Enjoy live music during this San Antonio festival

May is a fabulous time to be in San Antonio! The Riverwalk in full bloom rivals even its holiday lights. And San Antonio is bursting with festivals! The Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antoniois for families (‘conjunto’ literally means group)–though you may find even the seniors’ dance filled with people acting like kids.Each May for over 30 years, musicians, dance groups, and spectators from around the globe have gathered in San Antonio to celebrate Texas’ unique contribution to American Music. Texas was populated originally from two principle groups: German immigrant farmers, and Mexican ranchers. When their two very distinct musics met, Tejano was born.

The historical Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio is one of the state’s not-to-be-missed events. From free film screenings to gala dinners, to musicians’ workshops, this is a highly participatory event. Best to bring the whole family prepared to dance, but even festival-goers who choose to simply watch will not feel anywhere near the sidelines.

The 31^st Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio will take place May 15 – 17, 2012 at the historic Guadalupe Theater (1301 Guadalupe St. @ S. Brazos) and May 18 – 20, 2012 at Rosedale Park (303 Dartmouth).  Will you be there, residents?

Photo credit: xolkanf

Tommy Lee Jones, born in Texas, is now a huge star

Tommy Lee Jones has had a number of films including Men in Black, The Fugitive, No Country for Old Men, Natural Born Killers and many more. His career in movies started early (1970′s) but what many people do not realize is that his acting actually began in the theater in 1969 when he moved to New York.

This Texas born native definitely has a list of impressive movie titles, directorial debuts and has appeared numerous times on television. You may not have known that he was also the roommate of Al Gore when they both attended Harvard.

You may spy celebrities that live in San Antonio down at the Riverwalk so get out and explore! Go get an authentic hat at  Paris Hatters and live the San Antonio life. You never know who you are going to see!

Photo credit: Jyle Dupuis

Santikos Northwest 10

7600 I-10 WEST San Antonio, TX 78230

• The Cabin in the Woods
• Dhammu
• The Five-Year Engagement
• The Hunger Games
• Lockout
• The Lucky One
• The Pirates! Band of Misfits 3D
• The Pirates! Band of Misfits
• The Raven
• Safe
• Think Like a Man
• The Three Stooges

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Review from RottenTomatoes.com

Movie: The Cabin in the Woods

Plot Summary: Five friends go to a remote cabin in the woods. Bad things happen. If you think you know this story, think again. From fan favorites Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard comes The Cabin in the Woods, a mind blowing horror film that turns the genre inside out. — (C) Lionsgate

Rating: R

Critics Score: 90

Audiences Score: 81

Reviews: The Cabin in the Woods is an astonishing meta-feat, capable of being funny, strange, and scary — frequently all at the same time.

Soft & Sweet: 5 Maibocks for SpringBeer Sessions

It’s nearly May, and for beer lovers, translates directly into maibocks. With their soft malty flavors and hint of hoppy bitterness, these traditional spring lagers mark the shift away from dark winter brews to the crisp golden brews of the warmer months. Here are five worth seeking out. More

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Aiden & Charlie’s Earth-Toned Kitchen Kitchen Spotlight

Aiden, a writer, and Charlie, a potter and gallery owner, renovated their small 1920s Rhode Island farmhouse shortly after getting married, and were clearly inspired by the natural surroundings. (The house sits on quiet road, and you can see cows and sheep grazing in a nearby field.) The light-filled kitchen is rustic and earthy, and mixes both old and new elements: the kitchen table and overhead mobile light fixture were inherited (old), while the hutch was handcrafted from salvaged wood (new and old). More

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Ingredient Spotlight: Quail Eggs

Are quail eggs available in your grocery stores? Here in the Bay Area, they’re pretty easy to find in many larger stores and especially in Asian markets. They often come in a clear, hard plastic package that protects the eggs from damage and shows off their pretty speckled shells. Do you cook with quail eggs? What are some of your favorite recipes? More

