Whataburger holiday inflatables and gifts

Whataburger holiday yard ornaments. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, and for anyone already shopping for good deals, Whataburger has new holiday items and the ‘Whataweek of Deals’. (Whataburger, 2020)

Whataburger is bringing some big holiday cheer this year, with the Table Tent Inflatable and yard ornaments created by Houston-based company, Holiball, who will be featured on Shark Tank on December 4. These festive decorations are perfect for letting neighbors know the answer to the age-old question: “What’s your favorite burger place?” 

Some of the new holiday gifts include a new holiday sweater, nutcracker and Snowbaby, just to name a few.

Whataburger’s Whataweek of Deals includes:
• Monday, November 23 – 20% off Snowbaby and free shipping sitewide with code “20SNOWBABY”​
• Wednesday, November 25 – 20% off all apparel and free shipping sitewide with code “20APPAREL”​
• Friday, November 27 – Holiball yard ornaments available and buy more, save more with code “HOLIBALL”  (buy 2, get $10 off; buy 3, get $15 off; buy 4, get $20 off)
• Monday, November 30 – Table Tent Inflatables available with $10 off and free shipping sitewide​

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas.  He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 800 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service.  Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

San Antonio Magazine announces new leadership

Kathie Anderson is San Antonio Magazine’s new publisher. Photo: San Antonio Magazine, used with permission.

San Antonio Magazine (SAM), the 15-year-old city and lifestyle monthly, announces Kathie Anderson as publisher and Kathleen Petty as editor-in-chief. Rebecca Fontenot Cord, former publisher and editor-in-chief remains involved as editorial director of the magazine’s parent company, Open Sky Media. (San Antonio Magazine, 2020)

Kathie Anderson and her family recently returned to San Antonio after living in Tampa, Florida, for four years. While in Florida, Kathie worked in media and as a Realtor. Before moving to Tampa, she resided in San Antonio, where she worked at KENS-5 before joining San Antonio Magazine as associate publisher. Both outlets gave her the opportunity to assist businesses, clients and organizations in elevating their impact within the market via media exposure. Her expertise and passion are customizing marketing approaches utilizing multiple channels, such as digital, print and events. She also keeps keen watch on ever-changing market trends and quickly adapts strategy to optimize results.  

Kathleen Petty joined the San Antonio Magazine staff as associate editor in 2012, progressing through department ranks to executive editor. She seeks out stories and reports on everything from arts and culture to major city issues. She also manages freelance writers and has contributed to the direction and execution of each issue. Prior to moving to San Antonio, Petty worked as a general assignment reporter and then as a government writer for the Midland Reporter-Telegram. She also has freelanced for publications in Texas and Colorado. Petty earned a news-editorial journalism degree from Texas Christian University’s Schieffer College of Communication. She is originally from Colorado but has called Texas home since 2004.

San Antonio Magazine examines a city at the intersection of old and new, celebrating its dynamic culture, rich heritage and collaborative spirit of a community building toward the future. Since it began publishing in 2005, San Antonio Magazine has been connecting readers with the best of the city and inspiring locals to engage with the city in new ways. It is part of Open Sky Media, which also publishes Austin Monthly, Austin Home and Texas Music.

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café launches Holiday for Hunger

The Grinch crêpe at Sweet Paris. Photo: Sweet Paris, Used with permission.

Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café, located on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera – 15900 La Cantera Parkway, across from Grimaldi’s and two doors down from Sur la Table, is launching Holiday for Hunger.  A portion of proceeds from two holiday crêpes, the Turkey Cran Brie and The Grinch, will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. (Sweet Paris, 2020)

The Turkey Cran crêpe features roasted turkey, brie cheese, bacon, spinach and fresh cranberry sauce, garnished with walnuts and dried cranberries for $10.95; and The Grinch crêpe is a savory combination of sweet cream cheese, strawberries, red and green M&M’s, and dulce de leche in a grinchy green batter for $9.95. A portion of proceeds from these crepes sold from November 27 through December 23 will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. To participate, guests must say “Holiday for Hunger” when ordering.  Sweet Paris business hours are 11a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6p.m., Sunday.

The San Antonio Food Bank fights hunger and feeds hope in 16-counties and serves 58,000 individuals a week in one of the largest service areas in Texas. Sweet Paris shares the belief that no child should go to bed hungry and regularly aids the San Antonio Food Bank’s Kid’s Café and Backpack programs and believes that without awareness of a problem, people cannot take action to remedy it.

