Ten West Living Magazine by Dante Klar Media Group

November/December 2012

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Traci Burton Director of Sales & Catering (210) 293-6110

Melanie Planas Sales & Event Manager (210) 293-6113

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CONTENTS

2012 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

LANDING A BIG CATCH

SOMETHING NEW THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

HDTV’s HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY

WHERE THERE IS SMOKE THERE IS FIRE

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Luxury. Life. Style.

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A LITTLE TOME TO LOWER MY GOLF HANDICAP

WHERE HOPE LIVES

TELLURIDE A WINTER WONDERLAND

C OF INSPIRATION

DATE BOOK

LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN

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ool air whips through the landscape, between the bare branches and over the ground now covered with rustling leaves. In spite of the cooler weather, the warmth of the holiday season persists. Twinkling lights line the eaves of so many roofs and families and friends gather inside happy homes, exchanging gifts, enjoying savory meals and creating lasting memories. The Holiday season is here! The Holiday season is a time to reflect on the words that surround the season. Peace. Hope. Love. Charity. These words remind us to be mindful of others. It’s the time to count our many blessings; our health, family, friends and all the freedoms we enjoy in this great country and to celebrate the season with merriment, gift giving and of course, delectable treats. As we cheer family and friends, let’s not forget the traditions that brought us to today. Whether your holiday traditions are baking holiday treats, decorating your home for the season, shopping for the perfect present, giving to a favorite charity or trimming the tree with your children and getting tangled in the lights, they are all special moments.

November/December 2012

Volume 2 • Issue 1

PUBLISHERS Patrick Klar patrick@tenwestliving.com Bill Dante bill@tenwestliving.com

EDITOR Patrick Klar patrick@tenwestliving.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erich Lynch erich@tenwestliving.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Vernelle Lynch vernelle@tenwestliving.com

ADVERTISING Bill Dante bill@tenwestliving.com

Take time to recognize the simple pleasures during this frenzied season and make some new memories. Attend one of the events in our “Christmas in San Antonio” article. Try one of the scrumptious recipes from Landry’s or check out a new store you haven’t been to, who knows what treasure you might find for that special someone.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Time truly does fly. We are celebrating our first year at Ten West Living. We are grateful for the thousands of loyal readers, like you, who support our magazine. We are looking forward to next year, a year full of surprises. As always, we thank you for your support and encouragement.

Al Rendon

From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season.

John Griffin, Jennifer Broome, Bjorn Dybdahl, Cesar X. Chavez, Sandy Levy, Bryan Gathright, Lisa Dante, Cathy Cardenas, Vernelle Lynch, Steve A. Martinez Jr.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Advertising, Editorial and General Inquiries info@tenwestliving.com 210.807.3860 110 Broadway, Suite 530 San Antonio, Texas 78205 Subscribe www.tenwestliving.com/subscribe.html

Patrick Klar Publisher

Bill Dante Publisher

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Ten West Living is published bi-monthly by Dante Klar Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Copyright ©2012. Reproduction of Ten West Living is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Dante Klar Media Group. Unsolicited material cannot be returned. Ten West Living reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Ten West Living is delivered bi-monthly to homes on the IH 10 corridor. Subscription rates are $12 per year.

Ten West Living sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable way. This issue was printed on recycled paper using inks containing a blend of soy bases. Our printer is a certified member of both the Forestry Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. We can have a better world if we choose it together.

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Landry’s fresh flavors reel in seafood lovers along the River Walk by John Griffin • photographs by Al Rendon

he tranquil waters that flow gently past San Antonio’s River Walk would never be mistaken for the high seas, yet you can get a fresh taste of the Gulf of Mexico and the oceans beyond from one of the shaded al fresco tables at Landry’s Seafood. Chilean sea bass, Atlantic salmon, Alaskan king crab, live Maine lobster and plump Gulf oysters are a few of the treasures of the deep that fill the restaurant’s menu, tempting diners who want something special, healthy yet affordable, for lunch or dinner.

the restaurant’s signature dishes is Snapper Angelica, in which blackened snapper is served with a medley of sautéed shrimp, scallops and mushrooms in Landry’s special house-made sauce. You can also get the Parmesan-crusted Snapper Hemingway with jumbo lump crabmeat and lemon butter on top.

Landry’s is known across the country for providing excellent seafood at affordable prices, yet the San Antonio location exceeds expectations because of the peaceful and playful setting, which goes beyond the 30 riverside tables to a multi-storied showplace known for its dark, rich woods that gleam in the romantic lighting. “It’s fabulous, beautiful and exciting, always exciting,” says Carol Cree, the restaurant’s general manager. “There’s always something going on.” You can watch it all unfold as you sip on a mojito or a specialty margarita from the seasonal cocktail list and gaze over a menu that includes an enticing blend of modern seafood dishes and old favorites. Among the latter are a lavishly praised lobster bisque, the ever-popular surf and turf combination of an 8-ounce filet mignon paired with a lobster tail of equal weight; shrimp scampi with pasta and a garlic-butter sauce; and 1-½ pounds of crab legs with a salt-crusted baked potato. One of

Previous Page: Live Main Lobster served with drawn butter and asparagus; Above: Bananas Fosters - crepe filled with vanilla bean ice cream and topped with freshly sliced banana, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and Landry’s Fosters sauce

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From Left To Right: Snapper Angelica blackened snapper topped with shrimp and scallops sautéed with mushrooms and green onions in Landry’s sauce; Surf & Turf - Char-grilled fillet mignon and lobster tail, served with a baked potato; Oysters on the Half Shell - a dozen raw oysters served with all the trimmings.

Snapper is extremely popular with diners these days, says Juan Baños, Landry’s concept executive chef. He’s been with the company for more than 20 years and has seen how people’s tastes have changed. When he started, Landry’s diners wanted fried shrimp, fried catfish, fried oysters, you name it. There are still fried items on the menu, but more customers want their seafood sautéed, poached, pan-seared, baked, broiled or blackened. Their tastes have also expanded to include a greater catch, such as redfish, sea bass, halibut and tilapia, he says. “Twenty years ago, people were less aware,” Baños says. “They had less technology and less information. Now, they know exactly what they want and they know to ask for it that way.” But many know that they love shellfish, including shrimp, which Landry’s offers in a number of different dishes. There’s Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Romano with a roasted tomato sauce, Parmesan-crusted Shrimp Fresca with crab meat on top, Stuffed Shrimp Embrochette, Jumbo Grilled Shrimp, Shrimp and Crab

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Fondue, peel-and-eat shrimp, shrimp cocktail, shrimp gumbo and, of course, fried shrimp. Landry’s serves more than seafood. Various cuts of Certified Angus Beef, including a rib eye and a top sirloin, have been aged for at least 14 days before they’re char-grilled. Also, blackened chicken has its fans, as does the Chicken Romano with cheese, lemon butter and pasta merging to form a lively dish. “We customize for our diners,” says Chef Baños. So, visitors to the San Antonio Landry’s will get several options with a Tex-Mex kick, such as fish tacos on the lunch menu and seafood-stuffed jalapeños, which make for a great appetizer. Those wanting something light will likely be surprised at the healthy array of salads, including Landry’s Chopped Salad with a choice of blackened chicken or shrimp; Avocado Lump Crab Salad with pico de gallo and a creamy herb dressing; a Caesar with a house-made dressing;

some effort, but it is worth it, because the gluten-free menu has proven to be extremely popular, he says.

and several classics, the Beefsteak Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella, the Cobb, and the Wedge with bacon and blue cheese dressing. Save room for dessert. Options range from silky smooth New York-style cheesecake to a decadent chocolate mousse cake. The real star at the end of the meal is the Bananas Foster, in which ice-cream filled crepes are topped with banana slices, a house-made brown sugar sauce, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. You’re on vacation; just say yes. Landry’s prides itself on providing what the diner wants or needs because of personal tastes or dietary restrictions, Baños says. Many with allergies or dietary needs asked about how salt is used in certain dishes or if peanut oil is used. In recent months, a gluten-free menu was introduced to help the growing number of people with celiac disease. The move meant more than creating new recipes, it also meant designating skillets, tools, tongs, cutting boards and knives that had not been exposed to gluten – and making sure they stayed separate. It has taken

