NHOME Texas Magazine July/Aug 2014

NH ME TEXAS

LUXURY LIVING

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DESIGNS

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HOME IDEAS

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R E A L E S TAT E

Building Dreams

MIKE HOLLAWAY CUSTOM HOMES 

Terrence Butler:

STANDOUT SUCCESS AT LONE STAR NATIONAL BANK 

First-Class Sales and Service ANGELICA ALBANESE A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE SOUL Interior Decorating 101 With Diane DuPont-Marlow JULY//AUGUST 2014

Small Investments for Serious Improvements HOLLYWOOD-CRAWFORD AND THE SURPRISING SELLING POINTS OF GARAGE DOORS JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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Iconic luxury.

Legendary service.

The all-new 2015 Escalade.

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KenBatchelor.com / NHOME JULY//AUGUST 2014

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Add convenience and easy access to all levels of your home. Call for a free guide to home elevators!

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TOLL FREE NUMBER: (866) 321-4245 JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR PARADISE

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AnthonySylvanSA.com JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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Luxury Living in San Antonio The Dominion

42 Royal Heights | Custom showpiece estate perched on private, lush grounds. Price Upon Request.

Fossil Ridge

3906 Wilderness Rim | Amazing French Country Style Estate. Price Upon Request.

Angelica Julissa Albanese Associate Broker | Luxury Home Expert C: 210.383.4740 kwselecthomes@gmail.com

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2338 N. LOOP 1604 W. STE. 120 SAN ANTONIO, TX. 78248

july//august 2014 TE XAS N HOME MAGAZIN E

CUSTOM HOMES

Mike Hollaway Custom Homes As one of San Antonio's most successful luxury homebuilders, multiaward-winning real estate veteran Mike Hollaway and his team build every home as if they were building for family.

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features 40 FUNCTIONAL DESIGN

Diane DuPont-Marlow on Interior Decorating The award-winning managing partner of Palazzo Reale Furnishings offers tips and tricks for decorating your home and provides insight into how interior decorating offers a glimpse inside the soul.

52 REAL ESTATE

Angelica Albanese This super-successful luxury homes associate broker with Keller Williams Realty Heritage offers first-class service and works one-on-one with her clients to stay on top of their needs and provide them with the home of their dreams.

54 REAL ESTATE

Terrence Butler The dedicated mortgage production manager at Lone Star National Bank in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley works hard to make the bank one of the top mortgage companies in the state of Texas.

68 TABLE TALK & EVENTS

Hollywood-Crawford Talks Garage Doors They are often overlooked, but garage doors represent a relatively small investment that can quickly increase the value of your home. San Antonio-based Hollywood-Crawford Door Company weighs in.

JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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NHOME

IN THIS ISSUE

staff

Dine 22 Smart Summer Dining

Custom Homes 36 The Best of the Best

Green 44 The Green Journey 46 Mini Size, Maxi Benefits

ART DIRECTOR

Arts & Culture

Elisa Giordano

62 A Second Look

Great Escapes 66 It's Spa Time

Events 70 Welcoming the Who's Who 72 NHOME Networking Mixer 74 Summer of Fun

IN EVERY ISSUE 11 On the Cover 12 A Note From the Publisher

16 Contributors 18 Advisory Board 82 Letters to the Publisher

STAY IN THE KNOW,

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Erin O’Brien

www.NHomeTX.com

SCAN Scan the QR code for more information or to view our lastest issue.

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Chinyere Okoro

INTERN

Miriam Guajardo Resendez PHOTOGRAPHY: VERNON WENTZ WITH AD IMAGERY

OU T OF TOUCH.

A HERD OF DEER AS YOUR GALLERY. A FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN. THE WAGER AND BRAGGING RIGHTS...

UNTIL NEXT WEEKEND.

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Getting here is easy, leaving is a whole other matter.

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and love at first sight is a real thing. Sure, having an incredible Nicklaus Signature golf course whispering your name every day can put an irrepressible smile on your face. But that’s just one of the many rewards that comes from living at Cordillera Ranch.

We invite you to see how life is better out here.

Luxury Hill Country living from the $500’s+ www.CordilleraRanch.com | 888-66-RANCH

Life is better out here.

Golf Club | River Club | Social Club | Spa & Athletic Club | Tennis & Swim Club | Rod & Gun Club | Equestrian Club

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TM

{ ON THE COVER {

MIKE HOLLAWAY CUSTOM HOMES is a family-owned business that builds throughout San Antonio, with current projects in the prestigious neighborhoods of Bentley Manor, Canyon Springs, Champions Ridge, Cordillera Ranch, Cresta Bella, Deer Canyon, The Dominion, River Crossing, Rogers Ranch and more. Homes are also being built outside of San Antonio in Boerne, Comfort, Floresville and Uvalde. Future projects will include Austin and Horseshoe Bay to the north, in South Texas from as far west as Laredo and Eagle Pass to throughout the Eagle Ford Shale area and as far east as Alice.

Mike Hollaway Custom Homes will build 25-plus homes this year priced from the high $300s to $5 million-plus, with an average of $1.1 million. Currently, about 85 percent of their business is custom, with 45 percent being repeat and referral.

JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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a note from the publisher

W

e are very excited to feature Mike Hollaway Custom Homes on our cover for this issue! Mike Hollaway has always been one of my favorite people. Everyone who knows him or who has had the pleasure to exchange even just a few words with him will certainly agree with this sentiment.

Hollaway’s family-owned business builds unique homes in San Antonio and the surrounding cities and other areas; I have followed and toured them for about 10 years now, and they have always been top notch! Kudos to Hollaway and his team for their continued success! Readers, find out for yourself what makes Mike Hollaway Custom Homes so successful and highly respected in the building industry.

As always, NHOME likes to profile the best of the best in luxury real estate. In this issue, Angelica Albanese, a topproducing luxury home realtor with Keller Williams, fills us in about the most important things in her life: her PROUD MEMBER OF: family and helping make the dreams of her affluent clients come true.

We are also proud to feature Terrence Butler, the mortgage production manager for Lone Star National Bank who shares that his mission is to make the bank one of the top mortgage companies in the state of Texas.

Read the profile to learn more about his personal and professional history.

If you’re dreaming of finally investing in that $1 millionplus home, this issue highlights a talented, trusted builder; a smart, beautiful realtor; and a mortgage production manager you can trust! Now, how about furnishing that home?

NHOME has taken care of that, too – we asked seasoned furniture store owner Diane DuPont-Marlow of Palazzo Reale to share her expert tips for decorating and furnishing your custom home.

It’s still summer, so don’t forget to take a vacation or to block out just one day for relaxation and rejuvenation. If you need ideas, check out our article about spa getaways in and around San Antonio and the Hill Country. If you go as far as the Dallas area, you can visit My Choice Spa & Wellness Lounge in Desoto.

We love your continued support, and we appreciate your encouraging letters filled with compliments – so please keep them coming!

Sincerely and Always in Appreciation,

Adaku Okoro, publisher adaku@nhometx.com

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Unparalleled Knowledge and Expertise!

“Custom home building is an art. I strive to create exclusive designs and features, integrating quality materials and craftsmanship, building a home that reflects your personality and lifestyle needs.�

- Mike Hollaway, President

www.mikehollaway.com 2511 N. Loop 1604 W. Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78258 Mike Hollaway, President

210.490.0069 JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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NH ME TEXAS

JULY // AUGUST 2014

PUBLISHER

Adaku Okoro ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Erin O’Brien

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Chinyere Okoro

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angela Clack Gabriel Diego Delgado Rita Zenzen Heck Diane DuPont-Marlow Kim Young

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Becky Majors Siggi Ragnar Jason Risner Jason Roberts Vernon Wentz

INTERN

Miriam Guajardo Resendez

The Art of 3M3KA! a canvas art and rug designer

eokoro@gmail.com 704.241.1759 http://www.imagekind.com/art/stunning/emeka/ artwork-on/fine-art-prints 14

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www.nhometx.com For advertising information, please call 210.568.9688 or email info@nhometx.com.

For editorial comments and suggestions, please email info@nhometx.com.

TO REACH US: 10221 Desert Sands, Ste. 208 San Antonio, Texas 78216 Phone: 210.568.9688 Copyright © by NHOME Texas Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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contributors KIM YOUNG Kim Young, a native Texan and second-generation realtor, is a broker/associate with BH&GRE Bradfield Properties. She has been assisting luxury homebuyers and sellers in the San Antonio/Hill Country area since 1999. She is a four-year recipient of the coveted National Five Star Professional Award and a four-year past recipient of the Platinum Top 50 Award. She is a certified Texas Real Estate Commission MCE instructor and a CARTUS-certified buyer/marketing specialist, and she serves on the Texas Association of Realtors Professional Standards Committee and the SABOR Education/Instructor Committee. In addition to her real estate career, she is an author and co-author of the Creating Machine series, and she writes for various publications and websites.

DIANE DUPONT-MARLOW Diane DuPont-Marlow is the engaging managing partner of Palazzo Reale Furnishings – the go-to person in the Hill Country for interesting personal interiors. As a Texas native with a background in the television and modeling industry, DuPont-Marlow earned her bachelor’s degree at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. After college, she came back to Texas and started Socialite, an event design company that eventually received the Entrepreneur of the Year award. Event decorating eventually led to real estate, so DuPont-Marlow attained her real estate license and became a successful agent, receiving the Rookie Realtor of the Year award from the Board of Realtors. In her current position with Palazzo Reale Furnishings, she continues to let her travels and southern roots inspire her. She has a passion for customer service and bringing her clients’ visions to life, and she can furnish any kind of property from large ranch homes to urban lofts with ease and timeless taste.

ANGELA CLACK Few people will confess a love of eating, but Angela Clack lists eating among her hobbies. She believes life is best experienced in the enjoyment of great food with family and friends. Her tastes range from casual street foods to exotic selections and fine dining. Clack enjoys traveling and uses it as an excuse to immerse herself in the local cuisine and culture. Raised on highly seasoned traditional Southern fare, she seeks out authentic food and dining experiences and documents her discoveries for other food lovers.