Culinaria promotes San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination. The organization supports local dining establishments through its Emergency Relief Fund and scholarships through its Endowment fund with the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Upcoming release: ‘Dark Tides’ by Philippa Gregory

‘Dark Tides’ is Philippa Gregory’s upcoming new historical novel. Photo: amazon

Philippa Gregory is the author of many The New York Times bestselling novels, including “The Other Boleyn Girl,” and is a recognized authority on women’s history. Many of her works have been adapted for the screen including “The Other Boleyn Girl.” She graduated from the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where she is a Regent. She holds honorary degrees from Teesside University and the University of Sussex. She is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff and was awarded the 2016 Harrogate Festival Award for Contribution to Historical Fiction. She is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London. She founded Gardens for the Gambia, a charity to dig wells in poor rural schools in The Gambia and has provided nearly 200 wells. Her new book “Dark Tides: A Novel,” Book 2 of 2 of The Fairmile Series, will be released on Tuesday November 24, 2020.  This historical drama tracks the rise of the Tidelands family in London, Venice, and New England. (Simon & Schuster, 2020)

In “Dark Tides,” two unexpected visitors arrive at a shabby warehouse on the south side of the River Thames. The first is a wealthy man named James Avery. He is hoping to find the lover he deserted twenty-one years before. He has everything to offer, including the approval of the newly restored King Charles II, and he believes that the warehouse’s poor owner Alinor has the one thing his money cannot buy—his son and heir. The second visitor is a beautiful widow from Venice who is in mourning. She claims Alinor as her mother-in-law and has come to tell Alinor that her son Rob has drowned in the dark tides of the Venice lagoon. Alinor writes to her brother Ned, who is newly arrived in faraway New England and trying to make a life between the worlds of the English newcomers and the American Indians as they move toward inevitable war. Alinor tells him that she knows, without a doubt, that her son is alive, and the widow is an imposter. This is a novel of greed and desire: for love, for wealth, for a child, and for home. It is set in the poverty and glamour of Restoration London – 1670, in the golden streets of Venice, and on the tensely contested frontier of early America.

Book review: ‘You Were Not Born to Suffer’ by Blake D. Bauer

‘You Were Not Born to Suffer’ by Blake D. Bauer. Photo: amazon

Blake D. Bauer is a wisdom teacher with an extensive background in psychology, alternative medicine, nutrition, traditional healing, and mindfulness meditation. Based on both his personal experience overcoming deep suffering, addiction and adversity, as well as his professional success with thousands of people worldwide, his work combines what he has found to be the most effective approaches to optimal mental, emotional and physical health. He is the author of the international bestselling book “You Were Not Born to Suffer: Overcome Fear, Insecurity and Depression and Love Yourself Back to Happiness, Confidence and Peace.” In this life-changing book, Blake Bauer explains why depression, addiction, physical illness, unfulfilling work and relationship problems are caused by years of hiding true emotions, denying a life purpose and living in fear.

First published in 2012, “You Were Not Born to Suffer” begins with an author Preface where he states that this updated edition contains insights that have helped thousands of people around the world improve their personal and professional lives. He faced his own battles with depression and now sees his purpose as sharing what he learned from his own suffering so that others can enjoy their lives as fully as possible. He acknowledges that life is short and people often take it for granted but assures readers that their happiness lies in their own hands and is “a daily choice we each need to make to overcome fear, negativity and guilt.” In the Introduction, he explains how the material in the book came from his search for freedom from his personal suffering, mental, emotional and physical, and a desire for the truth about life, himself and life’s purpose. The book is divided into thirty-three chapters ranging from Healing Guilt, Shame and Insecurity, Healthy Self-Esteem, Confidence and Trust in Life and Live Fully Before You Die. Each one begins with an inspirational quote and a reminder to take deep breaths and some end with “Practical Questions” and “Key Affirmations” to summarize key elements.

More than a self-help book, “You Were Not Born to Suffer” is a gentle reminder that even though our childhoods might have been difficult, it is time to move on and take charge of our lives.  Blake D. Bauer has gone through these challenges and is more than eager to share what he learned: plainly put, you alone are responsible for your own happiness, stop blaming others and take control of your own destiny/purpose. To do that, it is important to heal the past to affect the present. He includes inspirational quotes, mindfulness and breathing exercises as well as personal exercises such as writing letters to your younger self. The language is simple and easy to understand and he does not come across as preachy or condescending. Some of the topics dealing with spirituality and how the universe works may not be for everyone, but the overall guidance and advice is universal. Regarding self-esteem “Anyone who judges or rejects us only does so because they are still judging and rejecting themselves, so their reaction to us actually has little to do with us.” Standout chapters: Chapter 24: Practical Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance – contains nutrition advice (drinking plenty of water and avoiding highly processed foods) and lifestyle tips (mindfulness, meditation, journaling); and Chapter 15: Inhale Life Deeply and Slowly – focuses on the importance of slowing down and deep breathing. “You Were Not Born to Suffer” is a practical guide filled with positive messages on how to effectively handle financial worries, loneliness, guilt and self-doubt, among other issues. It is recommended for readers who appreciate advice on learning to take better care of themselves, heal old pain and live life to the fullest.   