“Customers are very aware of what they want to eat,” Baños says. “And it’s amazing the amount of people who need (to eat gluten-free) these days. … But any time our customers need something, all they have to do is ask to have it.” Putting the customer’s needs first is one reason Landry’s has grown steadily since opening on the River Walk five years ago. “We always try to meet every request,” Cree says. “Just recently, I did a seafood omelet for a customer because that’s what she wanted.” That attitude carries over into the help the staff offers if you want to set up a barge dinner that lets you cruise down the river while eating a menu of your choosing. The size of the party doesn’t matter, says Cree, adding that she’s set up romantic cruises for two for someone considering a marriage proposal or for larger groups. She recommends about a week’s notice, though she can set up a dinner in a day, if a barge is available. The restaurant also has a pair of private dining areas, including the wine room, which seats 30, and the glassed-in balcony. The adjacent areas can be combined into a dining area for up to 80. If you want a riverside table for lunch or dinner, Cree suggests you call ahead. “It’s best to make reservations no matter the time of day,” she says. “We always accept reservations.” Landry’s Seafood 517 N. Presa St. (210) 229-1010 www.landrysseafood.com/location-san-antonio.asp

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Landry’s

RECIPES

angel hair pasta

Bananas foster

Ingredients: 5 ea. Shrimp (26/30) 2 ea. Scallops (20/30) 5 ea. Black Mussels, if small add 1 more 1 oz. Olive Oil Blend 80/20 3 oz. Mushrooms, large, sliced 1/8” 1 oz. White Wine 1 oz. Shrimp Stock 2 oz. Roma Tomatoes, diced 3/8” 1/2 oz. Green Onions, chopped 1/4” 1 tsp. Herb Mix 1/8 tsp. Kosher Salt & White Pepper 9 oz. Angel Hair Pasta 2 Tbs. Scampi Butter 1 Tbs. Parmesan Cheese, shredded Sprinkle Chopped Chives

Sauce Ingredients: 1 qt. Heavy Cream 1 qt. 2 lbs. Granulated Sugar 2 lbs. ½ cup Unsalted Butter 1/2 cup ½ cup Honey 1/2 cup ¼ cup Light Corn Syrup 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract 2 ea. Banana, mashed to pulp 2ea. Oranges, juiced ¼ cup Dark Rum ¼ cup Banana Liqueur 2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon Yields: 2 ½ quarts

Directions: To get started, heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over high heat. Add the mussels and sauté for 1-1/2 minutes. Throw in the shrimp and scallops and continue to sauté for around 1 minute, until the mussels open. Remove any unopened mussels and replace with freshly cooked mussels. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they are lightly browned, which should take 30 to 40 seconds. Add the white wine and shrimp stock and then reduce the liquid by one-half. Next, put in the tomatoes, green onions, herb mix, and salt and pepper mix. Heat the pasta in the microwave for 30 seconds. Thoroughly mix the pasta and scampi butter in the sauté pan. Shut off the heat when you’re finished. To Plate: Using tongs, mound the pasta high in the pasta bowl. Top the pasta with the remaining ingredients in the pan. Place a mussel around the rim of the bowl at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 and the remaining 1 or 2 mussels in the center. Arrange the shrimp and scallops around the rim between the mussels. Top the mound of pasta with the crab meat. Finish by sprinkling Parmesan cheese and chopped chives on the pasta.

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Ingredients: 2 ea. Crepe Shells 1 ea. Banana, peeled, sliced crosswise into 8 slices 4 ea. Vanilla Ice Cream Scoops 8 rosettes Whipped Topping 1/2 oz. Chocolate Syrup 2 oz. Bananas Foster Sauce Yields: 1 serving Directions: To start, bring 1 quart of heavy cream, sugar, butter, honey and corn syrup to a boil in a heavy gauge pan. Reduce the heat to a rolling simmer and then cook until the mixture turns a golden brown after about 14 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in 1 quart of heavy cream and vanilla extract. Once they are mixed in, return the pan to heat and bring it up to a boil again. Reduce the mixture to a rolling simmer and cook until the saucer turns a deep amber color, which should take around 30 minutes. Now, add the banana pulp and orange juice and continue to simmer. In a separate sauté pan, heat the dark rum and banana liqueur. Immediately upon flaming, turn off the heat and allow the alcohol to burn off. Combine the liqueurs and cinnamon with the original sauce, blend and simmer. After 5 minutes, remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool down to room temperature. To Plate: Lay the crepes on the plate, then place 2 scoops of ice cream side by side on each one. Roll the crepes around the ice cream, leaving the ends open. Arrange them side by side in the center of the plate from 9:00 to 3:00. Pipe 1 whipped topping rosette into each end of both filled crepes (for a total of 4 rosettes). Then, pipe a shell pattern of 4 whipped topping rosettes lengthwise and centered between the two crepes. Stand up the banana slices down the length of the whipped topping pattern, alternating sides. Ladle the bananas foster sauce on top of the crepes, allowing it to run down the sides and pool on the plate. To finish, squeeze zigzags of chocolate sauce across the crepes and the pooled sauce.

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Something New This

Holiday

Season by Cesar X Chavez The ever omnipresent holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas 2012 are here and it’s that time again where your humble wine advisor gives you his recommendations on what needs to be on that Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner table. This being my 2nd holiday article, I will not bore you with the usual holiday talk but pretty much get down to showing you what’s available in the San Antonio market that can enhance your holiday cheer. People usually ask me, “What’s your favorite wine”? Over my many years in the wine business, I’ve tasted tens of thousands of wines, so as for a true favorite, it has to do with my present situation, what I’m eating, whether it’s the summer, spring, fall or winter. One thing to remember is basically drink what your heart desires. There is nothing wrong in drinking a white wine with red meat or a red wine with fish. If that’s what makes you feel better, go for it! My suggestions this year, I will separate the new world (California, Oregon, Washington) with recommendations from the old world (France, Italy, Spain). I am asked frequently whether I would like to serve an import or a domestic. Again, it all boils down to personal preference

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and how well you might need to please your guests. For my dinners at home, if I know that my guests that evening prefer to drink California wines, I will accommodate their palate preferences, and serve the new world. Usually, when my contemporaries and I get together, we enjoy sharing new wines we have recently discovered or are representing. Many a great dinner, brunch or a spontaneous get together, we have poured vinos from South Africa, Romania, Sweden, Mexico and several other countries where many wine lovers would never think that viticulture even existed. One last thing, don’t forget the glassware! You’d be amazed at how differently a wine can taste and be enjoyed just by the type of stemware you use. Although you probably have seen exquisite wine glasses sold in stores (such as Riedel) that definitely destroy one’s pocketbook, you do not, I repeat, you do not have to spend your entire life savings to obtain decent glassware to drink your bottle of wine. So please have fun during the holidays and remember, there’s always something new in the world of wines waiting to charm your taste buds.

New world recommendations

import recommendations

Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2010 Lush, loads of fruit, but not overly complex. Easy to drink, this California central coast pinot noir is a great fruit friendly wine.

Domaine Du Joncier 2011 Here is a well-crafted Rhone red from Lirac (southern France) produced from Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault grape varieties. I always love pouring this type of red during the holidays because of its easy going style. Good fruit up front with sufficient acidity to hold up to many spicy foods. A touch of chocolate, oak and some minerals finishes out this all around French red. A real crowd pleaser.