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No, I’m Not a Wine Drinker: 3 Social Tips from a Teetotaler

It’s Wine Week here at The Kitchn and it’s always a rough time for me. You see, I’m one of the few folks on the planet that refrains from the consumption of alcohol (with an occasional exception for cooking wines). It always results in slightly awkward conversation in mixed company but there are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way for making things less awkward. More

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An Evening with Pilar Guzmán

We were thrilled to welcome Pilar Guzmán, Editor-in-Chief of Martha Stewart Living magazine at our latest Design Evening. See the video or read the transcript:

• Pilar Guzmán Interview
  Apartment Therapy

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Parade participants honor the sacrifices made during the Alamo

The Battle of Flowers, which is an annual event here in San Antonio, was created to honor the fallen heroes of the Alamo and to remember the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.  The only parade in the US that is produced by an all women volunteer team, the Battle of Flowers Parade is the oldest event and largest parade of Fiesta® San Antonio, drawing in more than 350,000 every year.  This year’s parade will hit the streets on April 27th.

Women get dressed on parade day in yellow and wear yellow hats as they direct operations along with the Texas Army National Guard.  To honor the heroes of the Alamo, everyone who participates places a floral tribute on the lawn as they pass in front of the Alamo.

Participants ride in on flower-covered floats and are dressed in colorful costumes, dresses and uniforms.  Local civic and military groups, businesses and members of the Fiesta royalty signal the start of the parade, which will also feature decorated horse-drawn carriages, antique cars, giant helium balloons and uniformed cavalcades performing routines.  High school, military and college bands aren’t left out, as they play their music to the crowds as well, and cheerleaders, pep squad and student leaders will participate, too.

Have you ever been to the Battle of Flowers Parade, Costa Bella?

Photo credit: Amy the Nurse

How many cloth diapers can San Antonio participants change?

This event is so strange to me that I had to share about it.  San Antonio is again preparing for The Great Cloth Diaper Change, which is the Guinness World Records Diaper Changing Challenge.  Anyone else a little…what’s the word…strangely intrigued?

On April 21st, there will be another attempt to break the world record for the most cloth diapers changed at one time.  Yes, I think I just said that.  In conjunction with Earth Day, the city is encouraging participation to spread awareness about using cloth diapers to reduce waste.  This is the goal of the Real Diaper Association, which advocates for the use of reusable cloth diapers.

Even if you can’t participate, you can still become a member of the Real Diaper Association and donate $5 per 1,000 diapers changed during the event.  That’s how much the RDA’s Executive Director is pledging, but you can donate other sums of money as well.  Funds collected will help the RDA as they help more families find and use reusable cloth diapers.

Click the link above for more information on this event.  Will you be participating, Costa Bella residents?

Photo credit: rowanfae

Fast food from a San Antonio food truck? Yes, please!

Cravin’ some good eats but don’t have time to stop and sit down for a longer meal? What about grabbing something yummy to go from one of San Antonio’s many food trucks? You’d be surprised at how tasty their food can be given the fact that they don’t have much time to prepare it.

If you’re looking for a specific type of food, try one of these trucks:

- Blazin’ Burgers (fried mac ‘n’ cheese, spicy burgers and more)

- The Chili Queens (obviously, chili!)

- Ellie’s Farm-to-Truck Mobile Grille (burgers, salads, biscuits, grilled chicken sandwiches, etc.)

- The Fry Guy (cheesesteaks, burgers, fried chicken, corn dogs)

- Society Bakery SA (newly opened, serving cupcakes, cookies and whoopie pies)

- Spice Runner (South African, Carribbean, Indian, European and Portuguese-influenced delicacies)

- Taco King (tacos, sopes, nachos and chalupas)

- Takoriya (Asian take on burritos)

- The Meating Spot (deep-fried Snickers, Baby Ruths and Twinkies; chicken-fried steak sandwiches, Ahi tuna lettuce wraps…)

To say that there are more to try would be a major understatement.  If you’re looking for something specific or would just like to browse the options, click the link above.  You won’t be disappointed!