“Because the purpose of human life is to enjoy it fully, while learning what it means to love unconditionally, filing our days with the small things that make us feel great is vital to creating a fulfilling life.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Pearl announces new green space and tiered parking

Changes coming up at Pearl include new green space and various parking levels. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to continue its transformation into a pedestrian-focused destination. The planned changes have been accelerated by COVID-19 with an increased need for outdoor seating for a safer guest experience. The center of Pearl will be adapted to human scale and become vehicle-free, with the Full Goods parking lot transitioning to green space as well as the creation of a pedestrian road that connects Broadway to the heart of the property. (Pearl, 2020)

The Full Goods parking lot will transform to green space with seating and other amenities, like the other current green spaces on the property, which are in front of The Bottling Department and Cured. Construction will begin in early 2021 and is estimated to be completed by Fall of 2021.

The nearly 3,000 parking spaces on the property will transition to a tiered approach, ranging from free to premium. Parking Ambassadors will provide increased security for parking areas and additional guest support. The Stable Lot with its 65+ spaces will be the first lot to transition to a Premium lot, with a text-to-pay interface; Premium parking will range from $6 – $10 depending on the number of hours. Pearl is dedicated to always offering free parking options and meeting the demands of retail and restaurant traffic and office, visitor, and employee needs. 

Parking Management Partner – Beginning in November 2020, LAZ Parking partners with Pearl to manage its nearly 3,000 parking spots, ranging from free to premium. Parking Ambassadors will manage inventory and flow. Guests will use a text-to-pay interface at the Stable Lot. On nights and weekends, Pearl visitors may use the Oxbow/Credit Human Garage. 

Stable Lot becomes Pearl Premium Lot – By November 16, the Stable Lot (65+ spaces) will transition to a Pearl premium lot where visitors will pay hourly to park. Handicap spaces will remain free. 

Establishment of Parking Tiers – There will be three categories of parking at Pearl: Premium, Standard, and Free. Spaces will be marked accordingly with a colored “P” (Premium, red; Standard, yellow; and Free, green) that corresponds with the tier. 

“As Pearl evolves, we seek to build pedestrian connectivity and increased green space. This evolution requires us to treat parking as an amenity with a tiered approach – from premium to free.” – Pearl Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Fauerso.

Pearl, located north of downtown San Antonio, provides a unique experience as a top culinary and cultural destination. The mixed-use space features retail, dining, picturesque green spaces, paseos riverside amphitheater, and the third campus of The Culinary Institute of America. As a former brewery operating from 1883 to 2001, Pearl reflects a vivid past while embracing the future with environmentally sustainable buildings mixed with historic architecture.

Taco Cabana’s Thanksgiving and Black Friday deals

Taco Cabana’s “Drinksgiving” deal for Thanksgiving. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.

To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Taco Cabana will offer three limited-time specials starting Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Taco Cabana lovers can enjoy their favorite menu items at special prices, including signature Taco Cabana tacos, margaritas, Cabana Bowls and more. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Kicking off the trio of specials, “Drinksgiving” will offer guests their choice of any one Taco Cabana soft taco, excluding brisket and steak tacos, and margarita combination of their choice for only $3. This combo is available on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 only. 

On Black Friday, November 27, Taco Cabana invites guests to enjoy a buy one, get one (BOGO) offer on their signature shredded chicken or ground beef TC Cabana Bowls, available with or without a crispy tortilla shell. This BOGO offer is valid on Black Friday November 27, 2020 only. 

Both the “Drinksgiving” and Black Friday offer can be ordered online for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MYTC! App. When redeeming the BOGO offer online, guests must use “Code424.”  Neither offer is available through third party delivery service providers.

Lastly, starting Black Friday, November 27, 2020 and running through Cyber Monday, November 30, 2020, Taco Cabana will offer a $0 delivery fee on all online orders with a minimum of $10 purchase. The offer is available when purchasing online, through the MYTC! App, DoorDash, Uber Eats or GrubHub.

