New album release: Portraits – Quarters of Change

Quarters of Change recently released their exposed-nerve second album Portraits. Photo: Anna Henderson, used with permission.

One of the fastest rising rock bands coming out of New York City, Quarters of Change, recently released their album Portraits via 300 Entertainment. After retreating to Woodstock, NY, for two weeks, the band left with their most collaborative, exposed-nerve writing to date; something with a piece of each of them etched into it. Where their last album Into The Rift was staring into the dark tunnel ahead, Portraits is close to the other side, with the band surfacing for some light. (Big Hassle, 2024)

“The album is made up of individualized fragments that provide different perspectives and create their own little vignettes. I think of each fragment as a portrait, reflecting a separate emotion or moment. Overall, it dives into themes of addiction, isolation and exploration.” – frontman Ben Roter.

Anchored by a mutual predisposition for unpredictability, Quarters of Change fuse together a signature hybrid of nineties-style alternative hooks, crunchy space rock soundscapes, and strutting seventies grooves. After piling up millions of streams, selling out shows, and inciting critical applause, the New York City quartet — Ben Acker (guitar, bass, synths), Attila Anrather (drums), Jasper Harris (guitars, bass, synths), and Ben Roter (vocals, guitar)— released Portraits. 

Leaning on an unspoken musical language of their own, forged by years of cutting their teeth together, sneaking into shows they were once too young to play, and practicing in the basement of their old high school, Quarters of Change very clearly have a lifelong bond that has created their own breed of alternative rock with stadium scope. 

Quarters of Change simultaneously emerged as a live force, supporting Bad Suns and selling out their first-ever US headline tour. Doubling down on amplifying the energy, and turning up the distortion, Quarters of Change have quietly emerged as a phenomenon, and maintain this momentum with the release of their new album, available everywhere now. In the coming months, the band will continue rolling out more content from Portraits. They’ll be joining the festival lineups of Governors Ball and Shaky Knees, with more to be announced soon.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Portraits track list:
“What I Wanted”
“Depression II”
“Heaven Bound”
“Turn It Away”
“Tightrope”
“Cherry Tree”
“Do or Die”
“Time Before Mourning”
“Hollywood Baby”
“Illogical Decisions”
“Keep My Blood”

Book review: ‘The Essential Guide to Chair Yoga for Seniors’ by Laura Garrett

‘The Essential Guide to Chair Yoga for Seniors’ an essential guide to better physical and mental well being. Photo: Amazon

Laura Garrett is a successful cookbook writer and hobby book author known for her ability to make even the most complex tasks approachable and enjoyable for beginners. She continues to inspire and educate people through her work, sharing her love of cooking and hobbies with a wider audience. Her new book “The Essential Guide to Chair Yoga for Seniors” is an essential guide to help readers, not just seniors, improve their overall physical and mental well being. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Essential Guide to Chair Yoga for Seniors” makes yoga accessible to seniors looking to improve the quality of their life regardless of their fitness level or mobility. In the first chapter Welcome Note from the Author, she states that as a wellness author and practitioner working with seniors, she “.. saw a need for an exercise form that was not only safe and accessible but also enjoyable and beneficial in the long term.” That’s when she discovered the benefits that chair yoga has for seniors. This book includes exercises to help improve your strength, mobility, and balance. More importantly, it also features personal stories from her students as proof of how chair yoga has helped them regain the ability to perform everyday tasks and in the long run, finding a renewed sense of independence and confidence.

The book is divided into nine chapters including The Benefits of Chair Yoga (strength, mobility, mental health), Mobility Exercises, Strength Exercises, Mindfulness Exercises, and Advanced Exercises. She takes readers through the entire process, from breath exercises, to warm up stretches, and the various exercises. The exercises are listed with illustrations, using plain language, and detailed step by step explanations that include duration and how many sets to do. The chapters on mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques, and relaxation practices, aside from being important parts of a holistic yoga practice, are especially helpful for seniors looking to manage stress, improve mental clarity, and create a sense of inner peace.

Overall, it is not just an exercise book, it is an essential guide for seniors looking to improve their overall physical and mental fitness. The last chapter, Additional Resources, has other resources to consider including YouTube channels, fitness programs, and other useful books, which makes it especially beneficial not just for seniors, but for caregivers who work with seniors. It is highly recommended for readers interested in incorporating yoga into their routines, whether they are seniors, have mobility issues, or just beginners.