Costa Bella residents, what is your favorite food truck in San Antonio?

Photo credit: ilco

Let's celebrate during Fiesta San Antonio!

It’s time for another fiesta! Fiesta San Antonio is coming up on April 19th and will run for 11 days.  Founded in 1891 as a single parade, it has evolved into what today involves 11 days of fun, food and more.  The economic impact has been more than $284 million for our city.  San Antonio residents benefit from the funds raised by the events all year long through quality services.

Fiesta San Antonio is considered to be one of the country’s greatest festivals.  Beginning as a way to honor the memory of heroes of The Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, we are still doing the same today but with more gusto.  The series of events has turned into a celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse cultures as well and it is in its 121st year.

Since there are too many events to include them all here, you can click the link above for a schedule and more information on each.  To give you an idea, there will be a 10K walk, the 10th Street River Festival, A Taste of New Orleans and a Battle of Flowers Parade Vanguard.

Have any of you Costa Bella residents ever attended Fiesta San Antonio?

Photo credit: ba1969

Room Tours: Jenna’s Rental Bedroom Redo

Jenna from JWK Style submitted today’s room tour. I LOVE her idea of over-dyeing toile prints with a bright color! Such an expensive look for not a lot of money! Thanks for joining us today, Jenna!
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When we moved into our rent house, the master bedroom was incredibly dark and depressing. After we painted I wanted to keep it as bright and fresh as possible. I was hoping for a completely different look than our previous bedroom, but I couldn’t justify buying all new curtain fabric and bedding.

Most of our bedroom furniture was (very graciously) handed down to us but it was a mismatched mess. I wanted everything to coordinate so I painted everything myself to save money. The wicker chest (that doubles as my accessory closet) was a traditional white one that I spray painted. I replaced the wicker knobs with beaded ones from Anthropologie but eventually all the embellished parts popped off.

The gold backs stayed on the dresser and I reused the beaded pieces as lamp finials for our bedside lamps. (They remind me of the ones by Hillary Thomas Designs.)

The antique ginger jar lamps are from one of my favorite stores in San Antonio, Pagoda. The other bedside table used to be dark mahogany and I just painted around the existing handles.

Since our bathroom doesn’t have any counter space or wall outlets, I made a ‘vanity’ for myself between the windows. A mirror, desk, and chair is really all you need!

(Before)

The desk came from a hotel salvage store and I repainted it to match the bedside tables. Soon after, I came across a similar desk so I added detailing with gold leaf paint. The antique chair was a hand-me-down that I also painted and recovered.

For jewelry storage I used my pineapple sconces for bangles and brooches and a few vintage bowls on my desk to hold necklaces. The pink and gold sugar dish is from a vintage serving set and it’s the perfect size for earrings.

My makeup is scattered on a tray where I can easily find it since I’m usually running out the door! I keep a notepad on my desk to jot down sewing ideas and notes.

I love this tiny milk glass lamp that was my grandparents. I keep my favorite L’Objet candle and perfume beside it.

I made the lips print on a whim while I was trying to find the perfect shade of red lipstick. It reminded me of Andy Warhol’s Lips Print so I blotted, outlined, and framed it!

Our dresser across from the bed was my first piece of furniture to paint. It was a typical French Provincial piece that was light brown with dark brass handles. Whenever they start looking dingy I take them off and glob on some Brasso to keep them shiny.

Since I’m especially prone to making piles, I like to have bowls around to conceal them. Dry cleaning tags and safety pins live in this one.

Trays are also ideal for easy cleaning and containing clutter. The one on my bedside table forces me to keep it tidy. Otherwise I’d have months of magazines piled up!!

