Tag Archives: recommendations

Home Furnishings to Liven Up Every Room

Oaxacan Rug

Oaxacan Rug

Before you can spruce up your space, you need to decide just what kind of mood you’re wanting to set – bright and sunny, romantic and sultry, chic and fun, zen, exotic, the list goes on and on. Once you know what feel you’re going for it’s easy to create your space, one sweet piece at a time. Here are some ideas to get you going!

A gorgeous rug can dramatically alter the look and feel of a room or bring an eclectic mix together. Playing with multiple rugs in one room can create a playful atmosphere. While you can find an infinite assortment of rugs online, we recommend checking out Keyvan Oriental Rugs in Alamo Heights for quality rugs.

If you can get out of town, we recommend heading to Oaxaca, Mexico where the weavers in the neighboring villages create one-of-a-kind stunning rugs and tapestries made using ancient Zapotec techniques. These heirloom furnishings will be a showpiece for you and generations to come.

To create a tranquil environment, but one that will have all your friends buzzing, consider installing a custom aquarium. Imagine this talking piece in the kitchen, dining room or one in the entertainment room that doubles as a bar. However, besides the fact that a large-scale aquarium is a luxury item, salt water tanks require serious maintenance. It’s very easy to throw their delicate ecosystem off-kilter, so you will want to factor in the hassle and expense of a professional service.

For a quick and inexpensive way to add some texture to the walls in your bathroom, kitchen or any room really, add a multitude and variety of antique or stylishly modern hooks along one wall and hang, well, just about anything, from handcrafted ceramic cups to jewelry and scarves.

If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop to outfit your entire house with beautiful name-brand furniture, lighting and more, Stowers Furniture has a giant 80,000 square foot showroom. They offer items from classic to contemporary, in both casual and formal options. They’ve been around since 1890, so they must be doing something right. For those who prefer personalized furnishings, they also provide custom order options and even have a space planner to help you figure out the best place to put it all.

Think outside the box. You can easily find inspirations on Pinterest or other apps and sites, but some of the coolest furnishings are ones that aren’t used the way they’re meant to be. For example, how about flipping over a gorgeous ceramic flowerpot and using it as a drink table for indoor or outdoor use?

Now that you know what you want to fill your house with, let us build it! You can call us at 210-494-5400 to set up a free consultation. If you wish to be added to our private email list for our newsletter, please sign up here.

 

Where To Go for Winter Vacay

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Monte Alban Ruins in Oaxaca

If your year has been as busy as ours, then you’re probably already dreaming of a winter getaway. Here’s where we would go if we could take some time off!

Oaxaca, Mexico 

Sure, it’s their rainy season, but that just means the valley and all the surrounding ruins are lush green. Oaxaca used to be a favorite tourist area before Mexico suffered from the media’s over-exaggeration of the cartel’s effect on this beautiful country. In fact, Oaxaca, a Southern state (with a city by the same name), is quite safe and far from all the troubles.

This magical land is filled with talented artists that use both ancient Zapotec techniques as well as modern ones to create incredible (and shockingly inexpensive) one-of-a-kind artwork. Small villages, each with their own skill set, surround Oaxaca. You’ll find weavers, potters, chocolate makers, mezcal makers and more. It’s also known as the land of seven moles, so be prepared to eat your weight’s worth in mole as well as tamales. Our favorite restaurant, Los Danzantes, offers a modern interpretation of traditional dishes and flavors. We recommend bringing an extra suitcase. You’ll thank us if you do!

The Cell Block – Clifton, Texas

For something really different, how would you like to stay a night in jail? Of course, if you’re going to do that, you might as well do it in style, right? Not far from us, between Austin and Dallas, is a small (perhaps unknown) town. Although unassuming, this town has a lot of character. Besides being the official Norwegian capitol of Texas – the King of Norway even visited here once – they’re also known for being home to several successful artists who produce Western-style artwork. The town has several art galleries as well as a museum.