Franciscan Merlot 2009 One of Napa’s oldest wineries, Franciscan has come out with a great Merlot for the money. Cherry and strawberry aromas, well balanced, great texture, with a little tobacco and various fruit flavors in the finish-a great buy! BV Coastal Chardonnay 2010 Beaulieu Vineyards has been making world class wines for over 100 years, and this easy going valued chardonnay is no exception. Made with grapes from three regions, Central Coast, Lodi and Clarksburg, for the money, this white is a big winner. Nice tropical fruit flavors with hints of vanilla and oak. A buyer’s find for the buck! Chandon Brut Rose Great California sparkling without the Champagne price. Made exclusively from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes grown in the Carneros/ Mt. Veeder regions of Napa, this bubbly has true varietal character. Rather creamy, lush and a long finish. Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Always one of California Cab lovers favorite, the 2007 Alexander Valley does not disappoint. It has nice oak, ruby color, some herbal and tobacco and blackberry flavors. Take a bottle home for that special holiday meal. Montinore Pinot Gris 2010 Here is one of my favorite whites for the turkey table, Montinore Pinot Gris from Oregon. For me it really harmonizes well with the turkey, cranberry sauce and roasted potatoes. It has a nice aromatic nose with herbal overtones. Beautiful honeydew melon, mango and apple flavors that finish dry, crisp and clean. Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red 2010 Ever had a really good red from Washington’s Columbia Valley? The Firehouse red seems to go well with just about any food you put out- grilled meats, chicken, pastas, pizza, etc. Great plum and raspberry flavors with an accent of pepper and balanced tannins. This wine is produced from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sangiovese, Petite Verdot and Carmenere, Whew! Ran out of varieties to mention. Drink up!

Regis Minet Pouill Fume VV 2011 Tired of drinking Sauignon Blanc from California? Well, how about a French Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley in nortern France where the Sauvignon Blanc grape has its origins. The Minet Pouilly is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are from 25-30 year old vines. It is well-balalced in acidity with tastes of green apples, pears and lemon/lime overtones. A true Sauvignon Blanc drinkers dream. Cantine Barbera “La Bambina” 2011 This is a rose from Sicily (Italy) that you definitely have to try. Made exclusively from the native red grape variety Nero d’ Avola, this wine has a gorgeous light salmon color with scents of strawberries and melons in the nose. Only 250 cases were produced! Yes, it’s available in San Antonio (Zinc Wine bar, downtown happens to pour this by the glass). Montebuena Rioja 2009 Here is one of my favorite “sleeper” reds from Spain’s ever famous Rioja region. Produced from 100% Tempranillo and harvested by hand, this inquisitive red exhibits an integration of various solid tannins that combine tobacco, leather and various spicy flavors. It has loads of fruit and great concentration. This wine is a bargain, it will not ruin your bank account, I assure you. Have your retailer order it for you if he doesn’t have it in stock.

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Select evenings Nov. 17 – Dec. 31

Join Us Where the Season Meets the Sea.

Feel the festive holiday spirit during Shamu® Christmas – Miracles. Laugh along with our sea lions at Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas. And don’t miss A Dolphin Christmas. It’s a holiday tradition the whole family will enjoy.

Save $10 on a one-day admission ticket.

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by Steve A. Martinez Jr.

Christmas season is a joyous time filled with laughter, family, and tradition. Although our Christmas mostly likely wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be white, the lack of snow doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t damper the holiday spirit. On the contrary, Christmas is a strong tradition in San Antonio with many events running for many consecutive years, and a multitude of things to do for the whole family. Throughout the holiday season there is something for all tastes; lights, carolling, cowboy-style Christmas, traditional plays, and of course Sea World and Six Flags have events planned for the duration of the season.

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Clockwise From Left: Holiday River Walk Parade on the San Antonio River Walk; Light the Way at the University of Incarnate Word; Beautiful Christmas Tree at the SeaWorld San Antonio entrance; La Gran Posada at San Fernando Cathedral.

If lights are what you are looking for, the University of the Incarnate Word is celebrating the 26th annual Light The Way celebration on Saturday, November 17th at 7:30pm in Benson Stadium. Sponsored by the University of Incarnate Word and HEB, this is one of San Antonio’s favorite holiday kickoff events. Guests will be mesmerized by the beauty and enamored by the holiday spirit. If you can’t make it to the kick off, don’t worry, every inch of the UIW campus will be draped in over 1 million lights for the holiday season. The campus will be open for self-guided tours through January 6th. If you want to really experience a Christmas tradition unique to San Antonio, head downtown to the River Walk. Step below street level and surround yourself with a canopy of lights illuminating and dancing off the gently flowing river. One can’t help but be taken by the more than 1.8 million LED lights stretching 13.5 miles. The Paseo del Rio Association’s 31st Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony takes place on Friday, November 23rd at 7pm. This year, Olympic Silver Medalist Jimmy Feigan will be leading the parade as Grand Marshall. Floating floats covered in over 85,000 lights are uniquely and professionally decorated to reflect the theme “The Lights and Sounds of the Season,” and will surely entertain and delight. That is not all the River Walk has to offer… Starting November 29th at 6:30pm the atmosphere is enhanced by the sounds of Christmas songs as joyous carolling fills the evening air. The Paseo del Rio Association’s Holiday Boat Caroling will take place every night through December 23rd as more than 185 schools, churches, companies and civic choral groups ring in the holidays by singing on cruising boats. The eclectic mix of participants includes bell choirs, folk groups, Latino ensembles and hearing impaired performers. No, that is not all downtown San Antonio has to offer! Another tradition is the Fiesta de las Luminarias. Every weekend from November 30th to December 16th you can experience the Holiday serenity of the River Walk as you

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stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River, guided by more than 6,000 Luminarias. These warmly glowing candles in sand-filled bags symbolically mark the “lighting of the way” for the Holy Family. With the reflection of thousands of Christmas lights and luminarias dancing off the river and the sounds of caroling filling the air, it would be hard not to be enamored by the ambience of the Alamo City Christmas spirit. Fortunately for us, we have two great theme parks, SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, to help celebrate the season! The wreaths are hung and the lights are glowing as SeaWorld San Antonio wraps up the 2012 season with “Wintery Wonderland,” a magical holiday program with everything from Santa to Shamu. The park has various Christmas themed shows that help guests celebrate the holiday season as a time filled with hope and peace and miracles. The annual “Holiday in the Park” celebration returns to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, transforming the park into a winter wonderland November 23rd through January 6th. Guests will experience live entertainment, tasty holiday treats and excitement for the whole family, all the while surrounded by tens of thousands of colorful lights. You can also enjoy Frostee’s Skating Rink, an iceless skating experience adorned with glittering Christmas lights! If you are looking for something a little different this year head out to Enchanted Springs Ranch in Boerne and experience the Christmas season “old west” style at their Cowboy Christmas December 22nd and 23rd. This 86 acre working ranch excites everyone with its rugged, natural beauty, collection of exotic animas and authentic time warp – a Western town right out of the 1800’s with real live cowboys and cowgirls! The Cowboy Christmas includes tractor rides through the wild animal park, gunfights, cowboy Santa and a demonstration by western performer Pistol Packin’ Paula, “the best lady gun spinner in the U.S.” To experience the Christmas season “old west” style, visit them online at www.enchantedspringsranch.com.

The Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort will continue the tradition of its Hill Country Holidays program with a unique winter wonderland from November 22nd through January 6th. Hill Country Holidays will feature Frost, a synthetic outdoor ice skating rink open daily from 11am-8pm. Take the kids to An Elves Playland, where they will learn how the elves unwind after a day of toy making and get to partake in fun activities including arts and crafts, movies and games. The little ones can also enjoy special performances by the Magik Theatre. This year’s play, titled “Pirates’ Holiday: Buccaneers in Toyland” is a holiday comedy that everyone will enjoy. Legendary Holidays is celebrating its 14th year of bringing Texas legends to life with a host of carolers, an authentic Texas storyteller and a magical snowfall (possibly the only snow we will see!). Legendary Holidays runs nightly at 5pm, is free and open to the public. Don’t forget Santa, he is coming to town! Visit with Santa and decorate a gingerbread cookie with Mrs. Claus every night after Legendary Holidays December 13th through the 24th.

