San Antonio Symphony Presents Doc Severinsen & El Ritmo de la Vida - 10/31/08 10:58 PM
 
… (3 comments)

Halloween, Candy, Pagans - 10/31/08 05:23 PM
It is Halloween and my husband, Stephen, came back from HEB with 4 big bags of candy.  Snickers, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Nestle's Crunch, Baby Ruth.  I wouldn't have chosen Baby Ruth but I wasn't the one who went shopping.
I can't wait.  It's 5:00 and cute little ghosts and goblins (what are goblins, anyway) will start knocking on our door in a couple of hours.
Stephen will put on his way too scary Halloween mask until I make him take it off and I have no idea where my witch hat is.
My daughter bought candy and put decorations on her door.  Last night she decided not to participate … (12 comments)

Fireplace Safety Tips - 10/25/08 09:17 PM
I hope to have a cozy fire going in the fireplace Monday night. That is when weather forecasters are saying our first cold front of the season will arrive here in San Antonio. All homeowners should have their heaters checked and maintained before using them. We have our HVAC system checked and maintained by Tiger Services twice a year website . If you have a fireplace and are planning on using it this season, please keep the following safety tips in mind.
Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season. Open the fireplace damper before lighting the fire and keep … (7 comments)

Boerne: Key to the Hills Antique Show This Week-End - 10/25/08 04:10 PM
There is still time to head out I-10 west to the awesome Key to the Hills Antique Show being held in Boerne this week-end.  The show started today, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be open tomorrow, Sunday, October 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  This is the 11th annual show with about 65 antique dealers coming from all over Texas and other states.  There are a variety of antique vendors offering collectible, furniture, jewelry, vintage clothing, glass, rare books and many other items.   
The show is held at the Kendall County Fairgrounds.  Parking is free and admission is $4.
… (0 comments)

The Witte Museum: Log Cabins & Historic Homes - 10/25/08 03:44 PM
For Kids & Kids at Heart                                                                                         
The Witte Museum's backyard exhibit, Log Cabins & Historic Homes, is a great way for kids to learn about pioneer life.  Parents will enjoy the experience as well.  The "hands-on" exhibit displays historic San Antonio houses. You can walk around the homes to see what materials were used to build each one. You can then try to build a your own log cabin in the "little log cabin." Only the log cabin interiors are open to visitors.  The other houses are used for staff offices and museum programs.
The Ruiz House was the home of the city's … (3 comments)

At The McNay: The Nightmare Before Christmas - 10/25/08 01:12 PM
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Pillow Talk: The artful placement of pillows vol II. pilling practicum - 10/25/08 12:21 PM
I would like to share a blog by Kimo Stowell about arranging pillows on beds and couches in a way that is visually pleasing.  Whether you live in Hawaii (as Kimo does) or in San Antonio, Texas, Kimo offers great advice.  Enjoy~

Via Kimo Stowell:
Pillow talk: The artful placement of pillows...
don't go overboard or over the Head board when piling pillows on the bed
 

Arranging pillows on a sofa or bed is a fairly mundane activity that in itself does not necessarily require instruction. However, if your home is on the market and your looking to give your property it's best face … (2 comments)

My Dog Can Tell Time.... - 10/24/08 12:30 PM
We have a beagle.  His name is Snoopy.  He knows how to tell time.  I think he should go on Oprah.
The reason I think he knows how to tell time is that at night when we go to bed I give him instructions on when it is ok for him to get up the next morning and he always does as I tell him. 
I tell him to stay in bed and not get up or wake us up before 7:30 the next morning.  And he does that.  This morning I got up at 7:00 but he stayed in bed 'til 7:30 … (11 comments)

Dia de los Muertos - 10/24/08 12:12 PM
All Saints Day is November 1st and marks the beginning of the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Festivities will be held on November 2 at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Families create paper marigolds, skeleton puppets, and fake skulls to celebrate in life all that their loved ones who have passed on once cherished.
On November 1st, also known as Dia de los Angelitos, deceased children are honored and remembered. November 2nd, All Souls Day (All Saints Day), is a day of remembrance for the adult dead. Dia de los Muertos combines these days to celebrate the deceased … (5 comments)

