TAT Winter Issue

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talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Winter 2008 3

Publisher’sCornerWinter 2008

Keeping the Faith

‘Tis the season to be busy….and it is very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle losing sight of the true meaning of the season. It is the truly the time to celebrate and give glory to the birth of Christ our Savior!

We also need to get back to the basics of attitude of gratitude. Let’s look at what we have and not what we don’t have! I choose to look up, not down when going throughmy daily life! I also see this so-called economical crisis as a great opportunity to take our businesses to the greatest success. History has shown that businesses that keep promoting themselves do better not only when the crisis is happening but also long after the crisis has ended.

Please be kind to others and kindness will come to you!

Have a blessed and prosperous season.

Aspire to inspire,

Karen Borell Publisher/Founder [email protected]

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!

karen borell publisher/founder

ronald gross writer

bob bretz artdirector

brenda varné kristine brzozowski marketingconsultants

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

Bobby Barclay is known for his fabulous work with Local Landscaping. He is also a contemporary artist but most importantly he is a Dad. So when about two years ago, Bobby Barclay heard a loud racket and he walked in to

find his son, Tyler trying to make a pickguard for his guitar. he just knew there was a better way to make these pickguards.

After some more time went by Barclay discovered that these pickguards could be made a lot quicker and quieter when he approached a manufacturer in San Antonio. The pickguards are made of lexan material.

Then another thought crossed Barclay’s mind – why not make each pickguard unique? So he started to experiment with them – thus the birth of Barclay’s Pickguards. Each pick-guard is hand painted so that no two are alike. The pickguards can make a custom guitar for a fraction of the cost. Plus you can have a guitar that no one else has. You can adapt these pickguards for Fenders, Gibsons and Epiphone guitars. They are manufactured in Texas and are hand painted.

Good news spreads fast and there has been quite a lot of interest in Barclay’s pickquards from local artists and music stores.

So, if you need to buy a gift for that guitar player in your life and want to make it a unique gift visit www.robertbarclayart.com or call him at 830.743.1573.

Please let them know they are the talk around town.

4 talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Winter 2008

ArtTalk

Father and son make beautiful music together!

You can adapt

these pickguards for

Fenders, Gibsons

and Epiphone guitars.

They are manufactured

in Texas and are

hand-painted.

Bobby Barclay (left) and his son Tyler show off an original Barclay Custom Pickguard

W ho doesn’t have fond memories of piling into the family car on a cold winter evening and driving around town to see the Christmas lights?

Twinkling lights and glowing Christmas scenes are a joy for all ages and a holiday tradition that takes us back to our childhood. If you love Christmas lights, then you must make the drive out to Santa’s Ranch, one of the most spectacular Christmas light parks in Central Texas.

Santa’s Ranch is aglow with over 1.5 million twinkling lights on 12 acres every night through Dec. 31. Located on I-35 just south of San Marcos, the park has become a holiday destination for families through out central Texas.

Santa’s Ranch will be open every night through New Year’s Eve. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information call 830-743-1293 or visit online at www.santasranch.net

Your Kid’s First Bike

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 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. Happy biking!


FamilyTalk

Santa’s Ranch: Lights, Lights, and More Lights!!!

would like to share a hidden gem that I discovered with all the foodies and wine lovers out there. It is The Wine Cellar Bistro and Boutique in San Marcos. Brian Montgom-ery, owner and sometimes chef, decided we needed a place that can live up to what many of us have experienced when dining in the nearby metro areas but now we would liketo have locally. Thus, The Wine Cellar and Bistro was born. Brian added a retail boutique to complete the experience for

all of us wine connoisseurs and cigar aficionados. You can pick up everything you need for all your wine and cigar gift giving needs too. The Bistro offers a fabulous upscale casual atmosphere with delicious unique seasonal dishes. You will also find steak, seafood, upscale Texas fare and tapas on the menu. Oh yes, then there is the outstanding wine and ale selection. Every day the chef creates new dishes for your tasting delight so a regular visit to this place will surely be a good bet. Lunch and dinner is served 11am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday. Every second and fourth Sundays they offer a themed brunch from 11am until 3pm. The gourmet lunches are reasonable and delightful! Happy Hour is 4 pm-6 pm. daily offering special wine and beer prices It is strongly recommended to make dinner and brunch reservations. There is live music featured on Thursday through Saturday evenings. Looking for little bit more drama? They offer a dinner theater series. Last but certainly not least, let me share all their accolades starting with the 2007 chef of the year award going to their chef, John Lopez, and he is soon to receive Master Chef Recognition. They restaurant received 2007 Best Wine List from the SanMarcosDailyRecord.

So next time you want an upscale casual dining atmosphere, skip the city and head on over to San Marcos to enjoy an outstanding dining experience and a great glass of wine or fine ale. Also, check out their website for all their fabulous holiday festivities!


