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Have Some Spare Time? Check Out These Popular Shows on HGTV

October 16, 2014 by

If the phrases “hardwood floors” and “granite countertops” get your heart racing, you’re sure to love HGTV’s endless list of incredibly entertaining home design programs. Here are two of the network’s most beloved shows that make for hours of weekend binge watching.

House Hunters International
Have you always wondered what it would be like it live in a villa in Barcelona or a centuries-old apartment in Paris? House Hunters International follows equally adventurous house hunters as they give into their wanderlust and move thousands of miles away from home. The show explores all corners of the world and gives you a taste of the local culture, as well as the local real estate market.

Love It or List It, Too
This remake of the popular Love It or List It features the same competitive edge with a duo of newer, younger hosts. Love It or List It, Too follows a family who is tired of their current home as they decide whether to renovate what they already have or move somewhere entirely new. Realtor Todd competes with designer Jillian as he attempts to find the couple a new house, and Jillian attempts to re-work their current one.

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Take In a Stunning View at Comanche Lookout Park

October 9, 2014 by

Measuring in at just under 81 acres, Comanche Lookout Park is a popular University City destination for locals in search of a little fresh air and sunshine. Here, hikers can break a sweat on 4.55 miles of trails, kids can swing and slide on the playground, and nature lovers can keep their eyes peeled for butterflies, native birds, jackrabbits, and wildflowers.

Trails are marked by level of difficulty, with the steeper inclines leading to the park's main draw: a lookout point that's the fourth-highest point in all of Bexar County. With an elevation of 1,340 feet, the park provides a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. In fact, Native Americans took in the very same view centuries ago; this hill was a popular vantage point for tracking wildlife or keeping tabs on enemy tribes.

Comanche Lookout Park is open to the public 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Comanche Lookout Park
15551 Nacogdoches Road
Universal City, TX 78247
(210) 207-7275
www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/directory_comanche_lookout.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/comanche-lookout-park-san-antonio

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Resources for Entrepreneurs from the Small Business Administration

October 2, 2014 by

You’ve always dreamed of owning your own business, but becoming an entrepreneur is a huge undertaking! These helpful articles from the U.S. Small Business Administration can help you figure out whether and how to start your own business.

Is Entrepreneurship for You?
This SBA article discusses both the benefits and pitfalls of becoming your own boss, and it paints a realistic picture of what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. Read the list of character traits necessary to become a successful entrepreneur, like independence, risk taking and creativity, to determine whether or not you would make a good business owner.

20 Questions Before Starting
These 20 questions will help you decide if you have all of the necessary tools to get your new enterprise up and running. On topics ranging from market research and customer service to sales, pricing, and financing strategies, this list of questions can help you think about the realities of running a business.

10 Steps to Starting a Business
A great deal of planning goes into starting a successful business, and the Small Business Association offers these 10 important steps to take to get your new company off the ground. Including everything from choosing a location to writing a business plan, these informative steps will help you become more prepared.

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Sandwiches and Sweets at Four Kings

September 25, 2014 by

Tucked away in a strip mall, Four Kings is a popular Universal City lunch spot serving artisanal sandwiches, made-from-scratch soups, salads that make use of local produce, and an array of tempting desserts.

Sandwiches are said to be the real star of the show here, served on freshly baked bread and piled high with quality ingredients. There are around six sandwich varieties to choose from at any given time, but regulars will likely recommend you order the roasted turkey sandwich. This crowd-pleaser pairs savory sliced turkey with the crunch of fresh spinach and the unexpected bite of chipotle mayo. Those looking for something a little out of the ordinary are advised to request the banh mi, a traditional Vietnamese sandwich that offsets bites of marinated pork with fiery jalapeno peppers. Whatever you do, be sure to save room for something sweet. Four Kings's brownies, blondies, cookies, and bread pudding are sinfully good.

Four Kings is open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. While you'll find a handful of tables for dining in, most of Four King's regular patrons choose to get their order to-go.

Four Kings
2047 Universal City Boulevard
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 687-6649
www.letseat.at/fourkings
www.yelp.com/biz/four-kings-universal-city

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Today’s Imponderable: Why Does Popcorn Pop?

September 18, 2014 by

Popcorn is a tasty snack to make while having a movie night at home, and its noisy popping sounds make it especially fun for the little ones. By now you’re probably used to the popping noise of popcorn, but have you ever wondered how this happens? What is it that makes popcorn pop, while corn on the cob simply cooks?

On the inside, popcorn kernels are filled with oil, water, and starch, and the outside is covered with a protective shell. Heating popcorn—say, in the microwave—causes the liquids inside to expand into steam. Because the hard outer coating leaves nowhere for the steam to go, it simply gets hotter and hotter inside of the kernel until it eventually reaches 365 degrees, which is hot enough to burst through the shell! The action of the starch and oil expanding so quickly and with so much heat transforms the mixture into the familiar foam-like puff that we eat as popcorn.

The next time you make a bag of popcorn at home, examine the kernels and think of the science behind your favorite movie snack!

What Makes Popcorn Pop? [Popcorn.org]
Why Does Popcorn Pop? [Tell Me Why Facts]
Why Does Popcorn Pop? [Mental Floss]
How Popcorn Pops [About.com]

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Action Bikes: Get In On the Action at This Friendly Bike Shop

September 15, 2014 by

Universal City's Action Bikes is the ideal bike shop for both the experienced cyclist and the beginning bike buyer. The shop’s employees will answer all of your questions until you feel completely comfortable with your purchase, and they’ve also been known to throw in service and maintenance for little or no cost.

