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Meson European Restaurant: Plan Your Next Date Night at This Romantic Eatery

June 16, 2015 by

If you want to experience artful, European fare, you don’t have to invest in a pricey international plane ticket. Meson European Restaurant offers this type of global cuisine in an upscale atmosphere right here in San Antonio, and it has the feeling of a locals-only hidden gem that makes it even more special.

Meson’s menu consists of healthy, whole foods with a European flair, including premium cuts of New York strip steaks, fresh seafood, and handcrafted pasta dishes that change from season to season. Regular diners say that the prices are fair for the large portion sizes and high quality of the meals, and there is also a full bar and an impressive wine list for of-age guests.

Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the restaurant’s dining room with natural light, while multiple four-person tables covered in white tablecloths make any meal luxurious. On the weekends, Meson also features the occasional live jazz band that adds even more ambiance to your relaxed, upscale dining experience.

Meson European Restaurant
923 N. Loop 1604 East
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 690-5811
www.mesoneuropeandining.com
www.yelp.com/biz/meson-european-dining-san-antonio

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

The How and Why of Warming Up Before a Workout

June 2, 2015 by

Before beginning any type of workout, you should always plan for a good warm-up to help prepare your body for physical activity. It may not seem like an essential part of your workout routine, but warming up can actually help prevent illness and even injury once things get really physical. Here are some great ways to warm up — and reasons why it’s so important.

  • It minimizes heart stress. Your heart is forced to pump blood much more quickly while exercising, and it can be stressful if you suddenly start exercising very intensely. Warm-ups help to build your heart rate slowly and gently.
  • It protects your muscles. Warming up supplies extra oxygen to the muscles by dilating your blood vessels, which makes you limber and ready for exercise.
  • Match your warm-up to your exercise. A shorter workout only requires a warm-up of about a few minutes, but if you plan on exercising for an hour or longer, be sure to plan for a longer, more thorough warm-up.
  • Do the same activity at a slower pace. Whether you’re jogging, biking, or doing an aerobics routine, a good way to warm up is by performing that same activity at a slower, more moderate pace.

Warm Up, Cool Down [American Heart Association]
9 Fun And Effective Ways To Warm Up [BodyBuilding.com]
How to Warm Up Before Exercising [NHS]
The Best Stretches to Start Your Workout [Women’s Health]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Copa Wine Bar: A San Antonio Wine Bar

May 27, 2015 by

Enjoy a glass of wine at Copa Wine Bar, a local venue in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio that grew out of the owner’s former business, Wines Etc. This San Antonio wine bar offers an expansive list of wine varietals from around the world, plus some flavorful tapas to go along with them.

Whether your taste in wine runs to Prosecco from Spain, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington state, or Pinot Noir from California, you’re sure to find something delightful at Copa. Pair your glass or bottle with a tasty small plate like Fire Roasted Chevre with crostini, Hummus San Antonio with warm toasted pita, or Albondigas – meatballs simmered in wine demi-glace. A meat or cheese plate is always a good choice for sharing at the table. Panini, Pommes Frites – crispy, Belgian-style fries, and Pizzettes – small, hand-tossed pizzas, are also on the menu.

Copa Wine Bar
19141 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 495-2672
www.thecopawinebar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/copa-wine-bar-san-antonio

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Serenity Meets Serious Exercise at Yoga Shala in San Antonio

May 26, 2015 by

Did you know that the practice of yoga originated in ancient India as a way of attaining peace of mind and optimum health benefits? Yoga Shala continues in that tradition by offering a variety of yoga classes for beginning and advanced students, right here in San Antonio!

Step into Yoga Shala's serene, comfortable studio to calm, stretch, strengthen, tone, and energize with a class taught by a trained, helpful teacher who’s compassionate about guiding you through the poses. You don’t have to be able to turn yourself into a pretzel to find a class suited to your level of ability. Classes are taught in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Hatha styles of yoga, and the studio intends to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Yoga Shala of San Antonio is open 7:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. daily. See the Yoga Shala website for class schedules and pricing information.

Yoga Shala
18585 Sigma Road
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 496-9900
www.yogashalasa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/yoga-shala-san-antonio

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Happy Memorial Day!

May 25, 2015 by

Wishing everyone a happy Memorial Day as we remember the many heroes who have served our country.

