Our mission is to help each of our clients feel confident about their futures for as long as they live. Your peace of mind is our ultimate goal. Our seminars are crafted to simplify complex topics and provide clear guidance to help support your desired retirement lifestyle. We believe that having all the essential information available in one place is key to making informed decisions. That’s why our team ensures that every aspect — valuable insights, practical tools and clear guidance — is seamlessly brought together for you.
Here are some of the many things you’ll learn during our seminars:
• Legal strategies for estate planning and asset protection
• Tax planning tips to help you succeed
• Financial management techniques for retirement readiness
• Guidance on selecting the best Medicare plan for you
Join us for a complementary dinner and informational seminar on 5/13 & 5/20 at Saltgrass Steakhouse in San Marcos. RSVP Here
With Teamwork by your side, you’ll have everything you
Diana Jordan Michael Srulowitz
Jorge Cruz
Michael Gaona Tanner Friesenhahn
Cheers to the Ladies!
I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life, who make life more rich and beautiful. Our grandmothers, mothers, daughters, friends, nieces, aunts and colleagues are some of the most influential women in our lives.
And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms, but it’s not just biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.
Growing up, I was so lucky to have the most amazing women to look up to. My grandmothers and their friends were always so gracious and loving toward me and showed me how to make a house a home. My beautiful and amazing "superwoman" of a mother is, without a doubt, the best person I could imagine being picked to be my mother and my friend. My aunts, whom I look up to, who are kind, loving and fun people. My friends, who have been there through the good, the bad and the hilarious events throughout life. I am so incredibly grateful that I have had some of the hardest working, best boss', honest, caring, loving and just super fabulous women in my life. Some of whom, I have met in this beautiful town of New Braunfels as well.
While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to New Braunfels women.
They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.
Let's raise a glass and cheers to all the ladies in our lives and this beautiful town!
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
city scene
1: Kelly with owner of LennElla Design Co. at the Spring Market of New Braunfels. 2: Saturday shopping fun at the Gruene Olive Tasting Room. 3: Athlete Guild enjoying the In a Pickle Festival 5K. 4: Refined Eye Care team, with owner Audrey and husband, Hunter, enjoying the .5K Beer Run. 5: Rotary Club of New Braunfels supported Oak Run Middle School in their Mental Health Mile. 6: Creedence Revived brought the fire to The Brauntex Theatre stage on March 24th. 7: Gourmage owner Stephanie Richardson serving
Don't miss a moment of your favorite season.
Tommy John Tailgate Ribbon Cutting
May is the perfect time to catch anything from horse and auto racing to golf and tennis. Catch all the action at Tommy John Tailgate as they opened their doors to New Braunfels on March 14th. Enjoy the outdoor patio or roomy inside seating at 1515 Kuehler Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 837-5172
Photography by @nbtxchamber
Pulte Homes Ribbon Cutting
Ready to build at the Meadows at Clear Springs, Pulte Homes is creating a new build community of beautiful one and two-story homes. Ranging from three to five-bedroom builds, you can stop by and tour their gorgeous model homes and experience the open island kitchens and spacious rooms yourself. Explore the model home at 1693 Viola Ln, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 402-6300
Photography by @nbtxchamber
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Rocky Mountain Crepes Ribbon Cutting
Sweet or savory? Rocky Mountain Crepes is ready to serve after its ribbon cutting on March 5th. Nestled in Gruene, they are a small crepe shop with big flavor as they only use the best and freshest ingredients around. Indulge a little and experience these cooked-to-perfection creations yourself. You can visit them at 1641 Hunter Rd New Braunfels TX 78130 (830) 214-0805
Photography by @nbtxchamber
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Expert Roofing Solutions for a Safer Home
NB Roofing & Construction: Your Local Roofers
When finding someone to rely on for your roofing needs, NB Roofing goes above and beyond to make sure that your needs and expectations of your new roof are met.
Whether you need a new metal roof, replacing an old roof or fixing a roof due to weather damage, we install all over Central and South TX, but we call the New Braunfels area home.
We are commercial and metal roofing experts. We offer competitive pricing with excellent customer service.