FoodTalk

Food Wine, and Shopping...the Perfect Combination!

On New Year’s Eve, Lucky’s Kitchen and Cocktails is going to have Jazz Blues and Diamonds perform from 9-12.

We will also be offering an optional pre-set menu with items such as Filet Mignon and Lobster. This menu will include

a glass of champagne. Celebrate the holidays in tropical ambiance with a beautiful view of Canyon Lake.

Enjoy a tropical retreat to ring in the new year! Please see www.luckyskitchenandcocktails.com for more details.

The Wine Cellar and Bistro is located at 202 N.LBJ in San Marcos and their phone number is 512-805-WINE (9463). Bon appétit my friends! Please make sure to tell The Wine Cellar and Bistro that they are the talk around town.


GreenTalk

Iam sure everyone reading this has noticed the price of gas has gone up and down faster than we can say God bless Texas! In addition, with no real signs of a true “alternate” fuel coming anytime soon, maybe it’s time to start looking for alternate sources for the fuel we do

have. Many American have taken the lead that Europeans started decades ago. No, I’m not talking about bad hygiene or inedible food. I’m talking about scooters. “Scooters”, you say…yes scooters!

Today’s four stroke engines offer up to 110 mpg. That’s right, 110! With Chinese bikes, starting at just over a thousand dollars it doesn’t take John Nash to do the math. According to the 2006, U.S. census the average commute in this country is thirty-two miles a day. While our vehicles average around 23 mpg. A 150cc scooter will get around 75 mpg, saving the average commuter over 1000 dollars or 250 cups of Star-bucks a year. It was found in a 2006 survey conducted by the international communications research firm that if 30% of Americans rode scooters for 35% of there commute it would save this country 14 million gallons of gas a day, that’s 5.1 billion a year not to mention reducing carbon emissions by a mere 324 million pounds every year. Moreover, with 33 % of the emissions of a passenger car and only a quarter that of the average SUV, you will not just be saving money…you may just save the planet.

Please stop by Vroom Scooters in downtown San Marcos at 109 East Hopkins #109 to try one of their eco friendly and very cool scooters today! Their phone number is 512.757.8985. Please be sure to tell them they are the talk around town!

Get Your Vroom! on...


HealthTalk

On the eve of a new year, many Americans renew many a failed resolution. The most common New Year’s goals focus on good health, begin-ning a workout regimen, and losing unwanted body fat. Unfortunately, statistics demonstrate

a depressingly low success rate. Although there are millions of books, magazines, and television programs touting the best way to get fit and lose weight, the majority of these resolutions fail after approximately seventeen days. This vast amount of information does not provide the key ingredients to a success-ful approach at achieving fitness and weight loss results.

The key to success encompasses a fusion of exercise prescrip-tion, nutritional modification, physical and mental wellness, and a strong support system. The traditional gym, weight loss center, or health practitioner offers one or two of these components. An incomplete program will set any new exerciser or dieter up for a long hard struggle to realize their goal. Fortunately, many health and wellness providers recognize the benefit of a multi-disciplinary approach to fitness and weight loss and are providing a new brand of fitness facilities, chiropractic offices, and physician supervised weight loss and wellness programs.

In order to choose the most appropriate fitness or weight loss plan, look for a facility that either houses the complete package or works closely with other wellness providers. Ask questions about the cohesiveness of the fitness trainers, nutritionists, physician referrals, massage therapists, diet plans,

supplements and programming. Does my gym work with a massage therapist or physical therapist in case of injury? Will this weight loss center contact my physician regarding special health concerns? Can my chiropractor refer me to an exercise specialist to expedite the relief of my back pain? The most important question to address is what kind of personal atten-tion and support system is provided to maximize success.

Always define exactly what personal limitations are present before embarking on a journey to become fit or lose weight. Choose programs that are enjoyable. Research all programs available and remember to ask questions. Make 2009 the year of achievement by finding the perfect fusion of fitness.

Fitness Point sponsors this health article. Lauren Schlameus, CPT, CSCS, NHCP is the owner of Fitness Point Canyon Lake, an upscale fitness studio. She can be contacted at [email protected] or 830-907-3626.

Finally, A Fitness Plan You Can Stick To!!!

HomeTalk

Like an invisible shield, security films offer protection from broken glass when accidents occur at home and at work. When ordinary annealed glass breaks, it poses considerable danger. The shattered pieces become daggers that can

cause serious injury or even death. Engineered with powerful adhesives, security films reduce the hazard of broken glass by keeping thepieces together and safely attached to the film.

When Mother Nature loses her temper, devastation and loss is sure to follow. Glass is always one of the first casualties during a hurricane, tornado or earthquake. During violent weather when glass breaks, wind, rain and flying debris are given full access to your home or office, causing property damage and destruction. Able to withstand extraordinary wind and

force, security film helps prevent entry of water and wind- borne debris, providing superior protection 24-hours a day. Disasters can strike with little or no warning; security films are always ready.

