86º

INSIDER

JEN TOBIAS-STRUSKI

San Antonio 13-year-old athlete starts inspiring clothing line

SAN ANTONIO – From the classroom to the basketball court and track field, Emani Gibbs, 13 years old, is taking on her busy schedule with an “elevate” mindset. Gibbs has a passion for sports but she also loves to shop for shoes, so her mother, Shakkera Santiago, posed a question to her one day. another pair of shoes?’ and I was like ‘yes ma’am’ she was just like ‘you’re always buying shoes, you’re always investing in Nike, Jordan, why don’t you invest in yourself? “She works hard in sports so we want to translate that into everything she does.”Elevate By Emani clothing line includes sizes from infants to adult men. “It’s gym, school work, business and then if I have time later, then I can talk to my friends.”AdIf you would like to order from Elevate by Emani, click here.

Momday Monday: Mom’s meal starters make dinner easy & flavorful

Fredericksburg – With the busy balance of working and making dinner, this line from Fischer & Wieser is helping make your next family meal easy as two steps:Mom’s Texas Chili1. brown the meat2. add the meal starter (Texas Chili)3. simmer for 10 - 15 minutes4. add your toppingsSuggestions: pour over chili dogs, frito pie or have it in a bowl topped with cheese and sour creamThe newest Mom’s meal starters include Tikki Masala, Apple Bourbon Pulled Pork, General TSO and Texas Chili, but they also sell Bolognese, Pot Roast and wood-fired pizza sauce, among many others. You can purchase online by clicking here or purchase this line at H-E-B Central Market. If you you like to make the trip to Fredericksburg, Das Peach Haus has all of these, plus many more sauces, wines and beautiful scenery too. You can also sign-up for cooking classes at Das Peach Haus, just click here.

Texas Trippin’ at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort

BOERNE – Located in the Boerne, Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort is nestled in the Texas hill country, complete with a golf course, hiking trails and two pools. “Tapatio Springs is gonna be just that authentic experience. It feels like you’re a world away from everything but still very close to everything you want to do,” Jonathan Falloon of Tapatio Springs said. With less than 150 rooms, Tapatio Springs is considered a boutique resort. “We’re actually the first salt cave spa to open up in the state of Texas,” Manager of PureSol Spa Nicole Farbaniec said.

As seen on SA Live - Friday, February 5, 2021

• The game 🏈 • The food 🍕 • The commercials 🖥 • The halftime show 🎙 Look for your answers from 1-2 p.m. today on KSAT 12 & KSAT.com! It’s a game day themed Get Fit Friday and Fiona is taking us to the next level with Joseph Brooks, of Next Level Personal Training. They’re going to take Mike through a fun workout-as-you-watch workout for the big game on Sunday. AdSA Live airs weekdays at 1 p.m. on KSAT 12. Stream the show anytime from the KSAT TV app on Roku, Fire Stick, a smart TV or smartphone.

Brothers at South Side boxing gym offer classes for all levels

SAN ANTONIO – After competing in heavyweight boxing, Robert Luna and his sons, Robert Luna Jr. and Tony Luna, created boxing programs for other gyms before launching their own. It’s been 24 years since they introduced the “boxing as a workout” concept to San Antonio and now they are located at 257 Stonewall in San Antonio. Not only do they train professional boxers, they offer workouts for everyone and they have an open gym with flexible hours. For more information, click here.

As seen on SA Live - Monday, January 25, 2021

Plus, Jen jumps into the boxing ring for a fun workout, and we share the upcoming 2021 fashion trends for men and their best friends, dogs. Weigh in below and watch for the results on @SALiveKSAT today at 1 p.m. on @ksatnews ! — SA Live (@SALiveKSAT) January 25, 2021Food is an important factor in one’s overall health. The Look segment offers a glance ahead at men’s fashion trends for 2021. And it isn’t just the human’s that are looking ahead at this year’s fashion trends.

Texas Trippin’: Rock Harbor Hill Country Lodge

BOERNE – The new series, Texas Trippin,’ is highlighting and showcasing getaways on less than a tankful of gas, in and around South Texas. Rock Harbor Hill Country Lodge in Boerne is a great spot if you’re looking for a secluded experience, surrounded by the Texas hills, livestock, bison, chickens and some friendly cats too! “Also, a lot of plans have been cancelled and (here) they feel like they still get a vacation,” co-owner Ashna Foust said. Cabin amenities:• 1 queen size bed• 2 twin beds• kitchen• refrigerator• living area + TV + wifiGlamping tent amenities:• queen size bed• small table• refrigerator• TV• wifi• heater + air conditioningThey also have larger cabin option that is available in the warmer seasons. For more information on Rock Harbor Hill Country Lodge, click here.