RITA ZENZEN HECK In her hometown of Chicago, Rita Zenzen Heck was a newspaper and magazine editor and TV copywriter. She currently lives in San Antonio and volunteers with the Majestic Theatre, the San Antonio Sports Association, the San Antonio Conservation Society, the San Antonio Council for International Visitors and the San Antonio Downtown Residents Association. Heck has worked for Stars and Stripes, Overseas Weekly and Made In Europe magazine, as well as in advertising and PR, before opening her own Creative Overflow. She added The Green Connection in 1995, also producing green building showcases and her own green building and education magazine and events. Since 1995, she has hosted and produced The Green Connection television show on digital cable channel 20, which airs Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO Gabriel Diego Delgado is an art consultant at J.R. Mooney Galleries of Fine Art. He has spent almost a decade in nonprofit art management, serving as a curator of exhibitions at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art; the project manager of research and development at the Museo Alameda (a Smithsonian affiliate); the community outreach/communications director for an art and education nonprofit; and a working professional artist. He is a freelance curator and arts reviewer for several publications. His artwork has been shown in Arco 2012 (Madrid, Spain), New York, New York and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) D.C., as well as numerous galleries and venues.

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Number One Phyllis Browning Company Realtor® in 2013 with sales production of almost $42 million!

The Graves Group The art of fine residential real estate

Fredericksburg – Amazing estate on 17.5 acres with 4 bedrooms, 6 baths, plus guest house and 4-stall horse barn. $2,350,000

cordillera ranch – Elegant estate features every luxury

imaginable! 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, 2 half-baths. $2,350,000

coveney ranch – 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath Mediterranean masterpiece on almost 4 acres with heated pool and lighted tennis court. $1,600,000

cordillera ranch – 4 bedroom, 4.5 Tuscan-inspired design on a cul-de-sac offers incredible architectural features and a wonderful lifestyle. $1,475,000

Denise Graves, realtor®, CLHMS, CRS, ABR, GRI I

www.thegravesgroup.com

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office: 210-698-4700 J U L Y / / A U G U S T cell: 2 0 1210-260-2176 4 NHOME / 1 7

advisory board

PEGGY ZETTNER

MIKE HOLLAWAY

BELINDA VELA-REYNA

A realtor and real estate business owner since 1991, Denise Graves started the Graves Group in 2003 with the vision to offer extraordinary service to her clients, both locally and globally. The Graves Group has been in the Top 25 Real Estate Teams (SABJ) since 2005 and continues to set the standard for real estate in San Antonio and the Hill Country. With her 20-plus years of real estate experience in the area and her business mantra of “high tech, high touch,” Graves makes her properties stand out and keeps clients coming back.

San Antonio native Peggy Zettner has been in the wholesale interior design industry for more than 21 years. As president of Interior Trade Cartel Inc. (ITC) for the past 17-plus years, she has seen many changes in the local interior design market. And business has never been better. Zettner has always felt there was a need to bring more design product to the trade in San Antonio.

ITC currently represents more than 100 lines of product. ITC is an ASID industry partner, and it is very involved in the community. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt, Zettner stays pretty busy. She loves entertaining family and friends, and her newest passion has been getting involved personally in the community. Her two biggest passions are CASA and Wounded Warriors.

Mike Hollaway enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the San Antonio area’s most prestigious builders of fine custom homes since 1992. One of his many well-earned awards was the 2008 Builder of the Year. He is a past president of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association; he holds graduate master builder (GMB) and certified green professional (CGP) designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB); and he is a voting director of the Texas Association of Builders and the NAHB. Hollaway currently builds throughout San Antonio, as far north as Austin and Horseshoe Bay and as far south as the Eagle Ford Shale. Some of his community involvement includes being a past member of Rey Feo court, and he is honored to have been chosen to build the 2013 St. Jude’s Dream Home.

Belinda Vela-Reyna is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Science degree in Educational Guidance and Counseling from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi.

She retired from an 11-year career as a U.S. probation officer for the Western District of Texas San Antonio Division to stay home with her two beautiful daughters, Alexandria and Mia. She also has two amazing stepchildren, Danielle and John, and a wonderful husband. She has always had a passion for design, and she recently enjoyed renovating her new home with the help of Trent Hultgren.

BARRY DENTON

EDNA DE SARO

EASTON CRAFTS

KRISTAL POWELL

As the director of real estate sales at Cordillera Ranch, Barry Denton is dedicated to creating an environment where people work together to consistently exceed goals. Prior to joining Cordillera Ranch, he worked for Bluegreen Communities, starting as a sales consultant in 2000 and ultimately becoming the South Texas regional sales director in 2009. Denton also has a background in teaching and in the golf business, and he remains a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he has been a licensed real estate agent since 1991 and a licensed broker since 2005.

Edna De Saro is the senior vice president of Lone Star National Bank.

As marketing director of one of the fastest growing banks in Texas, De Saro is involved in the development and implementation of all strategic marketing objectives that include corporate branding, public relations and market positioning.

Easton Crafts is the CEO of Directions Equity LLC. He has been in the mortgage industry since 1995, and in that time, he has closed thousands of loan transactions of all types, including Conventional, FHA, VA, Texas Vet, USDA, Jumbo and Construction Loans.

He co-founded Directions Equity in 2007, along with his business partner Marc Spitzer, and together they have helped the company increase production more than 20 percent per year since its inception. Easton holds a degree in business administration with a concentration in real estate finance and mortgage lending. He is a member of the Texas Association of Mortgage Professionals and the San Antonio North Chamber.

Kristal Powell is the cofounder of CKC Custom Homes who serves as the driving force behind the beauty and elegance that is evident in the company’s finished homes. She uses a hands-on approach, personally assisting clients in the selection of paint, tile, cabinets and all aspects of design. Much of CKC’s success can be attributed to Powell’s passion for perfecting the unique style of CKC Custom Homes.

Nelson Enochs

DENISE GRAVES

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S PE C IA L ADVERTIS ING S ECTI ON

dine 

GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A BREAK AND DINE WITH US TONIGHT

MYTHJA/BIGSTOCK.COM



JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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advisory board (cont'd)

YES, we’ve built an even better website!

DALE PONDER

We’re excited to announce the brand-new NHOME Texas website is officially up and running!

REV. DR. CLAUDETTE COPELAND

Dale Ponder is the owner and operator of Cozy Outdoor Escapes, an outdoor living retail center focusing on customer service and high-end equipment. His career started in the electrical trades, where he held various positions in a large, nonunion shop in San Antonio, where he was raised.

He later entered the international market, project managing the construction of drug interdiction radar sites throughout South and Central America and owning and operating a telecommunication construction service company in Caracas, Venezuela. Ponder left the business in 2010 to pursue his passion for the outdoor living retail sector. He developed a business plan, and Cozy Outdoor Escapes opened to the public in March 2011.

Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland has served in a variety of ministry settings, including the Hospital Chaplaincy and the Mission Field (in Haiti, South Africa, West Africa and East Africa), and is a former member of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Copeland is a founding co-convener of the Women in Ministry Training Conference, serving aspiring and active women ministers in all seasons of their journey. She is married to the Bishop David Michael Copeland. She serves with her husband as executive pastor of the New Creation Christian Fellowship Church, a thriving nondenominational church in Windcrest, Texas, just outside San Antonio. Copeland also has a passion and appreciation for beautiful homes and exquisite décor.

GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO Gabriel Diego Delgado is an art consultant at J.R. Mooney Galleries of Fine Art. He has spent almost a decade in nonprofit art management, serving as a curator of exhibitions at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art; the project manager of research and development at the Museo Alameda (a Smithsonian affiliate); the community outreach/ communications director for an art and education nonprofit; and a working professional artist. He is a freelance curator and arts reviewer for several publications. His artwork has been shown in Arco 2012 (Madrid, Spain), New York, New York and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) D.C., as well as numerous galleries and venues.

TRISH NAJIM

Visit www.nhometx.com for up-todate articles in your favorite sections, photos, events and more!

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As a realtor and certified luxury home marketing specialist, Trish Najim prides herself in providing her clients a service to best assist them with their real estate needs regardless of whether they are sellers or buyers. Najim is with Keller Williams Realty Luxury International in San Antonio, and she is also a certified staging consultant and an interior design consultant. With her design background, she is able to work with buyers to visualize themselves in the home of their dreams, and to help sellers make their homes appealing to buyers.

you can’t rush perfection.

handpicked and wet aged for 21 days, the top 2% of usda steaks are then cooked-to-order by our culinary virtuosos. it’s perfection on a plate. we’ll see you at myron’s, the prime steakhouse of usda prime steakhouses.

MYRONSPRIME.COM NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS | 136 NORTH CASTELL | 830.624.1024 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS | MILITARY HIGHWAY & WURZBACH PARKWAY | 210.493.3031 JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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// dine //

Smart Summer Dining

// BY: ANGELA CLACK

THE SAN ANTONIO AREA HAS A NUMBER OF OPTIONS FOR WONDERFUL WARM-WEATHER CUISINE THAT WON’T BREAK THE CALORIE BANK.

La Gloria

SUMMER DINING IS GENERALLY LIGHTER

THAN THAT OF ANY OTHER SEASON. DINERS INTENTIONALLY CHOOSE MORE NUTRITIOUS FARE FOR MYRIAD REASONS. MANY HAVE SPENT HOURS IN THE GYM PREPARING FOR A SEASON THAT DOES NOT AFFORD FALL AND WINTER COVERUP FASHION OPPORTUNITIES.

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You can’t eat that crock of “R” month crab macaroni and cheese in May and then throw on a pashmina wrap and go your way. Not in South Texas. That type of consumption during the summer would undo all the progress you made in the gym during the winter and the onset of spring. Although, you would likely lose some weight if you sported a wool wrap all day in 90 percent humidity.

Chances are you won’t get to eat fall comfort food – not if you have one of those joy-killer friends who spouts sad, but true food adages. You know the ones I mean. Just as you raise your fork, she says, “If you eat it today, you’ll wear it tomorrow.” And lest you think a discreet brown takeout bag of wonderful will be exempt from scrutiny, as you enter your car, you’ll hear her voice in your head saying, “What you eat in private, you’ll wear in public.”

Fortunately, moving away from the hearty dishes of fall and winter doesn’t mean we’re relegated to eating like rabbits. There are better choices than lettuce and carrots.

Besides, have you ever seen a rabbit eat? It’s sad, silent and not at all social. Poor things. I believe rabbits know their food is boring, and I think they’re really sad about it.

But I digress. Don’t despair.

Summer dining offers vibrant dishes, including some international choices that are chock full of flavor, but sans the calories found in those (admittedly fun) fried fall and winter meals.

