even things like shows and theater could spark so much joy in your life. Cinema is art, just as much as other forms. So allowing yourself to switch off and enjoy it can be such a great move for you.

4. Nature
Then we have nature. Being in nature is something that can bring so much happiness into our lives without us even knowing it. Nature is calming. When we’re outdoors, we can exercise, move, enjoy sunlight, and many other things that help our health. Whether you like to walk, practice yoga in the garden, read in the sunshine, or anything else, being in nature can be great for you.

5. Travel
Finally, there’s also travel. You may find that getting out and about in the world is always going to bring you a lot of joy. There’s a wealth of experiences to be had when you travel. From relaxing and enjoying the culture, to getting out into nature and eating more food (two of our joy-filled things), you can do so much when you travel. If you’re yet to book your next trip, go ahead and do it. After all, our lives should be filled with experiences we’ll never forget.

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Mother’s Day gift ideas

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents Sleeping Beauty. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

In an extraordinary collaboration between Children’s Ballet of San Antonio and the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Principal Dancers Skylar Brandt and Herman Cornejo will share their remarkable talents with San Antonio for the first time in this classic fairytale. These epic performances will take place Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, at the beautiful Majestic Theatre. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2023)

The CBSA production of Sleeping Beauty has all the romance, enchantment, and beauty you would expect from this classic fairytale, told through the magic of dance. The story opens with the christening of the beautiful Princess Aurora, who receives a curse from the evil fairy Carabosse. The curse states that Aurora will fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday, which, in this reimagining, is a Quinceñera. Only a kiss from her one true love can awaken the princess.

A talented cast of roughly 200 young CBSA artists will bring the characters and story to life through creative performances. The performers, ages 3-19, include internationally acclaimed classical dancers, gymnasts, actors, vocalists, special needs artists, and other exceptional young people. Filled with spectacular digital and physical scenery, live music, grand special effects, and interactive elements, CBSA’s Sleeping Beauty will expose audience members of all ages to an enchanting world where love conquers all.

The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Performance times:
Friday, May 12, 7p.m.
Saturday, May 13, 2p.m.
Saturday May 13, 7p.m.

Tickets are available online.

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Looking for a unique gift for the adventurous moms in your life? Take flight this Mother’s Day at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2023)

With no need for a parachute or a plane, iFLY is fun for the whole family (ages 3+). Experience the thrill of freefall in iFLY’s state-of-the-art wind tunnels are designed to provide a safe flight experience and memories that will last a lifetime and a thrilling story to tell! Flight vouchers are available online

iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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Lighthouse Immersive is excited to announce a Mother’s Day ticket discount for Disney Animation: Immersive Experience from now until May 14. All tickets will be 20% off the experience for loved ones to celebrate mom with the magic of Disney Animation. In addition to the discounted tickets, all mothers will receive a carnation upon their visit. (Disney Animation, 2023)

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience is the perfect place to celebrate mom with iconic animated stories suited for all ages—from hits of today like Encanto, Zootopia and Frozen, to all of the classics including The Lion King, Peter Pan and Pinocchio. Relive heartwarming moments and reminisce with the magic of Disney for an unforgettable experience together.

Discounted Mother’s Day tickets will be available for purchase through their ticketing site. The last day to purchase the discounted Mother’s Day tickets will be on Sunday, May 14.

Lighthouse ArtSpace San Antonio
221 Burleson
San Antonio, TX 78202

Austin’s Commodore Perry Estate’s fall events

Fall into the festive season at Austin’s Commodore Perry Estate. Photo: Auberge Resorts Collection, used with permission.

