NBTX, TX September 2024

Kairos International Prison Ministry Needs Local Volunteers.

Your local Kairos Prison Ministry chapter is comprised of volunteers from Austin, to New Braunfels, to San Antonio. We serve the Reuben Torres Unit in Hondo, TX. Kairos has ONE mission with THREE programs. Kairos Inside is for incarcerated men inside the prison. Kairos Outside is for women impacted by incarceration, and Kairos Torch is for incarcerated youth. Our mission is to share the transforming love of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of Incarcerated men and their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities. It's God's plan to reach these people. We are just a part of it. Would you like to volunteer and involve your church?

Email Craig.Jones@citylifestyle.com for contact form: Name, Church that you attend, phone number, email address, check box to volunteer for prayer support, agape love support, financial contribution, Kairos Inside, Kairos Support team (food prep and prayer), Kairos Outside, Kairos Torch.

Greetings NBTX!

New Braunfels is a city of “Style” or “der Stil.” It’s unique and we are glad to have an opportunity to highlight what sets it apart. We are a community that displays modern country living and where the Guadalupe and the Comal rivers converge. It’s where the best part of Texas is thriving with historic tradition and natural beauty. We welcome you to visit. Just don’t put your litter in our river! As Lyle Lovett put to a lyric, “Just pull your hat down the way I do and buy your pants just a little longer. The next time somebody laughs at you, You just tell ’em you’re not from Texas.”

That said, style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of us because we are proud. From our homestead to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates our lives. We wear it proudly on our sleeves.

Style is deeply personal, and it has expanded over the years. Style in Texas is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who want to join us. We are NBTX, and that means we love our music, our way of eating, our way of living, how we volunteer to help our community, and our way of treating one another.In NBTX, we have both a Texas attitude and an appreciation for the finer things.

I am proud to introduce you to Lark Mason this month. He is an accomplished gentleman, esteemed professional, and he chose New Braunfels as his home. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones.

There is so much here in New Braunfels to uplift our spirits, boost our productivity, enjoy our downtime, ignite your creativity, and raise a family.

What I’ve found in New Braunfels is that the best style is an authentic expression of who we really are. We are a home for art, music, natural beauty, and a community that we can be proud of. NBTX is “der Stil.”

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Craig Jones | craig.jones@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Samantha Bowers | samantha.bowers@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Christine Scott of Lomonico Photography contact@lomonicophotography.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Mingh, Tara Langton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Daniel Gertson, Samantha Bowers

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen Learn

SEPTEMBER 2024

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Peggy Griffith, Christelle Chalmers and Cristian Wilkinson ready to celebrate Christelle’s Birthday. 2: Barron Casteel, Iron Horse Bar, Golf Cart Etc and Tri-City Distributors sponsor NBChamber Mixer. 3: Enjoying good food at Freddy C’s Bar & Patio for their grand opening weekend. 4: Jennifer Larsen, Carrie Fitzpatrick, and Taylor Leavitt at the July NB Chamber Mixer. 5: All smiles at the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce July Mixer at Iron Horse Bar & Grill 6: Complementary photos during CollabSpace’s Grand Opening Open House, stop by to create some magic. 7: Time to stop into Wild Boom Market to make your own fabulous trucker hat!

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The Tea CharmerGrand Opening

The day was filled sweet scents and tasty treats as we celebrated the official opening of The Tea Charmer. This tea shop is a lovely additional to the downtown landscape. Here you can hand select the flavors for your own unique blended tea to take home. Ask Jayna the owner the best options to sooth your soul and sip your way into a lovely afternoon delight. Host your next event here for a special treat.

Photography by @the.tea.charmer

Heritage Supply

The style of Heritage Supply is a mix of sultry textures that beg to be touched. Moody with punches of color mix through the eclectic vibe. Discover your favorite leather purse designed by one of the Heritages own or find the man in your life a new scent or even a great boot. You are sure to find a treasure yu will cherish for years to come when you stop in to Heritage Supply.

Photography by @heritagesupplytx

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Pedego BikesRibbon Cutting

Congratulations to Pedego Bikes for moving front and center in downtown right on Seguin Ave. The new space is perfect for the growing business. As the region’s foremost electric bike experts, they are dedicated to helping you find the perfect electric bike and ensuring you get the most out of it for years to come. Visit them today and join the electric bike revolution!

