PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN ANTONIO, TX PERMIT #244
Publisher’sCorner Fall 2008
Welcome Neighbor! Well it has a little over two years since I founded Talk Around Town and it has been an adventure to say the least! I have learned so much about the Hill Country and myself. It is a certainly humbling experience to take your vision and lay it out there for the world to see. Frankly, with all the good, the bad and the ugly it is an experience that I would not change a minute. I would like to mention where I got all my ambition and inspiration for starting my own publication. Those two people are my parents. They both were shining examples of doing the right thing and doing it to the best ability you had. Then there are my siblings that encouraged me to go for the gold particularly my brother Mark whom has since passed away. He had the best business sense in the whole world and walked the talk everyday. I miss him dearly! Finally, my son Ian and husband Steve whom have both given me such joy and kept me believing. There is something I want to make perfectly clear and that is Talk Around Town is not my magazine but our magazine. I truly want to hear from you all about what you would like to see in future issues. It is a work in progress and you have a voice in this magazine for sure! We also have an exciting website that offers weekly updates on community events, local coupons, wonderful giveaways such as show tickets, dinner for two and spa getaways. Please visit www.talkaroundtown.net weekly to stay informed and win some fabulous prizes too! Until the next time, stay fabulous! Karen Borell Publisher/Founder
publisher@talkaroundtown.net
Talk Around Town is dedicated to helping you feel right at home! Please come in and vist... Let’s send out a big thank you to all the advertisers that support Talk Around Town. They’re the reason we’re so very successful. Please let them know they are the talk around town!
Talk Around Town is published quarterly by Corridor Marketing Group. Sales and Editorial Office: 1393 Timberhill Drive New Braunfels, Texas 78132 830.620.9013 www.talkaroundtown.net
talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008
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CarTalk Solving the Mystery of
H
ello, my name is Bill and I have been in the automotive repair business for over 35 years. So let’s talk cars. Something almost every one who drives has seen at some time is that annoying light on the dash that says check engine or service engine soon. This little pest can be very distracting particularly at night.
If you ever have any questions or comments, visit us at www.quickalign.net or for truck accessories check out www.bigesaddons.com.
The obvious fix for this is a piece of black electrical tape, right? After all, the car was running just fine so it couldn’t have been that important. Well, if your vehicle is a 1996 or newer that may not be the best solution. In the early days of on-board computer controls (beginning in the early 80’s) check engine lights could stay on for years with no signs of a serious problem. In 1996 most vehicles went to OBD II, (On Board Diagnostics II). OBD II is a much more complex computer control system that monitors every aspect of how the engine is running. A collection of sensors that records engine temperature, air intake, RPM, exhaust gases and vehicle speed feed information into the computer to constantly adjust what is required for proper operation. When the check engine light comes on immediate symptoms may occur or you may notice nothing at all. Even if no symptoms are present a diagnostic should be performed to determine the cause. If not, the problem could become much more expensive to correct, or it may result in the vehicle not running well or not running at all. Many of the problems associated with the check engine or service engine soon light may also cause poor fuel economy and excessive pollution. The newer your vehicle, the more the computers it may have (yes their may be more than one). With all of the bells and whistles like programmable mirror and seat positions, one computer was simply not enough. Therefore, the next time the check engine light comes on, put the tape back in the bottom kitchen drawer and have a qualified technician diagnose the problem instead. It may save you from being stranded on the side of the road, or worse. 4
talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008
FamilyTalk
Your Kid May Be Getting the “Run Around”
I
f you have spent any time in Europe, you may have noticed kids playing with a wooden bicycle without pedals known as a run bike or balance bike. The run bike has been around for a long time (since the 1800s) but for some reason it never really made its way over here to the United States, until now. A new company in New Braunfels called Kiddyrun has done just that. Proprietors Andy and Jackie Vig have started manufacturing, distributing and selling the U.S. version of the run bike right here in Texas. Andy and Jackie have recently made Texas their home along with their unofficial spokesperson, Arian (their 4-year-old son). A few years ago when the couple was visiting here on holiday from Hamburg, Germany, they brought Arian’s run bike with them. Everywhere they went, people kept asking them where they could can get a run bike too. After six months of design and development, the Kiddyrun bike was born and the Vig family moved to the Lone Star State to start the business.
wheels when your child graduates to a pedal bicycle or have the need for a tricycle. Schools are now starting to use them as well. In fact, the Vigs recently donated Kiddyrun bikes to the Kids Development Clinic in Houston, Balance4Kids in California and KidWorks in Austin. The Kiddyrun bike is made from Baltic birch wood which the highest quality of birch out there. Baltic birch is extremely durable unlike the Chinese variety, which isn’t as sturdy. The bike itself can hold up to 70 lbs and is made from mostly all green products. I know what your asking, how can I get one for my kids. Well, it’s simple, you can order them directly from www.kiddyrun.com or check their site for a retailer nearest you.