As summer fades and the leaves start to turn, Austin’s charming Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection welcomes fall and winter with new immersive seasonal programming, inspiring culinary creations, and excitement for the festive season. The  Estate will honor its Texas roots by bringing native Texan artisans, musicians, and flavors to ATX this autumn and beyond. The captivating city is a must-visit for the remainder of 2022. It will host the Formula 1 Grand Prix and Austin City Limits and more for travelers to step outside their comfort zones and enjoy the cultural hub that is Austin. (Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)

These are some of the season’s highlights:

  • Taste of Auberge: Saison Hospitality: San Francisco’s Michelin-starred group Saison Hospitality brings innovative culinary activations on November 4 + 5. Locally curated seasonal Southern flavors will unite with upscale preparations of seasonal California dining for this exclusive culinary partnership. The guest series from Saison Hospitality’s Chef Brian Limoges and Executive Sous Chef Adam Gale (Saison) and Commodore Perry Estate’s Executive Chef Bradley Nicholson and Executive Pastry Chef Susana Querejazu will invite guests to honor collaboration in the kitchen with a private nine-course dinner at Lutie’s, as well as a fermenting workshop for all experience levels.
  • Game Day at The Estate: Every Friday on UT home game weekends, the Estate celebrates with visiting designer pop-up shops, interactive wine tasting events, local Austin musical performances, and guest bartending talent from local favorites and beyond. Friends and family can gather on game day for the resort’s delicious Saturday Brunch at the Mansion, complete with lawn games and pre-game drink specials, such as mimosa bars, shaken carajillos, local beer buckets, and more. For away games, the Estate’s Living Room becomes an extension of guests’ own, with TVs displaying the game paired with creative cocktails and delectable snacks.
  • A Very Texas Holiday Season: Guests can kick off the holidays with the annual festive lighting of the Mansion spectacular with a custom commissioned work from the Dallas-based conceptual artistic duo Anderson + Kincaid. Then, indulge in decadent Holiday Panettone, a collaboration with world-renowned Houston-based baker Roy Shvartzapel and Executive Pastry Chef Susan Querejazu, or give the ultimate gift by having Evan Voyles design a custom, hand-crafted neon piece for loved ones. The Larder Shop will curate a selection of culinary gifts by Chef Bradley Nicholson and Chef Susana Querejazu, allowing guests to bring a bit of the Estate home. 

Texas Pinners Conference & Expo celebrates educators

Texas Pinners Conference & Expo combines shopping and hands-on classes and brings online creativity to life. Photo: Texas Pinners, used with permission.

As the new school year begins and as a way to celebrate Texas educators with a special back-to-school gift, Texas Pinners Conference is providing them with two free general admission tickets to its conference on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. (Texas Pinners Conference & Expo, 2022)

Texas Pinners Conference is an annual fun-filled event focused on artistry, crafting, beauty, fashion, photography, food arts and more, with a trade show inspired by creativity and Pinterest-like projects. In addition, more than 200 vendors and exhibitors will be on site with over 100 Pinterest-based classes and some of the best Texas shopping opportunities.

“As a former educator, I know that teachers are some of the most inspiring individuals, especially in our children’s lives. So, what better way to encourage their creativity and show appreciation than to give them access to one of the largest creative events offline. We’re excited to provide access to Texas Pinners Conference in the hopes they can spend a weekend enjoying our Pinterest-inspired classes, shopping floor, make-and-takes and so much more. We can’t wait for them to experience a fun-filled and creative experience.” – Roxanne Bennett, co-founder of Pinners Conference.

The expo was established in 2013 to bring people together who share the common interest of learning, creativity, hobbies and do-it-yourself projects. The tradeshow floor is a unique design combining a shopping conference environment with hundreds of small business vendors selling various goods and services. Attendees will have a chance to explore their creativity outside the classroom and experience two full event days focusing on inspiring others.

Texas Pinners Conference will showcase learning, connecting and shopping through scrapbooking, arts, fashion, beauty, self-improvement, party-planning, food arts, do-it-yourself projects, home décor, and more. The expo will also have several hour-long classes taught by exceptional presenters.

Texas Educators can get into the event for free and general admission tickets for the public start at $10. Some ticket packages include access to classes and passes to both event days. Helping Texas Pinners Conference host the event through sponsorships include The Home Depot, Ryobi, Chalk Couture, Joann’s, Plaid Crafts, Texas Appliances, Janome, and MakerFlo Crafts.

Texas educators must reserve their tickets in advance of the show by using the code TEACH. Educators are limited to two complimentary tickets and are encouraged to bring their school ID badge with them.