Photography by @NBTXChamber

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MASTERPIECES UNDER THE HAMMER

THROUGH THE EYES OF WORLD

RENOWNED ART APPRAISER LARK MASON

New Braunfels' vibrant art scene was elevated when local favorite Lark Mason arrived in 2014. His presence and signature bow ties bring warmth and smiles wherever he goes. During a visit to the Lark Mason Gallery at Mill Street and N. Casteel Ave, I enjoyed a fascinating tour showcasing Mason's life and legacy.

With a profound understanding of the history behind every piece that graces the walls and cases of the Gallery, Lark Mason takes delight in sharing these facts.  His passion for blending history with modern life is evident within these walls. This gallery, his first project in town, was a result of a request from the historical society to relocate a group of structures from the 1850s away from I35. Lark's detailed and fervent explanation of the Blockwork German masonry technique used to create the original structure is a testament to his love for history. The front of the building remains true to its original form, but Lark and his designers have successfully married the old with the new, as the rear of the building is modern and bright with large, expansive windows. The original appeal and history have been preserved, allowing visitors to appreciate the past while embracing the present.

As with everything in Mason's word, we look to his history to understand and appreciate his current life. That history started with their humble upbringing in Georgia after his family moved there from New York City after his birth in 1954. While Mason studied at Georgia State University, his family moved to Tennessee, where he later transferred. Mason completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee. He then went on to complete his MBA at Georgia Tech in 1978.

It was during his time at Georgia Tech that he opened Arcade Antiques, where his love of the arts and their history truly flourished. Following his graduation, he successfully earned a coveted spot on the yearlong program in London, Works of Art, funded by Sotheby's.

Once Mason returned stateside, he was the top pick from the London program, and he began his 25-year career with Sotheby's in New York City. Mason opted to join the appraisals department and started work as a general appraiser. "That was the foundation on which I was able to build," he says. Around this time, he met his wife Erica Mason, who also had a prominent singing career off-Broadway and started the East Side Dance Studio. They now have three children: Joanna Mason Anderson, Lark Mason III, and Melissa Mason Gibson.

Mason's career at Sotheby's was not linear but dynamic, embracing new passions and projects. He was granted a rare sabbatical to fulfill a unique request from Wang Shi Xiang, former director of the Palace Museum in Beijing, to help translate Wang's "Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture". Mason, with his family, traveled to Hong Kong and Beijing. His love for Asian art has influenced his son, who now possesses excellent mastery of the culture and art.

In 1996, when PBS was debuting the Antique Roadshow, they enlisted Mason as one of the experts. His extensive knowledge as a general appraiser with Sotheby's enabled him to flourish, and he still works with the show to this day.

During the early days of the Internet, Mason realized the importance of creating an auction platform that would allow people outside of New York to participate in the same auctions as those in the city. This vision led to the creation of iGavel.com , an online auction house that has since become a significant player in the art market, with locations in New York City and New Braunfels. Mason's innovative approach to the art market has not only expanded its reach but also made it more accessible to a wider audience.

However, when a move away from a full-time residence in New York was on the horizon, Lark and his family wondered where to lay roots. Thanks to his son Lark Mason III and his wife Izzy, who grew up in central Texas, that move became an easy choice. With that, he has now woven himself into the rich tapestry of New Braunfels. Lark has several properties throughout the community, each with special meaning and purpose. For now, the Masons find themselves in an extensive remodel of a home in town. The property was part of a large pecan orchard. Lark says, "All of the trees lined up around the home are about 150 to 175 years old," with two large barns that have been rehabilitated and restored.

As with all in the Masons' world, their history has shaped their present, and we are pleased they have found their way home.

“THAT WAS THE FOUNDATION ON WHICH I WAS ABLE TO BUILD.”

FINDING A TOUCH OF GLAM IN EVERYDAY DESIGN

HGTV star shares her secrets to make a home look both beautiful and livable.

Tamara Day, star of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions, describes her style as “laid-back luxe.”

“I am a mom of four, and I like pretty, shiny things,” Tamara says. “The two don’t always mix well. I design with lifestyle and family in mind but with that touch of glam.”

This mixture of practicality and flare can be accomplished throughout the home on a budget, Tamara says.

When it comes to the kitchen, she says replacing the backsplash is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh the room. Additionally, she says paint is the most inexpensive option to update cabinets, and there is a de-glosser on the market that will reduce the labor involved by helping paint adhere to cabinets.