Help Your Neighbor - 10/23/08 05:32 PM
Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP)
We have been enjoying gorgeous weather here in San Antonio for several weeks now.  The high today was 74 degrees and the low tonight is expected to be in the mid 40s.  We are fortunate to have mild winters but we do experience some cold weather as well.  A sharp cold front is expected to move in to the area on Monday and residents will probably be using heat in their homes for the first time this season.  With the high cost of everything from gas to groceries, many disadvantaged elderly, disabled, and low income CPS customers will be … (4 comments)

10 Halloween Treats Nobody Wants - or Maybe 9 - 10/22/08 08:34 PM
I read an article by Ed Levine at the food site Serious Eats and Ed says there are 10 Halloween treats nobody wants.  They are:
1. Toothbrushes - Usually given out by dentists, of course.
2.  Raisins -  When they say trick-or-treat, they want candy that will rot their teeth, not dried grapes.
3.  Candy Corn - "The fruitcake of Halloween."
4.  Smarties and Necco Wafers -  These chalky candies "taste like dust."
5.  Dum Dum Lollipops - "Usually foods on a stick are yummy (corn dogs, ice pops), but Dum Dums just can't be included on that list. Not even … (14 comments)

'Hard Water' is Common in Texas - And Here's What You Need to Know... - 10/21/08 09:43 AM
Hard water is a fact of life in San Antonio.  I always recommend that buyers invest in installing a water softener if the home they are buying doesn't have one.  Great information, Karen.
Via Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR :
This past weekend I had the pleasure of showing Round Rock area homes to clients relocating here from out-of-state. While looking at one home and as we entered the master bathroom, the Mrs. eyed over the master bath shower and commented to me, "My, you'd think the sellers would have taken the time to clean the shower." The truth is, as I explained to … (2 comments)

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - 10/20/08 02:02 PM
Cybersecurity Awareness Month at UTSA
Cybersecurity is a subject we are all concerned about, especially those who do online banking or enter personal information on a website.  It is good to know there are resources for learning more about how to protect ourselves and our online information.
The UTSA Office of Information Technology's Information Security Office will host activities in support of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.  The event was created by the US Department  of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance. 
The program focuses on the following concerns of information security: phishing, MySpace/Facebook, password creation and PC safety. UTSA events will feature lectures by information security professionals, … (3 comments)

TEXAS LIVING HISTORY - HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENT - 10/19/08 09:08 PM
If you love Texas history and are a fan of historical re-enactment, the San Antonio Living History Association has two more events scheduled before the end of 2008 that you are sure to enjoy. 
 The "Battle of Concepcion" - Saturday, October 25, 2008, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, The historical encampment, demonstrations and battle will take place across from Mission Concepcion at St. Peter-St. Joseph Children's Home, 919 Mission Road. FREE admission. 
 The "Battle of Bexar and Capitulation of General Cos" - Saturday, December 6, 2008, 10:00AM-4:00 PM, presented in Maverick Plaza and at the Cos House in historic La Villita.  FREE … (0 comments)

Restaurant Review ~ El Chaparral Mexican restaurant ~ - 10/19/08 11:26 AM
This new and popular restaurant is always crowded.  We often stop in after church on Saturday night.  I didn't know they also serve breakfast... we will try it out.
Via Kristin Moran ~ San Antonio, Texas ~ Real Estate:
Looking for a good mexican restaurant in San Antonio, Texas?  Look no further than El Chaparral restaurant.   
Serving breakfast (Sat & Sun only) lunch & dinner, El Chaparral has a great atmosphere & is very reasonably priced.  El Chaparral is definitely a family oriented place with seating inside or out & serving up the best mexican food around.
  