Get crafty in 2021 with a DIY vision board

If you’re looking for a socially distant-safe environment to do a craft date with kids, friends or even a date night, Pinspiration San Antonio can help you out. in Shavano Park. Owner Christine Mahr tells us she also offers kits you can take home with instructions, if you prefer to be crafty at-home. “And our splatter room is perfect for a date night,” Mahr said. The splatter room includes paint, music, a blank canvas and “lots of memories made.”Click here to schedule a craft date.

Actor Ricardo Chavira shares his Texas connection to the Selena legacy

SAN ANTONIO – Born the same year as the Tejano superstar, and being from south Texas, Ricardo Chavira knows the power of Selena’s legacy. One week after the Netflix series, based on the Selena Quintanilla-Perez family story, premiered, it’s held the number one spot in over 150 countries. “Growing up in San Antonio, I’d read in the paper, San Antonio Express News or The San Antonio Light even, that she had a concert in Rosedale Park and there she was accepting an award at the Tejano Music Awards at the convention center in San Antonio,” Chavira described his memories of Selena’s early fame. As many learned in the movie, and now in the Netflix series, Selena and her siblings grew up with English as their first language, something Chavira can relate to. The University of the Incarnate Word graduate is living in San Antonio and started taking guitar lessons here in San Antonio as he prepared for his new role as the patriarch of the Quintanilla family.

San Antonio’s Paulina Chávez to co-star in Lifetime holiday movie

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio native Paulina Chávez is making her mark in Los Angeles, but her roots are on the southside of the Alamo City. It could very well be the drama program at Sky Harbour Elementary that helped launch her career. “I live in the southside of San Antonio and I am proud,” Paulina Chávez said. “It’s a Christmas movie with a Latino family and there’s a scene where we’re making tamales,” Chávez said. “Seeing me from San Antonio, from Sky Harbour elementary, anything is possible,” Chávez said.

Zoomagination provides virtual animal presentations

SAN ANTONIO – If you’re looking for a virtual or in-person experience with animal encounters, Zoomagination can help you. The non-profit is continuing to care for rescued animals that can’t return to the wild. “This is something i’ve wanted to do since I was a kid,” co-founder Robert Trejo said. From warthogs to sloths and many more, this mobile zoo is available for in-person and virtual presentations, birthday parties and even corporate events. Click here to see pricing.

Urban-15 dedicates Day of the Dead performances to COVID-19 victims

SAN ANTONIO – Founders Catherine and George Cisneros share their passion for honoring the faithfully departed on Day of the Dead. “For us, dance and music is a form of meditation and expression, a moment of reflection,” Catherine Cisneros said. Since the 1970s the performers have dedicated their traditional dances for Day of the Dead. This year, as we continue to battle a pandemic, they hope to give their performance as a gift to all families impacted. “We dedicate all of our work to all of those who have been victims,” George Cisneros said.

Day of the Dead cocktail available at La Gloria restaurants

SAN ANTONIO – Chef Johnny Hernandez shares their signature Day of the Dead cocktail with Jen Tobias-Struski. The “Alebrije” cocktail is available from now through November 2nd at all La Gloria locations. The colors represent the brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures. The first alebrijes, along with invention of the term, originated with Mexico City cartonero Pedro Linares. Click here for more on La Gloria.

Local dad turns cake pop business into ‘face pop’ works of art

SAN ANTONIO – Dad and owner of The Cake Pop Guy Jerry West swapped his tire shop manager job for custom desserts. From San Antonio Spurs greats to a ‘chicken on a stick’ cake pops, Jerry is making a name for himself with creative cake pops for any occasion. “I put a lot of work into each one,” West said. “All by hand.”The South San graduate is a father and proud business owner. To place an order with The Cake Pop Guy click here.