If culture and history are what you are seeking this year, you might want to check out one of the traditional Christmas plays put on throughout the city. One of these locations is the San Fernando Cathedral. San Fernando Cathedral has always been at the center of San Antonio. It is a special place that occupies a unique position in this city and for the many visitors who come by the thousands every year. From its founding on March 9, 1731 by a group of 15 families who came from the Canary Islands at the invitation of King Phillip V of Spain, this church was planned to be at the center of the life of this city. San Fernando Cathedral functions not exclusively as a Catholic Cathedral, but as a center of unity and harmony for all the God-loving people of San Antonio and beyond. On Sunday, December 16th at 6pm the San Fernando Cathedral will conduct La Gran Posada. It will begin at Milam Park and concludes at San Fernando Cathedral. La Gran Posada is one of the oldest Christmas traditions dating back to colonial times. La Gran Posada is a theatrical procession and celebration in the Latin American tradition of reenacting Joseph and Mary’s search

for shelter just prior to the birth of Jesus. Another traditional play, Los Pastores, will be held at Mission San Jose on December 22nd. This traditional Hispanic folk play, presented each year at Mission San José since 1947, depicts the shepherds’ journey to worship the Christ Child and the obstacles the devil puts before them, uplifting the Christmas spirits. Los Pastors is very popular as thousands of people come to see this wonderful event. It is believed that it has been in practice for more than 250 years as it was the part of oldest traditions of Spain. The Franciscans brought this play from Spain, and is believed that it originated in the 1500s. This play is a must for everyone who wants to see the victory of God over evil. Los Pastors is definitely a part of the tradition of Texas. For the artistically inclined, keep an eye out for the famous Rose Window, which is located on one of the church walls, it is considered to be one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in North America. Dickens on Main, in Boerne, is yet another holiday tradition we all hold dear. This year’s

Dickens on Main will be November 23rd and 24th and November 30th and December 1st from 5pm to 10pm. Delight in the snow (yes you read it right I said snow), live entertainment, artisans, horse-drawn carriages and of course Mr. Santa Claus himself. This year each day has its own special theme, Friday, November 23rd is the opening night while Saturday, November 24th is the Stocking Stroll, Friday November 30th is the Wassail Walk and my personal favorite is the Pet Parade on Saturday, December 1st. And of course, beautiful downtown Boerne will be cloaked in Christmas lights galore. While we may be thousands of miles away from the North Pole, the spirit of the Holidays and Holiday Tradition runs deep in our souls. The rich history and diverse culture contribute to make this a special place to spend your Christmas holiday. There is something for everyone on nearly every day of November and December to enjoy. So, join us this season while we make some Christmas traditions of our own.

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by Bjorn... Just Bjorn

hen the first High Definition TVs started showing up on store shelves in the late 1990s, I couldn’t wait to get one. (Fortunately, I knew some people in the business…) As with all new technological products, those early-model HDTVs – most of which were rear-projection big screen HDTVs – cost quite a bit more than a similarly sized traditional analog TV. Coincidentally, Plasma TVs began hitting the market around the same time. They were even pricier, with some of the first 42-inch flat-panel HDTVs costing almost $15,000!

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Nowadays, some 14 years later, you don’t have to look too hard to find a bare-bones 42-inch plasma HDTV on sale for as little as $500. And, even though the new HDTV’s costs so much less, improvements in the technology have made the picture quality significantly better than ever. So, if you bought an HDTV eight, ten, or more years ago, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that, after you hear the good news, you’re going to have a serious, almost-irresistible desire to buy a new HDTV. (If you do,

I know just the place where you can get one…) The good news is that, if you haven’t looked at some of the new HDTVs, you’re going to be surprised by the many new features and enhancements that have been added recently – including even better picture quality and lower prices. For example, one of the features you’ll find on many of the new HDTV models is Internet connectivity. Some sets have built-in Ethernet ports that will allow you to connect the HDTV to the Internet via your home’s wired network. Other sets use external or built-in Wi-Fi adapters to connect to your home’s wireless network. So what’s the big deal about being able to access the Internet from your TV? Well, first of all, these new HDTVs are what are known as “Smart TVs”. Smart TVs have apps – similar to apps on your smartphone or tablet – that allow you to do a variety of things that you’d normally have to use a computer or other small-screen device for. The simplest example is a built-in web browser that lets you visit websites just like your computer browser does. But, frankly, that’s just not something I would do with my TV. The real power of a Smart TV lies in the apps that are designed for specific activities, such as watching streaming video from Internet sources like Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Instant Video. Having these apps built into your HDTV eliminates the need for one or more additional set-top boxes – and the associated extra remote controls. Other popular apps give you the ability to access Facebook or stream music from Pandora. Some new HDTVs are DLNA-compliant and have built-in media players so that you can access digital media, such as family photos or music

files stored on a computer or hard drive connected to your home’s network, and view or listen to them on your HDTV’s screen – instead of hunched over in front of your laptop. Other HDTVs have Skype capabilities built-in (or offer optional adapters and cameras), which means you can use your set to make free voice or videophone calls to people all over the world over the Internet. While it doesn’t require Internet connectivity, some of the new 3D-capable HDTVs have special circuitry that can convert a standard 2D movie or TV show into simulated 3D. And, of course, the best new feature is the super-affordable prices of the new flat-panel HDTVs. Of course, the best new feature of today’s HDTVs is the super-affordable prices, with some of the most basic 60inch HDTVs selling for as little as $1,000! What if your room could use something larger than a 60-inch TV? Well, there are certainly jumbo-size flat-panel HDTVs with the screen sizes in the 70- and even 80-inch diagonal range, but there are also a couple of other options for bringing a truly big “big screen” into your home. Mitsubishi, for instance, offers several very shallow rear-projection HDTVs that range from 73- to 92-inches (and only 25-inches deep). For a truly theatrical experience, you’ll want a front-projection system. With a good HDTV projector, you can watch movies on a screen that’s up to 120 inches (or larger) – and since today’s HDTV projectors are smaller than ever, if you install a motorized screen that drops down from the ceiling, the system will virtually disappear when you’re not watching TV. Wow, now I’ve got myself wanting a new HDTV, too.

Clockwise From Top Left: Google TV; Samsung Smart Hub; Mitsubishi WD92840 92-Inch 1080p Projection TV; Sony VPL-VW95ES 3D Home Cinema Projector

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WHERE THERE’S

SMOKE THERE’S FIRE...

f o r

t h e

h o l i d a y s

by Lisa Dante

love the story about Manhattan socialite, Nan Kemper, who, in 1968 walked into an upscale New York restaurant wearing her YSL suit and was told by the maître d’ she couldn’t dine in trousers. She promptly dropped her pants and elegantly strode to her table wearing only her smoking jacket which was now a mini dress. I think Saint Laurent said it best, “Fashions come and go, but style is forever.”

STYLE CLASSIC RETURNS Created by Yves Saint Laurent in 1966, his enduring creation, the “smoking jacket,” makes a comeback. It’s a man’s dinner jacket re-cut for a woman’s body. In keeping with the strong menswear trend, I’m seeing tailored jackets in sequin, velvet, satin and other lush fabrics, pop up in all price ranges everywhere this holiday season.

This Page: Elegant and chic, a knockout, women’s sequined smoking jacket by Billionaire Italian Couture, available online at billionairecoutureusa.com; Next Page: Perfect for cocktail hour or holiday parties, Antonio Melani mixed blue dress with peplum waist accent, available at Dillard’s at The Shops at La Cantera and North Star Mall.

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STILL LADY-LIKE Amongst all the menswear trends, you can still find some ultra feminine details. For example, the flared ruffle added to the waist, otherwise known as a peplum, can be seen this holiday season on blouses sweaters, jackets and dresses. The ruffle slims your waistline and accentuates beautiful curves, all at the same time. Your silhouette will be looking fit and curvaceous in seconds, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get much better than that.

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Fashion Tip: Don’t try to match your outfit exactly, you want these shoes to stand out on their own.

This Page From Left: Women’s smoking jacket and sleek trousers, with detailed embellished smoking slippers, all by Billionaire Italian Couture, available online at billionairecoutureusa.com; One for the boys. Who can leave out the classic men’s tuxedo? It doesn’t get any better than this, also by Billionaire Italian Couture, available online at billionairecoutureusa.com.

THESE SHOES ARE MADE FOR WALKING...OR LOUNGING Another hot commodity, pun intended, is a throwback to Hugh Hefner’s 70’s style shoe. I’m talking about “smoking slippers.” It’s a classic flat with flare, more like an oxford without the laces. They’re androgenous and chic. Just slip them on and go. Many come with outrageous embellishments, like tassels, studs and embroidery. Personally, I like the leopard print, calf hair version, it goes with everything. With a variety of brands, an array of styles, there’s a slipper out there that will work for anyone. Cheers….and Happy Holidays!

