Have Tea for Two at River House Tea Room

Looking for a relaxing place to catch up with a friend in New Braunfels? Make a reservation for tea for two at River House Tea Room. This is one of the only places in the area that serves a traditional British “high tea,” and it makes a fun and unique way to spend an afternoon.

When you arrive at River House Tea Room, you’ll notice the charming outdoor patio furnished with ample seating for any size group, as well as the sweet cats that wander the grounds. Inside, there is even more seating in a more upscale, home-y atmosphere. Order from the long list of gourmet teas that includes green, black, and herbal blends, or even indulge with a petite tea package that also comes with delicate desserts and finger sandwiches.

Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, a business meeting, or just a visit with friends, River House Tea Room is always a fun experience.

River House Tea Room
1617 New Braunfels St
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 608-0690
www.riverhousetearoom.com

Keep Your Taxes Accurate with the IRS Withholding Calculator

If your W-4 form's out of date, it may be worthwhile to adjust it. This handy online calculator from the IRS will help you determine the necessary information to check your withholding form and, if necessary, learn how to fill out a new W-4 form.

Who can benefit from using the calculator?
Employees who would like to change their withholding, whose situations are only approximated by the worksheets, or those with non-wage income who would prefer to have tax on that income withheld are all good candidates for the withholding calculator.

What do I need to use the calculator?
Be sure to have your most recent pay stubs, income tax return, and estimates that are as accurate as possible on hand before using the calculator.

If, after using the calculator, you find that you need to change your withholding, simply use the results to help you complete a new W-4 form and give it to your employer.

IRS Withholding Calculator [IRS]

Happy Presidents’ Day

On this day we honor all of the Presidents of our great country. If it weren’t for them, our country would not be what it is today!

Happy Valentine’s Day

We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day celebrating with the ones you love!

Get Your Gluten-Free Sugar Fix at Red Oak Bakery in New Braunfels

Adapting to a gluten-free diet isn’t the easiest feat, but places like Red Oak Bakery in New Braunfels make it a whole lot more delicious.

While Red Oak Bakery prides itself on treats that are created entirely without gluten, they’re still just as decadent and flavorful as traditional sweets; from the incredibly chewy double-chocolate cookies to the savory bacon and cheddar scones, everything is made with all-natural ingredients that provide bold, authentic flavors. The pastry cases at this local, independent bakery also include cinnamon brioche muffins perfect for a special breakfast, icing-topped cupcakes in a variety of flavors, and indulgent brownies that you’ll dream about long after they’re gone.

With a charming, homey atmosphere and a sunny outdoor porch, Red Oak Bakery is the perfect place to go for dessert in New Braunfels.

Red Oak Bakery
596 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 214-6911
www.yelp.com/biz/red-oak-bakery-new-braunfels-2

Plan an Island Getaway Without Leaving Town at Hinman Island Park

While many area parks consist of large areas of grassy fields and walking trails, Hinman Island Park in New Braunfels also offers beautiful river views and swimming holes perfect for hot, Texas summer days. Venture down to this area park to discover some of the best of the area’s local scenery, including peaceful, rushing waterways, large, shady trees, and patches of grass perfect for sprawling out on a blanket.

Many area residents invest in their own inflatable tubes to use on the Comal River, which makes for a fun and exciting way to cool off. Relax on board your trusty tube while you float along the river, or make things a bit more exhilarating by going on a spin through the fast-paced chute (which often leaves you doing more swimming than floating). Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the wooden tables for a full day of fun at Hinman Island Park.

Hinman Island Park
Hinman Island Drive
New Braunfels, TX 78130
www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?NID=404

Go Green With a Veggie-Filled Juice at Naturally

When you’re feeling a bit sluggish from overindulging in unhealthy foods, stop in to Naturally to get yourself right back on track. This local juice bar is the perfect place to go for a fresh, healthy meal or a cold-pressed juice filled with fruits and veggies.

Everything at Naturally is, of course, made with all-natural, organic ingredients, but that doesn’t mean that they sacrifice flavor. From the hot pressed paninis topped with fresh veggies and premium meats to the colorful salads made with all kinds of seasonal produce, everything on the menu is exciting and unique from other nearby eateries. If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, consult the juice and smoothie menu for something to sip on the go. There are veggie-filled green juices, flavorful berry smoothies, and even indulgent peanut butter smoothies that taste like a healthy dessert.

Naturally
494 N Seguin Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 214-6300
www.naturallynb.com

Where to Shop Handmade Jewelry from Indie Artists Online

Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or simply looking for something sparkly to add to your own jewelry collection, pieces from indie designers exude a unique quality that sets them apart from the rest. These handcrafted jewelry items are often made in more environmentally friendly ways, and they usually cost much less than name-brand jewelry. Here are three great online sources for indie bling.

Catbird
Since it first opened the doors of its Brooklyn brick and mortar store almost 10 years ago, Catbird has been one of New York City’s most popular destinations for unique, affordable jewelry from independent designers. Now the shop also offers an expansive online store that allows web surfers to shop its signature dainty gold necklaces, stackable rings, and engagement rings at all price points.

Etsy
Etsy is democratizing the way that jewelry is sold by enabling independent designers to set up their own shops through the site’s online marketplace. Whether you’re searching for woven friendship bracelets or hammered gold rings, you’ll find it all via the simple search tools.

Bario Neal
Although many jewelry companies obtain their diamonds through the diamond trade, Bario Neal uses only ethically sourced stones and reclaimed precious metals that are cruelty-free and eco-friendly. This Philadelphia-based jewelry boutique and studio sells engagement rings, pendant necklaces, enamel bracelets, and much more.

Cool Off With Something Sweet at The Gourmet Ice Co.

At the Gourmet Ice Co. in New Braunfels, you’ll find relief from the hot Texas weather and a sweet, guilt-free treat. This popular dessert stand serves light, refreshing shaved ice in very unique flavors that you wouldn’t expect to find, including wedding cake, watermelon basil, green tea vanilla and pineapple upside down cake. Each flavor is made with real fruit juice and even herb infusions, but their bright colors and fluffy texture will give you the satisfaction of the classic shaved ice that you loved as a kid.

The Gourmet Ice Co. was once housed inside of a hip Airstream trailer, but has since moved to a pet-friendly building complete with modern touches and hip chalkboard menus describing its daily flavors. Whether you stop in for a shaved ice to-go or to try three flavors served in a flight, this creative dessert shop is a must-try in New Braunfels.

The Gourmet Ice Co.
1102 N. Walnut Avenue
New Braunfels, TX 78130
www.thegourmeticeco.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-gourmet-ice-co-new-braunfels

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 February 29th, 2016. We suggest you like our page to keep informed about future sweepstakes and community happenings.

For mobile users, click here to enter.

Pin It on Pinterest