Reserve at Saratoga

Feature: Hurricane Alley Waterpark in Corpus Christi

Jamie — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:49:09 +0000

Make a Big Splash at Hurricane Alley Waterpark in Corpus Christi

Just in time for summer, there’s a new entry on the list of Corpus Christi attractions. Hurricane Alley Waterpark opened on May 12 and promises to give area residents fun in the sun–and the water.When you visit Hurricane Alley, you’ll be greeted with a choice of three slides: the Cat 5 six-story twin-slide complex, the Momentum three-story twin-slide complex, and the Storm Chaser, a four-lane racer slide.

If you would rather play in the surf, the Storm Surge pool features 12,000 square feet of wave action. For the ultimate in relaxation, the Gulf Stream offers a river-style float trip through Hurricane Alley’s grounds.

Your kids will love this newest of Corpus Christi attractions. The USS Dusty, a replica aircraft carrier with slides and water cannons, and The Diamond, a baseball-themed spray deck, are designed to appeal to the park’s younger visitors.

For thirsty water slide riders, the Riptide Hideaway Bar offers swim-up service with an assortment of kid and adult beverages.

Hurricane Alley is open every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with a weekends-only schedule during May and September. Tickets are available online or at the gate, and there is a discount for groups of 15 or more. Were you at the opening, Reserve at Saratoga residents?

Photo credit: Scott Ableman

Bakeries and Eateries Offering Scrumptious Desserts in Corpus Christi

Jamie — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:01:42 +0000

Reserve at Saratoga residents love their desserts, so I’ve been on the lookout for bakeries and restaurants that are known for their delicious desserts. Whenever you are craving a sugary sweet cake or pie, think about visiting one of these highly-rated establishments here in Corpus Christi:

Source: Yelp
Name: La Michoacana
Location: 3829 Crosstown Corpus Christi, TX 78416
Reviews: 1

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I can’t ever get enough of Mexican sweet bread and everytime I come back to Corpus my very first stop is always La Michoacana. Open late and busting to the…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Janets Cakery
Location: 5880 Everhart Rd Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Reviews: 4

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Just the best there is to offerRead More…

For Easter, we always get the petit fours. They are amazing. I love the vanilla, but others in our family dig the chocolate.

The sugar cookies are crisp…Read More…

The cupcakes were AMAZING – the best I’ve had in a LONG time.Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Sun Harvest Farms
Location: 1440 Airline Rd Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Reviews: 4

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Love this store! Have one near me in Austin, but this one is superior. Sure, I’m biased as I’ve been coming to it since my gramma shopped here in the 80′s….Read More…

I hadn’t been to Sun Harvest in quite some time and, WOW!, have they ever changed it – for the (MUCH) better!

First off, their produce section has been…Read More…

This place has been remodeled and is the bomb! (It’s still no Whole Foods, but I can deal.)

I love their selection of organic dairy and their bulk…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Hesters Cafe & Coffee Bar
Location: 1714 S Alameda St Corpus Christi, TX 78404
Reviews: 49

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
This is the best breakfast spot in CC. The food is awesome. They have the classic breakfast dishes, but they seem to specialize in creative dishes. An…Read More…

What a cute little lunch destination! The herbal tea was delicious and made fresh, our order came out prompt and my sandwich was perfection with turkey,…Read More…

Everyone in our 8 person party enjoyed their meal! I love the ambiance of this place, very nice way to start a Saturday!Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Simply Elegant By Raymond
Location: 817 Airline Rd Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Reviews: 2

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Soooo happy we found these amazing people for our wedding cake! I walked in several cake shops in the CC area, and was not impressed. Not only does Raymonds…Read More…

There really aren’t enough good words to say about this bakery. They did both my wedding and grooms cake and they were so phenomenal everyone raved about…Read More…

Save Money and See a Movie This Weekend in Corpus Christi

Jamie — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:14:22 +0000

It’s movie time, Reserve at Saratoga! Yes, the weekend is back so get ready for some heavy relaxation and quality time with the ones you love. While you’ll want to catch up with everyone, you could add a movie to your list of things to do since it gives you a chance to just sit back, relax and escape the real world for awhile. Here’s what’s playing right now if you want to catch up on movies that are no longer in regular theaters:

Cinemark Dollar Cinemas

5858 S.P.I.D. Corpus Christi, TX 78412

Search other theaters

What are you most looking forward to seeing at the theater this weekend, residents?