*The author was contacted for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Taco Cabana launches Big Red Margarita, Fish Tacos and Chilaquiles Bowls

If you are a fan of Big Red, Taco Cabana is launching its Big Red Margarita. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana is excited to announce several new limited-time-only menu items hitting restaurants this month that fans will love. In February, Taco Cabana will introduce all new Fish Tacos, new Chilaquiles Bowls and a Margarita made with Big Red to all participating Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2024)

Launching in time for the Lenten season, Taco Cabana will roll out its New Fish Tacos, made with wild caught, beer-battered Icelandic cod topped with a creamy pepper-limón sauce, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo. The fish tacos are available individually, as a taco plate and as a taco combo. The tacos will be available starting Wednesday, February 14 and will be on the menu through Easter.

Taco Cabana is also thrilled to introduce its all new Chilaquiles Bowls featuring crispy tortilla strips topped with scrambled eggs and the guest’s choice of ranchero or green sauces. The Chilaquiles Bowls are then topped off with sour cream and sprinkled with cotija cheese. Taco Cabana’s classic salsa verde recipe is also making its return to stores this month and will be available to-go and at the in-store salsa bars. The Chilaquiles Bowls will be available all day at Taco Cabana starting Wednesday, February 14 for a limited time only.

To round out February’s exciting new launches, Taco Cabana will introduce its newest Margarita featuring Big Red in time for National Margarita Day on February 22. Taco Cabana worked closely with the team at Keurig Dr Pepper to come up with an innovative way to mix Taco Cabana’s margaritas with Big Red in a way that blends and showcases the flavors that consumers love. Guests can purchase the Margarita featuring Big Red as a single serving, a margarita yard, or in gallon size. Guests can also get a limited time combo with two Barbacoa Tacos and the new margarita. All will be available starting Thursday, February 22 for a limited time only.

“We have a lot of great things happening at Taco Cabana this month. We’re so excited to bring even more awesome menu items to our customers! Our team has worked hard to create new and innovative items like the Margarita featuring Big Red, the Chilaquiles Bowls and of course the new Fish Tacos. We look forward to having our guests try them in our restaurants or wherever they choose to get them delivered.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana President and COO

Taco Cabana’s menu items can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App. 

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of January 1, 2024, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Taco Cabana Chilaquiles Bowls. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Upcoming new book release: ‘Love in Words and Music’ by J.M. Unrue

‘Love in Words and Music: a novel in dialogue’ by J.M. Unrue. It will be released on March 1, 2024. Photo: J.M. Unrue, used with permission.

February is here, so of course, that means so is Valentine’s Day and everything having to do with romance. Romance novels are some of the most popular novels for obvious reasons. Today, I would like to focus on a romantic novel by J.M. Unrue, “Love in Words and Music.” What makes this novel unique is that it is written solely in dialogue form, which makes for a quicker, easier to read experience. It is a love story with plenty of love-language, affection, and humor, making it the perfect novel to enjoy during the most romantic month of the year. Discover Brad and Patricia’s love journey. Pre-order your copy today. It will be released March 1 and is available for pre-order now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

J.M. Unrue is the author of fiction and social satire as fiction, including “God on a Budget,” “The Festival of Sin,” and “A Blunt Grace.” His new book “Love in Words and Music” is an epic love story told entirely in dialogue. At its heart, the book is a love story. Two people meet on a singles’ cruise and build a lifelong-relationship spanning fifty years. They are both bright, articulate, and completely involved with and devoted to each other. (J.M. Unrue, 2024)

“Love in Words and Music” – From the first dance to the last word, an epic love story spanning fifty years. Told entirely in dialogue, an encounter on an ocean liner leads to life and living in the heartland of the American Midwest.

Brad, a psychiatric nurse—solid, steady, and devoted, and Patricia, a college professor—beautiful, free-spirited and passionate, meet, fall in love, and settle in Minneapolis.

A lifelong affair filled with humor, affection, and abiding devotion. Through triumphs and trials, and bonds stretched to the breaking point, love endures. Through fortune and misfortune, love flourishes.
Through setbacks and victories, they remain focused on the life they have built together.

A life. A whole life. Told in words and music. Unrue’s storytelling is a beacon of understanding for the human condition.