While there are a few quaint options for accommodations, none are more interesting than The Cell Block. This luxury jailhouse was once a real jail. It didn’t see the likes of Bonnie and Clyde although rumor has it they lived nearby. There’s a bullet hole in a building next to the now historic theatre where Clyde was said to have shot at a guy who took Bonnie out on a date. The Cell Bock is a “bed and booze” as opposed to a bed and breakfast. For the night, you get a bottle of wine and a swig of whiskey to keep you warm. Relax on your rooftop patio then enjoy a good night’s sleep in jail. Just make sure you don’t lose the key! 

La Cantera Resort & Spa

If you don’t have time to get away, consider a staycation at the newly renovated La Cantera Resort & Spa. They’ve put an immense amount of money and effort into providing an amazingly relaxing and luxurious experience for their guests. The spa is easily one of the best in town and offers a plethora of both familiar and unique spa experiences. The best part is local celebrity chef, Andrew Weissman, is opening up a new restaurant here called Signature. It’s about to become the hottest place in town!

If you’re saving up your pennies for a new home instead of a vacation, call us at 210-494-5400 to set up a consultation. If you wish to be added to our private email list for our newsletter, please sign up here.

 

 

Valentine’s Day in SA

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The next big holiday on everyone’s radar is Valentine’s Day on February 14 – a day that should be celebrated whether you have someone special in your life, or if that someone special is you!

Although the origins of this lovely day are confusing at best and include ancient Roman fertility rituals, fetes and martyrs, we owe thanks to writers like Shakespeare and Chaucer for romanticizing the holiday. In the Middle Ages, people showed their affection by making and giving handmade cards to their sweetheart of choice. Why not try your hand at poetry this Valentine’s and/or make a card of your own. For ideas, check out this website for 15 DIY Valentine card ideas.

This year, Valentine’s Day lands on a Sunday. To try something a little bit different, how about taking your sweetie to brunch instead of dinner? O’liva restaurant, located downtown next to the Governor’s Palace, is offering a prix fixe brunch for only $35 a person and includes a complimentary champagne cocktail and dessert. Guests are encouraged to make reservations as seating is limited – you can find them on OpenTable or call them at 210-229-2638.

Valentine’s Day Menu (consistently made from scratch with fresh, local ingredients)

❖        Turmeric Seafood Bisque in Coconut Milk

❖        Grilled Chicken with Dark Cherry-Pomegranate Glaze

❖        Smoky Roast Beef & Cabernet Mushroom Sauce

❖        Pecan Tri-Grain Pilaf

❖        Braised Cauliflower with local-made Orange-Butter

❖        In-house Smoked Pork Loin Benedict with Cilantro-Cracked Pepper Hollandaise

❖        Stuffed Mushrooms with Vegan Chorizo

❖        Smoked Queso Grits

❖        Wintery Salad & Champagne Vinny

❖        White Chocolate & Chocolate treats

❖        Mixed Berry Shortcakes & Almond Cream

Another great restaurant choice for Valentine’s Day is The Melting Pot. This old fashioned fun is a perfect choice for that wonderful person in your life. The prix fixe menu is $129.95 per person. We recommend their Yin & Yang cocktail to kick off the evening.

For a stay-at home-dinner, which can be just as special, surprise him or her with a Valentine’s dessert classic – Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, which will be even more appreciated if you make it yourself or perhaps together. It’s actually very easy. See the recipe below for details and then leave the rest to Cupid!

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Ingredients

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1 pound strawberries with stems (about 20), washed and dried very well

Directions

Put the semisweet and white chocolates into 2 separate heatproof medium bowls. Fill 2 medium saucepans with a couple inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Turn off the heat; set the bowls of chocolate over the water to melt. Stir until smooth. (Alternatively, melt the chocolates in a microwave at half power, for 1 minute, stir and then heat for another minute or until melted.)

Once the chocolates are melted and smooth, remove from the heat. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper. Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip the fruit into the dark chocolate, lift and twist slightly, letting any excess chocolate fall back into the bowl. Set strawberries on the parchment paper. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries. Dip a fork in the white chocolate and drizzle the white chocolate over the dipped strawberries. Set the strawberries aside until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

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