Momday Monday: 3 easy, inexpensive DIY Halloween villages

SAN ANTONIO – This Halloween will be very different from years past and if you’re looking for some inexpensive ways to stay busy without trick-or-treating the crafters from Pretty Life Girls can help. “These are all inexpensive and easy to do,” Liz Welker, co-founder of Pretty Life Girls, said. Dollar Store Christmas Villages Turn HauntedBlack spray paint Dollar Tree Store Christmas villages Spider websWooden Halloween Village SetBirdhouses from any craft store Paint and mod podge Cupcake Halloween toppers Hot glueHaunted Gingerbread HousesGraham crackers Hot glue Any additional candy, frosting and toppingsFor more from crafting sisters, Liz and Sam, click here to go to their website.

Support Local: Barbaro offers brunch, pizza and craft cocktails

SAN ANTONIO – Barbaro is nestled just north of downtown San Antonio in the Monte Vista area. The hidden gem offers a quaint setting for Pizza, pasta and craft cocktails. Three of the signature favorites include:• Man About Town• Frozen Daiquiri• Best “Damn” PalomaYou can also enjoy Sunday Brunch at Barbaro. They are continuing to offer curbside orders with all their cocktails to-go as well. Barbaro is located at 2720 McCullough Ave.

San Antonio diner offers a true taste of New York City

SAN ANTONIO – If you’re looking to take a trip to New York City without getting on a plane, Max & Louie’s New York Diner is right here in San Antonio, serving up Big Apple fare. The menu offers a bit of all the east coast favorites, including: New York bagel and lox sandwich, Reuben sandwiches, Hungarian stuffed cabbage, burgers, shakes and now pizzas and other Italian dishes. The diner, at 226 W. Bitters Rd., is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and it does brunch all week long. The new Italian menu includes eggplant parmesan, pasta primavera, meatball hoagie, pizza and made-from-scratch lasagna. Max & Louie’s New York Diner also has a new YouTube channel, Max & Louie’s New York Diner TV, featuring a background on their signature menu items.

‘Fall’ in love with this Texas-sized corn maze + pumpkins from the vine

FREDERICKSBURG – Fresh from the vine, that’s what you’ll experience when you get any produce at Jenschke Orchards in Fredericksburg. The family-owned orchard has been in business since the 1960s as a roadside stand and in 2018 they opened their country store. Inside the store, you’ll find an array of jams, sauces and fall favorites, such as pumpkin butter and peach cider. “It tastes great warmed up with some cinnamon sticks,” co-owner Lindsey Jenschke said. Pumpkins can be picked straight from the vine for $0.75 a pound.

A day trip to Wimberley for gardening needs, BBQ and shops

WIMBERLEY – Whether you’re planning a Fall garden or need some landscaping tips and tricks, owners at Wimberley Gardens Matt and Jennie Horvath can help you with your planting needs. Nearly two years old, the former BBQ restaurant is now a go-to center for outdoor and indoor plants, landscaping and unique gift ideas. If you’re planning a trip from San Antonio, you’re looking at an hour to hour and a half drive through the hill country. Some other recommendations include:Sugar Shack Bakery - 111 River Rd., WimberleyInside you’ll find a selection of baked goods to choose form, including a raspberry croissant that will melt in your mouth. Creekside Cookers BBQ and Steakhouse - 500 River Rd., WimberleyFrom delicious brisket tacos and a brisket queso to colorful cocktails form their outdoor bar, this spot is a socially distant-safe outdoor settingfor families to enjoy some Texas BBQ.

Local business celebrates Colombian culture through artisan jewelry

For Pria Accessories owner Angela Solano, honoring her Colombian culture through artisan jewelry does just that, while also helping single mothers stay employed. She encouraged her sister to start making artisan jewelry and Pria Accessories was born. “I didn’t see a lot of artisan jewelry here at San Antonio boutiques,” Solano said. Now, Pria accessories can be found in a few boutiques. You can irder directly from Pria Accessories by clicking here.

Real San Antonian: Marcus Peoples shares children’s book on being biracial

SAN ANTONIO – Marcus Peoples is young and ambitious. Growing up, he had all the love and support he needed from his family, yet still, something was missing. In his new book, “Proud to Be In Between," he allows the world inside his bubble, his life, his family and even his heart. Through his faith in God and his family’s support, he finally decided to publish his first book. “She really captured our family.”You can purchase his children’s book at Feliz Modern, Amazon.com or his website, Proud to be In Between.com.