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A Little Time to

Golf Handicap Lower My

by Bryan Gathright

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o you vow to lower your handicap and play better golf year after year, and yet never seem to improve a single stroke? Most golfers have a genuine desire to play better golf, yet, have no real plan to improve their game. Today’s successful business professionals typically live a hectic lifestyle leaving little time for working on their golf game. Yet, in my twenty-three years of teaching golf, I have never met anyone who couldn’t improve with a simply designed and orchestrated plan. If you are one of those busy professionals searching for that elusive improvement, the following paragraphs will detail a simplistic approach to getting your game on the road to improving your handicap and enjoyment of the game of golf. Are you that busy professional who has little to no time for working on your game? You may feel that you don’t have the time to spend either practicing or playing to make the difference that you are searching for. The first step to improving your golf game is to determine a realistic amount of time you can devote to your golf plan. Do you watch a simple 30 minute television program, such as the news, on somewhat of a consistent basis? If your answer is yes, you may be surprised that simply using the commercial breaks will afford you at least ten to twelve minutes per half hour program to practice. I suggest that you have a club with a training grip near your favorite chair or couch to use at each commercial break. You may wonder what could be done during a commercial. The most common flaws that I see as an instructor are set up oriented: grip, alignment, posture, ball position, etc. During that brief pause in viewing your program, begin by practicing your grip. Place your hands on and off the club with the training grip repeatedly during the break. A good swing begins and ends with the placement of your hands on the club. By practicing your grip daily, you will soon feel at ease with your hands on the club and reduce that dreaded tension which ruins so many amateur swings. Once your program begins, simply put the club down and resume watching your show. At the next break, take a few seconds to work on your alignment. If you have either tile or wooden floors with visible seams, it is quite easy to practice your alignment. Place the club head on the outer line and see that your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to your target line where your club head is aimed. Almost all amateurs consistently fight alignment issues with their set up. Improper alignment almost always leads to path problems with your swing. Should you have carpet instead of tile or wood floors, place your club head against the baseboard in a hallway and practice aligning your body parallel to the wall and baseboard. Whether using a seam in the floor or a baseboard against the wall, turn your head taking long, slow looks down your intended target line. Your eyes will soon ad-

just to your consistent alignment making a solid set up natural and easy. Should you have access to a mirror near your favorite television viewing area, practice your set up during the next commercial break paying particular attention to your posture and stance as you address the golf ball. Try setting up to a golf ball facing the mirror to check your width of stance and ball position. Next, turn so that the mirror is to your right for a right-handed golfer facing down the target line. Then, turn your head to see that your posture is solid with your elbows hanging under your shoulders and your hands under your chin. The set up is the most noticeable difference in viewing PGA TOUR players when compared to average amateurs. Your ability to use your time wisely at home will give you a head start when going to practice or play on the course. Your next step to creating a game improvement plan is the maximization of your time spent actually at the course or range practicing and playing. The work you are doing on a consistent basis while at home watching television is critical for the busy professional, as all of the prior work on the set up makes your limited practice time much more productive. Efficiency of time spent practicing and playing is just as critical to your golf as it is to your business. A solid set up foundation gives you a fighting chance with the limited time you have to seriously work on your game. Another key component of improving is the development of a repeatable pre-shot routine. When practicing on the range, change clubs frequently, as well as, changing targets every few shots. NEVER hit balls for exercise!! Execute each shot as though you are on the course, carefully choosing a target and beginning each shot from behind the ball. Visualize the actual intended flight of the ball from behind the ball while looking down the target line. Walk into each set up and execute each shot with a target and a purpose. My final piece of advice for those of you who practice at a range where you know other golfers is for all right-handed golfers to go to the far right end of the range to practice. You may ask why something so simple would matter. If you are at the far right side of the range, you will not make eye contact with other golfers while you are practicing, which so often leads to conversation with friends thereby further reducing the limited time you don’t have to practice. After you finish your productive and efficient practice routine, take all the time you want visiting with those friends on your way back to your car! Following these simple time-saving suggestions to maximize your practice time will improve your efficiency and quickly lead to lower scores.

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S t .

Pe t e r

S t .

J o s e p h’ s

WHERE HOPE LIVES by Sandy Levy To understand the full scope of St. Peter- St. Joseph Children’s Home, endearingly called St. PJ’s, one must know about how its mission began. Its history shows a strong commitment for caring for children from the moment its doors opened.

most prominent and helpful volunteer group even today. The group has dedicated their time and effort to supporting the home through the Auxiliary Thrift Store and many other activities and fundraising. Their ongoing help continues to be a blessing to St. PJ’s.

In 1869, three Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word ventured from Galveston to San Antonio to aid in the plight of the sick and homeless, ultimately caring for orphaned children at the Santa Rosa Infirmary. In 1891, St. John’s Orphanage was built on the grounds of Santa Rosa and was the pride of the city as the first Catholic orphanage in all of Texas.

Now commonly referred to as St. PJ’s, campus is no longer an orphanage but cares for abused, neglected, abandoned, and homeless children. In 1985, the board and administrators recognized the need to provide a homelike atmosphere for the children and house parents residing at St. PJ’s and thus constructed the new dorms with comfortable living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms that could accommodate two children. The dorms were named after Archbishop Flores and longtime benefactor, Bill Crain. The original Chapel-dining hall remains the focal point of the grounds. The Mary Kostka Hall was refurbished into an office building for the administrative staff.

Tragically, a disastrous event would move the orphanage to its present day Mission Road site. On the morning of October 30, 1912 a fire destroyed the orphanage and took the lives of five nuns and three boys. The heroic efforts by the nuns to save the boys inspired many people in San Antonio and around the country. United Way and businessman Peter Kuntz lead the effort to rebuild the home. On December 28, 1913 a new residence for orphaned boys was dedicated and named St. Peter’s Home, after its primary benefactor. Over the years the particular needs of the girls at the home and the aging buildings and location near a prison caused concerns. Not wanting to repeat the devastating events that had occurred at St. John’s, new wings were erected on the grounds of St. Peter’s to accommodate the girls. On November 24, 1929, the two orphanages merged and became known as St. Peter-St. Joseph’s Home. During the Great Depression babies were often left at the Home.

In 1994, Kiddie Kottage, was built on the grounds to care for children as young as two years old. In response to a need to keep sibling groups together and with the new additions to the Home, St. PJ’s became the only local residential basic childcare facility to care for children between the ages of two and adulthood. In April of 1999, the Marie and Charles Wolff Kidz Korner Counseling Center was established to provide accessible and affordable therapeutic help to the children residing at St. PJ’s as well as adults, families, and children from the community. In September 2001, the Home celebrated its 110th anniversary of serving children and families in need, following the Sister’s faithful dedi-

In 1967, a new building honoring the late Sister Mary Kostka was built to house teenage girls. Mary Kostka Hall became the first “cottage” like facility on the grounds and would later be the inspiration for other dorms. In 1970, Archbishop Furey created a Board of Governors to oversee the direction of the Home thus relieving the nuns of much of their responsibility. Concurrently, the need for regulation in childcare facilities was a national effort. St. Peter - St. Josephs Children’s Home gained its license as a residential childcare facility by the state of Texas to care for up to 60 children. The dedication of the nuns to the well-being of the children is not forgotten. In 1975, the Ladies’ Auxiliary was founded and continues to be the

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cation to continually respond to the needs of the community. In July 2002 St. PJ’s began operation of a licensed emergency shelter (up to 30 days), by converting our Administration building to care for 27 children, ages two through 17. In 2005 St. PJ’s received a Foster Care License. In 2007, St. PJ’s received an Adoption Program License from TDFPS as well as a license to care for infants and created a nursery which enabled St. PJ’s to take in entire sibling groups including babies. In August 2009, funding was received for the creation of an Early Intervention and Child Development Program. In September 2009, emergency shelter services were expanded with the opening of the state-of-the-art Valero Emergency Shelter which can house up to 32 adolescents. St. PJ’s mission is “healing body, mind and spirit, and shaping successful adults,” it is exciting to witness the happiness and hope in the eyes of teenager who has only been at St. PJ’s for three months. When I met Alexis*, a 15-year-old girl residing at the Valero Emergency Shelter, her laugh and smile spoke volumes about the self-confidence she carries herself with at St. PJ’s. Her batman t-shirt seemed fitting for her fearless and outgoing personality, but the bracelets and necklaces definitely added some “girl” to it. Since the attention and services at St. PJ’s helped her meet education goals, she is able to enjoy a summer break with extra time. “I have formed positive attitudes toward others and the activities have brought happiness when I am around my friends,” she told her Case Manager Ashley Herrera. Although activities like swimming and watching movies seem like basic summer rites of passage, for Alexis and other children a summer somewhere else may not have included any of this. Alexis and her younger sister were removed due to a history of their mother’s sub-