 
 
 
 
… (2 comments)

San Antonio Gas Prices - 10/18/08 10:50 PM
San Antonio gas prices fell 41 cents a gallon last week, according to AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch.  Current prices are around $2.76 a gallon for regular, self serve gas, down from $3.18 last week.  A year ago, San Antonians paid $3.18 average per gallon.
AAA says retail prices in San Antonio mirror trends in other markets throughout Texas.
In Houston gas prices are $2.92 per gallon for regular gasoline, down 35 cents from last week. In Dallas  gas prices are $2.93 per gallon for regular gas, down 43 cents from last week.
Statewide gas prices average $2.89 a gallon, down 39 cents from … (11 comments)

San Antonio Early Voting - 10/18/08 10:11 PM
Early voting for the November 4 Joint General and Special Election begins Monday, October 20 in San Antonio and ends Friday, October 31. 
                                                                                                 Deaf and hard of hearing voters can vote using Deaflink technology at Henry Guerra Library, John Igo Library, Julia Semmes Library, Lion's Field, McCreless Library and the Bexar County Justice Center. Early voting sites are located at the Bexar County Courthouse and 39 other locations throughout the city.
                                                                                  If you do not know where to vote, contact the Office of the City Clerk at (210) 207-7253 or the Bexar County Voter Registration Office at (210) 335-6625 or check the website www.sanantonio.gov/clerk.
… (0 comments)

Don't Read If You Are Easily Grossed Out - 10/18/08 09:59 PM
Whaaat? 
No joke, I read today that San Antonio is planning to become the first city in the US to convert human waste into clean-burning natural gas that can fuel furnaces and power plants that heat and light homes.
The article stated that San Antonians "flush about 140,000 tons of biosolids down the drain" each year. An agreement was approved by the city on September 9 with Ameresco, Inc., a Massachusetts-based energy services company, to convert the methane from San Antonio's biosolids into natural gas and purchase the fuel from the city.
The fuel produced from human waste will generate $250,000 … (14 comments)

San Antonio Homes: Green Spring Valley - 10/13/08 09:41 PM
Green Spring Valley is a popular well-established neighborhood located off Bulverde Rd. inside Loop 1604.  Schools are in desired the North East Independent School District.  Neighborhood amenities include a community center, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, playground and trails.  This is a comfortable and friendly neighborhood conducive to walking your dog(s) or walking for exercise.
Currently there are five homes listed on the MLS in Green Spring Valley ranging from $149,000 for a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home with 1816 square feet to $240,000 for a brand new 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage home with 2190 square … (4 comments)

San Antonio Homes: Stonewall Ranch - 10/13/08 08:18 PM
Stonewall Ranch is an upscale gated community located across I-10 from the Dominion, San Antonio's most prestigious neighborhood.  Surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and featuring  25 acres of greenbelt, mature oaks, and amenities such as a state of the art recreation center, Stonewall Ranch is in a country setting but convenient to employers such as the South Texas Medical Center and USAA.
Currently there are 23 homes listed for sale on the San Antonio MLS in Stonewall Ranch.  They range from $249,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home with 2119 square feet up to $459,000 for a … (1 comments)

Texas Real Estate - 10/11/08 10:28 PM
Nationwide home prices have dropped 10.9 percent in the last year, according to the latest Loan Performance National Home Price Index, which compared prices from July 2008 to July 2007.
The drops are starting to finally flatten out. Loan Performance compared the current national picture to the home price declines in Texas and Massachusettes in the 80s and early 90s, a decline which took two years to bottom out.
California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona continue to lead the race to the bottom in the Loan Performance HPI. Home prices in the Los Angeles area dropped nearly 28 percent in the last year.
Meanwhile, Texas continues to … (6 comments)

Christopher Columbus Italian Society Event - 10/11/08 09:29 PM
The members of the Christopher Columbus Italian Society of San Antonio, Texas  will top off a week long celebration of events with their annual Genuine Spahetti and Meatball dinner on Sunday, October 12th.  Spaghetti and meatballs will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and homemade Italian desserts such as cannoli, pizzelle, and spumoni ice cream will be available.  You can dine in or order carry-out (bring your own container).  The all day event will include music, Italian dancers, an antique car display, art show, craft booths, and a Bocci tournament.  For the children there will be a moonwalk, balloon characters, and … (0 comments)