Offers are valid at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open for dine-in. More information on Taco Cabana’s offerings is available online.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

Twang launches new seasonal cocktail rimmer

Twang’s Twang-a-Rita Cranberry Cheer. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang Partners, Ltd., a San Antonio family-owned company known for its product line of premium salts and seasonings, is thrilled to announce a new seasonal margarita salt launched in partnership with Rancho La Gloria. Twang-a-rita Cranberry Cheer is available now exclusively at H-E-B for a limited time throughout the 2020 holiday season. (Twang, 2020)

The newest cocktail rimming blend includes ingredients reminiscent of holiday favorites like cranberry, cane sugar, salt, and natural orange flavors. Twang’s Cranberry Cheer was created to be paired with Rancho La Gloria’s new Spiced Cranberry Margarita Wine Cocktail but can complement a variety of seasonal cocktails. Twang-a-rita Cranberry Cheer comes in a six-ounce tub for the convenient rimming of margarita glasses. The new blend retails for $3.98 and is available exclusively at all H-E-B locations now through the end of the year. 

Cranberry Cheer is the latest addition to Twang’s line of premium Twang-a-rita cocktail rimmers. Other Twang-a-rita flavors include Paloma Love, Citrus Splash, Sunrise Spice, Nectarberry and Unwind Lime and are available year-round.  

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Twang Partners Ltd. is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings and credited as being “The original beer salt.” Since 1986, Twang Partners has produced the highest quality products designed to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. Brands include Beer Salt, Michelada Mix, Twangerz, Twang-A- Rita, Clamato Salt, ZAS! Super Seasoning, and Cafe Zuca. Twang products are available in grocery, convenience, liquor and specialty store shelves across the country or online. Twang Partners has successfully collaborated with some of the top food and beverage companies around the world to create innovative custom blends.

San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot registration

Registration is now live for the San Antonio Food Bank’s 10th annual Turkey Trot. Photo: google

This is the race that puts the “turkey” in Turkey Trot: the 10th annual San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot. Registration is now live and walkers and runners are encouraged to sign up early. Presented by H-E-B, the 2020 event on Thanksgiving will be virtual due to the pandemic, so participants can walk/run the 5K from anywhere in the world on Thanksgiving Day. Every registration provides a turkey for someone in need in our community. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)

Walkers and runners can receive a Turkey Trot tech running shirt, finisher’s medal, and more as part of their registration. They also can opt to provide more than the one turkey provided from their registration.  Walkers and racers will be asked to post their day-of photos in their social media platform of choice and tag the Food Bank (safoodbank) or hashtag the race (#turkeytrotsatx). Registration information is found online.

“While we truly miss the annual event from the H-E-B headquarters and Commander’s House, this virtual event means that so many more can participate. We would expect more than 5,000 in-person, but this virtual option to run or walk a 5K (3.2miles or so) means that anyone can participate from anywhere they happen to be on Thanksgiving Day. We hope to see families participate with multi-generations that have never come downtown for the race. It could be huge. And it all benefits those facing hunger.” – Eric Cooper, President/CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

EVO celebrates sixth anniversary with free movies for Elevate Members

EVO Entertainment Group is celebrating with free movies for Elevate Members this Saturday November 21, 2020. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.

In celebration of EVO Entertainment Group’s and Kyle Crossing’s sixth anniversaries, each of EVO Entertainment Group’s seven locations will offer free movies to EVO Elevate Members on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Elevate Members can redeem their free movie pass to enjoy a new release, an old classic or a holiday favorite. The promotion will run all day on Nov. 21, 2020 during standard operating hours at each location and must be redeemed in-person that day. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2020)

During the era of COVID-19, EVO Entertainment Group has implemented increased safety procedures including dynamic seating in theaters, enhanced cleanings, mandatory masks for guests and staff, air filtration systems and reduced capacities at each venue.

EVO® Cinemas | Belterra Village – 166 Hargraves Drive, Suite A100 Austin, Texas 78737

EVO® Cinemas | Fredericksburg – 2254 S US Hwy 87 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

EVO® Entertainment | Kyle Crossing – 3200 Kyle Crossing Kyle, Texas 78640

EVO® Cinemas | Creekside Town Center – 214 Creekside Way New Braunfels, Texas 78130

EVO® Entertainment | Springtown Center – 1180 Thorpe Lane, Suite 130 San Marcos, Texas 78666

EVO® Cinemas | San Marcos Starplex 12 – 1250 Wonder World Drive San Marcos, Texas 78666

EVO® Entertainment | Schertz – 18658 IH-35N Schertz, Texas 78154

EVO Entertainment Group® is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator comprised of a number of innovative brands including EVO® Entertainment, EVO® Cinemas, and EVO® Concerts.  Since its launch in 2014, EVO® has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest growing independent cinema circuits in the country. EVO® Entertainment Group currently employs over 1,000 team members and entertains nearly 3 million guests annually.