Disclaimer: This book contains nongraphic scenes of marital sexual encounters and innuendo.

                                  EXCERPT – reprinted with author’s permission

Age 31 & 28

“Would you consider doing something else?”
“Well, I don’t want to spend my time dealing Prozac to disaffected housewives or adding ‘there there’ to my repertoire.”
“No, but it wouldn’t hurt to patch up mental boo-boos for a while, would it?”
“Probably not. What brought this on?”
“…I guess I’m concerned about how dealing with so much trauma will have a long-term effect on you.”
“I’m handling it okay, I think.”
“For now.”
“…I honestly believe I’m doing some good.”
“No doubt there.”
“Are you really worried about that?”
“Some…I guess I have ulterior motives, too.”
“Oh? You think the VA is hindering my sexual performance.”
“No.”
“Good, because there’s nothing that revs the glands like a group of damaged
men wondering how it all went so wrong.”

Sponsored Post

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Television adaptation: ‘One Day’ by David Nicholls

The television series adaptation of ‘One Day’ is now streaming on Netflix. Photo: Amazon

David Nicholls is a British novelist and screenwriter best known for “Starter for Ten,” “The Understudy,” “Us,” “Sweet Sorrow,” and “One Day.” “One Day” was published in 2009 to extraordinary critical acclaim and was translated into 40 languages. It became a global bestseller, selling millions of copies worldwide. His fourth novel, “Us,” was longlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction. He is the executive producer and a contributing screenwriter on a new Netflix series adaptation of “One Day.” The series consists of 14 episodes and the first one is available now.

“One Day” – Two people, one day. What starts as a fleeting connection between two strangers soon becomes a deep bond that spans decades. It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. They face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. Dex and Em must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself. As the years go by, the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed. (Amazon, 2024)

Valentine’s Day cocktails and gift ideas

The Love Paloma made with Cantera Negra Silver Tequila. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Red alert!! Valentine’s Day (February 14) is less than a week away. If you are still looking for gift ideas and cocktail recipes to celebrate the big day with your loved one, check out these gifts and festive new recipes from Gray Whale Gin, Cantera Negra Tequila, and Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon. (Create Entertainment/Create Studios, 2024)

Gift ideas:

The new Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon (best gifts under $55), the entire portfolio of certified additive-free, celebrity-free tequila made from 100% fully mature Blue Weber Agave, Cantera Negra Tequila (including Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo and Café), and the Gray Whale Gin Sustainable Apparel Collection and upcycled candle, both benefitting Oceana.

Cocktail recipes:

Valentine Cheers

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 parts Gray Whale Gin
    • 1 part Pear juice
    • 0.5 part Simple syrup
    • 0.5 part Fresh lemon juice
    • 3 parts Josh Prosecco
    • Garnish: Green grapes and rosemary sprig for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • Set aside 2 green grapes for garnish.
    • Combine remaining ingredients except for Josh Prosecco in cocktail shaker.
    • Lightly muddle grapes, then shake vigorously.
    • Double strain into champagne flute and top with Josh.
    • Garnish with rosemary sprig skewered with grapes. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Love Paloma

A delightful blend of Cantera Negra Silver, pomegranate juice and zesty fresh lime juice, the Pom Paloma is a twist on a classic. Allspice Dram adds a hint of winter spice that balances the tart pomegranate and will have you coming back for more.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 parts Cantera Negra Silver Tequila
    • 0.75 part Pomegranate Juice
    • 0.75 part Allspice Dram
    • 0.25 part Fresh lime juice
    • Top with soda
  • Directions:
    • Combine all ingredients (except soda) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with a blood orange slice. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Date Night Old Fashioned

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 parts Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon
    • 0.25 part Maple Syrup
    • 2 dashes Coffee Pecan Bitters
    • 2 dashes Black Walnut Bitters
    • Garnish with Orange Peel
  • Instructions:
    • Add Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon, maple and bitters to mixing glass over ice. Stir for 30 seconds until cold. Strain liquid over fresh ice into rocks glass and garnish with orange peel. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon: The name, bottle and small batch approach were inspired by the turn of the century in America, a time of unprecedented progress and adventure when all bourbon was small batch. Aged in the rolling hills of Tennessee, Bib & Tucker doesn’t cut corners and uses no additives, artificial flavors or artificial colors. In a time when other brands are taking their age statements away, Bib & Tucker proudly puts the age statement on the front of every bottle. Bib & Tucker 6-Year-Old was awarded 93 Points from Whisky Advocate, ranking #14 out of the Top 20 Whiskies in 2021, and the bourbons are best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in whiskey-forward cocktails.

