San Antonio Zoo: See Animals from Around the World

The San Antonio Zoo is home to more than 9,000 animals and 750-plus species. Locals say it’s a good way to spend a day out with the whole family. Admission to the San Antonio Zoo is reasonably priced, though some locals recommend getting there soon after it opens. The zoo can get crowded fast, especially in the summer when the kids are out of school. Visitors generally like The San Antonio Zoo’s park-like ambiance, and find that the animals remain fairly active even on hot days.

Highlights of the San Antonio Zoo include the Hixon Bird House, where visitors can escape the heat and mingle with free-flying birds. Kids can enjoy petting the animals at the Goats & Pigs Fun Farm. Strollers, wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent to those patrons who need them. The San Antonio Zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. Saint Mary’s Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 734-7184
www.sazoo.org
www.yelp.com/biz/san-antonio-zoo-san-antonio

New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

To enter the Sweepstakes, visit our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends June 30, 2016. We suggest you like our page to keep informed about future sweepstakes and community happenings.

For mobile users, click here to enter.

Vegeria Vegetarian Restaurant: Tex-Mex Cuisine That’s Meat-Free

Vegeria Vegetarian Restaurant is a vegetarian eatery in San Antonio that offers a diverse menu of Tex-Mex dishes made entirely without meat, creating a tasty lunch or dinner option that even meat eaters will enjoy. You’ll easily spot this small eatery from the street because of its wild murals out front, and once inside, you’ll find a colorful and cozy dining room perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.

Vegeria’s menu includes vegetarian dishes with quirky names like the Super Human Nachos and the Gratitude Bowl, as well as creative takes on Mexican fare favorites like chilaquiles, enchiladas, and tostadas. On Saturdays, you’ll even find an all-day brunch and vegan buffet where you can taste all of Vegeria’s tasty specialties.

Vegeria is open 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Vegeria Vegetarian Restaurant
8407 Broadway Street
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 826-4223
www.myvegeria.com

Thai Hut Restaurant: Spice It Up at This Takeout Favorite

San Antonio isn’t necessarily known for its Thai cuisine, but you wouldn’t know that by visiting Thai Hut Restaurant. This authentic Thai fare eatery serves all of your favorite noodle dishes, warming curries, and refreshing boba teas, and everything is available at your choice of spice levels depending on how adventurous your palate may be. Popular Thai and Asian-fusion dishes like pad Thai, sesame chicken, and pad see ew are some of the best selling menu options, and there are also a number of different appetizers to share with friends.

If you choose to eat in the restaurant, Thai Hut’s relaxing, stylish dining room and numerous seating options make it a casual spot for lunch or dinner out. Thai Hut also offers delivery and takeout on anything on the menu, which makes it a great dinner option to enjoy while watching your favorite weekly TV shows at home.

Thai Hut Restaurant
2602 N Loop 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78248
(210) 764-0597
www.thethaihut.com
www.yelp.com/biz/thai-hut-san-antonio-2

How to Use Borax Around the Home

If you haven’t yet experimented with the wonders of borax, you’re missing out on a versatile household cleaner that could help to consolidate many of your chores. This unique, all-natural substance consists of sodium borate, and it makes a powerful cleanser, drain cleaner, and much more. Here are a few ways to use it.

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of borax with two cups of hot water to create an all-purpose cleaner for around the house.
  • Clear a blocked drain by mixing 1/2 cup of borax with two cups of boiling water. Pour the solution down the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes before running water to flush it away.
  • Get stains out of your sink by making a paste of one cup of borax and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Scrub the paste into the stain with a sponge and rinse with hot water.
  • Clean carpets naturally by using 1/2 cup of borax per gallon of water in the steam cleaner.
  • Clean pots, pans, and porcelain cookware by sprinkling borax on their surfaces and rubbing with a slightly damp cloth.

Borax Changed My Life! [Stacy Makes Cents]
30 Little-Known Uses for Household Borax [One Good Thing]
Borax and 25 Ways to Use It [Apartment Therapy]

Stock Your Kitchen With Fresh, Gourmet Items From Central Market

Located at the corner of Broadway Street and Patterson Avenue in Alamo Heights, San Antonio's Central Market has all everything you need to make a delicious gourmet meal. From produce and meats to seafood and dairy products, you’ll find the freshest items here, many of which are locally sourced. Specialty items are available too, like scratch-baked goods and artisanal cheeses. Over 350 different brews, many made in Texas, can be purchased here, as well.