A list of available presenters, classes, exhibitors and vendors is available online as well as tickets and class passes. Texas Pinners Conference will be held on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, located at 3401 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

Texas Pinners Conference encourages attendees to stay updated with the latest news on all social platforms. Visitors are also encouraged to use the #PinnersTX and #pinnersconf tags to follow and share their content featuring one of the most unique events this fall.

The Pinners Conference features two great events in one—a conference featuring 100+ Pinterest-based classes taught by the best presenters in the nation and a show with 200 top businesses providing beautiful options in the world of DIY, crafts, cooking, self-improvement, photography, party planning, scrapbooking, holiday, beauty and fashion, and more. It will feature local artists, shops and offer awesome creative classes from some of the best presenters that explore creativity and the fun of learning new techniques.

Big Cedar Lodge’s Cedar Fest celebrates the fall season

Big Cedar Lodge’s Cedar Fest is a family friendly celebration that celebrates flannel and pumpkin spice season. Photo: Big Cedar Lodge, used with permission.

The award-winning wilderness resort Big Cedar Lodge is kicking off its annual Cedar Fest celebration featuring pumpkin patches, hayrides, spooky corn mazes, and so much more. As the leaves turn and you reach for that extra sweater for a cozy fall season, there is no better place to celebrate the season in the Midwest than at Big Cedar Lodge. (Big Cedar Lodge, 2022)

Below are some of the festive activities available for both guests and locals between September 18 through October 31.

  • Fall Festivals: Enjoy some good old fashioned fun with a guided tram ride to Big Cedar’s pumpkin patch, where participants can decorate pumpkins, paint pottery, enjoy tie dye and face painting, ride a mechanical bull by day; and roast marshmallows for s’mores and enjoy a movie on the lawn by night.
  • Ozark’s Lost Soul Maze: Get lost in Big Cedar’s iconic, 3,700-square-foot maze that has haunted ghosts and spooky spirits of the Ozarks’ past. Keep an eye out for spiders, skeletons, spooks, and more.
  • Fall Chuckwagon Tour: Back in the beauty of the Ozarks with a relaxing evening tram ride and history tour, a piping hot bowl of soup or chili, and a glass of wine or beer for the adults.
  • Show your Fall Flair: Celebrate your artistic side with instructor-led Fall Wreath Making ($65 per wreath, families and groups welcome) and Fall Centerpiece Building ($65 per centerpiece). Guests can take home their masterpiece to display for the season.
  • Fall Golf Getaway: Big Cedar Lodge boasts one of the leading resort golf portfolios in the country, and there is no better time to tee off than Fall. Enjoy the watercolor foliage on Payne’s Valley, the first Tiger Woods-designed public course, or the award-winning Ozarks National.

For even more Fall Fun, the nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is inviting locals and visitors alike to explore the park’s 10,000 acres covered in magnificent fall foliage; and America’s #1 aquarium, Wonders of Wildlife, is hosting spooky and festive activities including the Out to Sea Shark Feeding, Yarn Pumpkin Crafting, a Halloween Bash Teen Night including a scavenger hunt and mini Fall Festival, and a Bat Bonanza event.

iFLY appoints Michelle Brumley to Associate Product Manager

Michelle Brumley will accelerate the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field trip program. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving is pleased to announce that effective immediately, Michelle Brumley will return to the company as its Associate Product Manager to accelerate the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field trip program. Brumley, most recently STEM Education Program coordinator at iFLY, will oversee the implementation of new products from ideation to execution within the STEM program. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2022)

“I couldn’t be more overjoyed to be returning to iFLY to enhance the current STEM product to reach an even broader audience. The future of STEM at iFLY is filled with excitement and new opportunities for teachers. We want to do everything we can to help teachers make the STEM field trips a reality for their students. This will include helping them find and apply for grant opportunities, looking for corporate partners to sponsor schools, and offering products aligned with school budgets.” – iFLY Indoor Skydiving Associate Product Manager Michelle Brumley

Brumley brings to iFLY 11 years of experience as an Aerospace Physiologist in the United States Air Force (USAF) where she developed the curriculum and standardization for the Aerospace Physiology career field during her assignment to the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine. In 2009, Brumley completed an Alternative Certification Program to become a secondary science teacher and taught a broad range of subjects to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. This ignited her excitement and passion for interacting with students to show them the world of STEM.