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stance abuse and lack of safety plan. Through placement at St. PJ’s, she is in a safe environment where she is learning to cope with her family and school situations. “St. PJ’s has helped distract the stress of situations I’ve had in life, but it’s also helped with my education. I’ve passed and it showed me working hard gets you somewhere called ‘success,” she said. The healing continues as well with families of children that enter St. PJ’s. For example, a sibling group of four (9, 7, 6, 5) came into our shelter not too long ago; they’d been living in a tent in the back yard of their grandparent’s house, which was in a massive state of disarray. CPS removed the children because the house, which was supposed to be their “safety plan”, was filthy and chaotic with no room to walk or sit down. According to a neighbor, the children were sleeping outside in a tent for about two weeks. When they came to the shelter the children had lice and their clothes were filthy. We welcomed them into the shelter and they made friends quickly and settled into the structure/routine of the shelter. When we offered the two older boys the opportunity to attend camp for a week, they were both very excited but the look on the oldest boy’s face was priceless; he was ecstatic. He asked, “Is it like real camp…where you go and stay in cabins and swim in the river or lake and build a fire and sing around it at night and make those chocolate things with marshmallows and cookies?” At that point we were all speechless and full of joy. “Yes,” we said. Then he said, “I always dreamed about doing this, thanks for making my dreams come true.” St. PJ’s Children’s Home is single-mindedly driven to provide opportunities for children to live healthy, happy, and fulfilled lives through a continuum of care of services from infancy to adulthood. We will constantly strive to provide the best quality programs through on-going attentiveness to the small details that make great programs. For further information on St. PJ’s please visit, www.stpjhome.org

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by Jennifer Broome Surrounded by majestic mountains, Telluride is a bustling ski town with a rich mining history. It is a historic jewel. Â Nestled in a box canyon surrounded on three side by 14,000 foot peaks in the San Juan Mountains, Tellurideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picturesque scenery could be called the American Alps.

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There is a reason celebrities like Ralph Lauren, Tom Cruise, and Kid Rock flock to Telluride. It is a blend of historic and high-end, chic and bohemian, lavish and low-key. It is a perfect alpine destination to enjoy snowy holidays. You will feel at home in Telluride’s historic downtown, yet be blown away by the 360 degree views as you glide through open powder fields. If you are looking for a winter wonderland, Telluride will take your breath away. Telluride Ski Resort boasts 2,000 skiable acres with a vertical drop of 4,425 feet. Palmyra Peak, Gold Hill Chutes, Revelation Bowl, and Prospect Bowl attract skiers from around the world. From the slopes, you get great views of Wilson Peak. The 14,000 foot peak is the peak featured in Coors commercials and labels. The epitome of luxury in alpine living is River Club Telluride. It is the only full service Telluride condominium property inside the town and is just steps away from the gondola, shops and restaurants. The unique private residence club sits on the banks of the San Miguel River. There are two and three bedroom condominiums available for fractional ownership. They are rustic, yet elegant mountain design. The condos are very spa-

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cious, ranging from 1,000 to nearly 1,500 square feet. Enjoy luxurious comfort that comes with privileges, including membership at Telluride Ski & Golf Club. From babysitting to the wildest Telluride adventure you can come up, the River Club staff will make it happen. Each condo has an open living room accented with wood and leather and has a gas fireplace. The gourmet kitch en has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The comfortable bedrooms are paired with oversized bathrooms. You will enjoy a fabulous night’s sleep in 300-count Egyptian cotton sheets. Most of the master bathrooms have spa tubs. There is also a garden waterfall hot tub, fitness center, business center, and family recreation room. Some of the luxury services offered are pre-arrival grocery shopping service, ski valet and secure ski storage, valet parking in heated underground parking garage, and complimentary town of Telluride and Telluride Airport transportation. There are a few condos available for rent. Stay for a few days and you will see why River Club Telluride is one of the top places to stay not just in Telluride, but any ski resort in Colorado. If a boutique hotel is more your style, then The Hotel Telluride is for you. The Hotel Telluride is a boutique hotel with oversized accommodations. It is luxurious yet cozy. The Hotel Telluride Select is the standard

Clockwise From Left: The Telluride Gondola; Downtown Telluride; Suite at Hotel Telluride; Hotel Telluride Exterior

room featuring a king bed or two double beds, overstuffed chairs & ottomans, antique writing desk, and private balcony. The most exclusive hotel accommodation is The Hotel Telluride Suite. A large, well lit foyer welcomes you into the on-bedroom hotel suite. The master bedroom includes a king bed, full-sized sleeper sofa, sitting area, private full bath jacuzzi tub, and private balcony. On the balcony you get spectacular views down the box canyon towards Bridal Veil Falls. The rustic elegance of the Suite extends into the oversized living area decorated with Telluride-inspired furnishings combining western with class in a cowboy chic motif. There is a second oversized balcony so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the box canyon with friends and family. You will get a fantastic night’s sleep in the “Incredible Bed” with down bedding and 250 thread count sheets. From the dining to the shopping, there are no chains in Telluride. With the brick hotels and clapboard storefronts, the 12-by-8-block downtown looks pretty much like it did in the late 1880s. The bank that was the site of Butch Cassidy’s first successful robbery now houses a store. The downtown is filled with unique shops, fabulous galleries, and quaint yet excellent restaurants and cafes. Fuel up for your day of skiing or winter adventure with a great breakfast at The Butcher & Baker Café. They serve

breakfast until about 11:30am or until they run out. The breakfast menu included handmade bagels, granola with Colorado honey yogurt, and my favorite, the breakfast sandwich with spinach, tomato, egg, and goat cheese. Their lunch menu includes soups like tomato basil bisque and flavorful sandwiches like organic turkey with fig spread, brie, apples, arugula, sunflower sprouts, and balsamic vinaigrette and BLT with avocado & pesto aioli. For lunch on the slopes, don’t miss a chance to be transported to France with the classic country French cuisine at Bon Vivant. From underneath a 39 foot umbrella, the views from the deck are incredible. Trust me, don’t miss their French onion soup, crepes, unique cocktails, and handcrafted hot chocolates. For dinner in downtown Telluride, there are multiple options, but I think a must dine spot is the New Sheridan Chop House Restaurant. They specialize in steaks with their new American cuisine with international flavors. The Chop House has the only nitrogen wine bar in Telluride. The Historic Bar in the New Sheridan Hotel is one of the oldest bars in the West. It is a favorite of both vacationers and locals. The bar has remained virtually un-

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Clockwise From Top Left: River Club Telluride; Snowmobiler on the Mountain; Lobby at Hotel Telluride; Historic Cabin

changed since 1895 with the hand-carved bar, original lead glass divider panels, mahogany wood paneling, and filigree light fixtures. After a day on the slopes, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a fabulous glass of wine, kick back with a pint of your favorite beer, or slowly sip a finely aged scotch. One of the most unique dining experiences in North America is Allred’s Restaurant. Located at the top of the free gondola that connects Telluride and Mountain Village, Allred’s is un unforgettable dining experience at 10, 551 feet above sea level. Stop in and enjoy a drink while soaking up the spectacular views from the bar or enjoy a memorable night of their contemporary American cuisine and award wining wines. The view from Allred’s is simply breathtaking. Start your dinner with the cumin scented smoked elk carpaccio with rocket greens, mustard aioli, 25-yearold Spanish Elixir sherry vinegar, and lavash. They are known for their outstanding steaks and entrees like Colorado lamb two ways and Rocky Mountain elk short loin. Try to save a little room for the sticky toffee pudding cake.