Ceviche. Lovers of this South American seafood favorite will find a number of tasty variations at La Gloria, including the Ceviche Veracruzano made with cilantro and olive oil. The ceviche assortment at La Gloria, along with their modestly portioned (and priced) taco selections, ensures that diners seeking lighter fare also enjoy bold street food flavor.

I like Thai Chili. The menu is chock full of amazing oriental cuisine. A light flavor-filled choice is their Phad Khing – who knows how to pronounce it? I just ask for the “No. 23” with chicken. Beef and pork are also an option. These are delicately combined with garlic, snow peas, black mushrooms and ginger. So, so good.

Bigz Burger Joint, known for marvelous burgers, offers the Big Veggie. It’s not that awful formed patty with the visible corn bits you may have seen at lesser restaurants. Nope. The Big Veggie is a grilled portabella with beer-braised onions and avocado. It’s a choice that will make your friend who chose the Big Famous Triple want to repent. Bigz has no low-calorie side items, so you’re forced to order their delicious fries (available in regular or sweet potato). If it makes you feel better, try not to finish them. But chances are you’ll cave and finish because you get to choose from Bigz’s selection of ingeniously flavored ketchup. Yes,

Myron's Prime Steakhouse

MOVING AWAY FROM THE HEARTY DISHES OF FALL AND WINTER DOESN’T MEAN WE’RE RELEGATED TO EATING LIKE RABBITS.

Thai Chili

JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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La Gloria

LA GLORIA

http://chefjohnnyhernandez.com/lagloria

THAI CHILI

http://stoneoak.thaichili.net/index.php

BIGZ BURGER JOINT

www.bigz-burgerjoint.com

DOUGH PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA www.doughpizzeria.com

FREDERICK’S

www.frederickssa.com

WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE

www.wildfishseafoodgrille.com

MYRON’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE www.myronsprime.com

Frederick's

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Frederick's

ketchup – teriyaki ketchup, habanero ketchup … they have great ketchup. Their ever-changing list of flavors is amazing. Bigz is one restaurant where ketchup is to be savored rather than shunned. You can get the standard stuff, but walk on the wild side and try a flavored ketchup.

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, a San Antonio favorite, has a menu of exceptional “cheat day” selections for meals when we’re disinclined to be a disciplined diner. Dough does offer a selection of appetizers for nibbling and insalata (salad), including the Nona, the Tuscan and my choice, the Casa, which has mixed greens, marinated onions, carrots and balsamic vinaigrette. A nutritious and tasty choice. For a more filling salad, add protein – their roasted chicken breast and house-smoked salmon are wonderful.

The French-fusion menu at Frederick’s includes a number of dishes crafted to deliver maximum flavor. Dishes such as their herbed French escargot artfully combined with Spanish chorizo occupy the menu, along with golden and red beet salad. These and other sumptuous selections are unlikely to break the calorie bank. Even the dessert menu includes a mixed sorbet cup, a reasonable choice, and surprisingly, an item called Sugarbuster’s, which is a chocolate mousse with Splenda crème anglaise.

A guilt-free dessert! There’s a first.

It’s a good sign when a restaurant offers a selection of grilled items. Beautifully appointed, Wildfish Seafood Grille is a paradise for seafood lovers. The menu includes seared tuna, grilled shrimp, steamed sea bass, broiled or steamed lobster tails and an oyster bar featuring tartare, a seafood tower and sashimi.

Light dining doesn’t have to exclude red meat. Leaner, quality cuts such as a petit filet don’t cross the line. As the name suggests, Myron’s Prime Steakhouse serves prime beef. Choose your sides carefully, and you can come out perfectly satisfied without overshooting your target calories for the day.

There’s a lot of guidance in the universe and lots of tips for keeping the calories to a minimum when dining out. Don’t eat the chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant. Ignore the bread basket. Shun cheese sauces. Reject gravy. Get your salad dressing on the side. If you must have dessert, split it with someone.

Choose wine rather than a cocktail. Choose white rather than red. Drink only one glass. And remember, a moment on the lips, a lifetime on … well, you know. ■

t he

bar

a t

boh

a n a n

’ s.

A New Bar With An Old Tradition.

An elegantly appointed Old World bar where cordial

Like the great old bars of the past, we dispense classic

bartenders practice their venerable art behind a

cocktails, exotic beverages and good cheer in a

46-foot bar of reverently polished cherrywood. The

civilized setting. Join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres,

cheerful clinking of glasses punctuates the rich notes

then come upstairs to Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and

of the baby grand piano.

Seafood for the best steak you’ve ever had.

(210) 472 - 2 2 0 2

# 221 East Houston Street San Antonio, Texas

www . boh a n a ns . com

J U!L Y / / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 N H O M E / C e l e b r at e w i t h u s — t h e b a r i s o p e n

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mitierracafe.com

210 225-1262

lamargarita.com

210 227-7140

In true fiesta spirit, Mi Tierra CafĂŠ and Bakery never closes, serving up art and culture along with its famous Tex-Mex dishes 24 hours a day.

La Margarita originated sizzling fajitas.

Two patios offer a friendly spot for dining al fresco and people watching.

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// CUSTOM HOMES //

It’s All in the

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Details

Multi-award-winning real estate veteran Mike Hollaway doesn’t miss a beat at Mike Hollaway Custom Homes. // BY: KIM YOUNG // PHOTOGRAPHY: VERNON WENTZ

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I’ve met a number of builders over the years at various real estate award functions, open houses and Parade of Homes events, but who hasn’t heard of Mike Hollaway or been through one of his 19 homes that have won parade awards over the last 22 years?

When we met at his offices on 1604 to discuss his career and his love of creating and building luxury homes, I was immediately struck by the number of awards and wondered where he could

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put even one more – which he’s sure to get in the future. His many local, state and national awards, including Distinguished SingleFamily Builder of the Year and Custom Home Builder of the Year, line the walls and shelves of his offices.

Giving back to the community by serving his fellow builders and industry partners on the executive leadership committee and as a past president of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) brings him the most satisfaction.

Hollaway was honored to be selected to build the 2013 St. Jude’s Dream Home Giveaway house. The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is the largest fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. That house grossed charitable donations of $855,550. It’s also a great honor for him to have already been chosen to build the 2015 St. Jude dream home.

Hollaway has been in some aspect of the real estate business since he was a teenager. He got his real estate license when he was 18, and he sold hundreds of homes before he ever built one.

Since then, his real estate company has marketed and sold an average of 900-plus homes a year, marketing for nine different builders.

Hollaway has seen many changes over the years. He prides himself on his attention to detail, his use of leading technology and his creation of unique designs and floor plans.

“We build every home as if we’re building for our family.”

“We build every home as if we’re building for our family, putting the same passion into every project,” he said, “and we do what we say we’re going to do.” Hollaway’s twin sons have graduated from college and now work with him to assure the Mike Hollaway tradition of high standards continues in each home. “We cater to buyers in all budgets and any location in San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country, including as far north as Austin and into South Texas.”

I visited with Randy Keeth, a new owner of a Mike Hollaway custom home, who told me, “I had never met Mike, but I knew of his high standards and reputation as an elite builder. My wife and I went to the Parade of Homes in The Dominion and loved the workmanship and special touches of the award-winning home Mike was showcasing. We interviewed several homebuilders and without reservation chose Mike to build our dream home. Being located in an exclusive area, we needed an exceptional home, and he built it without flaws.

“Mike took personal interest in making sure that we were totally satisfied. He was on time, within budget and always available for consultation. My wife and I are hard to please, and Mike always made us feel comfortable while addressing our issues.

Mike doesn’t miss a single detail, and the finished product shows it. I would recommend Mike and Mike Hollaway Custom Homes

to anyone. We’ve built several homes over the years, and Mike Hollaway’s is the best!”

If you’re looking for exceptional quality, Mike Hollaway Custom Homes has made a name for themselves in outdoor entertaining; bringing the outdoors in and taking the indoors out; and combining fire and water (feng shui) to create soothing elements.

They have also won numerous awards for their luxury baths and kitchens, which probably contributed to Hollaway’s Builder of the Year awards.

“Almost anything is possible depending on your budget,” Hollaway said. “We love being able to create and produce what you’re looking for in luxury living.”

Hollaway serves on both the state and national builder associations. He recently returned from one of two annual meetings, where they work on creating positive solutions for available financing, quality appraisals, much-needed increases in the skilled labor force were just a few of their goals and more.

»

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Hollaway is one of San Antonio’s most successful luxury custom homebuilders.

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“We have experienced one extreme to the other in available financing, and a quality appraisal process is needed to assure homebuyers that lenders are utilizing local appraisers who are knowledgeable of our San Antonio market, which is repeatedly ranked among the nation’s strongest.”

Hollaway highlighted several desirable factors that those of us in San Antonio enjoy: • A healthy real estate market • Great weather that allows almost year-round outdoor living • A growing technical environment that is creating more jobs • A strong influx of retirees and Mexican Nationals • And the champion San Antonio Spurs, of course!

About the only obstacle to a healthy homebuilding environment, according to Hollaway, is a lack of developed lots. “It takes time to develop, engineer, permit and sort through governmental regulations,” he said, “and lot costs have increased an average of 20 percent in the last year-and-a-half.”

Hollaway knows what he’s talking about. He is on the board of directors of GSABA, and a voting director of both the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) and the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). He has also earned a graduate master builder certification, and he is a certified green professional (CGP); both of these designations are from the NAHB. He is a member of the NAHB, as well as a voting director of the Texas Association of Builders.

In the short amount of time we had to sit down together, I couldn’t help but feel I’d found a kindred spirit. In addition to the personal attention he gives to every client when designing and developing their new home, that ability to connect with people is probably what makes Hollaway one of San Antonio’s most successful luxury custom homebuilders. ■

For more information or to schedule an appointment to discuss building your dream home, call 210-490-0069.

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// CUSTOM HOMES //

The Best of the Best

W

CORDILLERA RANCH PREFERRED BUILDERS DISCUSS TRENDS IN NEW CONSTRUCTION. // BY: KIM YOUNG // PHOTOGRAPHY: SIGGI RAGNAR

hen looking for a home of elegance and distinction, turn your attention to the luxury new homebuilders in Cordillera Ranch. Tucked away in a beautiful area of the Texas Hill Country, you’ll find Cordillera Ranch and their premier builders. Cordillera boasts the best of the best in luxury home construction. We asked these builders to discuss what's new when it comes to interiors.