Filed Under: Life at Retreat at Cross Mountain Apartments Tagged With:

Picnikins Patio Cafe: Tasty Food in a Laid-Back Atmosphere

May 12, 2015 by

Despite its trendy, modernist decor, locals say Picnikins Patio Cafe is a laid-back, down-to-earth place to grab a sandwich for lunch or a hearty dinner. Picnikins bakes its own bread, and patrons say it’s some of the best they’ve ever eaten. For lunch, try a classic sandwich like the roast beef and provolone, the ham and cheese, or the egg salad sandwich, or choose one of Picnikins’s unique specialty sandwiches, like the Ultimate, the Orchard, or the Mediterranean vegetarian pita. For dinner, order the chicken piccata, the glazed salmon, the braised lamb shank, the Southwestern chicken sandwich, or Andre’s pasta.

Regulars love the food here, but they say the friendly, welcoming staff and affordable prices are really what make Picnikins Patio Cafe one of the best restaurants in San Antonio.

Picnikins is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Picnikins Patio Cafe
6901 Blanco Road
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 616-0954
www.picnikinspatiocafe.com/home
www.yelp.com/biz/picnikins-patio-cafe-san-antonio

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 10, 2015 by

Happy Mother's Day! How are you planning to celebrate mom today?

Filed Under: Life at Retreat at Cross Mountain Apartments Tagged With:

How to Display Your Houseplants for Maximum Impact

May 5, 2015 by

Adding houseplants to your home is one of the best ways to brighten a room and clean the air, so why not take the time to incorporate a few plants into your home's decor? Check out these tips for getting the most visual impact out of your houseplants.

  1. Place them in display boxes. Hanging antique crates or boxes from the wall is an affordable way add some vintage style to a room, and this is also a good way to show off your green thumb. Secure attractive crates to the wall facing outward, then pop a plant inside to create a sort of framed effect.
  2. Add tiered plant stands. While using plant stand is a great way to show off a smaller plant, adding three plant stands makes an even bigger impact in a room. You can even DIY your own by adhering attractive copper pipes in three different lengths to wooden or concrete tops.
  3. Hang them from the ceiling. Macramé is back in style in a big way, and there’s no better reason to break out your yarn and beads than to show off a beautiful plant. Creating a macramé plant hanger is simple and affordable, so you can create a whole slew of plant hangers with little money and little time.

Plants In The Bedroom [Smile and Wave]
20 Unforgettable Indoor Plant Displays [Decoist]
Buy or DIY: 5 Ideas for Displaying Tillandsia [Apartment Therapy]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Guadalupe River State Park: Hang Out While Hiking and Horseback Riding

April 28, 2015 by

For just $7 full-day admission, the Guadalupe River State Park — arguably the most beautiful outdoor area in all of northern San Antonio — is an affordable way to spend the day outdoors. This riverfront park is ideal for swimming, camping, hiking, and bird watching, but the Guadalupe River State Park is attraction is beloved by all types of outdoorsy locals due to its scenery and its wide variety of outdoor activities.

On warm days, visitors can cool off by tubing, swimming, or canoeing on the Guadalupe River, while avid fishers can cast off from the river’s banks. There are also 5.3 miles of equestrian trails perfect for horseback riders or adventurous mountain bikers.

Picnic tables and barbecue stations are scattered throughout the 4-mile expanse of trails, and there are different camping areas for both RVs and tents.

Guadalupe River State Park
3350 Park Road 31
Spring Branch, TX 78070
(830) 438-2656
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river
www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g56702-d109498-Reviews-Guadalupe_River_State_Park-Spring_Branch_Texas.html

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Trilogy Pizza & Wine Bistro: Pizza, Three Ways

April 21, 2015 by

Trilogy Pizza & Wine Bistro is special because the place isn’t afraid to bring the best of New York, Chicago and California to the streets of San Antonio.

Located a short drive from Stone Oak Park, Trilogy gives you a choice between thin-crust New York style pizza, thick-crust Chicago style and wheat-crust California style. With that much choice, everybody will be happy! You can count on the crust getting crispy, because all of the pies are baked in Trilogy’s brick oven. Get a specialty pie or make your own creation. There are also a nice selection of pastas and salads.

Trilogy Pizza & Wine Bistro is open seven days a week.

Trilogy Pizza & Wine Bistro
19141 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 404-1818
http://www.yelp.com/biz/trilogy-pizza-and-wine-bistro-san-antonio

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,
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