The majority of the bicycles in stock at Action Bikes are mid-level options, but they’re able to order any bike that they don’t have on hand. Prices are very reasonable, and each new bike purchase comes with one year of free tune-ups, which you certainly won’t find from some of the larger chain bike shops.

Whether you’re in the market for a racing bike or just something to ride on the weekends, Action Bikes is a Universal City favorite. Stop by to check it out 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Action Bikes
1645 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 657-0155
www.facebook.com/ActionBikes
www.yelp.com/biz/action-bikes-universal-city

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Youz Guyz: A Taste of Philly in the Heart of Texas

September 4, 2014 by

Whether you’re a Philadelphia transplant or you simply can’t get enough of the city’s famous cheesesteaks, Youz Guyz is a quirky taste of Philly in Universal City. This casual restaurant is owned and operated by former Philadelphia residents with a vast knowledge of how a proper cheesesteak is prepared, from the thinly sliced pieces of steak to the Cheese Whiz topping. In addition to their cheesesteaks, Youz Guyz offers hoagies, hot dogs, hot sausages, and the classic greasy sides like fries and onion rings.

All of the food prices are very affordable, so you can indulge in the melted goodness of a cheesy sandwich without spending a fortune. Youz Guyz also offers both an inside dining room and a spacious outdoor patio that’s perfect for cooler Texas nights.

Youz Guyz is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Youz Guyz
316 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 659-8930
www.youzguyzcheesesteaks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/youz-guyz-universal-city

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Choose From 11 Flavors of Chicken Wings at Wingstop

August 28, 2014 by

Craving great wings? If so, with 11 flavors from which to choose, Wingstop aims to satisfy. Flavors range from Atomic for the ultimate hot wing lover to Original Hot, Garlic Parmesan, Teriyaki, Hickory Smoked, Chili Lime, and more. Menu items include classic wings, boneless wings and strips, gliders, and fresh cut fries.

Looking for a budget-friendly place to dine with the kids? This is the place to go. Easy on the wallet, Wingstop offers specially priced menus for two and family packs. The food comes out hot, and fast and the staff is courteous, helpful, and friendly.

Wingstop's Universal City location is open 10:20 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. daily. While delivery is not available, convenient online ordering is offered.

Wingstop
2921 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, Texas 78148
(210) 945-4400
www.wingstop.com/locations/details.php?id=98
www.yelp.com/biz/wing-stop-universal-city

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5 Household Uses for Borax

August 21, 2014 by

Are spray bottles filled with various cleaning solutions stealing your valuable cabinet space? Consider streamlining your cleaning routine by using borax, a naturally occurring white mineral more aptly known as sodium tetraborate. This eco-friendly powder can be used in many applications throughout the home, from cleaning and deodorizing to DIY bouncy balls for the kids. Here are a few uses for borax:

1. Laundry Booster
Add one-half cup of borax to your washing machine to help boost the effectiveness of your regular detergent.

2. All-Purpose Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with two tablespoons borax and two of cups hot water. Use the solution to clean countertops, kitchen appliances, sinks, and cookware.

3. Bathroom Cleaner
Remove soap scum and hard water deposits by combining one cup borax and 1/4 cup lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to your sink and tub using a damp sponge, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. To apply borax in dry form, you can store it in an empty parmesan cheese shaker for easy sprinkling.

4. DIY Dish Detergent
Save money by making your own powder dishwasher detergent. Simply combine one tablespoon borax and one tablespoon baking soda.

5. Make Your Own Bouncy Balls
Here's a fun, educational activity for the kids: Combine borax, glue, cornstarch, food coloring, and water to make your own bouncy balls. (Find the complete instructions here.) While borax is an all-natural product, you still need to remind your kids that it's not for eating. Be sure to keep your box of borax out of the reach of children.

Borax and 25 Ways to Use It [Apartment Therapy]
25 Household Uses For Borax [Homesessive]
Uses of 20 Mule Team® Borax [Mule Team Borax]
30 Little Known Uses for Borax [One Good Thing]
How to Make a Borax Bouncy Ball [Creative Bug]
Borax Changed My Life! [Stacy Makes Cents]

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Universal City Public Library: Good Books and a Community Vibe

August 14, 2014 by

There are few community resources better than a public library, and Universal City’s is beloved by the area’s residents. The library may be quaint, but it’s filled to the brim with books for adults and children, a passionate and knowledgeable staff, and a number of after-school activities to get kids interested in reading. The library also offers a large selection of audio books, VHS tapes, and DVDs in addition to its book collection.

The Universal City Public Library is home to many more events, classes, and community activities than your typical public library, and it seems that there’s always something going on for residents of all ages. From craft hours for senior citizens and family movie nights to science lessons for the little ones, the library is dedicated to providing safe, fun activities that help to bring the community closer together.

The Universal City Public Library is open different hours every day, so be sure to check the website before planning a visit.

The Universal City Public Library
100 Northview Drive
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 659-7048
www.yelp.com/biz/universal-city-public-library-universal-city
www.facebook.com/UniversalCityPublicLibrary/timeline www.universalcitytexas.com/index.aspx?nid=396

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