Buc Days Stripes Carnival Returns to Corpus Christi Bayfront

Jamie — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:06:58 +0000

75 rides and amusements await you at the Buc Days Stripes Carnival

What has 51% of Corpus Christi swarming to the Corpus Christi Bayfront every year? The Buc Days Stripes Caarrnival, of course! And no, that isn’t a typo, it’s an event named in pirate style. In its 75th year, the event heads back to its original grounds on the lawns of the Bayfront where the Coliseum used to stand.

Crabtree Amusements – one of the largest and leading carnival operators in the US – will return for its 11th consecutive year and will offer rides for the adventurers and others for those who would rather take it slow. There will be 75 amusements and rides available for your enjoyment.

The festival will be open for Dollar Day tonight from 5 pm-10pm and will observe normal hours (5 pm-midnight) tomorrow. The typical schedule is Monday-Thursday from 5 pm-10 pm, Friday from 5 pm-midnight, Saturday from 12 pm-midnight and Sunday from noon-10 pm. Rides will include Dragon Wagon, Bear Affair and Super Shot.

Dates of operation are from April 26th-May 6th. Will you be there, Reserve at Saratoga residents? For a full schedule and ticketing, click the link above.

Photo credit: sateda

Corpus Christi Kitties Anxious to Be Adopted Today

Jamie — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:35:45 +0000

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about the many cats that are waiting to be adopted here in the Corpus Christi area, so it’s that time again! While I’m partial to dogs, I know there are tons of people out there who would fight to the death to prove that cats are the superior pet. If you are a “cat person” and are thinking of adopting, here are some kitties looking for stable and loving homes in our area. Bring one home to pet-friendly Reserve at Saratoga today!

Pet Name: Penny
Breed: Domestic Short Hair-Black
Age: Adult
Male or Female: F
Size: M

P{enny is about 5 1/2 years old per 9-30-11. She was found.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Muffin
Breed: Calico
Age: Adult
Male or Female: F
Size: S

Muffin is about 5 years old per 2/27/2012 and weighs approx. 7.8 lbs.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Squirrel
Breed: Domestic Short Hair-Black
Age: Adult
Male or Female: M
Size:

Squirrel is about 4 years and 10 mos old per 2-25-2012.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Stink Bug
Breed: Domestic Short Hair-Black
Age: Adult
Male or Female: F
Size: S

Stink Bug is about 3 years and 5 mos old per 2-19-2012.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Darth Vander
Breed: Domestic Short Hair-Black
Age: Baby
Male or Female: M
Size: S

Darth Vader is about 8 mos old per 2-20-2012.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Lucy
Breed: Dilute Calico
Age: Adult
Male or Female: F
Size: S

Lucy is about 3 years old per 6/10/2011 and weighs approx. 8.2 lbs.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Get Inspired to Change Up Your Apartment By Reading Up on Decorology

Jamie — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:48:00 +0000

Ready to make some changes to your fabulous Reserve at Saratoga apartment? We’ve given you a lot to work with, but now it’s your turn to make your space your own. Whether you just moved in or are just looking to switch things up a little, take a look at some of Decorology’s collection of pictures and posts. I dare you not to be inspired.

Fresh bedroom inspiration

I think it’s hard to go wrong with white and blue
via Target print ad

The owner of this bedrooom quotes “I was a lot more beige once upon a time but a trip to Australia stopped all that.” I love it when a recent trip spurs you to make changes in one’s everday life!

3 above via Heart Homes mag

The bedding in the photo above, and the photo below, along with the graphic rug, create a very fresh and modern feeling to these bedrooms.

2 above via Adore Home

House tour! A vintage but minimal Toronto apartment

This apartment, inhabited by young entrepreneur Nikole, used to be a “bachelor apartment.” In the beginning of the 20th century, bachelor apartments were created in old houses for young, unmarried professionals who were just starting out. The space is just 350 sq. ft., but the amazing light and bright walls keep the space airy.

Nikole used to work as a pastry chef, so her kitchen and amazing array of tools is one of the most important areas of her home. You can see her shop, full of nifty tools, here.