BIRD Bakery teams up with Texas non-profit

SAN ANTONIO BIRD Bakery is partnering with Texas non-profit, Salood, to offer a custom cookie with a recipe developed by an 8-year-old boy battling cancer, Drew. The cookie is just $4 and all the proceeds go back to the non-profit. Weve never done a cookie for a cause, founder of Bird Bakery Elizabeth Chambers said. Its been really incredible from the minute they reached out.The cookie includes oats, chocolate chips and caramel. If you would like to have a Drew Monster Cookie shipped to you, email your request to bird@birdbakery.com or click here to see other offerings at the San Antonio-based bakery.

WWE Hall of Famer makes Texas Hill Country home

BOERNE Its not every day folks in Boerne, Texas see a WWE Hall of Famer walk into a local restaurant and order up some savory Tex-Mex food. I love supporting local and Mark has such a great work ethic, WWE Hall of Famer and former NFL player Bill Goldberg said. It appears that we haven't seen the last of Bill Goldberg in WWE just yet. Despite being 53 years old, the WWE Hall of Famer says he has at least four matches left before he hangs em' up for good. Speaking with The Pop Culture Show, Goldberg revealed that he is under contract with WWE through 2022 and 2023.

From jobless to starting a new Tex-Mex restaurant in Boerne

BOERNE – Compadres Hill Country Cocina has been open for just a few months and already, it’s making waves in the foodie world. “Some people are driving hours just to come try our food,” Chef Mark Sierra said. Inside the restaurant, you’ll find American flags and tributes to all branches of the military. The former executive chef at Fair Oaks Hill Country Club was laid off as the COVID-19 pandemic took over. Move forward to today, you’ll find Chef Mark and his wife, Dalia, serving up the smoked favorites at their Boerne restaurant, located at 209 Lohmann St.Great food is something Chef Mark takes very serious.

As seen on SA Live - Thursday, July 30, 2020

SAN ANTONIO Today at 1 p.m. on SA Live TAMALES! Delias Tamales is opening up a new location at 13527 Hausman Pass, near UTSA in northwest San Antonio. Their burnt end melt has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Its a burnt end sandwich with sharp cheddar mac n cheese, pear slices, barbecue sauce and a few other tasty things in a ciabatta bread bun. SA Live airs weekdays at 1 p.m. on KSAT 12. Stream the show anytime from the KSAT TV app on Roku, Fire Stick, your smart TV or your smartphone.

Far West Side boutique puts a South Texas twist on fashion

SAN ANTONIO Its described as a mini downtown San Antonio located on the Far West Side, near SeaWorld, One&Only Boutique is quickly gaining popularity with their pops of colorful fashion. We both love fashion, co-owner of One&Only Boutique Jordan Lugo said. Its all in the name, too, thats why we chose One and Only because I dont think our boutique is like any other, Canales said. You can shop at One&Only Boutique Wednesdays and Saturdays as curbside pickups or order online and have it shipped to your home. If you order through their website and use promo code SALIVE you can get 15% off your entire order.

3 foodie favorites off the beaten path in Fredericksburg

SAN ANTONIO – Jen Tobias-Struski took a trip to Fredericksburg in May of 2019 and she found three spots sure to be favorites among foodies off the beaten path in the Hill Country town. La Bergerie - 312 E. Austin St., FredericksburgLa Bergerie is a wine bar that has Mike’s favorite thing: charcuterie. Otto’s German Bistro - 316 E. Austin St., FredericksburgYou have to try the Flammkuchen at Otto’s. Unfortunately, they had to close until further notice, but keep up with their Facebook page for updates on their potential reopening. Tubby’s Ice House - 318 E. Austin St., FredericksburgTubby’s is a creative burger and taco joint that only offers outdoor seating, so you’re all set for social distancing!

Smack’s Chicken Shack wows locals with creative flavors

If you’re looking to eat at a local spot, Smack’s Chicken Shack has you covered with creative flavors. From a “Hoodrat” sandwich (chicken topped with hot cheetos and cheese sauce) to a “Nashville Hot” traditional favorite, Smack’s Chicken Shack is quickly gaining popularity. “We started as a pop-up and we used to have other items on the menu, but the chicken sandwiches stuck,” Keenan Hendricks, owner of Smack’s Chicken Shack, said. The trailer offers up a rotating menu of sandwiches. They are open Wednesday - Sunday, until sell out.