Cantera Negra is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila, hand-crafted in small batch quantities from 40 years of family tradition in Mexico. Decades ago, Don Alberto Becherano began making tequila as a hobby, and he has been perfecting his proprietary method for making undoubtedly the best tasting tequilas in the world ever since. Cantera Negra means “Black Quarry,” inspired by the rich volcanic soil from where our agaves grow. Their tequila is handcrafted in small-batch quantities using 100% fully mature Blue Weber agaves. Cantera Negra does not believe in cutting corners and permit only time-honored traditional production methods, and unlike others, they never add sugars or colorings.

Gray Whale Gin was founded on the principle that a consciously crafted spirit can bring people together for good times while doing some good in the world. Every bottle of Gray Whale Gin gives back through 1% for the Planet and partnership with Oceana, the largest organization in the world devoted to ocean conservation. In less than 5 years, Gray Whale Gin has already helped make legislative change, permanently protecting the oceans off the West Coast. Gray Whale Gin is perfected with sustainably sourced and wild harvested botanicals foraged along the migratory path of the California Gray Whale.

Upcoming new album release: Playing Favorites – Sheer Mag

Sheer Mag releases new single/video for ‘Moonstruck’ from their new album Playing Favorites. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Sheer Mag is a rock band from Philadelphia that combines 1970s rock and punk elements and has worked hard to carve out a clear singular position within the canon of contemporary rock. Effortlessly switching between the refined flourishes of a “connoisseur’s band” and the ecstatic colloquialism of populist songwriting—yet displaying no strict loyalty to either camp—their sound, while often referenced, is unmistakably and immediately recognizable as theirs alone. On Playing Favorites, Sheer Mag’s third full-length and first with Third Man Records, the band capitalize on a decade’s worth of devotion to their own collective spirit—a spirit refined in both the sweaty trenches of punk warehouses and the larger-than-life glamour of concert halls—emerging with a dense work of gripping emotions, massive hooks, and masterfully constructed power-pop anthems. This is the record the Philadelphian rock and roll four-piece has always been destined to make. (Another Side, 2024)

Playing Favorites elevates their signature approach to rock and roll to lushly cinematic new heights. Their latest single “Moonstruck” lives up to its titular reference of Hollywood-sized surprise romance and spools out a charming story of desire. Fans can pre-order/pre-save Playing Favorites here.

“‘Moonstruck’ is about how invigorating it is to have a new crush. After too long lost in the wilderness, it’s gratifying to find a beacon of tenderness to help reorient yourself in the maze of love. Written in 2021 and originally intended for a disco EP, ‘Moonstruck’ has been reworked as a more expansive and lush arrangement and features some of our favorite guitar work on the new record.” – Matt Palmer, guitarist and lyricist

The album burns with a sweetened gratitude for the lot one has been given in life: the luck of coming up punk; the luck of living an unalienated life; the luck of feeling love, and losing love. It is undoubtedly a record by the same Sheer Mag that audiences have spent the last decade falling in love with. In fact, for all of its sonic departures and evolutions, this record is perhaps the most “Sheer Mag” release yet. Not so much a return to form, but rather a realization of those greatest promises that the band has up until now only hinted at. With Playing Favorites, Sheer Mag cater to their tastes and their tastes alone: so long as they continue to do so, the future of rock and roll, that great human tradition, is in the best of hands.

Sheer Mag will embark on an extensive headlining tour this spring that will kick off in D.C. late March and will take them coast to coast through early May. They have confirmed performances at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom, a hometown show at Philadelphia’s First Unitarian Church and more. Tickets and updates are available online. 