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The backcountry of Telluride is a snowmobile paradise. Telluride Snowmobile Adventures is Telluride’s oldest and most experienced snowmobile touring company. From easy groomed trails for beginners to aggressive backcountry trips for the more experienced, they offer several different tours. Your Telluride Snowmobile Adventures tour could include visiting a historic ghost town, a gourmet lunch, soaking in natural hot springs, or letting ‘er rip in wide open meadows in some of Colorado’s most breathtaking scenery. One of their most popular tours is the Alta Ghost Town Tour. The two hour tour takes you to a historic mining camp, which was the first industrial use of alternating current electricity. You get the chance to explore the cabins, boarding house and other rustic buildings that are still standing in the mining camp. Telluride is a skier’s escape to world-class skiing in one of the most picturesque ski resorts in the world. Some say it even rivals Switzerland and Austria. No need to go to Europe, just go to Telluride.

If this house could talk it would boast the fiber optic technology running through it and mock others that “stop at the curb.” It would go on about its neck-breaking speeds and more-real-than-real clarity. It would tell you it’s one of thousands of fiber optic homes in the Hill Country —all powered by GVTC. So, what would your house say?

gvtc.com 800-367-4882 | Inter net TV Phone Security

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C of Inspiration T i s t h e S e a s o n f o r Tr a d i t i o n s by Cathy Cardenas

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living r o o m o n C h r i s t m a s d a y. D o n ’ t c l e a n i t u p t o o q u i c k l y. ” - A n d y R o o n e y Well, it’s that time of year again, the HOLIDAYS. The time of year when we spend way too much money, stress a lot and surely over eat, starting Thanksgiving Day all the way through New Year’s. I actually do these things all year long and even more so during the holidays. Why is it that we all do this to ourselves, year after year, even when we say we won’t? I am thinking it is because there are a few other things that take place during this time that seem to make it all worth it. First and foremost taking the time to truly remember what this season is all about; the birth of our Savior and remembering all that he has blessed us with each and every day throughout the year. I also know the over baking, over stressing and over spending are worth it the moment I see my children’s faces light up with a glow of excitement that only shines during the holidays. Many of us find the stress to be worth it because of the traditions we share during the holidays. Some traditions are ones that you have done all your life and maybe some are new, and maybe there are a few that you have tried but may never do again….I’m sure we can all relate to that one. I’m blessed to have an amazing mother and family that truly enjoy celebrating these traditions with everyone. But I have to admit I’m glad it only happens once a year, I’m not sure my family could handle each other more than that. Unfortunately some of our traditions are, yelling, arguing, burning dinner and occasionally throwing an object or two across the dinner table. Thankfully we have a few much more enjoyable traditions; like opening one gift on Christmas Eve, Mom’s Christmas breakfast of waffles and ham, an orange in our stockings, visiting seniors, baking holiday goodies for our neighbors and putting our tree up on the Night of Thanksgiving. I finally decided this last year to start some of my own traditions that my children could

look forward to each year. Last year I created my own cranberry glaze and baked my FIRST cherry pie from scratch. I had no idea how much this would mean to my kids, that they would have something special, a tradition of our own, to look forward to every year…and maybe even possibly carry on when they grow up. I enjoyed reminiscing about my own tradition’s, old and new, that I thought it would be fun to share some other friends and families traditions. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did and maybe they will give you some new ideas to create some traditions of your own. “Every year on Christmas Eve, we go to Sea world or Fiesta Texas as a family and also open one of our special chocolate gifts each Christmas Eve.” Delaine Mathieu- WOAI TV “I look forward to making my favorite, Venison Menudo. I use all the traditional menudo ingredients including pigs feet except, I use cubed venison instead of beef tripe. Its Good stuff!” Leo Gomez- Spurs Sports and Entertainment “I love to buy my loved ones chocolate advent calendars and remind them of the “sweet” countdown to Christmas!” Monica Nino WOAI - The Living Show “I love going to the Texas Transportation Museum for their amazing annual Christmas wonderland display and train rides. It feels like an old-fashioned Christmas. Pamela Gilbert Southwestern Motor Transport “We always go to midnight service on Christmas Eve and while we are there, “Santa” comes and we go back to my parent’s house and open up our gifts.” Dustin Turner - Fiesta Commission “I love the holiday music; I have it on all the time beginning the week before Thanksgiving.” James Castro - St. PJ’s Children’s Home “I take my grandchildren every December and we walk to San Fernando church then visit the market square; we work our way to the River

Walk for our traditional Christmas barge ride and have dinner at Tower of the Americas! The kids love the city view of Christmas lights! Then we walk to the Alamo; enjoy our city’s Christmas tree; then a carriage ride to end our evening.” Richard Ojeda - Black Tie Catering “As young children, my sisters and I used to make tamales with all my female cousins down at my Tia Tati’s house Christmas Eve. When we got home, we got to open one gift on Christmas Eve after reading “’Twas the Night before Christmas”. Melanie Marquez M4PR “Our family traditions include a frozen cranberry salad recipe from Grandma Banker, baked sweet potatoes and ginger bread houses from Grandma Giles - these always start round table discussions of “The Old Farm”, “The War”, or other valuable stories about family effort and courage.” Chad Roskelley DDS “My hubby reads The Night before Christmas to the kids before we tuck them in.” Natasha Hendrix “I always sponsor 2-3 families in need and my daughters and I buy and wrap gifts for these families and we get to deliver them. It’s a wonderful experience and I see my girls hearts get stronger every year.” Wendy Harrellson Keller Williams Dominion It has been wonderful getting the opportunity to share all of these Holiday traditions. Even though they may all be different, one thing is the same that holidays really are about celebrating with family. If you have yet to find that special tradition for you and your family, I encourage you to find one. I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday season. Don’t stress too much, take time to remember what is most important; the birth of our Savior and quality time with our loved ones. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Ten West Living

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DATE BOOK

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2012 FAMILY

Bands of America November 2-3 Alamodome 100 Montana Street www.ticketmaster.com

800-745-3000

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses November 3 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com Anthony Bourdain: Guts and Glory November 8 Laurie Auditorium 715 Stadium Drive 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music November 13-14 Lila Cockrell Theater 200 East Market St. 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Nutcracker performed by Ballet San Antonio November 23-23, 30, December 1-2 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com Peter Pan December 4-9 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com Babes in Toyland December 7 Laurie Auditorium 715 Stadium Drive www.ticketmaster.com

210-226-3333

800-745-3000

The Story Tour: A Christmas Celebration December 8 Freeman Coliseum 3201 East Houston St. 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Batman Live December 27-30 Freeman Coliseum 3201 East Houston St. www.ticketmaster.com

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800-745-3000

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker December 29 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com Christmas Music of Manheim Steamroller December 30 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com

210-226-3333

MUSIC Cody Canada & The Departed November 2 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road 210-695-8827 Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com Jake Owen November 2 Cowboys Dance Hall 3030 NE Loop 410 at IH 35 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com The Mavericks November 2-3 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com Pat Green November 3 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com

830-606-1281

210-695-8827

Olivia Newton-John November 4 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com Kyle Park November 9 Cowboys Dance Hall 3030 NE Loop 410 at IH 35 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com San Antonio Symphony presents Bolero November 9-10 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com

Charlie Robison November 10 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com

210-695-8827

Stoney Larue November 10 Cowboys Dance Hall 3030 NE Loop 410 at IH 35 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Celtic Thunder November 12 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com Eddie Vedder November 16 Lila Cockrell Theater 200 East Market St. www.ticketmaster.com

210-226-3333

800-745-3000

Gary Allan November 16 Cowboys Dance Hall 3030 NE Loop 410 at IH 35 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Jason Boland & The Stragglers November 16-17 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com San Antonio Symphony presents Jupiter November 16-17 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com Lee Brice November 17 Cowboys Dance Hall 3030 NE Loop 410 at IH 35 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Newsboys November 18 Laurie Auditorium 715 Stadium Drive 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Daughtry and 3 Doors Down November 20 Illusions Theater at the Alamodome 100 Montana Street 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