According to Damon Christofilis with Burdick & Christofilis, “We continue to have requests for lots of interior wood and masonry to give warmth to the décor – premium wood doors and windows, heavy beams and trusses are popular. Copper sinks and

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porcelain planks that look like real wood flooring are huge right now. Although there was a rumored demise of the ‘Texas Tuscan’ or ‘Italian farmhouse,’ the clients that gravitate towards Cordillera Ranch and the Hill Country still desire that feel and look. We are being asked to replicate much of what we did with our model home at 445 Augusta."

Robert Thornton of Great Homes adds, “Our Cordillera Ranch clients continue to move toward Hill Country modern and contemporary design, with an eclectic mix of finishes and materials, which include large panes of glass, stone walls, reclaimed beams, hardwood and waxed concrete floors, concrete and honed granite

countertops and decorative iron embellishments. We’ve also seen an increased sensitivity to lighting quality and lighting control systems. These features and materials set the palate for simple, clean lines, yet do so while retaining great character, thereby directing attention to the space volume and Hill Country views beyond.

“Our goal is to draw out and enhance the style of our clients and execute with excellence. With expanded relationships comes increased accountability, the opportunity to communicate, the ability to empathize and the hope for like-minded goals. We attempt to understand the needs, desires and way of prioritizing so that we accentuate the client’s personality – not our own – and do so with a collection of professionals, experts and artisans worthy of the investment.”

Deron Stadler with Stadler Custom Homes has seen an increased desire for indoor and outdoor entertainment features that the whole family can enjoy. These features include

d “OUR GOAL IS TO draw out and enhance the style OF OUR CLIENTS AND EXECUTE WITH EXCELLENCE.” elaborate and detailed wine rooms, Infinity putting greens, "smart systems" for the home, lots of expensive tile and appliances and even pizza ovens.

“We are seeing definite changes in the requests for interior features and finishes,” said Gabe R. Garcia of Pasadera Builders. "'Timeless' is the word that best describes the cur-

rent atmosphere in custom home construction.

“When it comes to interior architectural elements, the request is for fewer and focused rather than more and everywhere.

By that, we mean the main living area tends to get the request for a ceiling or wall treatment that will stand the test of time from the standpoint of design. So as time advances and design trends change, the architectural element, whatever it might be, does not date the home.

“We have long since seen the trend away from the traditional fit and finish fixtures to the classical polished nickel/chrome finish with sleek design. Selections are definitely cyclical, so the current requests are for fixtures that you’ve seen and admired before, and that you will continue to for a long time to come.

“Our clients have stories to tell about the items that they place in their homes. Each one is as interesting as the next. Whether it is a picture of the grandchild, an artifact from a faraway trip or a grand piano from a century long past, the home we build is only the backdrop for display. As proud as we are of the houses we build, I doubt any of our clients will be telling stories about a faux finish we did. The same trend plays here: simple and timeless.

"These classic themes must be balanced with ever-changing technological advances.

Everything we are doing in the technology arena has to do with making as much of the home communicate with the client, in the easiest of manner. Once seen only as a luxury, a house that can do just about anything automatically – and more importantly, efficiently – is a must.

“In the past, control systems could do more for the client, but it took more steps than it would otherwise (if they had just done the same task manually). Today our homes are built so that tasks are done automatically, without the homeowner having to think about doing the task. That is to say that the house lives the way you would live. This may not be a flamboyant feature, but it’s definitely a luxury feature that has become a must for our clients because simple is always better.” ■

To learn more about these builders and luxury living in Cordillera Ranch, visit www.cordilleraranch.com.

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DESIGN, BUILD & RENOVATIONS

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// functional design //

An Opportunity of a Lifetime THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR USING

THE FURNISHING PROCESS TO MAKE YOUR LIVING SPACE A TRUE REPRESENTATION OF YOUR PERSONAL SENSE OF STYLE. // BY: DIANE DUPONT-MARLOW

Interior design often reflects a glimpse inside the soul.

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PLUSONE/BIGSTOCK.COM

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f you are a new homeowner, decorating your brand-new custom home may leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. But just as your input guided your builder to create that perfect house design for your family, it can provide the cornerstone from which to shape the style and personality of your home. A custom home is just that: It is customized to your particular needs and wants, and it is your shot to get those items that will make you fall in love every time you walk through the door.

The first step to developing a design focus is to examine your personal taste, lifestyle, needs and expectations. Plan, plan and then plan some more. Many friends and clients I know have saved ripped-out pictures from magazines and websites for years. If your time permits, research popular websites such as Pinterest and Houzz for boards featuring textures, colors, pieces and arrangements that appeal to you.

Once you collect a few of these inspirational looks, you will see that your choices are not random at all. They will reflect your personal sense of style. Interior design often reflects a glimpse inside the soul.

As this becomes apparent to you, this design focus will direct your selections.

At this point, the services of a professional interior designer or decorator can maximize the execution of your personal vision. Whether you decide to decorate your home yourself or to work with a professional designer, the most important criteria is that the final space represent your family’s needs and lifestyle. That gorgeous white velvet sofa may not really work for a family room that is the main activity center for an active young family or avid pet owners.

A general agreement as to a preferred category of style such as mid-century modern, traditional, rancho deluxe, rustic or industrial loft can be a great starting point. A theme, no matter how subtle, can bring cohesion to your space. For instance, if you favor a transitional look with a Frank Lloyd Wright feeling, you can incorporate different geometric forms such as circles, triangles and squares to give it that style throughout your home in both large and small ways.

While some contrast provides interest, too much contrast makes for a confusing message. Layering colors, finishes and textures gives depth and richness to all designs. Every stage or room needs a few stars and lots of supporting cast members, so start with your selection of your statement pieces and then support them with your other choices.

Once you have gotten a general concept of the look you want to achieve, before you start to make purchases, use your floor plans to create a sketch of the furniture layout plan. This helps you know ex-

actly the size, type and amount of furnishings you will need. Do not fight the bones of the home (“bones” meaning the shell of the house, including the lines, ceiling pitch, flooring and walls). Examine the flow of the rooms and their architectural elements.

Think about your floor plan and the traffic flow and activities that will be taking place in each room.

Planning for flexibility can make the difference in a favorite room or a room that

side to create visual symmetry. Furniture is the most visible element of any space, and it is the foundation for the ambiance of a room.

Try to create spaces that nourish your family, whether they involve a monochromatic color scheme to soothe stressed-out professionals or a colorful, whimsical space to engage children. Your interior should support and enrich the lives of those who make it their home. There is no place like

is rarely used. Evaluating the function of a space is crucial to the success of the design. Take traffic patterns into account, as it is crucial when you are determining your furniture layout. If one room serves as a passageway to another, you must allow for easy traffic flow as you position furniture to serve the function of the room. Traffic paths should be at least 3 feet.

Look at power sources, lighting and passthrough areas, and try to maximize the use of all your floor space. If there is no structural focal point in the room, you can create one with furniture pieces. For instance, if the fireplace is not centered, you can you flank it by putting an accent chair on each

home because the home is created by those who live within it.

Create excitement and interest by mixing traditional and modern furniture styles in varied heights and shapes. If you are mixing pieces you have from different eras, make sure the tone of the wood is consistent, as the same tone will unify the pieces. Challenge yourself to collect rather than just decorate a space. Gather quality pieces that produce a “wow” factor in each room.

Always try to shop with your dimensions in hand. You will no longer look for pieces that simply fit the room, but rather, for pieces that complete it. Incorporate some items you already have from a previous JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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USE CLASSIC STYLES AND TIMELESS FABRICS THAT CAN BE MODIFIED OVER TIME. home with your new purchases, or adapt them to your new look by simply giving them a new paint job or reupholstering them.

Strike a balance with your elements. It easy to end up with a forest in your living room by using too much wood, so break it up with some softer elements with fabrics and other materials. Combine different textures and patterns to provide more interest. Coordinate colors in a space instead of trying to match them. A little hint of an unexpected color is always pleasantly surprising. Let large and small prints, even florals, exist together in order to create visual dimensions and layers.

Owning a brand-new custom home is a wonderful feeling, but it can also be somewhat sterile. Add character with architectural salvage pieces such as old doors, antique hardware, unique light fixtures and salvaged columns in wood or stone. Not only will these be fun to hunt for, they will make your home unique and give it character.

In my own home, I stumbled on some of the original barn doors from the Budweiser stables; they were quite weathered and large, but it was love at first sight.

I had our contractor incorporate them when I opened up a wall between two

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rooms. He mounted them on a roller rod so they can move back-and-forth to block off the two spaces. They add a great unique and conversational touch.

Remember: Each room is its own particular project, and the scale in each space will be different and call for its own configuration and ambiance. Always consider paint color the ultimate accessory. It is best left to the very end of the process.

Try and decide on all of your fabrics, furnishings and flooring for a particular room before deciding on a wall color. It is much easier to get your local paint shop to mix up a custom paint color than it is to get custom-made fabrics and furnishings. Pull out a color from these elements that you want to accentuate. Color is a very personal decision, and you should choose one that inspires you or evokes a warm feeling or memory.

Throughout the process, however, remember that style doesn’t mean huge price tags, and huge price tags don’t always equal great style or function.

Sometimes low price tags can be tempting, but your savings do not pay off in the long run if you end up having to replace items several times because of poor quality or trendiness. You can create high style or a great look with any reasonable

budget, though; it just takes thought and good resourcing.

Use classic styles and timeless fabrics that can be modified over time. I always like using classic solids on sofas and upholstered pieces that can take on new looks over time with new throw pillows and accessories. A classic, good-quality, solid-wood dining table will never go out of style, and the chairs can be changed out to create different looks that inspire you over the years. Good quality and style are not trendy – they are for the long haul.

And finally, when you furnish your interior, work with people who get to know you! Customer service is not extinct yet.

If they do not have the time or the desire to listen to and care for your needs, they do not deserve your business. You are their customer, and your happiness with the end product and look should be their upmost concern.

In conclusion, building a custom home is an opportunity of a lifetime. Take your time, find a wonderful builder and team and focus on every decision. It is a long road that involves many painstaking decisions, but in the end, it will bring you years of happiness in a place you simply call home. ■

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// green //

¸

THE GREEN JOURNEY ¸

ANNASTACIA LAGUNA SEQUOYAH’S SUSTAINABLE

FARMHOUSE GOES LEED GOLD. // BY: RITA ZENZEN HECK

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hen asked why she became so focused on green building, architect/builder Annastacia Laguna Sequoyah reflected, “When I was in my third year at the University of ArizonaArchitecture, I seriously thought about leaving the program because of the huge impact building has on the environment.”

