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January Newsletter
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January Page Turners!

"The Beekeeper of Aleppo" By Christy Lefteri - The Beekeeper of Aleppo follows Nuri, a beekeeper, and his wife Afra, an artist, who live a quiet, loving life in Aleppo until war destroys everything they know. Forced to flee Syria after Afra loses her sight, the couple embark on a dangerous journey through Turkey and Greece toward an uncertain future in Britain, sustained only by the hope of reuniting with Nuri’s cousin, Mustafa, who helps refugees rebuild their lives through beekeeping. As they travel through grief, loss, and displacement, they must also find their way back to each other, making this a deeply moving and timely novel about love, resilience, and the human cost of war.
"When the Cranes Fly South" By Lisa Ridzen- Bo is running out of time. Yet time is one of the few things he’s got left. These days, his quiet existence is broken up only by daily visits from his home care team. Fortunately, he still has his beloved elkhound Sixten to keep him company … though now his son, with whom Bo has had a rocky relationship, insists upon taking the dog away, claiming that Bo has grown too old to properly care for him. The threat of losing Sixten stirs up a whirlwind of emotion, leading Bo to take stock of his life, his relationships, and the imperfect way he’s expressed his love over the years.

Christian & Business Book Recommendations

"Joshua: A Parable for Today" by Joseph F. Girzone
This novel follows Joshua, a quiet carpenter who arrives mysteriously in a small town and lives simply, asking little for himself while creating extraordinary work and quietly helping others. As rumors spread of his remarkable strength, miraculous healings, and a stunning statue of Moses carved for the synagogue, the townspeople grow divided between awe and suspicion. His presence challenges the community’s beliefs and fears, ultimately leading local church leaders to confront the enigmatic stranger who may represent humanity’s long-awaited second chance.
"The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg & John David Mann
The Go-Giver follows Joe, an ambitious young man striving for success who feels stuck despite working harder than ever. Seeking guidance, he turns to the mysterious consultant Pindar, who introduces him to a group of successful “go-givers” that teach him the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success. Through their lessons, Joe learns that shifting his focus from getting to giving—adding value to others’ lives—leads to deeper fulfillment and unexpected success in business and life.

Binge-worthy TV!

Since the tragic death of her young son, acclaimed author Aggie Wiggs has receded from public life, unable to write, a ghost of her former self. But she finds an unlikely subject for a new book when the house next door is bought by Nile Jarvis, a famed and formidable real estate mogul who was once the prime suspect in his wife's disappearance. At once horrified and fascinated by this man, Aggie finds herself compulsively hunting for the truth chasing his demons while fleeing her own in a game of cat and mouse that might turn deadly.
Watch "The Beast in Me" on Netflix.
A holiday competition series in which eight teams of two talented home bakers join Maya and Andy’s winter cabin for a celebration of culinary holiday traditions.
Watch "Baking It" on Peacock.

Fast Fired Movie Reviews!

Merv is a lighthearted romantic comedy centered on a lovable dog whose joy fades after his owners split up. When his former humans are forced into an awkward co-parenting situation to help him rediscover his happy spirit, a sunny Florida getaway brings them back together in unexpected ways. As Merv slowly finds his groove again, his humans may discover that healing their dog’s broken heart just might reignite a few sparks of their own. Watch Merv on Prime Video.
Over the course of ten days and 435 miles, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. Based on an incredible true story, Arthur The King follows Light, desperate for one last chance to win, as he convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. As the team is pushed to their outer limits of endurance in the race, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty and friendship truly mean. Watch Arthur The King on Hulu.

Sip & Savor: Wine Delights

Bell Springs Winery 2020 Alicante Bouschet
A smaller harvest only yielded us 213 cases of this delectable fan favorite. Alicante Bouschet, which is one of the few red grapes that has red flesh as well as skins (a teinturier grape) created a wine this vintage with a deep garnet hue. Aromas of sweet tobacco, blackberry compote, black pepper and brioche greet the nose-on the palate, the tannins are soft and juicy. Flavors of ripe berries, spice and sweet plum make this a great wine to enjoy on its own or with grilled fare.
5 Fifty-Five Vineyard 2024 Picpoul Blanc
The 2024 Picpoul Blanc from 5 Fifty-Five Vineyard & Winery is a crisp, refreshing white with bright citrus notes of lemon and lime, complemented by green apple and pear, and a subtle mineral edge. Its lively acidity makes it vibrant on the palate, perfect for pairing with seafood, fresh salads, or light cheeses, offering a clean, zesty, and food-friendly experience.

Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

Light, comforting, and perfect for chilly January days

Ingredients:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • ¾ cup uncooked white rice
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about five minutes. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the chicken, rice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return it to the soup. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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San Antonio Foodie Favorites: El Carbonero

El Carbonero is one of San Antonio’s original and most beloved spots for pollos asados, known for bold flavors and quality ingredients. The menu features juicy grilled chicken, sizzling fajitas, crispy wings, handcrafted burgers, flavorful tacos, and more—each dish prepared with care. Guests can pair their meal with refreshing drinks like signature margaritas, cold beer, or a tropical piña colada. Whether stopping in for a relaxed meal or meeting friends and family for drinks, El Carbonero offers a dining experience that’s always something special.
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Cave Without A Name

Just northeast of Boerne lies the Cave Without a Name, a National Natural Landmark filled with stunning limestone formations, cool 66°F temperatures year-round, and a story as unique as its name—coined after a boy declared it “too pretty to have a name.” Open for tours since 1939, this living cave features six breathtaking chambers, fascinating geological formations, and even underground concerts in its acoustically rich Queen’s Throne Room. It’s the perfect Hill Country day trip for those seeking natural beauty, Texas history, and a touch of adventure beneath the surface.

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December 2025 Market Update

Stay up to date with the latest trends in our local real estate market. Click the photo below to watch Missy and Jenn break down the December market and view the full market report to see detailed data, pricing trends, and expert analysis to help you make informed decisions.
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January gadget finds!

The Plateful Food Warming Mat is a sleek, electric solution for keeping meals warm and ready to serve—whether you’re hosting guests or managing busy family mealtimes. With multiple adjustable heat settings, it allows you to gently warm everything from sauces to main dishes, helping food stay at the perfect serving temperature without drying out or needing constant reheating.
Easy to use and even easier to store, the mat heats quickly, works with most cookware and serving dishes, and features a wipe-clean surface for hassle-free cleanup. When you’re done, it rolls up neatly for compact storage, making it a practical and stylish addition to any kitchen or entertaining setup. Click here for more info!

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5711 Northwest Parkway Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78249
210-305-5665
5711 Northwest Parkway Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78249