Windows and doors are the most vulnerable parts of your home or place of business. They are points of entry for criminals and smash-and-grab thieves. Glass is an inviting target for vandals intent on mischief or worse. Alarms and security systems are helpful, but provide little protection from experienced or determined intruders. With security films, intruders cannot readily penetrate the glass, even by striking it with a heavy implement. Usually they become discouraged and quickly depart for some easier target.

Bombs, industrial explosions, terrorist attacks. In an instant, an explosion can fire broken glass fragments at lethal speeds.

Research conducted after explosions, points to flying and broken glass as one of the main causes of death or injury. While nothing can completely protect against powerful explosions, security films have proven their effectiveness in these moments of extreme danger.

Today’s window films can also offer the added protection of sun control as well as safety and security, reducing heat, glare and ultraviolet light from entering your home. Steve Black and his wife, Lisa, are the owners of Appearance Plus, an Authorized 3M Dealer, Window Film Products. For more information contact Steve at 830-609-8733 or visit www.AppearancePlusTexas.com.

Give the Gift of Safety and Savings!


In these economic trying times, people are looking for anything to give them an extra edge. Well it just may come from a very unlikely place, a fossil. They say good things come in small packages, well this just may be that little package. It is called the H.O.P.e Stone and

it has been known to bring those that believe in it wealth and prosperity. The H.O.P.e Stone is a fossil of an ancient oyster, sometimes referred to as ram’s horns’ because of its spiral shape. It also resembles a Cornucopia, a symbol of abundance and therefore aptly named Horn-Of-Plenty or H.O.P.e Stone.

AbundanceBefore the oyster was fossilized, these creatures would take a grain of sand and transform them into beautiful precious pearls. The same idea is true for all of us, we can take this very idea and transform our thoughts of abundance and wealth into real tangible results. The H.O.P.e stone is a tool that reminds us to keep those thoughts constant and focused.

Shakespeare, the most successful Director, Writer and Actor of his time, knew this; he was the one that actually popularized the phrase: “the world is my oyster”.

Giving

“Giveanditwillbegiventoyou…”–Jesus

It is believed that when you give you get, which is a key component in wealth & prosperity. If you study wealthy people, you’ll know that giving is a major part of their lives. Many of which contribute large sums of money to charity and philanthropic endeavors on a regular basis. The people at unshelfish.com, the home of the H.O.P.e Stone believe in this as well and is taking 20% of sales and making charitable contributions to various worthy causes.

How can you get your very own H.O.P.e Stone or send one to a friend? They are available at unshelfish.com. They come in three sizes and range from $8 to $20. They make for unique stocking stuffers and is truly one of those gifts that keeps on giving.


MoneyTalk

Looking to the Past for Abundance in the Future

TheH.O.P.estone

It takes a considerable amount of time and effort to prepare for the day that you have dreamt about for so long. Flowers are an important aspect. The right wedding flowers will compliment you, as well as, make your ceremony and reception more beautiful.

Fortunately, choosing the right wedding flowers doesn’t have to be difficult.

Contact a Wedding FloristOnce you have set the date, it’s a good idea to contact a florist to inquire about availability... The best wedding florists decorate lots of weddings. When you call, confirm that they can serve the locations for your wedding and reception. You may also want to ask about other weddings they’ve done, whether they can provide any pictures of their work or referrals from local customers, and when you could meet.

Meet with Your FloristIf possible, you should have the dresses picked out and meet with your florist about four to six months prior to the big day. Earlier is better. Remember, you don’t want other bridal parties to beat you to your florist of choice for a particular date. Bring your photos or fabric swatches with you. If you’d like additional input, bring your mother, bridesmaid, or friend along. The key elements for your wedding flowers will be the bridal bouquet, selections for the bridal party and parents, decorations for the ceremony, and centerpieces for the reception. Your florist will be happy to select specific flowers, colors, and design styles with you. Many will also offer to create a sample or two for approval before delivery.

The Floral Studio in San Marcos has sponsored this article and their contact numbers are 512-392-4656 or 1-800-323-4002 or email them at [email protected].

WeddingTalk

The “I Do’s” of Planning Your Wedding Flowers


“Remember, you don’t want other bridal parties to

beat you to your florist of choice for a particular date.”

Who needs Europe? The Texas Hill Country might be the next best thing to crossing the Atlantic. The region is lush, colorful and, unlike much of the pancake-flat state, dotted with beautiful

green hills that are evocative of Tuscany or the south of France. Dry Comal Creek is one of the finest winery in the hill country.

Franklin and Bonnie Houser purchased 103 acres of land just outside of New Braunfels in the 1970’s as a get-away home for their young family. The Dry Comal Creek was full of wild mustang grapes and dewberries.