Luckily for Sequoyah and the rest of the world, she went on to graduate the five-year program cum laude and with an American Institute of Architects (AIA) design award for a sustainable truss factory. “I realized that yes, building was going to continue no matter what,” she said. “But if I could build each structure that I designed green, it would contribute to the earth instead of depleting its natural resources.”

Sequoyah started her “green journey” by designing an Earthship office building and sending it to Michael Reynolds with Earthship; she received a scholarship to spend the summer in Taos, N.M., where she studied with

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALS DESIGN BUILD LLC

The 33-foot radius of the circular front porch radiates from a cetra column in the floor plan with crystals placed.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALS DESIGN BUILD LLC

SEQUOYAH’S SUSTAINABLE FARMHOUSE RECEIVED LEED GOLD CERTIFICATION WITH A TOTAL OF 75.5 POINTS. him and helped build tire houses.

Moving to San Antonio in 1998, Sequoyah joined Ford, Powell & Carson architects and was the designer on the Bexar County Jail, which (at the time) included the nation’s largest solar hot water system, saving the county thousands of energy dollars over the years.

In 2007, she opened her own design/ build firm and purchased the historically prominent Spanish Treasure Ranch in Natalia, 30 miles south of San Antonio. The 23-acre site had only a 1930s farmhouse remaining, which Sequoyah carefully dismantled and documented, saving many items for the sustainable farmhouse. The 3,000-square-foot project replaced the original farmhouse, allowing the remainder of the property to stay green and never be developed.

Prior to building, Sequoyah was approached by LEED to design an environmentally fortified structure to survive even the worst natural catastrophes (it remained unscathed after the area’s 2012 tornado). “Everyone was out of power because the lines were down,” Sequoyah recalled. “I continued to fully operate with all systems.”

The floor plan is traditional, but the shape follows a 33’-0’ circle that radiates from a central column containing a time capsule with crystals. Feng shui, numerology and geomancy were incorporated into the building for a magical aura of tranquility.

The concept for the shape of the 16-inch solid stone walls on the south was rattlesnake skin, and the interior walls are red, symbolizing the south part of the Native

Indian medicine wheel; the north walls are brown and dark green, symbolizing north on the medicine wheel. The east and west walls are framed and foam insulated to stop solar heat gain, and the placement of electrical and water rooms on the west creates a buffer from the heat in this part of the house.

A curved shade structure holds 12 freestanding SCHOTT solar panels that produce 18 kilowatts per day of electricity; some reverse the city meter, and the rest produce power to charging DC batteries operating DC fans to move the air and DC appliances. ENERGY STAR Low-E Pella windows, appliances and lights were used to reduce energy consumption. Drinking water is harvested from the roof to tanks with pumps, filters and UV light engineered for larger tanks. Gray water harvesting serves all house water needs, and an on-demand solar hot water system is planned for the future. Propane gas provides fuel for hot water and cooking.

Monthly electric bills run from $0 to $35, which operates the house and offices.

In addition to energy dollar savings, the sustainable farmhouse was eligible for residential energy credits, including:

¸ Insulation ($4,422) ¸ Exterior double-pane low-E windows ($11,603) ¸ Insulated exterior doors ($1,568) ¸ Metal roof exceeding ENERGY STAR requirements ($27,500) ¸ Energy-efficient building/property ($7,980, and the maximum amount allowed is $1,500) ¸ Qualified solar costs carried forward ($31,440, and $9,432 in 2014 and 2015)

The sustainable farmhouse was built with a minimum construction budget of $121 per square foot for a total of $363,000, not including all of the extras. It received LEED Gold Certification with a total of 75.5 points. Sequoyah has added green to several properties in San Antonio and new design/build structures for a minimum of $850,000. ■

For more information, contact Annastacia Laguna Sequoyah at annastacia@ wildblue.net.

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// green //

Mini Size, Maxi Benefits

TODAY’S MICRO HOMES MATCH THE LUXURY AND THE QUALITY, BUT NOT THE OPERATING EXPENSES AND MAINTENANCE OF TRADITIONALLY SIZED HOMES, PROVING THAT BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. // BY: RITA ZENZEN HECK

The micro home trend accelerated during the 2007-10 financial crisis.

THE SUNFLOWER

Approximately 384 square feet, this micro home features one bedroom, loft space, a large kitchen with granite countertops and a bar, a full bath and a living area.

All of the Construction Career Academy homes included air conditioning and Internet, cable, phone and washer/dryer connections. All homes are well insulated and have energy-efficient features.

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B

igger is not always better in housing according to “tiny home” advocates touting the livable and ecological advantages of houses less than 1,000 square feet (more typically 100 to 400 square feet) with all the amenities of a traditionally sized home. The trend accelerated during the 2007-10 financial crisis. Pint-sized homes are more affordable to own with minimum operating expenses and maintenance.

Locally, Warren High School’s Construction Career Academy (CCA) seniors designed, built and sold five super-luxurious micro homes. Recently showcased at a campus parade of homes, all five displayed Old World craftsmanship that student carpenters, electricians, engineers and construction crews strived to include in their models.

“I had been looking for a small cabinlike home for years while I was in the music business in Nashville,” explained Judy Mayes, who now resides in Fort Worth.

“The minute I noticed the Warren parade on the Internet, I planned to drive to San Antonio and see what was there. The minute I saw the Indian Blanket (each home in the exhibit had a name), I fell in love with it – the design, use of space, quality workmanship, upscale kitchen and bath and the energy-efficient features. I was hooked. I put a contract on it immediately.”

After the parade, Mayes had her home shipped to Fort Worth. All homes were designed to fit on a normal trailer and placed on a pier and beam foundation onsite. “I haven’t decided whether I will put it on a downtown Fort Worth lot or further out in the country. I’m kind of leaning toward downtown where all the action is. I can’t wait to move into it.”

Former New Braunfels motel owner Merle Tanne echoed Mayes’ enthusiasm.

“When I read about the Warren micro parade of homes, I immediately drove down to take a look, while they were still under construction. I was amazed at the quality of workmanship and details that went into each home.

“I was especially attracted to the Sunflower, which had a luxury kitchen, bath and roomy sleep loft. But since we were planning to put it on our property on the Guadalupe River for an ill relative who was moving from North Carolina, I opted

for a single story to accommodate her.

However, if I ever get back into the luxury motel business, I would use micro homes instead of traditional units. They are amazing.”

All of the CCA homes are code compliant and have been inspected by the City of San Antonio with a Certificate for Occupancy; CPS has also inspected them for energy efficiency and praised the students’ outstanding work on every level, according to Audrey Ethridge, CCA program coordinator. Plumbing consultant Joel Frederick of Quartermoon Plumbing agreed, noting that every plumbing detail was perfect, and that the student work-

presentation,” said Phillip Edge, NISD CCA principal.

Over the past few years, companies have introduced mini home versions, some delivered in do-it-yourself packages, on skids for trailer delivery or on wheels similar to mobile homes. The trend has grown so quickly that the Tiny House Business Alliance was formed in 2013 to address ethical and safety issues.

“Tiny House Nation,” a television series on the subject, airs July 14 on A&E network showing owners and users of small spaces from Manhattan apartments to single permanent and recreational dwellings. ■

THE INDIAN BLANKET

Up on the roof, Construction Career Academy students put finishing touches on the home purchased by Judy Mayes of Fort Worth, the epitome of her dreams. It features a double loft large enough for sleeping and lounging. Inlaid wood floors, a custom-designed kitchen, a lofted ceiling and a hidden passage to the loft, which has access to a balcony, match the luxury of any traditionally sized home.

ers could find a job with any licensed plumber.

The object of the program, which is limited to 500 students, is to prepare students for college entry in architecture, engineering, construction management and construction technology (carpentry, plumbing, electricity, etc.) with some advanced college credits or for work in their field upon graduation.

“Although we won’t repeat the micro home project, we will be looking at some similar new ideas for our 2015 annual

Warren Construction Careers Academy www.nisd.net/cca

Tiny House Business Alliance http://tinyhousecommunity.com/alliance

NOMAD Micro Homes http://www.nomadmicrohomes.com/nomad.html

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company www.tumbleweedhouses.com/products/bodega

JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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We invite you to come see what’s growing at Schulz Nursery Marion!

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John’s Landscaping

Quality Innovation / Custom Design

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“Experience Living - Outdoors.”

We are located off the Southbound Frontage Rd. Btwn Bitters & Nakoma

SUMMER is here!

Time for grilling, lounging and overall enjoyment of your outdoor escape!

All grills we carry are made in the USA and of the highest quality.

The Smoker by Primo is available & ready for you to take home today!

Come by our showroom & check out all we have to offer!

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www.cozyoutdoorescapes.com JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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// real estate //

Realtor Profile

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First Class

One on One with Angelica Albanese

// BY: RITA ZENZEN HECK // PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

W

ith a strong background in marketing and public relations and a natural flair for connecting with people and turning their luxury dream homes into reality, Angelica Albanese is a super successful luxury homes associate broker with Keller Williams Realty Heritage.

Taking personal interest in her clients, who come from all over the world, Albanese cheerfully balances the demands of putting upscale home lovers into million dollar-plus properties while being a caring mom to her three young children.

“I love my job, and I love my family, so I am available to all of them 24/7 … except on Sundays, which is family day at our house,” she said. “Of course, there are exceptions [such as] out-of-towners and unforeseen emergencies, but most of the time, that rule sticks.”

Albanese came to Texas from her native Honduras in 2003, graduated from the Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana (UNITEC) in Honduras and pursued an MBA in strategic business at the University of Houston-Victoria. She joined Keller Williams San Antonio in 2010. Since then, she has racked up some amazing accomplishments:

» She sold a record-breaking $3 million, ultra-luxury, singlefamily home in the Dominion.

» She became the No. 2 top-producing agent out of 600-plus Keller Williams agents in the first quarter.

» She became a 2014 finalist in Platinum Top 50 in San Antonio. » She has written more than $7 million in contracts so far this year.

Since Albanese specializes in high-end luxury homes and acquisitions, she gives her personal undivided attention to affluent clients from San Antonio, the United States and abroad from diplomats and large corporate executives to TV show producers.

