Hold Family Night at Randolph AFB Bowling Center in Universal City

When it comes to good, old-fashioned family fun, bowling tops the list as one of the best activities. Randolph AFB Bowling Center brings the tried-and-true pastime to Universal City, and according to Yelp reviewers, it has all the classic elements of an old-school bowling alley.

That begins with the shiny, immaculate lanes. Employees keep them pristine, so you never have to worry about grime derailing your perfect strike. True to bowling alley tradition, you can also rent a pair of shoes at Randolph AFB, so come prepared with your size and grab them at the counter. Expect a greeting and a smile when you arrive, too, as the employees are notoriously friendly and helpful. If you want to take a break during your game, grab a Corona or other brew from the cooler.

Randolph AFB Bowling Center
Fifth and H Street
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 652-6271
www.yelp.com/biz/randolph-afb-bowling-center-universal-city

Chow Down at Chester’s Hamburger Co.

When you visit Chester’s Hamburger Co., you’ll see that this Universal City burger joint owes its popularity to its simple, straightforward approach: It's not a fancy place and doesn't pretend to be one. Instead, Chester's Hamburger Co. is the kind of place where you go to relax, watch the game, and enjoy a great burger. It’s also the kind of place you return to again and again, because the food and atmosphere both hit the spot.

On the menu you’ll find a range of hearty, tasty burgers, including the classic bacon cheeseburger and the spicy green chile burger. You can choose between crispy, golden fries and hand-battered onion rings for your side dish, and of course you'll want to order a cold beer to wash it all down. The service at Chester's is friendly and fast, and regulars suggest that if the weather's nice you should try to snag an outdoor seat.

Chester's Hamburger Co.
621 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 658-3000
www.yelp.com/biz/chesters-hamburger-co-universal-city

Where to Shop Monogrammed Gifts Online

Whether you're shopping for yourself or a friend, a monogram instantly transforms an ordinary gift into a keepsake. Here are two places to shop monogrammed items online.

1) Mark and Graham
Chic and classic personalized gifts are the focus of this online-only retailer, a sibling brand to Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, and Pottery Barn. Shop initial pendants and wristlets for her, monogrammed tech cases and pocket squares for him—even customizable leashes and collars for Fido. Note that Mark and Graham's sibling brands also offer personalized gift items.

3) 2PreppyGirls.com
The web presence of this online retailer is rooted in "Southern charm and a love of all things pink and green." If your style skews preppy, you'll be delighted to peruse everything from monogrammed flip flops, aprons, and belt buckles to beach towels, car decals, and coasters.

Live Oak Park: 75 Acres of Relaxation and Recreation in Live Oak

Many would say that Live Oak Park is the centerpiece of the city of Live Oak. But if you need quantifiable proof of the park's popularity, just look to its numbers: 75 acres, three baseball fields, one football field, one basketball court, two well-maintained restrooms, two playgrounds, and one disc golf course. That doesn't even make mention of the park's massive reservoir, which is stocked with countless fish and is home to an array of water fowl.

Needless to say, Live Oak Park isn't short on amenities, which is why this municipal park attracts visitors from all over the area. Most arrive for a picnic or a leisurely stroll along the paved pathway that follows the reservoir's contours, while others disperse onto the park's grassy areas for a pick-up game of Frisbee or football.

No matter the reason behind your visit, be sure to bring along some bread: You can feed the ducks from one of the wooden docks that jut out into the peaceful waters.

Live Oak Park
18001 Park Drive
Live Oak, TX 78233
(210) 653-9140
www.liveoaktx.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/our-parks
www.yelp.com/biz/live-oak-park-live-oak

Give Old Furniture a Paint Makeover With These Must-Know Tips

Furniture is expensive, which is why you can’t exactly run out for a replacement when your sofa starts to look worn or your coffee table shows some signs of wear. With a bit of elbow grease, you can make over your outdated furniture and turn it into something fresh and new — without spending a fortune.

  • Choose the right paint. If you decide to paint a piece of furniture to give it new life, be sure to buy paint that's made specifically for the material of your piece. Use a high quality brush (or an easy-to-use spray) that won’t leave behind stray bristles or residue.
  • Sand away old paint. If your furniture is already painted — and most is — be sure to start with a rough sandpaper and sand away the old paint. Finish with a finer grade paper to create a smooth, blank canvas.
  • Add a primer. Many first-time painters don’t realize that some pieces of furniture require a primer before painting to help the paint stick. If you’re worried about how thorough you were with your sanding, a primer might be a good choice.
  • Fill in holes. If your wooden furniture is filled with nicks and holes, make it look like new again with a simple wood filler from your local hardware store. Fill the holes, let it dry and sand away the excess for a smooth finish.

Paint Makeovers: An Expert Tells All [Bob Vila]
How To Paint Furniture [Live Love DIY]
Quick Furniture Makeovers for Fashionable Results [Benjamin Moore]

Bring a Big Appetite to Golden Corral in Universal City

Golden Corral has come a long way since its inception in 1973, when the first Golden Corral restaurant made its debut in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Since then, the restaurant has opened locations in more than 40 states across the U.S. Still, the focus of Golden Corral remains the same: offering diners "real, wholesome foods in a family-friendly atmosphere at a great value," per the restaurant's website.