In 1992, the first vines were planted as a ‘retirement project’ for the retired attorney, Franklin Houser. The following year, after a successful inaugural growing season, Dry Comal Creek Vineyards planted 4,000 vines of Vitus vinifera. The first grapes were harvested in 1995, the first wine produced in 1998 and the Tasting Room opened the same year.

Two catastrophic floods in 1998 and 2002, washed out the vineyards and the winery, forcing a major set-back for the business, but Mother Nature hadn’t finished playing games, of course. In 2000, testing confirmed that the vineyard was infested with Pierce’s disease, a gulf-coast bacterial pathogen that kills vines. On two occasions, an entire crop of diseased plants were ripped out. Essentially no grapes – no wine!

Instead of folding up shop, the owners got creative and devel-oped a series of core wines that no other Texas or California winery, for that matter, was making. And, since there is no known cure for Pierce’s disease, Houser researched and found a resistant grape named Black Spanish (or Lenoir).

Sabrina Houser, their daughter, now manages the family win-ery. They wanted to keep the winery in the family and since have added several wonderful things. Dry Comal Creek will host Soup Saturdays. The dates for 2009 will be January 17, February 21 and March 18. They are also having the Wine and Cheese Bonanza

in April 18.

Oh yes, they still have vineyards,

but they are only Black

Spanish and doing

so with such great success that they have become known as the

‘pioneers’ in Texas of Black Spanish wine.

Please stop by their tasting room which is open daily 12-5 daily. You can also visit

www. drycomalcreek.com sign up for the newsletter

to keep abreast of all their upcoming events. Remember life is too short to drink cheap wine!

12 talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008

WineTalk

Wine a little, you’ll feel better!

WomanTalk

In October 2008 Orman will be the recipient of the National Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign. In May 2008 Time’s Magazine named

Orman as one of the TIME 100, The World’s Most Influential People. In April 2008 Orman was presented with the Amelia Earhart Award for her message of financial empow-erment for women, the Amelia Earhart Award is presented annually to a woman who embodies Earhart’s pioneering spirit and who has significantly contributed to the expansion of opportunities for women. In November 2006, Orman was the inaugural recipient of the MS Spirit Award, recognizing her support of the Society over the past five years toward finding a cure for multiple sclerosis. She received a 2003 Crossing Borders Award, which are given by the Feminist Press to recognize distinguished women who not only have excelled in remarkable careers, but have also shown great courage, vision, and conviction by blazing new trails for women in their fields.

Suze Orman is our choice for this issue’s for our woman of excellence. She empowers women to be the best they can be. Visit suzeoramn.com to gee the best financial advice today.

Suzy Orman

talkaroundtown • www.talkaroundtown.net • Fall 2008 13

ExCELLEnCE MAnTrAI 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.

Austin Gets Ready for Some FootballThe Southern Indoor Football League team in Austin recently announced that its nickname will be “Turfcats”, a powerful name that will show why the team plays the fastest game on turf. The Turfcats will kickoff their home opener in April at the Travis County Expo Center in Austin, Texas.

“We are excited to share the good news of our team and our commitment to this community,” said team Vice-President/General Manager Ronald Oswalt.

The team will also focus on the Keep Austin Green theme with the team’s official colors being Armadillo Gold, Recycling Green, and Natural White.

Act now to reserve the best seats for the 2009 season by calling 832-754-7666.

For that Special Lucky Person!New Braunfels Woman Chamber is selling seven (7) poker tables for Forty dollars sits six..first seven calls are the lucky new owners of a gift that brings joy for years to come! [email protected]


CoffeeTalk

SIFL President Thom Hagar (left) and Turfcats VP/General Manager Ronald Oswalt (right)

Dust Off Your Blue Suede Shoes...

Jesse Aron, considered by his peers to be one of the top 3 Elvis Tribute Artist’s in the Country will perform a special Elvis Presley birthday concert. Jesse is an International Champion and will perform all 3 Era’s of the King of Rock n Roll. There will also be tribute’s or Roy Orbison and Marilyn Monroe. To see and hear Jesse go to www.jessearon.com

The Voice of Elvis & Legends is on Jan 10th 7:00 PM at the Brauntex Theater in New Braunfels.

Win FREE tickets to Elvis Birthday Bash by visiting www.talkroundtown.net, go to contact page and tell us why you are the best Elvis fan.

A Gift From the HeartKey to my heart’s personalized accessories are made with oodles of sparkly Swarovski crystals and the finest sterling silver. Each item is hand crafted with exquisite attention to detail by our designers according to your specifications. All pieces come packaged in our signature silver embossed pink heart box and its coordinating polishing cloth.Please visit www.keytomyheart.net for more details.


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TAT Winter Issue