“You can get a whole new kitchen with some fresh paint,” Tamara says.

In the bathroom, Tamara suggests putting up new light fixtures and wallpaper for a fresh look. She suggests using wallpaper on just one wall to create contrast.

“Wallpaper transforms everything and puts in a hominess factor,” Tamara says.

To give a new feel to the living room, Tamara suggests using decorative pillows as well as displaying design books and layering with a candle or other interesting object to create a sentimental focal point. She also suggests investing in good, quality sofas

and rugs because less expensive options will not typically withstand the amount of wear and tear they receive from a family.

Overall, Tamara says there is a balance between mixing expensive and inexpensive items and materials around the home, all without having it looking cluttered. She says every space needs something that is thrifted.

Tamara finds many people enjoy elements of different types of styles and have a hard time defining their personal style. To help narrow down to a preferred look, she suggests taking a hundred room images and sorting them into piles of likes and dislikes. She says when someone completes this exercise, they typically find a theme to their preferences.

MAKING COLOR, TEXTURE AND PATTERN STAND OUT

Tamara has a natural eye for using great colors and textures in design. What is her approach to making a room look great?

HERE ARE TAMARA’S TOP TIPS:

Find a base color with pops of other colors.

“Every room needs a touch of black and a pop of color,” Tamara says. “The black will anchor it, but the color will give it life.”

If the home is urban, she suggests more bold pops. If it is a traditional home, use a mixture of colors. Additionally, she suggests using one basic color throughout a home with pops of other colors as opposed to having a different color in each room.

Consider wallpaper.

“Wallpaper can be scary for a lot of people, but there are so may wallpapers out there that are removable,” Tamara says.

Tamara says wallpaper adds texture and warmth, and she includes it in most of the homes she designs.

Layer with baskets, blankets and greenery. All three make a room feel cozy and add color and interest to a space.

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STYLISH SOIREE

ELEGANT BUT CASUAL GATHERING

Autumn is a lovely season to have friends and family over for dinner. Why not host an elegant but casual gathering before the holiday craziness begins? A table setting of white dishes, woven placemats, copper utensils, and linen napkins decorated with succulent or herb clippings creates a stylish atmosphere conducive to conversation and enjoyment. This simple menu will allow you to host a stress-free evening.

CHEESE BOARD

While your guests enjoy a pre-dinner glass of wine or cocktail, set out a cheese board for them to nibble on. It is much simpler to assemble than a full-on charcuterie board. The basic rule is to offer three types of cheese—one blue (stilton, Roquefort, gorgonzola), one hard (cheddar, gruyere, manchego), and one soft (brie, camembert, Port Salut). Feel free to add olives, nuts, and grapes to the board, or just keep it simple like this one pictured with slices of artisan bread, crackers, and breadsticks.

Recipe by Linda Ditch

ROASTED

BEET SALAD

• 6 medium beets

• Olive oil, for drizzling

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 bag of salad greens

• 1/4 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

• 2 ounces of goat or feta cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots

• Favorite vinaigrette dressing

Coat the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on a baking sheet. Roast in a 400-degree oven for 45 minutes until fork tender. Cool for 10 minutes, and then rub with paper towels to peel. (Beet juice stains, so be careful.) Cut the beets and toss with the remaining ingredients.

STEAK RUB

The dinner’s main event is a lovely piece of beef seasoned with a this spice rub. Use a steak of your choice grilled or seared in a cast iron skillet.

• 3 parts brown sugar

• 3 parts smoked sea salt

• 1 part smoked paprika

• ½ part coriander

• ½ part chili powder

• ¼ part cayenne pepper

• ¼ part dried thyme

• ¼ part cracked pepper

Mix all spices and apply liberally to the beef. Place the seasoned meat in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before grilling or searing.

THE KEY TO A COOL HOME IS THROUGH THE WINDOWS

Indoors & Outdoors

ARTICLE BY TARA LANGTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL GERTSON

We spend a lot of time in our homes, especially in the summer when escaping the heat. But without the right doors and windows, the outdoor spaces you love and want to use can feel far away. Lindsay and Travis Hanson of Window World know that problem and are eager to help homeowners solve it. With summer in full swing, they say it can quickly become apparent that your existing windows and doors may not be up to the challenge these Texas summers can pose.