Don’t want to cook? The chef-prepared dinners are a tasty option, as are the grab-and-go sandwiches. No matter what's on your menu for the night, your meal can be paired with the perfect wine after you chat with the on-staff wine experts.

Central Market
4821 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78288
(210) 368-8600
www.centralmarket.com/Home
www.yelp.com/biz/central-market-san-antonio

Put Some Pep in Your Step With Coffee From Olmos Perk

Olmos Perk is your real-deal neighborhood coffeehouse in San Antonio. This locally-owned business has been serving globally-sourced coffee beans since 2006, keeping locals fueled with espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos in a cozy, modern-industrial setting.

Here, the baristas really set the tone. They’re friendly, hip, and make a mean cup of coffee. (The foam designs on the lattes are always inventive!) The coffees are sourced mainly from Africa and South America, while local bakeries supply pastries, bagels, and cookies. Bring your laptop to catch up on some emails over the free Wi-Fi, then, later in the day, return for a nice glass of wine or a craft beer.

Olmos Perk is open 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

Olmos Perk
5223 McCullough Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 858-2956
www.olmosperk.com
www.yelp.com/biz/olmos-perk-san-antonio

Get Acquainted With Pancake Joe’s, A Favorite Breakfast Spot in San Antonio

When San Antonio locals are looking for a great place for breakfast, Pancake Joe’s is always at the top of the list. Pancakes are the name of the game at this casual, diner-style eatery, and you’ll even find creative styles like pineapple upside down cake, apple cinnamon, and classic blueberry. In addition to pancakes, Pancake Joe’s serves Monte Cristo French toast, eggs Benedicts, and biscuits and gravy to those who prefer a more savory breakfast.

There is often a wait at breakfast time at this popular locale, but with ample seating and efficient service, the line always moves quickly. If you’re looking for a hearty, homemade meal, endless cups of coffee and a fast, friendly environment, Pancake Joe’s is the place to go.

Pancake Joe’s is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Pancake Joe’s
1011 Donaldson Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78228
(210) 785-9007
www.yelp.com/biz/pancake-joes-san-antonio-2

Watching Your Waistline? Check Out These Weight Loss Tips for Women

Just about every website and magazine today claims to offer miracle diet tips, but the only real way to lose weight is by exercising regularly and watching what you eat. These smart (and realistic!) tips can help keep women on track to shedding those extra pounds.

  1. Determine your individual calorie intake. Sure, counting calories is important for everyone, but not every woman’s body requires the same amount of calories each day. Work with a doctor to determine your recommended daily amount based on your weight loss goals.
  2. Practice portion control. Even if your diet already consists of mainly lean meats, fruits, and veggies, many people go overboard when it comes to portion control. Measure out your portions beforehand to stay on track.
  3. Forgo diet treats. Every American supermarket is filled with “diet” versions of unhealthy treats, but in most cases, you’re better off opting for a smaller serving size of the real deal. That way, you won’t be tempted to overindulge.
  4. Balance cardio and strength workouts. Most people prefer one or the other when it comes to their gym habits, but it’s important to balance both types of exercise if you really want to lose weight.
  5. Amp up your workouts. Practice short bursts of intense activity, which burn far more calories and help you to lose weight faster.

Our 75 Best Tips for Losing Weight [Women’s Day]
7 Weight Loss Mistakes Even Healthy Women Make [Prevention]
7 Weight Loss Challenges and Tips for Women [ShareCare]

The Shops at La Cantera: San Antonio Shopping

San Antonio is home to some great shopping, and you'll find some of the best in the city at The Shops at La Cantera. Nestled in the northwest corner of the city near the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange, the open-air mall opened to the public in 2005 to rave reviews. Since then, it’s undergone a significant expansion to attract even more retail tenants.

The architecture is charming, with a Hill Country vernacular vibe that gives the storefronts different facades and elegant water features. Anchor stores include the first Nordstrom and Nieman Marcus in San Antonio, as well as Macy’s. The mall is enormous, with over 150 restaurants and shops. There are plenty of places to eat as well if you get peckish.

If you visit, wear comfortable shoes, as this San Antonio mall offers a lot to see!

The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 582-6255
www.theshopsatlacantera.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-shops-at-la-cantera-san-antonio

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