BEST Brazilian Steakhouse - San Antonio, Texas - 07/26/11 08:44 AM
BEST Brazilian Steakhouse - San Antonio, Texas
I'm a Foodie, I love food.  All kinds of food.  I eat almost anything that is prepared well, with great texture and flavor.  Add a little ambiance and I'm there, repeatedly!
As a steak lover and being Texan I jump at the chance to visit Saltgrass Steakhouse or Texas Land and Cattle. I don't frequent Morton's, Kirby's, or Ounce because I've eaten there and just don't find it a comfortable place to hang, the prices are too high (with respect to portions especially), and quite honestly, while the "quality of the steak" might be … (8 comments)

You Should Use a Realtor to Buy a New Home - 07/25/11 11:24 AM
Most buyers who seek to build a home don't think about asking a Realtor for help. Why?  My guess is that they think it's like shopping for a car.  You drive around, maybe look online, you tour homes, and sign a contract.  You pick out some upgrades, use the builder's "preferred lender" then six months later you move into your new castle.
That sounds all fine and dandy but did you know that the builder's sales rep has a fiduciary duty to the builder?
You should use a Realtor for new home purchases because the sales representative's responsibility to … (8 comments)

King William District - San Antonio, TX - 07/25/11 10:48 AM
The King William District is a San Antonio jewel & strong part of our history and culture. The Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo, was secularized in 1793 and the land divided along the resident Indian families or sold in a public auction. In the 1860s the community was developed and settled by the Germans who were migrating here - nicknamed "Saurkraut Bend." What came next was row after row of amazing architecture:  Romanesque, Italianate, Neoclassical, and Queen Anne.  The main entry was named after King Wilhelm I the King of Prussia in the 1870s.  It developed into a row … (2 comments)

Hints From Heloise - Green Cleaning Tips - 07/22/11 06:52 AM

Green clean your wood & glass!  I love these tips from Heloise.  By Heloise, Published: July 21 Dear Heloise: We have wood paneling in our lake house, and with kids running around, it sometimes gets a little dirty. Do you have a cleaning solution that could be used? -- Jackie, via e-mail
I sure do! Mix 1 part apple-cider or white vinegar with 2 parts water, dip a clean microfiber cloth into the solution and wring until just damp. Wipe the walls, doing one small section at a time, and dry and polish with a new cloth. This solution and a … (6 comments)

Texas named leading state for sustainability - 07/20/11 06:08 AM
If you haven't realized by now how great Texas is for employment, business, quality of life, and affordability, please keep reading! Texas named leading state for sustainability San Antonio Business Journal Date: Tuesday, July 5, 2011, 11:47am CDT Related: Environment Enlarge Image Courtesy Photo Texas was named a leading state for sustainability.
Related News Texas named leading state for new plant locations, expansions Texas ranks No. 3 in business climate survey CPS Energy gets nod for economic development Texas scores high on Site Selection list Washington Mutual's local $170 million expansion ranked one of best Texas has been named the eighth … (2 comments)

Housing Market Report - Hunter's Chase - San Antonio, TX - 07/20/11 05:44 AM
Housing Market Report - Hunter's Chase - San Antonio, TX Hunter's Chase - San Antonio, TX is featured in my Housing Market Report because it is an established community featuring affordable homes with luxury ameneties and located within the fastest growing area in Greater San Antonio.   Hunter's Chase - San Antonio, TX offers a community within a community since they have 2 swimming pools, parks, playgrond, sport court, swim club, & an elementary school within the community.  Being located just inside Loop 1604 you also benefit by having multiple routes to and from work.  Great schools and great community. The dining … (2 comments)

Housing Market Report - Sonoma Ranch - Helotes, TX - 07/20/11 04:37 AM
Housing Market Report - Sonoma Ranch - Helotes, TX
Sonoma Ranch - Helotes, TX is featured in my Housing Market Report because it is one of the fastest growing areas in Greater San Antonio.  Located within San Antonio metro area.  Sonoma Ranch - Helotes, TX offers that quaint, "small town" feeling.  It offers a quieter living with great schools and great community.
The dining out  & shopping is very good:  El Chaparral, Oolong Bistro, Rome's Pizza, Goomba's Pizza, Saltgrass Steakhouse, & many more.  On the border of Helotes & San Antonio are Kohl's & Target, HEB Grocery, Office Max & … (0 comments)

Free Money For Struggling Home Owners - 07/19/11 11:55 AM
Mike's blog is very timely. I was reminded last night that it's not too late!  I work with a non-profit company that promotes home owner answers to the financially challenged. Need help?  Call me and I'm happy to refer you to some solutions!
Via Mike Mayer, Broker/Owner - i List For Less Realty, LLC:
There is a new federal program offering financial aid to struggling homeowners  and the funds don't require repayment. The federal government is offering free money to homeowners behind in their mortgage payments to help them bring their loans current.
Called the Emergency Homeowners Loan Program (EHLP), it's the latest … (3 comments)

Terms for First Time Home Buyers to Know - 07/19/11 11:51 AM
 
My friend Jerry posted this.  I think it is good for people to know what is going on. I mean, would you buy a car and not know what a V6 is?  Great post Jerry and I hope many consumers will read this and become more informed.
 