The Kiddyrun bike is great for kids age 2 to 6. The bike teaches kids balance and confidence on riding on two wheels. If your child starts on a run bike, there will be no need for training
talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008
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GreenTalk
Think Green…Buy Local!
Y
ou do not have to rip out everything in your home and start over in order to make green home improvements a part of your life. Make one small change, and then add more as you go along, or commit to environmentally-sound choices as you embark on a green lifestyle. Let’s take a look at some solutions that local companies offer to help in your everyday living choices!
s
Flooring Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal for sustainably harvested wood. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that has soared in popularity as a beautiful flooring option. Cork flooring made from the cork that remains after wine corks are made, then covered with a resin and is a warm, soft flooring choice that is surprisingly durable. Recycled hardwoods from old houses or barns can add real character to your home. Natural fibers such as non-mothball-treated wool or jute are great alternatives to synthetic carpeting. Start small with just one room or area rug. Check out McGlothlin’s Abbey Flooring in San Marcos for green flooring solutions. They can be reached at 512-353-7322. Energy efficiency You can make many small changes and repairs that will lower your energy use. A couple ways are changing your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, purchasing Energy Star appliances, and using natural lighting and ventilation when possible. You can also install watersaving plumbing fixtures, making sure you have adequate insulation, fixing leaks, sealing cracks around windows and doors, and designing additions or renovations to take into account sun exposure. If you have abundant sun exposure, you may also want to consider efficient barrier insulation and window tinting. Three local companies that can help with these solutions are Appearance Plus at 830-609-8733, EBS (Efficient Barrier Solutions) at 512-504-3582 and Dean’s Shop at 512-353-4770.
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Landscaping and floral Environmentally aware design of your outdoor space includes the use of native plants that require minimal additional watering; shade for energy efficiency, porous surfaces so that rainwater is then returned to your watershed, perhaps a rain barrel to catch rainwater for watering a pesticide-free vegetable garden. For beautiful floral arrangements, call Maxine at Floral Studio at 512 -392-4656. For local landscaping, stop by Paradise Palms in New Braunfels and ask for Dottie or Steve. They can be reached at 830-626-3344. Commercial cleaning Please call Beverly at Above and Beyond Cleaning at 830-515-4588. She uses green cleaning products and offers fabulous results. Home décor Please visit Native Furniture, 512-357-2100, in Martindale and General Store Furniture Solutions, 512-392-0622 in San Marcos that offers all natural wood furniture your finish or theirs. Green travel There are so many green getaways to choose from so let Joyce at Trips and Travel help you find one! Call Joyce today at 512-376-6338 or visit www.trips-travel.com. Green transportation Vroom Scooters at 109 E. Hopkins Street, in downtown San Marcos have the perfect solution to getting around while beating the high cost of fuel. Vroom, vroom….Ask for Galin or Beau at 512-757-8985.
talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008
talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008
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FoodTalk
Are You A ‘Locavore’?
T
he term “Locavore” was coined by Jessica Prentice from the San Francisco Bay Area on the occasion of World Environment Day 2005 to describe and promote the practice of eating a diet consisting of food harvested from within an area most commonly bound by a 100 mile radius. “Localvore” is sometimes also used. By definition, a locavore or localvore is someone who eats food grown or produced locally or within a certain radius such as 50, 100, or 150 miles. The locavore movement encourages consumers to buy from farmers’ markets or even to produce their own food, with the argument that fresh, local products are more nutritious and taste better. Locally grown food is an environmentally friendly means of obtaining food, since supermarkets that import their food use more fossil fuels and non-renewable resources. According to the Agricultural Marketing Service, farmers’ markets in the United States have increased 18 percent since 2004. Leading this market movement is a group of citizens known as “locavores”. The word—Oxford Dictionary’s “Word of the Year in 2007” refers to anyone who is committed to eating as locally and seasonally as possible. Along with the movement came an eating trend: the 100-Mile Diet in which those who subscribe to it try to eat only locally produced food grown less than 100 miles from where they live and shop. This is where green markets come in particularly handy. However, before we call local produce the latest bandwagon pulling through town, consider this: local produce and farmers’ markets predate even the earliest bandwagons. When talking about local foods, Frederick Kaufman, author of “A Short History of the American Stomach” is quick to note that “local food “in New York has always been a thriving enterprise.” Whether you’re steering today’s local food bandwagon or simply attempting to eat and cook like your ancestors, there is one thing all farmers’ markets connoisseurs know—these gastronomic gatherings are much more than just a place to buy produce. “You have the food all coming from one place,” Molly Watson, Guide to Local Foods for About.com says, “and the people shopping are all coming from that place. It gives you an instantaneous view of the local culture.” For a list of local farmer markets visit www.talkaroundtown.net. 8
talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008
HomeTalk
Extra-High Electric Bills...Not Too Cool!