Sources:
Paint color: Benjamin Moore Mayonnaise
Toile fabric: (hand-me-down) Waverly “Country Life”
Roman Shades: Lowe’s
Headboard: Pottery Barn
Throw pillow fabric: Bermingham & Co. thru Brunschwig & Fils
Sheets and duvet: Bed Bath & Beyond
Ginger jar lamps: Pagoda
Vintage tin: The Guild Shop
Mirrored tray: Target
Embroidered coasters: market in San Miguel
Clock: Pottery Barn
Pineapple sconces: Two’s Company
Mini ginger jar: Etsy
Pink dish: Anthropologie
Vintage dishes: The Guild Shop
Rug: Round Top
Coral candle: L’Objet
White porcelain tray: Target
Mirror: hand me down from my mother-in-law
Market tote: flea market in Deauville
Chair fabric: Celerie Kemble for Schumacher
NYC Print: framed Cavallini wrapping paper
Gold framed art: Christmas present
Antique tray: Etsy
Calendar: Jack & Lulu

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Reader DIY: Metallic Wall Stripes

One of the best parts of writing this blog for me is getting to share ideas I might never get to use myself, but that some of you might get to try. I LOVE getting emails with photos of your interpretations!!

Caroline wrote in to share a couple photos of a bookshelf she fancied up using this post as her inspiration. Caroline said:

“We’re renting a quirky midcentury ranch with plenty of oddities, one of which is a badly-proportioned shelving built-in in my daughter’s nursery (it used to be the room’s closet). I needed to liven up the space and your stripes were a perfect idea. To make the project really easy, I sourced 3-inch wide metallic gold tape online (they have various colors and sizes). A little measuring and taping later, the job was done! The only drawback is that the metallic surface does reflect the old wall’s flaws, but overall it is extremely stunning, adds dimension and brightens the space.”

Such a beautiful nursery, right? And I’m loving the tape source Caroline found. The two-inch tape is about $30 for 72 yards and the three-inch is $40. That’s pretty cheap wallpaper!

If you have a room or project you’d like to share, email us at jenny at jennykomenda dot com.

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Room Tours: Callie’s Home

Are you ready for photo overload? Callie emailed me a couple weeks ago and I saw a little peek of her house. I practically begged her to show me more! And I’m so glad she agreed to do a full tour here. I think her home is the *perfect* way to do neutrals. I’m always harping on the finding balance with warm and cool tones in a room. That’s true for neutral rooms too! This means you should mix your black and brown tones, your creams and grays. And if you want to throw in a random splash of color by way of a vase or small piece of art – well that’s all the better!

I hope you enjoy Callie’s house tour as much as I did. Here she is sharing some of her approach to decorating her lovely home (with a list of sources at the very bottom):

We built our home about a year ago, and I really took a lot of time to think beforehand about the look I wanted, both in the design of our home and in decorating it. Looking at images on blogs really is what gave me inspiration for my home, and I spent A LOT of time doing it. Images that I kept on coming back to were rooms by Ryan Korban and Mary McDonald. I really didn’t want an overload of anything TOO bloggy or trendy though, because I knew I would get tired of looking at it!

-I signed up for emails from a bunch of sites… then I waited for the sales to happen. Because I live in an area where there aren’t a ton of different stores, I bought a lot of items online. And because I was (mostly!) patient, nearly everything I ordered online I either got on sale (sometimes MAJOR sale!) or free shipping. Even the items I picked up at local stores were mostly on sale.

-I really only tried to purchase something that I could see in a specific spot in my home– what I found was that when I didn’t have a particular place in mind, I ended up not really liking what I picked up and felt like I wasted my money.

-Antique stores! And antique stores! And antique stores! I typically found a similar look to what I had seen online by going to a ton of antique stores… sometimes it took a little digging and patience, but I usually found what I was looking for at a fraction of the price I would have spent online (and usually even cheaper than on etsy, eBay, or One Kings Lane, although I have found some awesome deals there). AND I love the fun little things I came across as I was looking for something specific! That is where I got my instant gratification as a reward for all that waiting I’d done for online purchases.