Ten years later, Brumley joined iFLY as a STEM educator where she presented grade-appropriate lessons and lab activities focusing on STEM topics associated with vertical wind tunnels. From 2019-2021, she served as the company’s STEM Education Program Coordinator and oversaw curriculum development and implementation for field trips conducted at over 30 iFLY locations. She also provided ongoing training and evaluation for more than 50 STEM educators working for iFLY throughout the country. 

“With the new and improved products, we will ensure we have highly qualified educators who get students fired up about STEM,” said Brumley. “The team is always looking for ways to refine the program such as creating new lessons and activities to align with national and state-specific education standards.”

To date, iFLY has hosted over 300,000 students and 10,000 schools for their STEM field trips in effort to increase awareness of exciting STEM careers and how STEM can be used in the real world. Led by a highly trained STEM educator, field trips include an interactive presentation on real-world STEM applications, a grade-appropriate lab activity, immersive experiments, physics demonstrations that come to life in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel, and one-on-one flights with a certified world-class iFLY instructor. iFLY STEM curriculum aligns with state-specific education standards while making STEM an exciting, one-of-a-kind learning experience.

Austin-based iFLY Holdings, LLC, is the world leader in the design, manufacturing, sales, and operations of wind tunnel systems for indoor skydiving. The company has flown more than 9,000,000 people in a dozen countries and at sea since launching the modern vertical wind tunnel industry in 1998. iFLY has over 70 facilities operating worldwide and close to 40 in the US. iFLY supports and utilizes the safety and training guidelines set out by the International Bodyflight Association (IBA) to ensure the safety and progression of the sport of indoor skydiving. iFLY Franchising enables aspiring business owners to have fun while working and empowering their community with iFLY’s products, which use advanced technologies and engineering to make the dream of flight a reality. iFLY is the world technology leader and operator of body flight experiences and provides potential franchisees with robust and vetted tools and processes ranging from retail location selection to consumer operating models. 

Courtesy photo, used with permission

Beat the heat this summer and save at iFLY Indoor Skydiving

iFLY Indoor Skydiving has a weekday Super Saver Special. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.

Summer is the perfect time to experience something new, and for a limited time, save up to 30% on weekdays. iFLY Indoor Skydiving is offering an opportunity to beat the crowd with a special weekday deal including the Super Saver FTF 2 Flight Package and other select party packages. These deals are offered Monday through Thursday from 12p.m. to 5p.m. at participating iFLY tunnels. Customers can navigate directly to their preferred iFLY location on a chosen weekday, and the special will appear 1st in the booking flow (limited time offer, exclusions apply). Prices vary per iFLY location. (iFLY, 2022)

iFLY is the perfect place to spend some time with your family and friends this summer and regardless of where you are, whether you are escaping the heat or the rain, every day is the perfect day to get in the air at iFLY. In fact, iFLY’s wind tunnels have a fresh air advantage over other experiences. Advanced wind tunnel technology provides guests with fresh, cool air while flying by recirculating and refreshing the air from outside the iFLY facilities. Tested and proven, iFLY’s wind tunnels create an environment at least 10x fresher than the average store or gym when flying guests—even at slow wind speeds. 

Austin-based iFLY Holdings, LLC, is the world leader in the design, manufacturing, sales, and operations of wind tunnel systems for indoor skydiving. The company has flown more than 9,000,000 people in a dozen countries and at sea since launching the modern vertical wind tunnel industry in 1998. iFLY has over 70 facilities operating worldwide and close to 40 in the US. iFLY supports and utilizes the safety and training guidelines set out by the International Bodyflight Association (IBA) to ensure the safety and progression of the sport of indoor skydiving. iFLY Franchising enables aspiring business owners to have fun while working and empowering their community with iFLY’s products, which use advanced technologies and engineering to make the dream of flight a reality. iFLY is the world technology leader and operator of body flight experiences and provides potential franchisees with robust and vetted tools and processes ranging from retail location selection to consumer operating models. 