“If you start to see fogging between the panes of glass, or if you can feel extreme heat or cold coming through,” Lindsay says, you’ll know you’re in trouble.

“If windows won’t open or patio doors are hard to open, then it’s time to consider new ones.” Heat isn’t the only thing people want to keep out. “More people are trending toward patio doors since we have bugs in Texas,” Travis says. People with sliding doors can also add screens to cut down on the tiny invaders.

While heat and bugs need to be kept out, there’s one thing homeowners want to keep in: their money.

“One of the most important things customers value is energy efficiency,” Travis points out. That’s why he, Lindsay, and the rest of their expert team make it their mission to outfit homes with the right pieces that fit anyone’s needs, budget, and style. “We always sold the F-150s of windows,” says Travis, “and we sell the Lamborghinis of windows too.”

CONTINUED >

Window World has long been a family company, and Lindsay represents the fourth generation to serve the community. The company started in San Antonio as Brickstone in 1947 and made a name for itself after its siding product performed well when Hurricane Celia struck Corpus Cristi in 1970. Under the leadership of Lindsay’s parents, Martin and Debbie Bomba added the nationwide strength of the Window World franchise in 2003. Today, the company has showrooms in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and New Braunfels, and Martin and Debbie continue to lead their family business into the future.

It’s also business with a greater purpose at Window World. During the infamous Texas ice storm of 2021, the folks at the company were determined to help. They gave thousands of dollars to help their neighbors cover their suddenly sky-high utility bills. They regularly contribute to local fairs and sponsor athletic programs in their communities. As the COVID-19 pandemic raged, they turned their parking lot into an outdoor gathering place by hosting a food truck and providing space to spread out and safely hang out.

There’s no longer a need to spread out this summer, but there will be many opportunities to hang out with friends and loved ones. Lindsay and Travis are excited to help homeowners stay up-to-date and elevate the look and feel of their homes, especially with Windsor's new architectural series collection. Keep the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces smooth, and you’ll stay as cool as the summer breeze.

windowworldtx.com | 210-446-0080 (San Antonio) 830-243-6889 (New Braunfels)

Motorization Is the Move

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA BOWERS

Robust new 2024 federal regulations for window coverings have ushered in a new era of innovation for the window coverings industry. New Braunfels Blinds and Drapery has its fingertip on the pulse of this rapidly changing window treatment market. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about bringing increasingly convenient, affordable and stylish options to homes and businesses. The combination of game changing regulations and accelerating demand for smart home technology keeps manufacturers on their toes as they deliver advanced window covering solutions, with motorization leading the way.

NEW REGULATION BRINGS WITH IT BEAUTIFUL CHANGES

“MOTORIZED

SHADES CAN REVOLUTIONIZE

Manufacturers have been busy adapting their product lines to ensure safe, convenient window coverings. “We’re interested to see how the manufacturers roll out the best possible new compliant solutions,” said Jennifer Minigh, Owner of New Braunfels Blinds and Drapery. “We are looking for sensible upgrades to the tensioner device on our continuous cord loop product lines and adding more affordable motorization options to transition users from now discontinued cord/ lock lift systems,” notes Minigh. She is now carrying shade brands that are offering much lower prices on all motorized solutions as a result of the shift away from corded products. NBBD is offering more manual continuous loop operation alternatives, including cordless and motorization options, while also picking up smart home hubs to integrate motorized shades and drapery via Wi-Fi that can handle all types of motors at a very affordable price.

Jennifer reports her clients are responding favorably to regulatory-driven changes. “Once we educate our customers on the safety benefits of the new regulations, they are thrilled they can still get continuous loop chain-pull shades for situations where it’s the best solution for the application and budget, and they appreciate the variety of color choices for bead chains and tension devices.”

Though cordless options are taking a big leap forward in the wake of new regulations, motorized solutions will be one of the dominant alternatives. Jennifer notes “Motorized shades can revolutionize how we live by combining comfort, convenience and efficiency.” And though pricing has been traditionally high, manufacturers are now innovating to bring a wider range of cost-effective motorized options to the market, laying the foundation for a big surge in customer satisfaction.