ARTICLE BY KELLY SHEARING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARICE WASHINGTON
SMILE
BRIGHT
Teeth whitening leaves you with more than just a stunning smile, it can improve your oral health and leave you with a serious confidence boost. New Braunfels sees its fair share of dental issues, and regular treatments like your six-month check-up and teeth whitening can give a serious boost to your overall oral health.
Dentist Dr. Jim Peck and his team at Smile New Braunfels have teeth whitening down to a science with two proven teeth-whitening processes. The first — and fastest option — starting with an initial exam. This is where Dr. Peck and his team make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. After a thorough cleaning, you’re ready for the whitening treatment. This process takes around an hour to an hour and 15 minutes to complete, but you’re left with a radiant smile.
Have more time to spare? Then the second teeth whitening process might work better for you. After getting the whitening solution and tray, which are also the final step in the faster treatment, Dr. Peck walks you through the whitening process so you can brighten your smile from the comfort of your own home. This process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month, depending on the level of staining. So, what type of stains can teeth
Flashing those pearly whites this women’s month
whitening remove? “Tea stains are the worst,” says Dr. Peck, with coffee and red wine stains coming in as strong contenders. To combat these stains, he recommends, “wearing them at night because the solution needs several hours of contact with the tooth.”
Oral health is another big hitter as stains and clean teeth all tie into overall dental health. Maintaining your shiny white teeth is more than just brushing twice daily. To help your results last (although results do already last several years) invest in that electric toothbrush and build that flossing habit. Ditch that water flosser. They are “like a car wash with no soap,” says Dr. Peck. “Water flossers don’t do much to clean your teeth.” Some other tips? Don’t apply too much pressure when brushing, and if you stay true to that manual toothbrush, use the “three-finger hold” rather than using your whole palm to brush. Avoiding abrasive toothpaste — like those with the appealing ‘whitening’ word on them — can also help prevent enamel damage and tooth sensitivity.
While you’re in the chair, either getting your regular six-month checkup or teeth whitening treatment, you’ll also notice that Dr. Peck has a few things that are different from other dental practices in the area. For one, Dr. Peck uses a surgical microscope when doing any kind of dental work. Why is that important? Well, many dentists use dental loupes that are like little magnifying glasses. A surgical microscope lets him see your teeth up close and personal so he doesn’t miss a thing. Another thing that his practice uses is called a water laser, allowing him to have “complete control over gum tissue. He says that it allows him to “gently and accurately move tissue,” which comes in handy when getting dental crowns or fillings. No more will you have to push through the pain when getting crowns, fillings, or any procedure that involves the sensitive
gum line. “Those are the two things that I use that are potentially world-changing in the dental community,” he goes on to add.
Smile New Braunfels sees more than just teeth whitening treatments, offering services ranging from treatment for clenching and grinding to a beautiful set of veneers. But, getting in the door is the first step to brightening that smile. Procrastination seems to be the biggest threat to dental health in New Braunfels. Don’t wait until a small issue turns into a complex and expensive problem. Another trend that can be staining that photo-worthy smile is smokeless tobacco. Dr. Peck laments that he can “talk till [he’s] blue in the face,” about this habit, but it does some serious damage to your smile and your health.
Ladies, let’s be real—your smile is your ultimate accessory. When you're out there living your best life, a radiant grin not only complements your chic look but also gives you that extra boost of confidence. Whether you're indulging in a little "me time" with an at-home whitening kit or enjoying the expertise of Dr. Peck’s team, embracing a bright smile is a celebration of your vibrant, unstoppable energy. So go ahead, dazzle on—because every confident woman deserves to light up every room she enters.
TIPS TO KEEP THAT PEARLY SMILE
• Schedule regular checkups: Don’t procrastinate, schedule regular cleanings every six months. Waiting until you see — or feel — symptoms can make a simple fix turn into a complex problem
• Ditch the smokeless tobacco: Not only is this staining your beautiful teeth, but smokeless tobacco puts you at a higher risk of different mouth cancers, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
• Buy that electric toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes not only make it easier to keep your teeth clean, you’re less likely to cause damage to your teeth
• Floss before you brush: Doing this before you brush means you can clean every little nook and cranny. And please, throw that water flosser away.