Home Seller Tips - 10/10/08 02:25 PM
•        Preparing Your Home for SaleAsk your agent for suggestions on preparing your home for sale. Generally, you will want to move out any bulky or excess furniture; make sure your home is sparkling clean, de-cluttered, and odor free before the lockbox is put on the door.
•        Repairs Before SellingNot all resale repairs will net a payoff. You don't want to spend a lot of money on improvements but you do want to repair obvious and neglected maintenance problems.
•        Home StagingYou can either hire a professional stager (it is worth the money,) ask your agent to help stage, or stage it yourself. … (1 comments)

Gruene Music & Wine Fest - 10/08/08 06:25 PM
The 22nd Annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest - October 10 to October
The Gruene Misic & Wine Fest will be held this week-end in the town of Gruene, located "halfway between San Antonio and Austin and a little behind the times."  Whether you are new to the area or have lived her for a while, you are sure to enjoy this event and this little town.  They "have been gently resisting change since 1872" and you will see why.
This Americana event benefiting local charities will be featuring the best in live Texas music and the best in Texas food … (2 comments)

San Antonio International Accordian Festival - 10/08/08 05:01 PM
I have often thought it interesting that the accordian is prominent in both Mexican and German music.  Actually, accordian music is incorporated into other ethnic music as well.  The annual International Accordion Festival  will be held October 10 to October 12 in the beautiful downtown Riverwalk area on the grounds of historic La Villita located just 3 miles south of the Alamo.  It's not Lawrence Welk!  The event features accordian performances, workshops, open mic sessions, accordion jams, and a fun area for young people and families.  There will be three stages with ensembles from around the world playing everything from "Celtic to … (0 comments)

DYNAMOZE INDOOR PLAY CENTER & PARTY VENUE - 10/06/08 03:59 PM
DYNAMOZE INDOOR PLAY CENTER   
Whether you are looking for a good place for a kid's birthday party or just looking for a new place to take the kids for fun and play time, check out Dynamoze Indoor Play Center in the 281/Brookhollow area.
For Kids
•     Fun activities for children aged 0 through elementary.
•     A large soft play area with lots of soft play activities, a toddler inflatable activity, numerous pretend     play areas and developmental toys.
•     For the older kids, monster trikes, inflatable obstacle course, remote controlled vehicles, foosball tables and air hockey table.
•    Toys that help to … (1 comments)

San Antonio Musical Events in October - 10/06/08 10:35 AM


OCTOBERFEST FREDERICKSBURG came and went this past week-end but unfortunately we were too busy to make it to this fun event. The festival celebrates the Hill Country's heritage with German and Mexican style food and beverages, polka and waltz contests, music on three stages and a kinderpark reserved for children. More than 45 artisans from across the state marketed their arts and collectibles in addition to the showcases of Hill Country artisans. I am sorry to have missed this event but there are other events of interest coming up here in San Antonio in the month of October for all to enjoy, especially if … (0 comments)

Texas Renaissance Festival - 10/05/08 07:58 AM
The popular Texas Renaissance Festival opens in October 11 and runs through November 30. This acclaimed renaissance themed park is located north of Houston, an easy trip from San Antonio.
Part of this year's Renaissance Festival is their eight themed weekends. Themes include Oktoberfest, 1001 Dreams, Pirate Adventures, All Hallows Eve, Highland Fling, Barbarian Invasion and Celtic Christmas.
Besides the themed weekends, the Texas Renaissance Festival features over 200 daily performances, 300 arts and crafts shops, 60 food and beverage shops, nightly fireworks and more than 3,000 costumed characters strolling the grounds.
I took my kids and one of my nephews … (6 comments)