The state of motorization was already encouraging—now with the prompting of industry safety regulations, window coverings are being offered with exciting innovations and more are sure to come!

nbblindsanddrapery.com | 830-515-2784

New Braunfels Blinds and Drapery

hacks HAIR

Braids to Keep You Chic All Year Long

Braids are a great way to add style and uniqueness to your hair style rotation and have been a staple in hair styles dating back to 3500 B.C. This historical hairstyle is here to stay, so we wanted to share some go-to impressive looks.

ARTICLE

BY

ABBI SULASKI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

simple bandana braid in a braids pony-tail

Place a bandana on the forehead and tie it in the back. Create as many braids as desired in the back of the head, teasing the ends to avoid using elastics.

CONTINUED >

Part a mohawk section of hair down the center of the head. Create a French braid down the middle. For a thicker-looking braid, gently pull on the strands working your way up and down the braid. Pull it back into a ponytail for a simple and trendy look.

pull through braid with space buns

Part hair down the center. Create pullthrough braids on each side of the head. Tie elastic at the end of the braids to create a ponytail at the nape of the neck. For extra volume in the buns, tease the hair in the ponytail before twisting it into a bun. Secure with hair pins and... Voilà!

simpleupdo

Part the hair down the center or side part, if preferred. Create braid(s) on the side of the head and secure with elastic. Twist the hair with braids into a simple bun, securing it with hair pins. Add an accessory for a classy touch.

We take pride in our work, and you can rest easy knowing that you are getting the best. Give us a call today for more information!

LANDNRESIDENTIALCLEANINGTX.COM

Part the top half of the hair in two sections. Create fishtail braids (or braids of choice) and tie them together in the back of the hair. Add a fashion accessory around a ponytail for a little extra fun!

ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS

Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin.

To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.

Leading the way in pediatric dentistry since 1983

For over three generations, we’ve been dedicated to providing complete comfort and top-notch care for your child’s dental needs.

LOOKING TO BUY, SELL OR INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?

Let’s talk! I’m ready to assist you in creating a purposeful game plan tailor made for you.

At The Semper Group we take a relational approach to real estate. I am here to help you navigate your real estate goals now and for the future. It’s all about timing and I’m prepared to arm you with the necessary information to help you win.

AARON SEMPER

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON 210-326-2442

AARONSEMPER @ KW.COM Each office is independently owned and operated.

At Elevated Eye Care, Drs. Jennifer and Kymber Blaschke provide a personalized exam experience along with the latest technology to evaluate your vision and eye health needs. They see patients of all ages and specialize in: Pediatrics | Myopia Management | Vision Therapy Specialty Contacts | The Management of Ocular Diseases

www.elevatedeyecaretx.com | 830.221.9358

1750 E Common St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 V@elevatedeyecaretx

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 11TH

The Villa and NBTX City Lifestyle Small Business Mixer

1190 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX | 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Come join us and enjoy an afternoon at The Villa to mix and mingle with other small business owners within the community. A great way to get to know who you are doing business with!

SEPTEMBER 20TH & 21ST

Comal County Fair 20th Annual BBQ Cookoff

701 Common St, New Braunfels, TX

Join in for 2 days of lip smackin' beautiful Texas BBQ during this 20th annual competition.

SEPTEMBER 21ST

New Braunfels Local Impact

801 W San Antonio Ave., New Braunfels, TX | 10:00 AM

Just Community Inc. 501c3 Nonprofit presents The Local Impact Gathering. This event on September 21st at the McKenna Center is an inspiring community event designed to strengthen the bonds between city residents and local nonprofits.

SEPTEMBER 25TH

Comal County Fair Opening Ceremonies

701 Common St., New Braunfels, TX | 5:30 AM

Join New Braunfels for the opening ceremony for the 2024 Comal County Fair & Rodeo. There will be music provided by Crossroads DJ, a performance from the local Kinder Tanzen, along with a performance from the New Braunfels Fire Department Pipes & Drums.

SEPTEMBER 26TH-29TH

Hollydays Market

375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX

xperience “The Way Shopping Should Feel”™ with 130+ small businesses! Find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts to have you ready for all your festive events. Join in for a full weekend of fun, holiday shopping at the New Braunfels Convention Center on September 26-29!

SEPTEMBER 28TH

Last Saturday Market @ Gruene Grove

1263 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX

Last Saturdays are for sippin’ and shoppin’ local at the Gruene Grove! Celebrate another whole month of goodness while enjoying live tunes, stiff drinks, delicious eats, and thoughtfully crafted artisan goods and provisions.