I splurged on both of my sofas and on my coffee table– I saw the Hutton sofa from Room & Board and immediately knew it was the one because of its look and length (even though I looked for a cheaper version for about five months), and my husband sat on the leather sofa from Restoration Hardware and there was no changing his mind. I’m still a little uneasy about those splurges though!

ENTRY
navy dresser- antique store (paint is Benjamin Moore, pulls from House of Antique Hardware)
gold mirror- craigslist
W mirror- Pottery Barn Kids
black lamps- Target
white shades- Target
greek key trim- Walmart
gold Asian bust- antique store
zebra wood frame- Pottery Barn
blue bowl- World Market
silver plated bowl- One Kings Lane
navy rug- One Kings Lane (Thom Filicia)
drum shade- Andrews Lighting in OKC
bird box- Anthropologie

LIVING ROOM
media console- antique store (painted by my Dad with black automotive paint)
gold lamp- Horchow
blue vases- antique store
antler- my parents’ barn
pink orchid- TJ Maxx
small sunburst mirror- Hobby Lobby

coffee table- Horchow
burl wood tray- ebay (Williams Sonoma Home)
horns- Jayson Home and Garden
silver lacquer box- One Kings Lane (can buy at Plantation Home)
foo dog- etsy
blue vase- Goodwill
gold bamboo frame- One Kings Lane (Lunares)
floral notebooks- Anthropologie
lucite nesting tables- CB2
foo dog lamp- Tuesday Morning
wood root- antique store
horse statue- etsy
burl wood box- Teavana
Chiang Mai print tray- Furbish Studio

gold vintage chair- antique store
mink fur pillow- Restoration Hardware
leopard pillows- made by my Mom from fabric from Interior Fabrics in OKC

cream nailhead chairs- Gilt and Overstock (Safavieh)
blue handblocked pillows- West Elm
greek key side table- One Kings Lane (Worlds Away)
grey ginger jar- Williams Sonoma Home
Asian gold horse- antique store
zebra wood box- ebay (Williams Sonoma Home)
white vase- Mockingbird Manor in OKC
leather tray- World Market
white coral- Pottery Barn
blue vase- antique store

velvet sofa- Room and Board
pink Insignia pillows- Furbish Studio (Windsor Smith fabric)
wool and coral cotton pillows- Anthropologie

large gold sunburst mirror- Williams Sonoma Home
black jars- Pottery Barn
coral ginger jars- Williams Sonoma Home

silver task lamp- Williams Sonoma Home
brown rug- Wisteria
cream drapes- my Mom made from fabric from Interior Fabrics in OKC
curtain rods- Target
black frames and grey mats- Hobby Lobby

DINING/KITCHEN
dining table- Williams Sonoma Home
chairs- Horchow
silver ginger jar- One Kings Lane
graphic rug- Williams Sonoma Home
cream pendant- Horchow
black frames- Target

black bamboo dresser- craigslist (paint is Rustoleum, pulls from Lee Valley)
cream porcelain lamps- Williams Sonoma Home
Asian ladies- antique stores
gold box- antique store
green vase- Pottery Barn
gold bamboo frame- antique store
white vase- Pier 1
lines paintings- me, frames from Garden Ridge, black mats from Hobby Lobby
eagle mirror- antique store

lucite counter stools- CB2
blue vases- Wisteria
silver rim utensil holder- Pottery Barn
circles painting- me, frame from antique store
coral butter dish- Anthropologie
blue pot- TJ Maxx
Silver bamboo frame- TJ Maxx
Cream frames- Target
fuschia orchid- TJ Maxx
copper greek bust- etsy
white pineapple- White Barn
ikat bowls- Anthropologie
various white, glass, and metal serving pieces- Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Target, and antique stores
black and gold mums paper- Paper Mojo
silver sphere pendant- Horchow (Solaris pendant from Crystorama)