Experience high-quality services with Kustom Fence. You can rely on our great reputation and over 45 years of experience to get the job done right every single time. Don’t wait—call now and see the Kustom Fence difference for yourself. FREE estimates will be provided, usually within the same business day
Would you like your property to have a rustic or elegant feel? The professionals at Kustom Fence offer a range of textures, styles, and patterns to keep your property beautiful and safe.
With chain link, ranch, wood, vinyl, and wrought iron fencing options available, we’re certain we can fulfill your every fencing need.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings.
As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions
associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Hanging Florals
Florals and Fruit
Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
Flower Frogs
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
CELEBRATING THE WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN NEW BRAUNFELS
Women-Owned Strong PASSION
This city has many facets, from a bubbling tourist town to a lush city filled to the brim with a rich history, making it fun to celebrate those who make this growing city a strong community. Women-owned businesses— among others—help create that sense of community. Wander downtown, find those niche shops, or stroll along the cobblestones in Gruene. No matter where you go, there is a woman-owned business nearby. New Braunfels is fortunate to have so many businesses led by incredible women who shape this community with their passion.
ARTICLE BY KELLY SHEARING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARICE WASHINGTON
(from left to right) Helen McKennon (Gruene River Hotel & Retreat), Jill Hall (The Gruene Olive), Jayna Owens (The Tea Charmer), Jennifer Blaschke (Elevated Eye Care), Sharice Washington (Lynn Burdell Photography), Kymber Blaschke (Elevated Eye Care), Jennifer Minigh (New Braunfels Blinds & Drapery), Kelly Shearing (Editor, NBTX City Lifestyle), Lori Singleton (L&N Residential Cleaning)
PASSION
Wondering who some of those businesses are? Here are just a few of the many amazing women-owned businesses:
• Beyond Blessed Salon and Boutique
• Flipped Fits Thrift
• L&N Residential Cleaning Services
• Hemp360
• Lynn Burdell Photography
• Clean and Fabulous
• Le Petit Sweet
• Plant Culture
• The Tea Charmer - New Braunfels
• Blumen Meister’s Flower Market
• The Villa
• New Braunfels Crystals
• Elevated Eye Care
• Savage Mana
• Hear in Texas
• Alchemy Aesthetics
• The Renfeld Group
• Fickle Pickles
• Sundance Mercantile
• New Braunfels Optical Shoppe
• New Braunfels Blinds and Drapery
• DeStefano Design
• Newman & Company
• Roofer Chicks
• River Rose
• BarBelles Boutique
• Caring Senior Services
• Betty Lou Coffee Co.
• Saskuatch Outfitters
• The Golden Pineapple
• Chapters & Co.
• Cosmic Plant Company
• 2tarts Bakery
• Confluence Healing Arts
• The Gruene Goat
• Stephen and Company Salon
• Wanderlust Travel Jetsetter
• The Retreat Salon & Day Spa
• To Have and To Fold
• The Local
• The Gruene Olive
Planting Spring Flowers
Helpful tips for planting spring flowers
Sun-Loving Plants:
Spring is here! We compiled a list of flowers that - depending on your planting zone - can be planted in the season.
Plumbago
Has beautiful dark blue or white flowers on a large shrub of 3 to 5 feet. This tends to freeze down in winter and comes back from roots in the spring.
Hibiscus
The tropical variety will not survive the winters so move those pots inside. The plant can get up to 5 feet tall and there are many different colors and varieties. The perennial varieties will freeze to the ground but come back in the spring. The variety Moy Grande is known as the dinner plate hibiscus. The Texas star hibiscus has beautiful flowers in red or white.
Bougainvillea
These colorful plants can be planted in baskets and pots, not in water-logged or low areas where water might collect. They will grow best when given enough space to spread out, and should be planted in an area that will allow them a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight every day. Colors include orange, pink, purple, white, red, tangerine and fuschia to name a few.
Purslane
This is great in baskets for trailing leaves with lots of colors. The bees love it!
Butterfly Weed
This 3 to 4-foot bush is a must for monarch lovers. Monarchs feed on the leaves before making their cocoons. It has beautiful orange and yellow flowers.