Golden Corral fulfills this promise through its self-serve buffet, which offers a range of hot and cold items and takes center stage at each of the eatery's locations. Guests grab a tray, then make their way around the vast and varied buffet, scooping dishes onto their plate (or plates!) as they move along. These dishes typically include fried chicken, pizza, meatloaf, spaghetti, clam chowder, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, green salads … the list goes on and on. For dessert, diners can choose between soft-serve ice cream, brownies, and banana pudding, or maybe a little bit of all three!

Golden Corral
2301 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 658-7270
www.goldencorral.com
www.yelp.com/biz/golden-corral-restaurants-universal-city

The Internet’s Best DIY Photo Album Sites

Nothing can give a space a personal touch quite like framed photos of friends and family. Whether you're looking to spruce up your home or give a personalized gift to that special someone, these two photo service websites are for you.

Shutterfly
Arguably the internet's most popular photo service site, Shutterfly makes it easy to create custom photo albums, collages, stationery, calendars, and much more. Simply upload your favorite photos from your computer and start designing. The gift portion of the site allows you to design mugs, canvas prints, totes, tees, smart phone cases, magnets, mousepads—even blankets!—using your favorite photos. Better still, the website's prices are affordable, and frequent online coupon codes promise even more bang for you buck.

Snapfish
Whatever the occasion, Snapfish likely has a commemorative gift with which to remember it by. Create a wedding photo album, design graduation announcements, or put a personal touch on greeting cards and stationery. Like Shutterfly, Snapfish also offers a wide variety of photo gifts, from mugs and calendars to blankets and jewelry. Or you can just keep it simple and order standard prints!

World Market: International Wines, Groceries, Home Decor and Everything in Between

If it's your first visit to World Market, regular shoppers of this nationwide home decor retailer will let you in on a little secret: The Selma location stocks an impressive selection of reasonably priced international wines and spirits. That's in addition to aisle after aisle of gourmet coffees, teas, and shelf-stable food items hailing from all over the globe.

But if you're just arriving at World Market to decorate your rental home, you won't be disappointed. As its name implies, World Market sells globally-inspired home decor items with an organic vibe, from Persian-style wool rugs and seagrass woven baskets to driftwood table lamps and abstract throw pillows. You'll also encounter seasonal displays here and an array of gift items, such as pashmina scarves, jewelry, stationery, and kids' toys.

The World Market location in The Forum at Olympia Parkway is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

World Market
The Forum at Olympia Parkway
8286 Agora Parkway
Selma, TX 78154
(210) 566-4811
www.worldmarket.com/store-locator/selma-texas.do
www.yelp.com/biz/world-market-selma

5 Steps Toward a Cleaner, Clutter-Free Apartment

So you’re not exactly the world's tidiest person — no problem! You can still create a clean, stylish apartment without spending hours cleaning. Use these smart and savvy tips for creating a clutter-free home.

  1. Purge your closet. One of the easiest ways to limit your amount of clutter is by simply owning fewer thing. Start with your clothing: Donate unused items to a local charity or toss stained or torn items.
  2. Make your closets work. Instead of thinking of closets as places to hide away all of your lesser-used items, make them neat and functional. Add more shelving or extra clothing racks, depending on what you use them for, and organize the contents based on what you reach for most often.
  3. Streamline your kitchen. Donate all coffee mugs and glasses that aren’t a part of a set, pare down your cookware to only the essentials, and only keep the number of storage containers that actually fit in your cabinets.
  4. Get rid of unused furniture. You may not realize it, but having too much furniture in a room can make it feel more cluttered. Take a look around and eliminate small items that don’t serve a purpose in your home.
  5. Add a landing pad. If you frequently dump your coat, keys, and bag right in front of the door, add a hall tree or other storage unit for housing those everyday items.

How to Get Rid of Clutter [WikiHow]
Clutter-Busting Secrets of the Pros [Real Simple]
18 Things You Can Get Rid Of Today [Family Circle]

Hearthstone Bakery Café: Have Lunch With a Friend at This Charming Eatery

Combining the relaxing, cozy atmosphere of a local coffeehouse with the convenience of a charming lunch cafe, Hearthstone Bakery Café offers the best of both worlds at any time of the day. The Schertz location is just one of several Hearthstone Bakery cafes, and it features a spacious interior with a convenient ordering counter, breezy outdoor patio, and ample seating throughout the dining room inside.

Hearthstone Bakery Café’s menu includes delicious pressed panini sandwiches and homemade soups that can be combined for a casual and nutritious lunch, as well as fresh salads made with seasonal ingredients for those who want a lighter meal. The bakery portion of the restaurant serves fresh brownies, cookies, and pies that make the perfect dessert, and they can also be ordered in bulk to take to work or home for the family.

Hearthstone Bakery Café
8096 Agora Parkway
Schertz, TX 78154
(210) 798-8646
www.hearthstonebakerycafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hearthstone-bakery-cafe-schertz

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