MAN ROOM
leather sofa- Restoration Hardware
red plaid pillows- Ralph Lauren
wheat rug- Pottery Barn

round coffee table- Pottery Barn
brown leather tray- Pottery Barn
decanters and glasses- Pottery Barn, antique stores
vintage National Geographics- antique store
patch- Rugby by Ralph Lauren

wood side table- made by my brother-in-law Roger
silver lamp- picked up by my husband Russ somewhere before we met!
marquetry frame- Williams Sonoma Home
metal R on wood stand- Anthropologie
silver microphone- from my Dad
small white H letterman’s patch- antique store

duke painting- antique store
vintage baseball print- antique store
large red H letterman’s patch- antique store
fox hunt print- etsy
black mirror- Target
small black and white print- picked up by my husband Russ somewhere before we met!
metal W- Anthropologie

NYC Census Bureau map- One Kings Lane (Barbara Cosgrove)
subway sign- Pottery Barn
curtain rod- Target
cream drapes- my Mom made from fabric from Interior Fabrics in OKC
all books are from random places

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Jazzing Up Cheap Chairs

I am not a fan of cheap upholstery. My philosophy is buy the best upholstery your budget can afford and then DIY/rework/save up for the other items in a room. If you know how to upholster, vintage furniture is a great route. They just don’t make things like they used to, so nowadays you really get what you pay for when it comes to new upholstery.

I don’t know what I was thinking then a while back when I ordered some cheap chairs on a whim. I had been shopping for a new pair of chairs for a long time, but everything I liked was at least $1500 per chair with my discount (like the Odette chairs below from MGBW). We’re thinking of moving in September so it just didn’t make sense to shell out thousands for chairs right now. Plus, I didn’t want to wait two months to get them.

Then last month we hosted five dinner parties and I was desperate for chairs. I looked on Overstock and Wayfair when I was up against a wall and saw these chairs. They were on sale for $275 each and I had a 25% coupon code and there was free shipping, so I went ahead and just bought them. I liked the shape of the arms (they sort of reminded me a little bit of the Odette chairs) and I liked the nail head trim. And they came in just two days.

When they arrived I was a bit disappointed. They weren’t as nice and crisp looking as the photos and they just felt blah. Rather than deal with returning them (and since we *really* needed extra seating), I decided to jazz the chairs up.

I went to my local fabric store (JEM) and bought six yards of black twill tape that was about the same width of the upholstery nail.

I used these handy staple removers to take out all the old upholstery nails

I actually thought the brushed nickel was pretty and would have looked great with the black twill tape, but I have some polished nickel lighting nearby and it was all looking a little matchy-matchy. So I bought some brass nails and brass caster cups for the front feet.

To get started with the new trim job, I just rolled the end of the twill tape under:

And used the old nail hole to make things really easy.

The only real trick to keep in mind is to pull the ribbon tight so there is no gaping between the nails. I also went back and tapped everything in with an upholstery hammer.

To keep the corners smooth, I just folded the ribbon in under itself and put the nail into the folds.

I added brass caster cups from Lee Valley but the legs ended up being a little wider than I expected so I had to cut away some of the wood so the casters would fit right. It was a pain! Totally recommend double checking your dimensions before adding casters!

Here’s the front view of the finished chairs. It’s not a drastic change, but I think the trim and casters help the chairs look a little less cheap.

I like them from the side best.

Here’s a wider shot of the space. In case you need a refresher here’s a link to our floor plan.

They’ve grown on me. I like the shape of the arms a lot and I think the new contrasting trim highlights the shape. So even though I broke my own rule about not wasting money on cheap upholstery, I think I’m pretty happy with these chairs for now and they fit in well with the mix of furniture styles I have in the space.

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Mint Wool Chairs in Action

I got the Italian MCM chairs back from the upholsterer this weekend and I think I’m in love. The room needed a shot of cooler toned color (either blue or green) and these totally did the trick for me.