Via Jerry Newman,REALTOR®,US Army Retired, San Antonio Real Estate & Military Reloc (Keller Williams Realty):
Terms for First Time Home Buyers to Know
I have had the honor and pleasure of working with First Time Home Buyers in my market area. During our first initial Buyer’s Consultation, I usually go over many terms … (1 comments)

Speechless Sunday - San Diego Zoo - 07/17/11 10:26 AM
SUNDAYS ARE FOR FAMILY
Regardless of your make or model
San Diego Zoo - 2009
These guys have had enough posing, oohing, and awing.  Five minutes later the bamboo door magically lifted and they headed to the dining room for a nice family meal. Now it's my turn to head on over worship & to Macaroni Grill or such! Have a fabulous weekend!

… (7 comments)

North Central San Antonio Market Report - May to July 2011 - 07/16/11 07:15 PM
We all  have our favorite areas for different reasons, and one of mine is MLS 0500 also known as North Central San Antonio. There are numerous custom homes built in the 1980's. The location is near everything that most people need, including SA International Airport, major shopping, & the financial district. Some common neighborhoods include Elm Creek, Whispering Hollow, City of Castle Hills, City of Shavano, & Woods of Shavano, & Hunter Creek. This area has a lot of character dotting though parks and treed areas featuring real wood doors & floors, built-ins, granite counter tops, custom cabinets, swimming pools, covered patios, … (5 comments)

Funny Friday - Sustainable Humor - 07/15/11 05:50 PM


And this is why the chicken crossed the road....
Word
The blog requirement is 50 words to get full points so I am writing to fulfill the requirement.  I think it is a good idea but at the same time some things just are better left unsaid. This last sentence makes a total of 50 word so yahoo  I did it! … (3 comments)

Win a FREE San Antonio Vacation - Westin La Cantera - 07/15/11 09:58 AM
I know how AR bloggers love contests....
so I thought I would share this one with you.

Casandra Matej, the new San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director, is exploring San Antonio. Each week in July she'll go somewhere new and explore some of San Antonio's most popular spots. Guess where she's going next and you could win a San Antonio Getaway. Follow her journey in detail on Facebook. HOW TO PLAY Each week in July, we'll give you clues about where Casandra is going next. Clues are posted Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday each week. At least one correct answer enters you to win … (3 comments)

Too Far, Too Boring, Ahhhh This Thai is Just Right! Thai Hut San Antonio - 07/14/11 11:32 PM
I LOVE THAI!  Well, I love food to be exact but yes, exotic gets my attention.  I found a great Thai restaurant across town in Terrell Hills area but it was just too far.  Then I found one near my house but the menu was just too short. Today I found one and it was, yes.... just right!


The Thai Hut is owned by a the Pleansinchai family - which I have no idea how to pronounce, but means that they can cook some darn good Thai food!  I heard they have owned other Thai restaurants but in locations … (0 comments)

Texas Parks & Wildlife Activities - 07/12/11 11:40 PM
Texas' outdoors is almost as diverse the country's .  We have deserts, beaches, hill country, prairies, rivers, oceans, & pine forests.  We even have Dinosaurs!  So if you are looking for great stuff to do on a budget or just love the outdoors then check out the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department!
 
There are too numerous to mention so I am just featuring those parks I have personally visited. However, visit the links at the bottom for youtube videos from TPWD!
 
Garner State Park 2003
TTaken from my tent!


My son Cory having fun in Kerville … (1 comments)

Pay it Forward - Building a Children's Refuge - 07/11/11 11:20 PM


I know the Pay It Forward deadline was Sunday but I got hit with a computer virus on my lap top & I was at open houses over the weekend.  Oh well, I am still entering this anyway because it's not about the points.
My brother once asked me if doing good deeds was more self-indulgent than about actually helping others given it is one way to alleviate guilt about my higher standard of living than improving the quality of life for others. Fair question; I pondered it shortly and this is my response - so long as … (8 comments)

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant - Muy Bueno! - 07/11/11 06:46 PM
I'm proud to call Charlie & Carlos friends and if you are able to make a dinner date at El Chaparral then you too will come to know & love the Garcia family the way that I do!

There are many reviews of El Chaparral but they tend to be focused on the food, & yes, the food is very good.  But I want to encourage you to make it a family favorite place because of what these people represent.  We've all heard of the American dream, to start out from nothing and make it into something.  Well, that's exactly … (7 comments)

Summer Gardening in San Antonio - 07/11/11 11:51 AM
I have been looking for a good gardening article on how to manage our summer landscaping & gardening.  None seemed to address the intense drought we are in so.......... I came up with my own solution! Plant cacti!
PERFECT PURPLE

OBVIOUS ORANGE SIMPLE DESIGN


MELLOW YELLOW
While looking through cactus photos I remembered the yummy salad my grandpa Tomas Lopez used to make with Nopalitos (Prickly Pear Cactus Leaves), so I digress.
EASY NOPALITOS SALAD RECIPE 1 part Nopalitos - cut into bite size pieces & 1 part pico de gallo. Top it off … (11 comments)

Is Your Flag Old & Ragged? - 07/03/11 09:21 PM
 I came across this during my recent search for patriotic poetry & stories.  I was touched by the lyrics of Johnny Cash's "Ragged Old Flag." I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I.

RAGGED OLD FLAG
Click title to hear Old Johnny recite his poem



I walked through a county courthouse square, On a park bench an old man was sitting there. I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down." He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town." I said, "Your flagpole has leaned a little bit, And that's a Ragged … (4 comments)