ARTICLE BY LORI HAWKINS
Shade-Loving Plants:
Lantana
This is a great hot weather plant that comes in many colors and varieties. Trailing varieties only get about 1 foot tall but can get 3 to 4 feet wide. There are bush varieties that get 4 feet tall and dwarf bushes only get about 2 feet tall. It comes in yellows, purples, reds, oranges, pinks, fuchsia, and many others.
Gregg’s Blue Mist
This fuzzy light blue flower is a butterfly favorite.
Pentas
This is another bee and butterfly favorite that grows about 10 to 12 inches tall. There is a graffiti variety in different colors that works in beds or pots.
Vinca/Periwinkle
This plant comes in upright or trailing varieties. There are many colors to choose from: lavender, white with a red center, peach, white and red, pink to strawberry.
Sages
There are many varieties of sage. The Texas sage is a shrub that has beautiful lavender flowers - a favorite for bees. They usually bloom around the time it rains. Henry Duelberg variety is a smaller bush 18 to 20 inches tall with blue stalks of blooms. Russian Sage is a tall silver lacey foliage with light blue flower spikes and grows to 4 feet tall. Deer tend to stay away from most of the sages.
Turk’s Cap
This plant makes a large bush of red or pink flowers. It has low water needs once established and can tolerate drought conditions and hot temperatures. Prune back plant in winter if it gets too leggy.
Impatiens
These need more water than most other plants and come in many colors. They are valued for their vibrant colors, abundant blooms, and tolerance for shade.
Caladiums
With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant.
it for. Then, when we are told that “number” we sometimes gasp! “What do you mean it will only sell for (insert price!)? Our house is WAY better than Sally’s down the street and she said she sold it for (insert price again!) last year!” Trust me, I get it! I am attached to all the love and care I have put into my house too! BUT remember...the market conditions set the sale price! They are not attached, yet . A good REALTOR® will break down every last little bit of data to get to the suggested list price! My goal is to get you the highest price in the shortest amount of time! And lastly...a good REALTOR® monitors the hyper-local market constantly (if you’re one of my clients, you already know what I do, right?)!
Keep a few things in mind when you are pricing your home:
What is your motivation? Did you find another house you love and don’t want to lose it? Did you get a job transfer? etc... Answer: Yes. Solution = Price Aggressively (at or below market value)
Are you tempted to price above what your REALTOR® suggested? Answer: Yes. Solution = Reconsider (keep in mind that your house will have an appraisal if your buyer is getting a loan. If you appraise lower than what is written on the contract, the lender will not lend on it (unless there is a creative way around it!). and you’ll be back at the negotiating table anyway or your buyer will terminate and you just wasted time “off market” and out of site of other buyers. Pricing too high also takes you above buyer search parameters & sitting on the market for an excessive amount of time can stigmatize your home - buyers may ask, “what’s wrong with it?”). Are we in a buyer or sellers market? Buyers are in charge right nowespecially on over-priced homes - don’t overprice! Make them compete!
Shelby Renfeld, REALTOR® Team Leader/Owner
Celebrate Women
Making it easy to celebrate the women in your life
ARTICLE BY KELLY SHEARING
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Drinks Out on the Town
Downtown has so many options for those wanting to grab a drink and make memories to last a lifetime. Though new to town, Cowboys & Cadillacs has already made a special place in the heart of the community. With a nice selection of signature cocktails and a menu that embodies the true taste of Texas, you and your girls will have an amazing time. Just around the corner is Cody’s Restaurant Bar & Patio, where fine dining and an amazing drink selection collide. With a laid-back atmosphere and first-class service, get ready to experience the difference.
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Cheesy Charcuterie Delights
A staple in the community since 2021, Otto’s Cheese Shop is setting up its new shop to offer even more cut-to-order cheese, charcuterie, and pantry items that are perfect for your girl’s night in. Can’t wait until they reopen? Thankfully, the team over at Gourmage has you covered, too. Celebrating its 16th year in New Braunfels, you can’t go wrong with their cheese, chocolate, and wine pairings.
Whether you’re shopping for the mother in your life or just want a fun girls’ day, there is something for everyone in New Braunfels. Do you want a relaxing night in or a fun night out on the town? The options are endless. Here are some ideas for celebrating all the special women in your life.