I don’t usually go for accent walls, but I like this charcoal gray ones. It keeps the space from being overly feminine.

Go to Covet Garden to see more and read the story.

Table inspiration and eye candy

Pretty uses for one of the most versatile pieces of furniture.

The most apparent use – for dining…highlighted here by a conversation-starting chandelier and a salon style wall.

If you’re like me, you can never choose just one book to read. A table gives you the space to spread out.

My office desk is more like a table, because the surface space is so vital to my productivity.

1. House of Fifty 2. Traditional Home 3. & 4. Ryland Peters & Small

Shabby Apple discount code and the winner of the $75 gift card

Congratulations to Joanna! Joanna was chosen by a random draw. Joanna, please contact me at ashley [at] decorologyblog [dot] com with your address so I can get you your gift card.

If you didn’t win but still have your heart on something from Shabby Apple, they have been kind enough to give everyone a 10% off discount when you use the discount code: decorology10off

The discount code expires April 19th

Utterly fabulous

Have an utterly fabulous weekend!

via Utterly Engaged

New Business Deal Secured for Robstown Outlet Mall Project

Jamie — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:58:43 +0000

Extra, extra, read all about it!

The Robstown outlet mall project has just gotten bigger with a new partner joining in on the mall plans. The mall, which will be called Outlets at Corpus Christ Bay, is projected to open in late 2013. Now on the agenda is to finalize tenant agreements and figure out how the financing will work. About 60 businesses are showing an interest in jumping on board at this point in the process.

The mall was originally slated to open last year, having been advertised since 2010. Recently, there was a new development announced – the addition of Iowa-based real estate development firm Lockard Companies to the existing partnership between Dolphin Ventures and EWB Development.

This mall project, which has been in the works for 5 years, comes at a time when the economy is starting to improve and Corpus is currently the only one of the largest Texas markets that is without an outlet mall. It is estimated that the mall could draw some 700,000 residents and 7.6 million tourists who visit the Coastal Bend.

Do you think the project will come to completion on time?

Photo credit: jayofboy

Downtown Corpus Christi Farmers’ Market Now Open!

Jamie — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:43:20 +0000

Stock up on fresh produce and more at Corpus Christi's Farmers' Market

Now that it’s Spring, we will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy new produce that isn’t in-season any other time of year, like apricots, pineapple, strawberries and rhubarb. While you can buy fruit year-round, this is the peak of their growing season.

With that in mind, I think it’s important to mention the new farmers’ market in Downtown Corpus Christi. Now that this market is open, it is a great time to take advantage of the freshest produce out there.

The market, which is open weekly, will be located outside the Yin Yang Fandango and Tango Tea Room at 505 S. Water Street (just under 9 miles from Reserve at Saratoga). It will run from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesdays. This is the time to stock up on things like spinach, collard greens, strawberries, carrots and squash. You can also enjoy fresh goat cheese, meat, eggs and more.

Since it is happening in the middle of the week, you can stop by after work for ingredients for dinnertime, and they will be freshest because of a midweek harvest happening around that time. Residents, I hope you enjoy and support local farmers!

Photo credit: wmstadler

Corpus Christi’s Got the Deals!

Jamie — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:28:01 +0000

If you haven’t already discovered Groupon or caught my last post on it, here are some new deals! They’ve got a big selection of businesses in Corpus Christi where you can get deep discounts on services, food and attractions. Need your nails done? They’ve got it. The kids need to be entertained? Check! Take a look at some of what’s going on at Groupon now, and tell us about the deals you scored, Reserve at Saratoga!

30-Minute Single-Modality ReflexSession or One-Hour Mixed-Modality Session at Li’s Reflexology (Up to 51% Off)

Everybody unwinds from a stressful day differently—some people take a bubble bath, whereas others watch flames engulf a big pile of tires. Let tension melt away with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

$10 for a single-modality, 30-minute reflexology session, focusing on the feet, hands, or head (a $20 value)
$17 for a mixed-modality, 60-minute reflexology session, focusing on the feet, hands, and head (a $35 value)

Li’s Reflexology

Lihua Yang began her study of traditional Chinese medicine during her formative years in China, before moving to America and deepening her knowledge of hands-on therapy by learning Western massage. Li now specializes in reflexology, applying precision pressure to various points on the body, such as the feet, hands, and head, that correspond to organs such as the heart and liver. The process aims to bolster health and help patients overcome a vast array of illness. While Li administers her soothing treatments, padded beds, lounge chairs, or hollowed-out tree trunks cradle her patients, and sage-green and white hues surround them, helping them relax.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Impressing Your Dentist

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

Bounce-House Play Sessions at Kidz Ultimate Party Zone (Up to 84% Off). Three Options Available.