The Moon’s Daughters kicks off full moon series

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters is unveiling a new ‘Cosmic Night’ series this Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature rooftop lounge The Moon’s Daughters is unveiling a new “Cosmic Night” series that will take place whenever a full moon lands each month. On July 13, hotel guests and the public alike can watch July’s full Buck Moon in all its glory, which will be the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)

Inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, The Moon’s Daughters lives up to its name offering a full celestial experience with the Cosmic series, equipped with a telescope to see the moon glitter along with tarot insight curated by Astrologer & Card Reader Kate Wind. On July 13, guests will find a Cosmic Coaster under their cocktail inspired by the Buck Moon. The Cosmic Coaster adds a flair of entertainment where guests will have the chance to scan a QR code, receive a prompt to think of questions, followed by unique insights, and will conclude with a positive affirmation. The Cosmic Coaster is a perfect ice breaker for a group or first date while The Moon’s Daughters is the best way to experience the full moon overlooking San Antonio’s sparkling skyline.

The July 13 celebration of the full Buck Supermoon, named after the season that bucks grow their antlers, will be the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2022. Fitting for The Moon’s Daughters, the popular rooftop restaurant and bar will be illuminated by the moon, shining its brightest at 9:05p.m. from the top of Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk.

Sound Cream Airstream returns to Pearl for special Bidi Bidi Party celebration

Thursday’s Bidi Bidi Party will be in honor of Selena’s birthday. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl and Park Bar at the Food Hall at Bottling Department are excited to welcome Sound Cream Airstream back to the park to celebrate Selena’s birthday on Thursday, April 21 from 6p.m to 9p.m. Sound Cream Airstream is an “all-in-one mobile discotheque” that puts on a dance party and DJ showcase. DJ Manola Black will be spinning Selena hits, Tejano favorites, cumbia, and more in honor of the Queen of Tejano. The event is free and open to the public.

Enjoy treats from San Antonio’s first food hall, The Bottling Department, which includes the restaurants Tenko Ramen, Mi Roti, Chilaquil and Kineapple. The Food Hall offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with tableside delivery and option to use QR codes for customers seated at select outdoor tables.

Pearl Park
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer. 

Spring Break activities: iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Bring the family together for a thrilling and unique Spring Break activity. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.

For families looking for something new to do during Spring Break this year, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is a thrilling and unique activity to incorporate into plans whether you add it to your vacation itinerary or you are planning to visit your local tunnel as a fun outing. With locations across the U.S., iFLY is a sports and recreation company with the mission to deliver the dream of flight. Guests do not need to be athletes or in the best shape of their lives. iFLY’s world-class instructors are pros at making flying safe and fun for everyone. (iFLY, 2022)

The company pioneered the body-flying “indoor skydiving” experience and is the world leader in vertical wind tunnel technology. Each iFLY tunnel is taking the proper precautions to ensure guests enjoy their flying experience by making an investment in new safety measures. In fact, iFLY’s wind tunnels have a fresh air advantage over other experiences. Advanced wind tunnel technology provides guests with clean air while flying by recirculating and refreshing the air from outside the iFLY facilities. Tested and proven, iFLY’s wind tunnels create an environment at least 10x fresher than the average store or gym when flying guests—even at slow wind speeds.

Austin-based iFLY Holdings, LLC, is the world leader in the design, manufacturing, sales, and operations of wind tunnel systems for indoor skydiving. The company has flown more than 9,000,000 people in a dozen countries and at sea since launching the modern vertical wind tunnel industry in 1998. iFLY has over 70 facilities operating worldwide and close to 40 in the US. iFLY supports and utilizes the safety and training guidelines set out by the International Bodyflight Association (IBA) to ensure the safety and progression of the sport of indoor skydiving. iFLY is the world technology leader and operator of body flight experiences and provides potential franchisees with robust and vetted tools and processes ranging from retail location selection to consumer operating models.