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Prepare to Feel Pampered
Want a day of luxury and ultimate pampering? With dozens of hair treatment and nail options, give in to a day of fun at Stephen & Company Salon. No matter what your hair or nail needs are, there is a service to fit the bill. Want to round out the day with more relaxation? The Hidden Gem Day Spa can do just that with a selection of massages, facials, waxing, and spa packages to help you have the ultimate one-stopshop experience.
New Braunfels offers endless ways to celebrate the women in your life. Whether indulging in delicious cheeses, enjoying a cocktail night out, unleashing your creativity, or unwinding with a luxurious spa day, there’s something for every woman to enjoy. So gather your favorite ladies, and make unforgettable memories in our charming town!
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Get Your Art On
For those crafty gals in your life, there are several options within the 78130 and 78132. Painting with a Twist, up on the hill, combines painting (for both individuals and groups) with social fun. With artist-led events, art-at-home kits, and private paint parties, there’s plenty of fun to be had. If you enjoy painting but want to change up your medium, stop by Clay Casa downtown, where you can make a unique keepsake to treasure for years to come.
MAY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 3RD
Saengerfest
Downtown New Braunfels | 12:00 PM
This annual free festival calls New Braunfels home on Saturday, May 3rd from noon to 10 p.m. Live music, plenty of family activities, shopping, and food vendors galore means there is some thing for everyone. With Cory Morrow headlining and wine and craft beer sampling, this will be a day to remember.
MAY 3RD
3rd Annual Derby Day at The Villa!
1190 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX, United States, Texas 78130 | 12:00 PM
Get out those fancy hats and classically styled suits for the 3rd Annual Derby Day at The Villa. Bringing Churchill Downs to Gruene, enjoy events like live races, best dressed contacts, live music, and bourbon tasting. Get ready to place your bets and watch the action unfold in the “Run for the Roses.”
MAY 4TH
Clue Murder Mystery Dinner at Sylver Spoon
6700 N Interstate 35 Ste. 201 New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 6:00 PM
If you love dinner and a show with a side of murder mystery, then a night at Sylver Spoon checks all of those boxes. Sundays in the month of May are all about mystery and a to-diefor menu that will leave you with a fun night to remember.
MAY 7TH
Coffee With a Cop at Betty Lou Coffee Shop
5441 FM 1102 New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 9:00 AM
Free coffee and conversations with your local New Braunfels Police Department. What’s not to love? This event, that runs from 9 to 11 a.m., gives you the chance to ask all your burning questions and have an open talk about community safety. Plus, you get to enjoy the one-of-a-kind menu at Betty Lou Coffee Shop
MAY 9TH
Movie in the Park: Inside Out 2
164 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 8:15 PM
Grab your lawn chairs and favorite movie snacks, and get ready for a fun movie night in the park. Showing Inside Out 2 this month, this is the perfect evening to relax on a blanket and experience the wonder of a movie under the stars.
MAY 15TH
Live @ Landa: Concert in the Park - Ruben V 164 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 6:00 PM
Head over to Landa to see Ruben V for a free Concert in the Park. Known for hits like “Stay Awhile” and “Todos Reunido,” you can dance the night away under the stars. The Humane Society of New Braunfels will also be on-site and you can grab a bite to eat with Peace Love Lumpia or The Hungry Waffle.
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MISS NELLY COCKTAIL
An original creation you can only get at The Villa, Miss Nelly promises a smoky yet sweet experience to those wanting a taste for something new. Smoky, smooth notes from the tequila and mezcal are brightened by the prickly pear, grapefruit, agave, and lemon blend. Perfect for sipping while lounging in The Villa’s den or relaxing in the outdoor breezeway.
• Blend of prickly pear fruit, grapefruit, agave, and lemon Miss Nelly Ingredients:
• Corazon Reposado
• Ilegal Mezcal Joven
Instructions:
Step 1. Fill the shaker with ice, add your ingredients, and shake vigorously.
Step 2. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass with ice.
Step 3. Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit and a slice of lemon.
Step 4. Enjoy
ARTICLE BY THE VILLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARICE WASHINGTON