Bounce houses provide an environmentally friendly way to burn youthful energy, unlike coal-powered swing sets. Encourage eco-conscious exuberance with this Groupon.

Choose from Three Options

$13 for a bounce-house family package (a $26 total value), which includes two one-night, unlimited jump passes for kids (a $7.50 each) and one large, one-topping pizza (an $11 value)
$39 for three months of unlimited bounce sessions for two kids (a $240 value)
$97 for a birthday party for up to 15 children ($195 value)

The birthday party includes one hour in the Bouncing Party Zone for kids, karaoke for adults while kids bounce, and 30 minutes in the private room with two of the following three activities: food, cake, and gift distribution. Paper plates, napkins, and forks are provided, as well as party setup and clean-up. As a cherry on top of the cake, the party package also comes with a complimentary gift for the birthday boy or girl. There is a $10 fee for each child beyond the 15-child cutoff.

Kidz Ultimate Party Zone

At Kidz Ultimate Party Zone, youngsters frolic through a climate-controlled play area stocked with inflatable slides and houses, taking occasional jaunts up the rock wall or plunges into the dunk tank. Children befriend critters at an outdoor petting zoo, and trained staffers oversee the hubbub, painting faces to resemble animals that happen to have mustaches. At onsite craft workshops, little ones can stuff their own teddy bears, and toddlers can safely explore a zone that caters exclusively to ages 3 and younger.

Chaperoning adults can bound through the inflatables alongside their children or retire to a private room to belt out heartfelt karaoke on adult themes such as love, loss, and itsy bitsy spiders. Free WiFi allows for frequent email checks…

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Overcoming Occupational Blockage

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

5 or 10 Wedding-Party T-shirts from Central Screen Printing (Up to 55% Off)

Matching shirts can help keep a group together, make an event seem more official, or help guide decisions about kissing the cook. Keep your wardrobes in agreement this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

$50 for 5 wedding-party T-shirts (a $100 value)
$90 for 10 wedding-party T-shirts (a $200 value)

Brooklyn McDermott offers pre-designed styles that cloak gents in a black shirt with the word “Wingman” and outfit women in a pink shirt with the phrase “He put a ring on it.” Shirts can be customized for an additional fee.

Central Screen Printing

For more than 20 years, Central Screen Printing has helped schools, businesses, and churches splash items with their own designs. A staffer guides each client through the process of transforming envisioned images into actual screenprints or shaking T-shirt ideas out of dream catchers. They then plaster the design onto hoodies, diaper bags, robes, frisbees, cozies, and mousepads. The company’s facility churns out thousands of printed items per day, allowing crews to complete most orders in 7–10 business days.

Groupon Says

The Groupon Guide to: Cat-Lady Myths

How many cats are required to technically be a cat lady?

$35 for Any Petite Bracelet or $100 for $200 Worth of Jewelry from Belleza Jewelry

Of all the ways to show people how much you love them, giving them jewelry is second only to giving them a map to where the jewelry is buried. Show someone you dig them with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

$35 for any petite bracelet (up to an $85 value)
$100 for $200 worth of jewelry, such as Swarovski crystal rings ($35-$55), bridal jewelry ($80-$300), and beaded earrings ($40-$60).

Belleza Jewelry

Swarovski crystals and glass beads ornament a colorful collection of jewels that fill Belleza Jewelry’s digital cases. The online shop’s commemorative pieces celebrate milestones such as weddings or new babies by shimmering with sparkly baubles. The outfit’s men’s line touts masculine fusions of stainless steel, titanium, and Paul Bunyan’s facial hair.

$8 for $16 Worth of Classic American Fare at Dot’z Dawgs and Drafts

Using a pillowy bun as a barrier, hot dogs are safely protected from environmental hazards such as open manholes and greasy-handed schoolchildren. Enjoy snugly shielded franks with today’s Groupon: for $8, you get $16 worth of classic American fare at Dot’z Dawgs and Drafts.