DATE BOOK

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2012

Hayes Carll November 21 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

Easton Corbin November 30 Cowboys Dance Hall 3030 NE Loop 410 at IH 35 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

Robert Earl Keen December 19 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com

210-226-3333

Rush Charlie Robison Wiz Khalifa November 30 December 21 November 21 AT&T Center Gruene Hall Illusions Theater at the Alamodome One AT&T Center Parkway 800-745-3000 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 100 Montana Street 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com New Braunfels, Texas www.ticketmaster.com www.gruenehall.com Shawn Colvin Bob Schneider November 30 San Antonio Symphony presents November 23 Gruene Hall Holiday Pops Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 December 21-22 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 New Braunfels, Texas Majestic Theatre New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.gruenehall.com www.majesticempire.com Alternate Universe Music Festival Cory Morrow December 1 Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison November 23 Alamodome Holiday Show Floore’s Country Store 100 Montana Street 800-745-3000 December 22 14464 Old Bandera Road 210-695-8827 www.ticketmaster.com Gruene Hall Helotes, Texas 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 www.liveatfloores.com Jason Boland, Cody Canada & Chris New Braunfels, Texas Knight www.gruenehall.com Kevin Fowler December 7 November 24 Gruene Hall Trans Siberian Orchestra Cowboys Dance Hall 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 December 22 3030 NE Loop 410 at IH 35 800-745-3000 New Braunfels, Texas AT&T Center www.ticketmaster.com www.gruenehall.com One AT&T Center Parkway 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Reckless Kelly Kevin Fowler November 24 December 8 Cody Canada & The Departed Floore’s Country Store Gruene Hall December 27 14464 Old Bandera Road 210-695-8827 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 Gruene Hall Helotes, Texas New Braunfels, Texas 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 www.liveatfloores.com www.gruenehall.com New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com Wade Bowen Kenny Rogers November 24 December 10 Reckless Kelly Gruene Hall Majestic Theatre December 28 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 Gruene Hall New Braunfels, Texas www.majesticempire.com 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 www.gruenehall.com New Braunfels, Texas Bryan Adams www.gruenehall.com Willie Nelson December 14 November 25 Majestic Theatre Roger Creager Gruene Hall 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 December 29 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 www.majesticempire.com Gruene Hall New Braunfels, Texas 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 www.gruenehall.com Jerry Jeff Walker New Braunfels, Texas December 14-15 www.gruenehall.com Steve Winwood Gruene Hall November 27 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 Casey Donahew Band Majestic Theatre New Braunfels, Texas December 30 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.gruenehall.com Gruene Hall www.majesticempire.com 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

Ten West Living

DATE BOOK

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2012 Stoney Larue December 31 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

830-606-1281

SPORTS San Antonio Spurs NBA Basketball Oklahoma City Thunder November 1 Utah Jazz November 3 Indiana Pacers November 5 New York Knocks November 15 Denver Nuggets November 17 Los Angeles Clippers November 19 Memphis Grizzlies December 1 Milwaukee Bucks December 5 Houston Rockets December 7 Boston Celtics December 15 New Orleans Hornets December 21 Dallas Mavericks December 23 Toronto Raptors December 26 Houston Rockets December 28 Brooklyn Nets December 31 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 210-444-5050 www.spurs.com San Antonio Rampage AHL Hockey Grand Rapids Griffins November 2 Oklahoma City Barons November 4 Toronto Marlies November 10 Houston Aeros November 13 Charlotte Checkers November 16 Charlotte Checkers November 18 Houston Aeros November 23 Abbotsford Heat November 24 Texas Stars November 25 Oklahoma City Barons December 8 Oklahoma City Barons December 9 Charlotte Checkers December 16 Houston Aeros December 29 Charlotte Checkers December 30 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 210-444-5050 www.sarampage.com Texas Tractor Pulling Extravaganza November 9-10 Freeman Coliseum 3201 East Houston St. 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com University of Texas at San Antonio Football McNeese State November 10 Texas State November 14 Alamodome 100 Montana Street 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

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Valero Alamo Bowl La Gran Posada December 29 December 16 Alamodome San Fernando Cathedral 100 Montana Street 800-745-3000 115 Main Plaza 210-227-1297 www.ticketmaster.com www.sfcathedral.org Los Pastores HOLIDAY FUN December 22 Mission San Jose Light the Way 6701 San Jose Dr 210-932-1001 November 17 - January 6 www.nps.gov/saan University of Incarnate Word Benson Stadium Cowboy Christmas 4301 Broadway 210-829-6000 December 22 - 23 www.uiw.edu/lighttheway Enchanted Springs Ranch 242 HWY 46 830-249-8222 Wintery Wonderland Boerne, Texas November 17 - January 6 www.enchantedspringsranch.com SeaWorld San Antonio 10500 SeaWorld Dirve 800-700-7786 Celebrate San Antonio www.seaworld.com/sanantonio December 31 Alamo Street between Market and Durango Hill Country Holidays www.saparksfoundation.org November 22 - January 6 Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort LOCAL FLAVOR 16641 La Cantera Pkwy 210-558-6500 www.westinlacantera.com Farmers Market at the Cibolo Every Saturday 9am - noon Holiday in the Park The Herff Farm November 23 - January 6 33 Herff Road 830-249-4616 Six Flags Fiesta Texas www.cibolo.org 17000 IH-10 West 210-697-5050 www.sixflags.com/fiestaTexas Chipping for Charity Golf Tournament November 12 Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony Dominion Country Club November 23 1 Dominion Drive 210-826-0885 San Antoio River Walk 210-227-4262 www.chippingforcharity.com www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com Turkey Trot 5K & 10K Dickens on Main November 17 November 23, 24 & 30 & December 1 Main Plaza Park Downtown Boerne 100 N. Main Street 830-815-1040 www.dickensonmain.com www.ymcasatx.org/BoerneTurkeyTrot Caroling Nights with Santa November 29 - December 2 San Antoio River Walk 210-227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com Holiday Boat Caroling November 29 - December 23 San Antoio River Walk 210-227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com Fiesta de las Luminarias November 30 - December 16 San Antoio River Walk 210-227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com Holiday Mingle & Jingle December 6 The Shops at La Cantera 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 210-582-6255 www.theshopsatlacantera.com

LSBA Casino Night and Toy Drive November 30 Fair Oaks Ranch Country Club 7900 Fair Oaks Parkway www.leonspringstx.com Tamales! Holiday Festival December 1 Pearl 303 Pearl Pkwy 210-212-7260 www.atpearl.com

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by Vernelle Lynch love Christmas lights; they exude a sparkly magical feel that only the holiday season can entice. I very fondly look back at the times when my parents would drive my brother and me around San Antonio and the surrounding areas to look at Christmas lights. It was a fantastic time, watching the houses and businesses cloaked in lights, some even with snow (of course from snow machines), glowing and flashing and sparkling to our delight. Now families have another part of town to add to their list of Christmas light traditions…Mayor Julian Castro’s 2nd Annual Light Up Downtown Holiday Contest turns the street level of downtown San Antonio into a picture perfect landscape, seemingly right out of my childhood memories. For the 2nd year in a row, the city has invited downtown businesses to showcase the exteriors of their buildings with imaginative light displays and compete in several different categories including “Best Lighting Display”, “People’s Choice Award”, “Greenest Lighting Display”, and “Best Window Display by a Non-Profit Organization.” Last year’s competition had over 30 participants, and this year is expected to be even brighter than the last. The Pearl Brewery, HemisFair Park, Rivercenter Mall, The Vidorra (last year’s winner of Critic’s Choice Best Lighting Display of a Building) as well as Bohanan’s and the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce are all geared up to light up… downtown that is. The displays will light up at 5:30pm every night starting November 23rd through January 10th. Voting starts November 23rd. To vote visit www.lightupdowntownsa.com or utilize the Quick Response (QR) Code displayed at each participating business to vote from your smartphone. Winners will be recognized at the Celebrate San Antonio New Year’s Eve event. So, get down to downtown, vote for your favorite, but more importantly make some new memories and possibly start a new family tradition.

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For more information visit www.lightupdowntownsa.com

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