San Antonio Attractions & Information - 10/04/08 09:59 PM
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Do You Know What Your Neighbors are Doing? - 10/04/08 09:32 AM
While sitting in my doctor's waiting room yesterday I picked up a magazine, Scene in S. A., and started casually flipping through it.  While scanning "News From the Restaurant Scene" the name of one of our neighbors caught my eye:  "Phillipe Place, of Las Canarias fame, has opened a haven for chocolate lovers at 18402 U.S. 281 N. at Loop 1604.  Coco Chocolate Lounge and Bistro features chocolate martinis, chocolate desserts and even a few savory chocolate goodies.  Visit sa-coco.com, or call 491-4480 for all the yummy details".
Phillipe, a native of France, his lovely Texas wife - a San Antonio native, and their two darling toddlers … (4 comments)

San Antonio: Sonterra Neighborhoods - 10/03/08 08:18 PM
Sonterra is a series of popular subdivisions in what is referred to as the North Central Corridor of San Antonio between Loop 1604 to the south and the subdivision of Stone Oak to the north
 The Club At Sonterra is a private golf and tennis country club. To become a member, you must be nominated and sponsored by a current member of the club.
The Club At Sonterra offers a beautiful golf course, tennis courts, informal and formal dining facilities, swimming pool, state-of-the art fitness center, Kids Club playground, car wash services, etc. They also offer a book club, bridge club, singles … (0 comments)

An Easy and Affordable Way to See San Antonio! - 10/03/08 07:35 PM
Here is an easy and affordable way to see the most popular attractions in San Antonio.  It is called "San Antonio & Beyond:  A Prepaid Pass to Attractions and Museums."  The pass is offered at a discounted price and you can choose from three bundled packages. 
• The Downtown Pass includes entry to family friendly destinations downtown.
• The Museum Pass features many popular cultural and historic destinations. 
• The Super San Antonio Pass offers the deepest discounts and packages all participating attractions. 
The San Antonio Tourism Council developed and coordinates the San Antonio & Beyond passes and seeks to offer more full … (2 comments)

"Fireproof": Faith based movie now showing in San Antonio - 10/03/08 07:00 PM
The highly acclaimed movie "Fireproof" is in San Antonio theaters this weekend.  This wonderful movie is brought to you by the same people who brought you the movie "Facing the Giants" a couple of years ago.  It stars Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea and is a PG rated faith based movie.  If you want to laugh and cry and be inspired at the same time, this is the movie to see this week end.  You will be glad you did!  I very seldom go to movies because I find most of them to be offensive but "Fireproof" is different; this kind of movie doesn't come … (3 comments)

"Terrific Treehouses" Exhibit at San Antonio Botanical Gardens - 10/03/08 04:45 PM
If you don't have plans for the week-end the San Antonio Botanical Gardens has a pretty unique exhibit; entertainment the entire family will enjoy.  You may want to check it out.
Were you lucky enough to have a treehouse when you were growing up?  Or did your parents not allow you to have one?  Now through December 7, you can see nine original treehouses displayed at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens in a wonderfully creative exhibit for all ages called "Terrific Treehouses." Many of the treehouses feature recycled and sustainable materials. 
The display came into being when local designers were invited submit a prototype of their … (3 comments)

 
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Shirley Parks Broker 210-414-0966 San Antonio TX Homes for Sale

San Antonio, TX

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Sands Realty 210-414-0966

Address: San Antonio, TX

Office Phone: (210) 414-0966

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Sands Realty is a San Antonio-based independent residential real estate company committed to excellent service and exacting standards of honesty and integrity in conducting business. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We serve all areas of San Antonio, including Alamo Heights, Alamo Ranch, Boerne, Bulverde, Castle Hills, Champions, Cibolo, Converse, Deerfield, The Dominion, Encino Park, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Helotes, Hill Country Village, Hollywood Park, Inwood, Leon Springs, Monte Vista, Northwest San Antonio, North Central San Antonio, Northwood, Olmos Park, Rogers Ranch, Schertz, Shavano Creek, Shavano Park, Sonterra, Stone Oak, Terrell Hills, Universal City, Ft. Sam Houston, and Randolph AFB. We proudly assist clients in every price range throughout the greater San Antonio metropolitan area as well as across the nation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Through our real estate web site, www.shirleyparks.com, you have the ability to search virtually every home for sale in the San Antonio area.


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