The cooks at Dot’z Dawgs and Drafts grill hot dogs, sling pizzas, and roll wraps to craft a menu of American favorites. Diners can douse a footlong hot dog in chili and cheese ($2.99) or forsake ketchup with a Chicago-style hot dog, which instead festoons itself with a pickle spear, tomatoes, and peppers ($3.59). Whole cheese pizzas ($12.99) feed parties of plus-one, and the Sha-Na-Na cheese nachos ($3.29–$4.99) drench corn chips in melty queso and all the fixings. To cleanse sustenance-quenched palates, Dot’z also scoops 11 flavors of ice cream, including rainbow sherbet, pistachio, birthday cake, and mint chip. Though the Yakety Yak sundae’s syrup and topping may anchor eaters to in-shop consumption ($2.69), the three-scoop king cone ($2.99) boasts toteability for a beachside stroll or an impromptu back-flipping contest.

Dot’z retro-style façade beckons eaters with its sunny-yellow exterior, silvery roofing, and blazing neon signage. The beach-adjacent eatery welcomes four-legged companions, and an outdoor playground entertains kids with hula hoops and rousing debates on the ethics of peeking during hide-and-seek.

Wedding Cakes at Yolanda’s Specialty Cakes (Up to 67% Off). Two Options Available.

Although receiving one’s just deserts can be unpleasant, eating a meal of just desserts is the only way to consume the FDA’s recommended daily allowance of frosting. Ensure that your wedding guests meet their nutritional needs with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

$50 for $150 toward a wedding cake
$100 for $225 toward a wedding cake

Award-winning baker Yolanda Amaya conjures architecturally stunning wedding cakes ($150–$500) in an assortment of 23 flavors, including red velvet, chocolate, and strawberry swirl. Click here to view a gallery of Yolanda’s wedding cake designs.

Yolanda’s Specialty Cakes

The pink banner that curls around the façade of Yolanda’s Specialty Cakes calls to mind the creamy fondant streaks that grace many of the eponymous owner’s specialty confections. Though Yolanda Amaya has been perfecting her craft since 1977, many locals are just beginning to hop on her train of sweet treats thanks to readers of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, who voted her shop the Best of the Best in 2010. On-hand consultants help brides- and grooms-to-be select the perfect theme for their wedding cake, and decorators spell out birthday greetings with swirls of icing. Yolanda and her bakers sculpt cakes into a variety of shapes and styles, from tiered towers to wearable quinceañera dresses.

Clean and Redecorate for Spring at Reserve at Saratoga

Jamie — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:45:30 +0000

Now that Spring has sprung, you might be getting ready to do that good ‘ole Spring cleaning. If you’re already doing that, why not move some things around and redecorate as well? Sounds like a great idea to me! If you decide to do this, I have found some blog posts that might help get you started – product suggestions and do-it-yourself projects. Take a look and see if any of them inspire you to move forward in your decorating plans and have fun while you’re at it, Reserve at Saratoga residents!

Loomi: A DIY Modular Light Kit Colossal

In the crowdsourced and hyperconnected world that we currently inhabit, a few oh-so-lucky independent designers can now achieve what once seemed impossible.
More

Buy or DIY: Trendy Terrariums

The terrarium trend seems to be going strong with no signs of slowing any time soon. On a recent trip to my local West Elm the entire front entrance of the store was devoted to a terrarium display — and they’re not the only major retailer embracing the trend. After the jump we’ll provide you with the instructions and the resources for buying and creating your own terrarium. More

Cozy & Cool: 10 Summer Quilts

I’m one of those people who always needs to sleep with a blanket. While my husband and I cherish our down comforter for cold nights, he’s more than happy to throw it all off during warmer months. Our happy medium is the summer quilt: just enough weight to keep me comfortable, yet light enough to keep him from breaking out in a sweat. More

ReWall Company Reuses Milk Cartons as Building Materials Jetson Green

Milk may do a body good, but it doesn’t do recycling any good. The Tetra Pak and other similar gable-top cartons that your milk and juice come in are coated with polyethylene, so most curbside recycling programs won’t take them. But ReWall Company wants more of them. More