“My clients know that I offer first-class service, one-on-one personalized attention and concierge services,” Albanese said. “Once they call me, they know they will always get me directly, not a receptionist or another agent. It’s important that I stay on top of all their needs and wants and communicate with them personally.”

What is the upscale homebuyer looking for these days? “A few years ago, it was more about size, bells and whistles, mid-town San Antonio areas and schools; today, the biggest want is space and privacy,” Albanese said. “Luxury home clients are looking to acreage instead of square footage. They’re looking at Boerne and I-10/

Loop 1604 and the The Dominion, as well as Olmos Park and surrounding areas. They still want a pool, large outdoor living space, home office and separate master wing, and schools are a major consideration. Luxury downtown condos are also in the mix.”

Since some of Albanese’s clients may be assigned to other locations in the future, buyers are looking for resale value of their property. “High-end luxury baths and kitchens always attract buyers,” Albanese said. “Today’s trend is simplicity. Wide-open areas, simple fixtures and embellishments; brushed nickel hardware instead of brass or copper; lighter kitchen cabinets instead of heavy dark wood; separated quarters for mother-in-law or children who return to the nest; and at least one home office are big attractions.”

To keep up with her profession, Albanese is a member of the Million Dollar Plus Home Guild and the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, and she is a certified/accredited luxury home specialist.

She has received Keller Williams New Horizon and Gold Producer awards, and she is an early qualifier for San Antonio Platinum Top 50 Realtor.

Albanese’s broad experience (including her work as a Latin American liaison consultant for Waste to Energy Texas; as assistant to the executive director of Noble Investment Group; and as assistant to the general manager of Servicio Nacional de Acueductos y Alcantarillados) enables her to excel in a variety of residential and commercial real estate transactions.

National and international acquisition and disposal, national and international business development, public relations and marketing/advertising are among her specialties.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, Albanese focuses on clients from San Antonio, North America, Mexico and Latin America seeking the ultimate in luxury homes and services. ■

For more information, contact Angelica Albanese at kwselecthomes@gmail.com.

“

Once clients call me, they know they will always get me directly, not a receptionist or another agent.”

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// real estate //

NHOME: Can you give us a

Mortgage Profile

MORTGAGE BANKING SUCCESS NHOME catches up with Terrence Butler. // SPECIAL TO NHOME

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brief personal and professional history?

Terrence Butler: I was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. I was raised in a family that believed in the value of discipline. My father was a disciplinarian, and he instilled my core foundation. In addition to the values my father instilled in me, I firmly believe that having the honor to serve the United States Air Force as a military training instructor for 10 years left an imprint on my character that I will carry forever. In my professional career, I have had the opportunity to work in the insurance and investments industry for 15 years, which then led me to the mortgage business. I have been very fortunate to gain experience in multiple industries, which has given me a strong foundation. I was also blessed with an incredible mentor in my career, Mr. Jon Nichols. Mr. Nichols taught me enormous knowledge about the mortgage business. But most importantly, he taught me to have passion for the mortgage business.

NHOME: What led you to the mortgage industry?

Butler: That’s a great question. A mortgage loan is typically the largest transaction an individual makes in a lifetime.

Everyone shares the dream of homeownership. And as mortgage professionals, we have the opportunity to walk our customers through the process of making that dream a reality.

In the mortgage business, we have a greater opportunity to provide a high level of customer service because you only have that client for 30 days at a time, which is the standard amount of time to close a mortgage loan.

You can also provide great customer service to your realtors.

As mortgage professionals, we respect and value realtors because they are also our customers. In fact, they are a great source of continually referring and bringing you clients if you provide high levels of customer service.

NHOME: Your current position at Lone Star National Bank (LSNB) is mortgage production manager. What do you consider your responsibilities?

Butler: My responsibility is to grow and drive LSNB’s home mortgage division here in San Antonio and in the Rio Grande Valley. One thing you have to understand is when you’re driving production, you have to have great teammates, and we’ve been on a push to find the best talent here and in the Rio Grande Valley. Those are my biggest responsibilities: 1) to originate loans and drive production and 2) to recruit talent looking for a great place to work. Our ultimate goal as a company is to have the No. 1 mortgage company in Texas.

And I firmly believe that we can accomplish this. LSNB is a wonderful company that is looking

“LONE STAR NATIONAL BANK IS A WONDERFUL COMPANY THAT IS LOOKING FOR MORTGAGE LOAN PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE BUSINESS.” for mortgage loan professionals who are passionate about the business.

“I WANT TO HELP LONE STAR NATIONAL BANK BECOME ONE OF THE TOP MORTGAGE COMPANIES IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.” NHOME: What is your man-

NHOME: Is there a specific

agement philosophy?

Butler: My management philosophy has the following three ingredients: effective communication, telling the truth and transparency. In business, you can never over-communicate.

Matter of fact, communication is key when doing business.

Telling the truth is also an important facet of business.

As mortgage professionals, we sometimes have to deliver difficult information to our customers. However, telling the truth at all times is always the best and only route in business.

Transparency is the third piece of my philosophy. When we are handling perhaps the most important transaction a customer will ever have, transparency is needed to successfully handle the loan application process for a customer. I’m a big NBA fan.

In the game of basketball, you hear a term called a 50/50 ball.

A 50/50 ball is one that hits the ground. In other words, you have a 50 percent chance of getting the ball, and the other team has a 50 percent chance of getting the ball. In business, the same rule applies. If you are working harder than the competition, you have a greater chance of getting the client and making that transaction.

Mangers must remember that people can’t follow if we can’t lead.

program at LSNB you feel stands out?

Butler: Our portfolio loan is a very unique program. This special loan program is a niche product that allows us to lend money outside of the Fannie Mae guidelines. This is an incredible product and one that I feel gives us a competitive edge in the market.

NHOME: What would you like NHOME readers to know about LSNB? And what would you say sets this mortgage program apart from others in San Antonio?

Butler: Banks have traditionally developed a reputation that they can’t close loans in 30 days due to the bank’s size and infrastructure. What I would like the readers of NHOME magazine to know is that our focus is to close loans in 30 days and that we can provide the same level of service and products as any traditional mortgage company does today. In fact, we can probably provide even more based on the fact that we have portfolio lending.

NHOME: What goals would you like to accomplish in your career, specific to LSNB, and more generally for your life?

Butler: I want to help LSNB become one of the top mortgage companies in the state of Texas. As a company, we want to provide superior customer service and mortgage lending. I am a committed member of the team, and ultimately, I want to help the bank grow and recruit the best talent in the market. As an individual, my goals are to be a better person each day. I strive to help those around me every day through my involvement in the community and my local church. My family is my rock, and I am so grateful to be blessed with them each day. In fact, my teammates are a blessing to me, too. Everyone from assistants, processors, closers and every facet of the mortgage transaction has been critical to my success. I am truly grateful and blessed to have them on my team. I firmly believe that you can’t be successful if you don’t have a successful household.

You can’t be successful without successful teammates. ■

For more information, contact Terrence Butler, mortgage production manager (NMLS #225873), at butlert@ lonestarnationalbank.com.

JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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/ NHOME JULY//AUGUST 2014

Take Ownership of Your Active Lifestyle…

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The convenience of city living and the quiet charm of a resort lifestyle flow together at The Towers on Park Lane. Conveniently located near Alamo Heights, Ft. Sam Houston and downtown San Antonio.

The Towers is surrounded by fine dining, The Quarry shopping center, and is the prime location for an active lifestyle. The Towers caters to both civilian and military individuals age 50 and over.

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Call us for questions and to schedule your private consultation.

Let our staff help you make your move to The Towers a smooth transition.

210-822-8722 ✤ www.thetowerslife.com

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// arts & culture //

A Second Look

THE TEXAS CONTEMPORARY ARTIST SERIES AT THE UTSA INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES HIGHLIGHTS 12 CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS WHO CALL THE LONE STAR STATE HOME. // BY: GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO

H “THE SELECTED ARTISTS COVER A BROAD SPECTRUM OF ARTISTIC STYLES AND MEDIUMS.” 62

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alf a decade of curating a groundbreaking contemporary art exhibition series has finally culminated for UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures Exhibitions Curator Arturo Infante Almeida. The highly revered final Texas Contemporary Artist Series and summary exhibition on display at the Institute of Texan Cultures from May 3, 2014, to Oct. 26, 2014, showcases both new and old artwork by all 12 artists who have participated in this five-year program, spearheaded by Almeida.

In his curatorial statement, Almeida lays out the vision behind this encompassing curatorial endeavor: “Engaging in the understanding and celebration of Texas cultural heritage, I chose to focus on the work of contemporary artists who call Texas home. The selected artists cover a broad spectrum of artistic styles and mediums. Common to all of their work, however, is the bold vision and unbridled exuberance that is the quintessence of Texan culture.”

With spotlight artworks by Luis Valderas, Leigh Anne Lester, Carmen Oliver, Henry E. Cardenas, Luis M. Garza, Rex Hausmann, Henry Catenacci, Franco Mondini-Ruiz, Ana Fernandez, Luisa Wheeler, Pepe Serna and Lauren Browning, we see a varied display running a gamut of themes, genres and subjects filling out the first floor of the building. The exhibition is displayed with a purposeful linear arrangement of skewed freestanding walls that dedi-

cate individual and intimate space to each artist, separating the works from each other and giving more room for visual appreciation on a singular level.

Post-modern and contemporary flair inserts itself with a visual quirkiness in quasi-traditional renditions. In mixing splattered floral, Mylar botany, high society collage, outsider/primitive love stories, Xeroxed family lineage applications, contrasting sculptural textures, Texas/self-identity issues, depression, eccentric pop art, landscape banality, structural expression and faceless home dĂŠcor portraits, Almeida has conjured an eclectic assortment of recognizable artistic prestige.

The artwork is accompanied by monitors that greet visitors by playing short video clips of artist interviews and curatorial explanations. Leading into the first art displays, the entrance is surrounded by photographic storyboards from all 12 opening nights. With such deliberate appreciation, highbrow treatment and an elevated cachet, it is no wonder the exhibition series has been recognized on the city and state levels, granting each artist an official senate proclamation document, a certificate of congressional recognition and a signed letter of official congratulations by Mayor Julian Castro.

Âť

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ALMEIDA HAS

CONJURED AN ECLECTIC ASSORTMENT OF

RECOGNIZABLE ARTISTIC PRESTIGE.