Playing Favorites track listing:
01 – Playing Favorites
02 – Eat It and Beat It
03 – All Lined Up
04 – Don’t Come Lookin’
05 – I Gotta Go
06 – Moonstruck
07 – Mechanical Garden (Featuring Mdou Moctar)
08 – Golden Hour
09 – Tea On The Kettle
10 – Paper Time
11 – When You Get Back

Sheer Mag tour dates:
Mar 29: Washington, DC – Songbyrd
Mar 30: Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle – Back Room
Mar 31: Asheville, NC – Eulogy
Apr 01: Nashville, TN – The Blue Room at Third Man Records
Apr 02: Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade, Purgatory
Apr 04: New Orleans, LA – Siberia
Apr 05: Houston, TX – The End
Apr 06: Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge
Apr 07: Dallas, TX – Double Wide
Apr 09: Mesa, AZ – The Underground
Apr 10: Tucson, AZ – Club Congress
Apr 11: San Diego, CA – The Casbah
Apr 12: Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room
Apr 13: Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room
Apr 15: San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop
Apr 17: Portland, OR – Star Theater
Apr 18: Seattle, WA – The Vera Project
Apr 19: Boise, ID – The Shredder
Apr 20: Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
Apr 22: Denver, CO – Hi Dive
Apr 24: Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge
Apr 25: Minneapolis, MN – 7th St. Entry
Apr 26: Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon
Apr 27: Chicago, IL – Sleeping Village
Apr 29: Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
May 05: Somerville, MA – Crystal Ballroom
May 06: East Haven, CT – Beeracks
May 08: New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
May 10: Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church
May 01: Toronto, ON – Velvet Underground
May 03: Buffalo, NY – Mohawk Place
May 04: Troy, NY – No Fun
May 31 – Jun 02: Northampton, MA – Field Day Music Festival

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Book review: ‘The Girl from Wudang’ by PJ Caldas

‘The Girl from Wudang: A Novel About Artificial Intelligence, Martial Arts and Immortality’ by PJ Caldas. Photo: Amazon

PJ Caldas, a.k.a PJ Pereira, the author of multiple best-selling novels in Brazil, was named one of the most important writers of the 21st century by the Dictionary of Brazilian Literature. He published four books inspired by the mythology carried to the country by the African diaspora and reached the top five best-selling titles multiple times. PJ is also a martial artist with 40 years of experience in combat sports, including kempo, karate, tai chi, and Brazilian jiu jitsu. In 2023 he was named Jury President of the Artificial Intelligence Awards at the Art Director’s Club and curated a Global immersive exhibit of designers collaborating with AI, called ADC101+1, as a way to explore the use of this emerging technology as a creative tool. His new book “The Girl from Wudang” is a story about immortality, martial arts, and AI that will change the way you look at life, science, and the crazy times we are living in.

“The Girl from Wudang” – My Name is Tigress and I am immortal. This is my story. Embark on a mind-bending journey with Tigress as she navigates the confusing jumps of conscience that throw her between tender moments of her childhood practicing Tai Chi in China, the most violent cage fights in California, and a secret lab where scientists experiment with her brain. She was raised in a traditional Chinese setting, immersed in Tai Chi and the Dao, but life soon takes her to California where she gets involved in professional fighting, which she loves. The story begins with an internet Blackout and Tigress is watching it unfold on television in her Oakland home and then decides to go for a jog around the neighborhood. Trouble always seems to find her, or she goes looking for it, but either way, she gets involved in a brutal street fight. Then there is a flash and she is transported to another location. This is Tigress’ life, and she shares her experiences as well as the journey that completely changes her life.

In “The Girl from Wudang,” PJ Caldas gives readers a look into the life of a confident, strong, and self-reliant fighter who evolves from a street fighter to a selfless immortal being. She is a trained fighter, and at first she is smug, but her intent is to teach women to fight: “When it comes to fighting, here’s the difference between a guy and a girl: we know they underestimate us. And I love to make them regret that.” Searching for a way to alleviate her chronic headaches, she allows herself to be part of an experiment and that is where cutting edge technology steps in. Tigress is telling her story, so it is in the first person point of view and the narration, especially the fight scenes, are highly descriptive: “My heels smash his sternum, making a crack and a puffing sound, though momentum and idiocy keep pushing his hips forward.” At first, the footnotes seem out of place, but they become useful when explaining Chinese culture and the author’s thought processes and other background information. The action is fast paced but the sudden jumps in location can seem confusing and some of the fight action is bloody and violent. Regardless, this speculative science fiction novel expertly combines ancient traditions, modern day technology/science, spirituality, and martial arts. It is a must read for fans of cyberpunk and science fiction thrillers by William Gibson and Stieg Larsson.