PS Here’s a wider shot of the gallery wall, which is still a WIP. I took out a lot of the smaller pieces from the old arrangement we had up in the dining room, in favor of less and bigger art. I also added the Gossip Girl sconces into the arrangement, and that I’m totally loving. I think I might try DIYing some black conical shades. Though to get the sizing right I would need to buy a soldering iron which feels really intense for some reason.

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One Ticket to See San Antonio Rampage Hockey on $1 Beer and Soda Night at AT&T Center on April 13 at 7 p.m. Two Options Available.

Originally invented by bored henchmen looking to pass the time at Doctor Berserko’s secret Antarctic lair, hockey has since overtaken polo and unicycle jousting as America’s pastime. Hop on the bandwagon with today’s GrouponLive deal to see the San Antonio Rampage play the Texas Stars on Boy Scout Night and Dollar Drink Night at the AT&T Center on Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m. Tickets are for seating in the upper or lower Fan Zone. Choose between the following options:

• For $5, you get one upper Fan Zone ticket for beige-section seating (a $10 value).
• For $7, you get one lower Fan Zone ticket for orange-section seating (a $13 value).

As an added bonus, Groupon customers will receive a ticket to a first-round playoff game should the Rampage advance to the postseason.

As the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers, the San Antonio Rampage celebrates its 10th-anniversary season with high hopes and low centers of gravity. In the April 13 bout, the Rampage battles Western Conference foes from Texas. Rampage center Bracken Kearns and wingman Bill Thomas lead the way with swift passes, speed-of-sound shots, and gentle camaraderie composed of deep, meaningful silence and smoldering eye contact. Both available seating options put fans in easy ice-viewing position, and $1 sodas and $1 beers smooth over the rough patches in parched throats with zamboni-like finesse.

After the game, a slew of Boy Scouts and their families will take part in a sleepover at the AT&T Center, where they will play Wii games and watch movies before snoozing in sleeping bags. The Scouts will be earning a patch that rewards them for their behavior and covers up rips leftover from harrowing late-night popcorn hunts.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Impressing Your Dentist

Which Bob Seger song will make you look the coolest to your dentist?

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One, Two, or Three Micropeel Facials at Dominion Dental Spa (Up to 78% Off)

Taking care of your skin can make you look like a movie star, much like standing in front of a green wall and screaming in terror at an alien that no one can see. Get ready for your close-up with this Groupon.

Choose from Three Options

$39 for one 60-minute Micropeel Plus treatment (a $150 value)
$72 for two 60-minute Micropeel Plus treatments (a $300 value)
$99 for three 60-minute Micropeel Plus treatments (a $450 value)

• One-step salicylic acid exfoliation
• Reduces acne and blemishes

Dominion Dental Spa

Although it’s led by Dr. Tiffini Stratton, who holds a doctorate of dental surgery from The University of Texas Health Science Center, Dominion Dental Spa isn’t confined to teeth cleanings and orthodontics. Though many clients do get their teeth whitened or their gums lifted, others receive SkinCeuticals facials from aesthetician and Aveda Institute graduate Carly Wiser.

And the office isn’t some sterile clinic, either. During appointments, clients recline in treatment chairs that face wood- and wrought-iron-framed windows overlooking lush trees and a rolling golf course. Fresh-cut flowers add color to the reception area, where guests may enjoy snacks and drinks from the office’s mini bar. In the children’s area, tots entertain themselves by playing with toy trains or watching Fellini films via the TV and DVD player.

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Steam Carpet Cleaning for Four Rooms and One Hallway with or Without Carpet Protectant from A1Steamers (Up to 59% Off)

Cleaning the carpet is a great way to show your feet you care, much like buying a new pair of shoes or walking on your hands for a week. Treat your stompers with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

• $39 for a basic steam carpet cleaning for four rooms and one hallway (up to a $94.80 value)
• $49 for a basic steam carpet cleaning with carpet-protection application for four rooms and one hallway (up to a $119.80 value)

Each session starts with an area inspection before the team applies a preconditioning treatment that helps loosen soil and dirt. The technician also pretreats particularly tricky spots before using a high-powered steam cleaning system to suck up mud, allergens, and pet hair. For a more resilient fluffiness, customers can opt to purchase the package that includes an application of a basic carpet protectant designed to fend off future grime.