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However, it is important to note that as it is a summary exhibition, Almeida also gave freedom to several artists to explore new avenues from previous bodies of work comparative of their individual solo exhibitions.

Fernandez chose to submit exploratory work that derails from her signature urban cityscapes, an aesthetic she mastered in an eerie pictorial of San Antonio residency and identity. Presenting more expressionistic and gestural mark making mixed with strong linear elements, Fernandez layers a kind of de Kooning aesthetic over her simplified sketches of urban living. From preceding work, we know underneath the deliberate breakaway lies the essence of her old self (the house, the lawn, the figures, the low-rider cars, etc.), but masked by purposeful distortions, unresolved juxtapositions and admirable cross-outs.

Like a visual scrubbing, Fernandez gives us a middle stage of maturity, of voice, of progression – finding her own way past the local identity that garnered her national attention. She is almost saying in bold brush strokes that she is free from the bonds of repetitive composition and theme. To present this kind of self-destruction and reanalysis takes courage as well as confidence, giving the viewer a sneak peek at a personal need to evolve.

Serna’s two lithographs give an admirable presentation to outsider art. His solo exhibition titled “La Mona Risa” was comprised of decorative portraits of inspiring women in unflattering executions. By representing Serna with cartoon-like couples in “I Do” and “Honeymoon,” the overt gaudiness takes backseat to the dynamic relationship between the bride and the groom. Their sincere admiration for each other is captured by simplistic facial expressions, and the decorative motifs add a festive element to the artwork.

Browning’s exceptional play off texture and precise carving techniques are executed in such perfection that her stone-carved sculptures radiate with an inner luminosity. A fluorite, vesicular basalt and granite combination, “Resilience” is a masterful play of contrasting surface qualities. With a Texas-based assumption and title supposition, one can almost perceive an abstracted cactus with blooming tundra.

Browning’s past career with NASA, her Ph.D. in geology and her geochemist background give her exceptional knowledge in her materials of choice. Her prominent understanding of resource is evident.

Rounding out incomparable eloquence is the large floral by Mondini-Ruiz, an internationally recognized San Antonio painter. “Wildflowers I” is a large traditional still life painting that is made up of expressionistic wisps, outlines and gestures. Interpreted as flowers in a vase against a non-addressed background, we give attention to the bouquet – an explosion of simplistic petals, stems and blooming florets.

Executed in a manifestation of impressionism mixed with expressionism and paired with pompous attitude, “Wildflowers I” is a perfect visual of self-identity for Mondini-Ruiz. Admirable in scale, appreciative in gesture and defiant in detail, the flowers give grace, vibrancy and spouting elegance, all the while defying the almost limiting outlines that strive to define the subject.

Although Mondini-Ruiz has often painted his patrons, collectors and supporters in this simplistic manner, this spotlighted rendition of classical muse almost reflects back the larger-than-life and charismatic persona that is the artist himself – an undeliberate mirror of ostentatious grandeur.

In essence, we see varying sides of each artist as Almeida presents a second look at the chosen few who given opportunity to give voice to Texas identity, heritage and culture. ■

The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is located at 801 César E. Chavez Blvd. in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, call the institute at 210-4582300, or contact Gabriel Diego Delgado at gabrieldelgadoartstudio@yahoo. com.

Enjoy the Hollywood Experience!

 Custom and standard garage door designs

 Award-winning customer service  San Antonio’s only IDEA-accredited garage door dealer

Call Us to Discuss Your Project 210.494.3434 www.hollywoodcrawford.com JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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// great escapes //

IT’S SPA TIME

NEED A LITTLE RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION? THE LONE STAR STATE IS PACKED WITH PERFECT SPA GETAWAYS TO SUIT ANY LEISURE TASTE. // BY: KIM YOUNG

I

know I could use a little relaxation and rejuvenation, and I’m betting you could, too. It doesn’t matter where you are; there is sure to be a spa getaway near you.

In the past, going to the spa was a daily occurrence. For the ancient Greeks and Romans, it was a communal experience where you could get the latest gossip, hot and/or cold steam, a massage, a pedicure and even your hair done. The biggest and the best, the Baths of Diocletian (“Thermae Diocletiani”) in Rome, was dedicated in 306 and was said to hold up to 3,000 people at a time.

The Romans elevated bathing to a fine art. They made it a full-day affair. The termae was a place you went to socialize and to be entertained with music and comedy, or perhaps to borrow a book from the library. And if you ask me, there are few things better than a good book in the tub.

Courtship was conducted at the termae. My BFF, Gina, says the best way to know what a woman really looks like is to get her wet. And I can only guess that men today still seal business deals in the steam room.

The days of state-owned, opulent bathhouses are long gone, but fortunately, we can benefit from the services provided by most spa getaways.

For my friends in the Dallas area, check out My Choice Spa & Wellness Lounge – a destination for relaxation and rejuvenation in DeSoto. It’s a luxurious, full-service spa offering a wide array of services including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, laser hair removal and a medical weight-loss program. They are also a premier destination for spa parties, group events and corporate retreats. For more information, visit www.mychoicespa.com.

Austinites should check out Milk + Honey Day Spa. They have two locations (one downtown in Aus-

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tin’s 2nd Street District and one in Bee Cave at the Hill Country Galleria), and you can schedule your appointment for one of their many treatments. Whether you’re looking for a massage, waxing, nail service or one of their luxurious packages, you’re sure to find just what you need. Contact them at info@milkandhoneyspa.com for more information.

You might be surprised to learn that some spas offer medical services. The Focus in San Antonio, Boerne and New Braunfels is an antiaging wellness center and an in-network provider for major insurance companies.

They cater to both men and women, whether it is treatments for anti-aging, weight loss or skin care. Dr. Melissa Miskell is board certified and specializes in bio-identical hormones. Look up their monthly specials at www. thefocus.net.

And for a real vacationtype spa treat, there’s the European Day Spa of Fredericksburg. It’s your therapeutic getaway for Swedish massage, European facials, acupressure, bio-lift facials, lymphatic drainage, body wraps, paraffin treatments and much more. Owner Carrisa Ballard has studied extensively and seeks to serve the whole person – mind, body and soul. You can contact them at www. eurospafredericksburg.com for more information.

The days of the Greeks and Romans are long since past, but words of wisdom from Publilius Syrus (a Roman author in the First Century B.C.) live on: “Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings.” ■

Attention NHOME clients:

WIN AN INDUSTRY AWARD OR HAVE SOME OTHER EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE?

table talk CONTACT US TODAY about our new

Table Talk & Events section, your source

for all that's new and noteworthy in our luxury real estate community.

// info@nhometx.com // 210.386.6531 // JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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// table talk & events //

ALTHOUGH LARGELY IGNORED BY HOMEOWNERS UNTIL SOMETHING GOES WRONG, GARAGE DOORS HAVE MORE

IMPACT ON BOTH YOUR CURB APPEAL AND YOUR FAMILY’S SAFETY THAN YOU MAY REALIZE.

// SPECIAL TO NHOME

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T

PHOTO COURTESY CLOPAY AND AMARR

Surprising Selling Points

here are three key factors when selling your home: location, condition and price. The only two you have control over are price and condition. If your house isn’t selling, before you lower the price, step outside to the curb, turn around, take off the rose-colored glasses and look closely – at your garage door.

“Garage doors are a relatively inexpensive remodeling investment that can quickly increase the value of the home,” says Randy Oliver, president of San Antonio-based Hollywood-Crawford Door Company.

“A new garage door can also dramatically improve curb appeal in a single day while making an invaluable investment in the safety of your home and family.”

It was reported in a 2014 Cost vs. Value Report that homeowners can recoup more than 100 percent of a high-end garage door. And according to GarageWowNow.com, “When real estate agents were shown ‘before’ and ‘after’ snaps of houses that upgraded with new, stylish garage doors, they increased the list price of the home anywhere from 1 to 4 percent. That means a $2,000-plus investment in a garage door could increase the sale value of your home by as much as $7,000 if you’re selling a $175,000 home.”

Oliver also pointed out that, “Garage doors are the largest, heaviest moving devices in most homes, yet they are something many homeowners rarely think about until something goes wrong.”

A recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll for the International Door Association (IDA) reported that homeowners ignore basic garage door maintenance until the doors break.

“An annual inspection by a professional can help identify a small problem and fix it before it turns into a bigger problem,” Oliver says. “For the largest moving objects in our homes, it makes sense to keep overhead garage doors in top working order.”

GARAGE DOORS ARE A RELATIVELY Oliver is the new presidentINEXPENSIVE REMODELING INVESTMENT THAT CAN elect of the IDA, the world’s QUICKLY INCREASE THE VALUE OF THE HOME.” largest association of professional garage door and access systems dealers and installers.

He has been with Hollywood-Crawford since 1981; he began as an installer and then progressed to sales manager, vice president and finally president in 1994. He has served on the IDA board of directors for eight years, and he is the recipient of multiple awards from the organization, including the prestigious Jerry R. Reynolds Volunteer Leadership Award in 2009. He also won the 2009 Associate Legend Award from the Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA).

Hollywood-Crawford Door Company is known for providing exceptional garage door products and exceeding their customers’ expectations since 1947. They offer a complete line of quality residential and commercial overhead garage doors and openers.

They are members of the GSABA and charter members of the IDA. They are also accredited by the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA), the only independent and nationally recognized accreditation organization for garage door dealers. The company was the first garage door dealer in Texas, and it is currently the only garage door dealer in San Antonio to be IDEA accredited. ■

For more information, visit www.hollywoodcrawford.com.

PHOTO COURTESY CLOPAY AND AMARR, PHOTO BY ROBBIN BENTON, PHOTO COURTESY CLOPAY AND AMARR

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// events //

Welcoming the Who’s Who YOU’RE INVITED FINE STATIONERY & GIFTS CELEBRATES THE GRAND OPENING OF ITS NEW LOCATION IN ALAMO HEIGHTS.

T

he who’s who of the design world was recently seen at the grand opening of the new location of You’re Invited. The new owner, Jackie Quintanilla, welcomed guests, the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce and Trent Hultgren, design star of HGTV, for the ribbon cutting.

You’re Invited has been a proud business partner in the area for nine years. Enchanted by the look and feel of the new boutique, guests browsed while enjoying light refreshments. Few people left without doing a little gift shopping, as well. Quintanilla pulled together a design team to create the perfect new location to showcase her fabulous team of stationery specialists.