“This strange dimension where I live, this place nerds call ‘the cloud’ isn’t the Dao of my ancestors. Though, from where I stand, I can hear everything.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with sweets and special treats

Sweeten your Valentine’s Day with special offerings from Bakery Lorraine. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are still looking for inspiration on how to celebrate the big day, here are a couple of suggestions from Bakery Lorraine and iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Whether you like celebrating with something sweet or looking for something adventurous, unique, and special to do with a significant other or friends, read on for more details. (Bakery Lorraine, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2024)

Bakery Lorraine is adding an extra touch of romance to the big holiday. For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday available in-store at all locations.

The sweets include: 

  • Strawberry Pop Heart
  • Heart Moonpie
  • Japonaise
  • Berry Tart

In addition to themed desserts, Bakery Lorraine is offering Valentine’s Day bouquets with macarons for pre-order now online until 12p.m. on Sunday, February 11. Pickup is on Valentine’s Day at the Bakery Lorraine location noted on the order.

For guests in San Antonio, Bakery Lorraine at Pearl will have a flower pop up tent from 4p.m. to 7p.m. on Valentine’s Day (February 14) with beautiful florals available for purchase.

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery serves an all-day menu including items like its Croque Madame, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has four locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in the Medical Center, one in the RIM shopping center, and one inside The DoSeum. Bakery Lorraine also has an Austin location at the Domain NORTHSIDE and a Boerne location.

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In celebration of Valentine’s Day, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is spreading the love by offering a special “Love Is in the Air” package for first-time flyers that includes four flights and two videos shared by two people. This package is a perfect idea for adventurous couples, friends, and families seeking a thrill this Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s for a unique Valentine’s Day date night or a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day celebration, iFLY brings loved ones together for an unforgettable experience.

The exclusive package is available for purchase online and at iFLY tunnels from now through February 19. Flights must be purchased, booked and used at a participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving location within the promotional timeframe (2/1/24 – 2/19/24) for flights to be redeemable.

iFLY is a sports and recreation company with the mission to deliver the dream of flight. The company pioneered the body-flying “indoor skydiving” experience and is the world leader in vertical wind tunnel technology. Guests don’t 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. Prices vary per iFLY location.

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 U.S. 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.

For a totally unique Valentine’s Day gift idea, consider iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.
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New book release: ‘Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide’ by Cara Reese

‘Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide’ by Cara Reese. Photo: Amazon

I’ve been an avid reader all my life and some of my favorite memories as a child are linked to books in one way or another. Books make such wonderful gifts, especially for children. Not only are they entertaining, they can also be used as educational tools to help them expand their vocabulary and teach them how to be kind and responsible citizens. In today’s new book news, Cara Reese has a new children’s book out, “Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kid’s Guide.” It is all about Dr. King’s trip to India, so if you’re looking for the perfect book for the child/children in your life that will teach them about Dr. King’s experience in India and his nonviolent philosophy, consider this new title, especially during Black History Month. Pick up your copy today – it is available on Amazon.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Christian minister, activist, and political philosopher who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. (Wikipedia)

Cara Reese has roots in St. Louis, Chicago and Dallas/Ft. Worth. She received her B.A. in Humanities and her M.A. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. A third-generation educator who’s endlessly inspired by the power of historical picture books, she studied children’s literature at Columbia University. Cara lives in Atlanta and remains perpetually in awe of the city’s rich history. When the stars are perfectly aligned, she enjoys globe-trekking with her amazing family, staring for hours at the ocean, or aspiring to make the perfect kale chip. Cara Reese’s first children’s book, “Black Artists Rock! A Cool Kids’ Guide A-Z,” earned the coveted Kirkus star. “Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide,” has earned the Kirkus starred review and is Cara’s second children’s book. Read an interview with the author on Kirkus Reviews.

“Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide” – In this vibrant and lyrical text, the little-known story of Dr. King’s exhilarating and life-changing journey to India is finally told. Inspired by Gandhi’s nonviolent philosophy, Martin and his wife, Coretta, jet set across the globe to the wondrous land of India. Traveling by planes, trains and boats, their colorful month-long adventure would change them forever. This compassionate and deeply touching story is a testament to the power of Gandhi’s and King’s nonviolent philosophy to connect people across continents for a common goal: justice.

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