Though A1Steamers sometimes offers a discounted rate online, this Groupon still represents the best deal available.

A1Steamers

A1Steamers’ trained cleaning technicians approach each and every job with a high level of professionalism, honesty, and respect. Equipped with the latest in truck-mounted steam-cleaning technology, A1Steamers’ crews can clean most everything found in a home, including carpets, rugs, upholstery, tile, and even air ducts. Like the best spies in an all-snail secret service, they don’t leave behind a trail of residue thanks to their use of natural products and a hot-water rinse cycle. In addition to steam cleaning, teams are also at the ready 24 hours a day for emergency flood and water-extraction services.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Overcoming Occupational Blockage

If you can’t finish this sentence, you may have reader’s block.

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Japanese Fare for Dinner or Lunch at Hon Machi Sushi & Teppanyaki (Half Off)

Though the Great Wall of China may win the accolades of history, the Great Backscratcher of Japan, built to reach any itchy corner across the nation, saved more lives than can be counted on a single hand. Feast upon equally ingenious Japanese creations with today’s Groupon to Hon Machi Sushi & Teppanyaki. Choose between the following options:

• For $15, you get $30 worth of Japanese fare for dinner.
• For $7, you get $14 worth of Japanese fare for lunch.

Hon Machi serves up fresh sushi and traditional teppanyaki (also known as hibachi) prepared on a tabletop grill by skilled chefs. After perusing the menu and discussing the merits of using 200-point font, diners can make tables sizzle with Black Angus new york strip steak teppanyaki ($21.95), opt for hibachi calamari pasta ($22.95), or dig into chicken-and-lobster combos ($29.95). All dinner combinations and teppanyaki dishes come with soup, salad, fried or steamed rice, vegetables, and two pieces of shrimp. For lunch, chopsticks grab classic spicy-tuna rolls ($6) or more imaginative maki such as the Loco roll, which combines tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, and cucumber inside the roll and tuna, salmon, eel sauce, spicy mayo, and red tobiko on top ($14.50). Patrons can choose udon bowls of shrimp yakisoba ($7.95) or the Hon Machi sashimi salad, a medley of seafood and veggies bobbing in a spicy lemon sauce ($9.50).

Hon Machi features an interior with a vibrant mix of red walls, suits of samurai armor, and sliding paper doors that are superb for impromptu games of guess who’s standing behind the sliding paper door. Spare wood tables and a sleek sushi stage proffer a more solemn setting for feasting diners.

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Four-Wheel ATV Adrenaline Tour for Two or Four at Roll Rage in New Braunfels (61% Off)

Revving a four-wheeler through the woods grants people insight into nature’s secrets without forcing them to take up bird watching or to move in with Jane Goodall. Get the scoop with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

• $34 for a four-wheel ATV Adrenaline tour for two (an $88 value)
• $68 for a four-wheel ATV Adrenaline tour for four (a $176 value)

ATV adventures that last about 45 minutes take groups of up to four licensed drivers, aged 18 and older, through the grassy Texas Hill Country after a brief training session. Riders should wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.

Roll Rage

Set just north of Texas Ski Ranch, Roll Rage’s fleet of four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles kicks up dust along the hilly twists and turns of a trailhead flanked by wild grasses, trees, and cacti. The company’s throttle-twisting tour guides train and acquaint each patron with the general controls of the four-wheeler, before groups set off into the sunshine. Though riders of all experience levels are welcome to traverse the bumpy thoroughfares sprawling out from Roll Rage, the bushwhacking trail is designed to be adrenaline packed with fast twists and turns that get the heart pounding and upper-body working.

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