Make an appointment, or just come in. They are ready to help you select the perfect invitation for your special occasion, whether it’s formal, casual or a “just for the fun of it” event.

You’re Invited is located at 7959 Broadway, Ste. 200, in San Antonio, Texas. You can book your appointment online at www.youreinvitedsa.com or call 210-832-0400 for more information. ■

// PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE: JASON RISNER

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LEFT TO RIGHT:

WALKER ALMANZA, KATHY GONZALES, DR. MIKE MAJORS, JACKIE QUINTANILLA AND LEO QUINTANILLA

MIDDLE LEFT PHOTO LEFT TO RIGHT:

LEO QUINTANILLA, JACKIE QUINTANILLA (OWNER) AND TRENT HULTGREN

MIDDLE RIGHT PHOTO LEFT TO RIGHT:

DEBBIE CATHEY, KATHY GONZALES, THERESA METCALF, JACKIE QUINTANILLA, ESTELLE RODRIGUIZ, MARY FRANCES CHURCHILL AND BARBARA BARNETT

BOTTOM PHOTO

BAND - COLAO WITH DON'T FORGET THE MUSIC

// PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE: BECKY MAJORS JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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// events //

GUESTS MIX AND MINGLE AT A NETWORKING MIXER CELEBRATING THE NHOME MAY/JUNE ISSUE FEATURING PARADE OF HOMES STANDOUT CKC CUSTOM HOMES.

// PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

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August 2nd at the Plaza Club 6-11 pm

Join us for an evening of charity & fun!

$50 per person (tax-deductible donation) includes Live Music, Food, 2 Drinks (cash bar available), $1000 in playing chips, Silent & Live Auctions & a chance to win some Great Prizes, including a 3 day/2 night Trip to Las Vegas!

Cocktail Hour starts at 6pm & Gaming starts at 7pm!

Proceeds will benefit the Fort Sam Houston Warrior and Family Support Center.

Tickets are Limited, so get yours TODAY!

texascrschapter.com/events JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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// events //

Summer of Fun

CELEBRATE THE SUMMER WITH FOOD, WINE, ART, SALSA AND MORE AT ANY – OR ALL – OF THESE FUN EVENTS GOING ON IN AND AROUND SAN ANTONIO IN JULY AND AUGUST.

JULY 1 – 31

JULY 19 & 20

King William Carriage Tour The King William Carriage Tour offers a magical view of San Antonio from an elegant, white Victorian carriage as you explore the King William Historic District. Listen to the clipclop of the graceful horse pulling your carriage as you enjoy an outstanding tour. Situated upon lots of land that were once irrigated farmland belonging to the mission, you’ll find large, enchanting homes lining the street. All of the impressive houses have been restored to their original beauty, and it is once again a lavish and very desirable residential area. Tours start at 204 Alamo Plaza. For more information, call 1-800-987-9852.

Second Annual Salsa in the Park The annual Salsa in the Plaza salsa-making contest takes place on Saturday with great live music, delicious food and arts and crafts vendors. And on Sunday, enjoy the rhythms of salsa music and the taste of great food. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. at Market Square on both days, and entry is free. For more information, call 210-207-8600 or look for the event at http:// events.mysanantonio.com.

Call for Entries: Pinnacle of Design The ASID Texas San Antonio design community hosts its first interior design competition, Pinnacle of Design, which is open for entry from July 1 through Aug. 15. The awards ceremony will take place on Sept. 24 in San Antonio, location TBD. For questions about this great event, please contact Donna Reed, Allied ASID, at dkrdesigner@gmail.com or visit www. asidsanantoniopinnacle.com.

JULY 17

Come and Taste It at The Grapevine in Gruene Historic District Meet Texas’ best winemakers and craft brewers at The Grapevine the third Thursday of each month except January.

Throughout the year, 11 wineries and their winemakers are showcased on the patio and garden of this popular tasting room in the Gruene Historic District. There will be complimentary tastings of the craft beer, as well as three of the winery’s newest releases and bestselling and hardest-to-find wines.

The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m., and entry is free. For more information, visit www. grapevineingruene.com or call 830-6060093.

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Old Gruene Market Days Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items, collectibles and packaged Texas foods at Old Gruene Market Days. Market hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Gruene Historic District, and entry is free. For more information, visit www.gruenemarketdays.com or call 830-832-1721.

AUG. 2

Mercado O’liva Chef Chuck Hernandez will host Mercado O’liva at the Spanish Governor’s Palace. Come and enjoy free food demos and folklorico dance performances; farm to table food and olive oil samples; interactive activities and information from nonprofit

MARCINSI1987/BIGSTOCK.COM

JULY 1 – AUG. 15

JULY 19 & 20

AUG. 8 – 17 Kidcation Week Show your kid how much fun dinosaurs, waterslides, monkeys, music and much more can be, all in one event-filled week!

It’s called Kidcation Week, and it happens all across San Antonio from Aug. 8 to 17. You’ll find special offers on hotels, restaurants and attractions, as well as special summertime events designed just for kids and their families! And it’s just in time for back-to-school shopping.

Make one last big splash this summer at Kidcation Week in San Antonio. For more information, go to http://visitsanantonio. com/kidcation.

AUG. 9 organization Spare Parts; and more. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and it is free and open to the public. For more information, call 210-207-5951.

Pearl Brewery Farmers’ Market The Pearl Brewery Farmers’ Market is a great family fun event and a chance to meet local food producers! With a strong commitment to food excellence, the

Pearl is host to a producers-only farmers’ market. All Pearl farmers’ market vendors are located within a 150-mile radius of San Antonio, providing fresh, local and seasonal products that they themselves planted, raised and harvested. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pearl Brewery. For more information, visit http://atpearl.com/farmers_market.

AUG. 9

Rambling Rosé Rambling Rosé attendees are given the opportunity to sample some wonderful rosé wines, including one from Becker Vineyards. Experience the wines through a blind tasting with a panel of experts who will help guide you through a palate of flavors. There will be two sessions at Becker Vineyards: one at 1 p.m. and one at 3 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. For more information, call 210-822-9555 or visit www.culinariasa.org.

»

KORNIENKO/BIGSTOCK.COM, ELENATHEWISE/BIGSTOCK.COM

CONTINUED ON PAGE 74

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AUG. 14 Art Crawl: Gallery Tours for Caregivers and Babies Moms, dads and caregivers of all sorts, put your babies in their slings and take a walk with us through the galleries at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Talks are geared toward adults, while the art selections are chosen to engage both you and your infant. Each tour begins at the front desk and ends with playtime and refreshments. Front-carrying baby carriers are encouraged, and strollers are welcome. The tour runs from 10 to 10:45 a.m. For more information, call 210-978-8100 or visit www.samuseum.org.

AUG. 16

Kim Young

Free Arts Morning at The Carver Children of all ages are invited to visit the historic Carver Community Cultural Center for a morning of free visual and performing arts experiences. Free make-and-take art activities (drop in between 10 a.m. and noon), a hip-hop dance class (10 a.m.), a capoeira class (11 a.m.) and an African drumming class (noon) will be offered. Entry is free. Space is limited, so please contact the Carver’s education coordinator, Philip Castillo, at 210-2072719 or philip.castillo@sanantonio.gov to register. For more general information, call 210-207-7211 or visit www.thecarver.org.

Has been working with luxury home buyers and sellers achieving their real estate goals in the San Antonio/ Hill Country market since 1999.

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Kim Young is a third year recipient of the Five Star Professional Award as seen in Texas Monthly / NHOME JULY//AUGUST 2014

Restaurant Week Restaurant Week celebrates food at all of our local restaurants! It is a cross section of the San Antonio culinary scene that encompasses a diverse range of cuisines and includes some of our most time-honored restaurants and buzz-worthy newcomers. The experience gives visitors and residents the opportunity to experience the quality, variety and hospitality that embody the San Antonio dining experience. Bon appétit, San Antonio!

(Reservations aren’t required, but they are a good idea! Contact restaurants directly to book reservations.) For more information, visit www.culinariasa.org or call 210-8229555.

AUG. 17

Back-to-School Concert Join us for our forth annual back-to-school concert at Traders Village. This year, after a great performance last year, our entertainment will again be five-time Grammy Award winner Little Joe y La Familia, one of the most popular Tex-Mex bands in the music industry. The concert is free and runs from 11:30 to 4, and parking is just $3 per carload. Come early and enjoy the great shopping. For more information, visit http:// tradersvillage.com/san-antonio/events/back-to-school-concert.

ANDREY KUZMIN/BIGSTOCK.COM

AUG. 16 – 23

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/ NHOME JULY//AUGUST 2014

Television Show

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HOSTED BY:

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A weekly 30-minute TV show featuring multi-million dollar luxurious homes that are FOR SALE by some of the TOP SELLING REALTORS in and around the San Antonio, Boerne, and Fredricksburg areas.

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Letters to the Publisher AT NHOME MAGAZINE, WE ARE PROUD TO SHARE SOME POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM OUR VALUED CLIENTS, READERS AND FRIENDS.

DEAR ADAKU:

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DEAR ADAKU:

“Thank you so much for the feature article in the May/June issue! I am so pleased with how it turned out and really appreciate the extensive coverage. I also want to thank you for including all the sponsors of my trip and my top five AD finds and photos of their work. It was such a pleasure to work with your team, and Chloe did an excellent job writing the article. To be invited by Modenus on #BlogTourNYC was exciting enough, but then to have you interested in covering my trip to the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, well, that was icing on the cake. Thank you! Your magazine’s photos and layout are superb, and it’s an honor to be included. I’m thrilled with the article and coverage!”

“I have just become familiar with your publication, and I am blown away. Everything from the design to content is outstanding. This is an excellent tool for both new homebuyers and existing homeowners alike. The quality is incomparable to anything else I have seen in this market.

The articles are well written and informative. The topics are extremely relative and apply well to the market trends of the time. I also enjoy reading columns from experts in their various relative fields who are local. We have so many talented people right here in our backyard; it is wonderful to see that utilized. It is so refreshing to see a distributed published piece that invokes such inspiration and beauty and certainly inspires its readership. The publisher clearly excels at her work and takes pride in her production quality. I am lucky to be in an area where this is distributed and hope that you keep expanding your territory so more readers can enjoy this fine magazine. Please keep up your good work!”

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JULY//AUGUST 2014 NHOME /

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/ NHOME JULY//AUGUST 2014