D
o you cringe each time you get the electric bill in the mail? It could be that your old window air conditioning unit or central air conditioner is in need of replacing. If you have central air and both your heating and cooling bills are high, that is definitely a sign that the unit may not be working as efficiently as it should. However, before you take on the extra-added cost of replacing your furnace and central air unit, call a local air conditioning company to do some preventative maintenance around your home. They will check for places cool air can leak out. Poor window seals, gaps in the walls, and missing outlet plates are all places cool or warm air can escape your home SEER is measurable ways to rate the efficiency of AC units. It is the seasonal output, measured by calculating the BTUs divided by the watt hours used during an averaged climate temperature. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the air conditioner will be. Although you can expect a unit with a higher SEER to be more expensive than a lower rated model, the savings you’ll receive over the next few years will greatly outweigh the initial cost increase. Central air conditioners have a SEER, which is usually listed, on the unit’s fact sheet rather than on a tag. In many areas, you can get a
substantial refund from the electric or gas company when you upgrade to an energy efficient furnace-- sometimes up to $500. Call your utility companies for more information. A good contractor will match your home with the properly sized central air conditioner/furnace. When replacing an interior furnace, you should also replace the outside condensing coils as well. This will provide the best efficiency for the unit. You also want to ensure that the compressor is located on the north side of the house. If that is not possible, place it in a well-shaded area. Too much direct sunlight hitting the compressor can diminish the efficiency of the unit. Likewise, keep the area around the compressor clean from debris, weeds, and high grass, as they can all decrease the unit’s efficiency. Lastly, with a new central air conditioning unit installed, you should initially set the temperature controlled thermostat to somewhere around 76 degrees. Test it and see if you feel comfortable, then adjust it to your desired temperature. For each degree, you lower your temperature in the summer, your energy consumption rises about 4 percent.
talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008
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WomanTalk
Our Choice for Woman of Excellence
D
ermalogica’s story begins in 1986, when the founders of The International Dermal Institute (the postgraduate training facility for skin care professionals) decided to do something about the serious lack of results-driven products on the market.
Researched and developed by The International Dermal Institute, Dermalogica shocked the market by refusing to use artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, S.D. alcohol, lanolin or mineral oil – all of which were industry favorites due to their low cost, despite links to numerous skin problems that proved that including these ingredients in skin care products were not good for your skin. They also went a step further, insisting that all Dermalogica skin care professionals had to meet the highest level of training and expertise, ensuring that consumers could get reliable consultations about their skin concerns without falling prey to the hype and faddism that dominates the skin care industry. Dermalogica’s commitment to professional skin care continues today with its no-nonsense packaging, emphasis on skin care education and dedication to formulating products that deliver results, not ridiculous claims. I live by the excellence mantra, as does Lisa whom owns Skin Benefits and Solutions in New Braunfels. Please stop by and visit her at 614-A South Business IH 35 in New Braunfels or call for an appointment at (830) 620-0888. She is our choice for Women of Excellence for carrying such an outstanding product line like Dermalogica.
Excellence Mantra I am part of the fellowship of excellence. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, paid up, and prayed up. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, colorless dreams, small vision, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, labor by power and lift by prayer. I cannot be bought, compromised, lured away, turned back, detoured, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of fear, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in a maze of mediocrity. From this day forward, my banner will be clear… when you see me… you will see a woman of excellence.
Dust off out your blue suede shoes,
Elvis
is in the building! Win tickets to Elvis Tribute Show at the Brauntex Theater! Bimonthly drawings….visit www.talkaroundtown.net for more details.
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talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008
HealthTalk
Lower Back, Leg Pain Symptoms of Sciatica
T
he sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. From the lower spine, the sciatic nerve splits into two branches, one for each leg, dividing again at the knee. Sensations and muscle control throughout the lower body can be traced through the sciatic nerve. Early signs of sciatica, as reported by doctors of chiropractic, are tingling, stinging, burning sensations in the areas directly supplied by the sciatic nerve; i.e., hips, buttocks, thighs, calves and feet. Often, in cases later diagnosed as sciatica, there is a prolonged period of intermittent low back pain and muscle weakness that the patient probably ignores. However, a single careless movement or even bending the “wrong way” can trigger the sudden intense shooting pain that is clear indication of sciatica. The nerve inflammation that results in sciatica pain is most frequently traced to faulty alignment of the vertebrae in the lower spine and improper mechanics of the lower spine and pelvis, which may lead to possible intervertebral disc lesions. Sciatica can be brought on by a single accidental stress to the lower spinal-pelvic area or it may develop gradually from a pattern of stresses to the back. A job where one is constantly lifting and altering one’s posture to compensate for the weight being lifted makes a person more likely to develop the symptoms of sciatica. Occupations requiring constant sitting (such as office work and driving) may also cause similar back problems. Chiropractic adjustment is the method of choice for correcting the sciatic inflammation. Dr. Tiffany Curley conducts a thorough screening for the signs of sciatica as part of the total comprehensive spinal and physical evaluation of each patient. If you are experiencing any of the signs of sciatica, please contact Curley Chiropractic at (830) 620-0959 for your complimentary evaluation. Curley Chiropractic is located at 1312 E. Common St ., STE 407 , New Braunfels
talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008
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