San Antonio, Texas: A Few Reviews on a Quick Weekend Visit

For our weekend jaunt down to San Antonio, I used TripAdvisor and Fodor's travel sites for some recommendations of things to do and see. We weren't able to fit in too much, but we did make it to a very nice restaurant for a Saturday night dinner; a couple of fantastic bakeries for to-go sweets on Sunday morning; some spa treatments with my grandmother; and a little bit of TexMex souvenir shopping.

I highly recommend Biga on the Banks for a lovely dinner along the river. From the convenient valet parking (very valuable in hard-to-park Riverwalk neighborhood), to the excellent service, we had a relaxing and delicious dinner in this beautiful space. I would describe the decor as swank and romantic, featuring curved banquette seating and huge windows looking out onto the river. So many things on the menu sounded delicious, and the beautifully-plated chicken and steak entrees we chose did not disappoint. We were pretty full by the end of the meal, but managed to squeeze in a little dessert: a trio of house-made sorbets that were amazing! It was higher-end as far as price went, but totally worth it, and everyone in our party, spanning four generations of our family, loved this restaurant.

Nichos in the entryway of Mi Tierra Bakery and Restaurant

On Sunday morning, it was cool and rainy so we decided to have breakfast at my grandmother's apartment. My son and I agreed to pick up some pastries from a local bakery for our meal. But which bakery? I couldn't decide among two of the recommended ones I wanted to try, so of course, I chose both! First we stopped at Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia, which is part of El Mercado (or Market Square), a Mexican shopping and eating destination. This restaurant is a busy and bustling, large restaurant, decorated in a festive, sparkly and colorful way that I just love. The restaurant is towards the back, and the bakery is in the front. We chose an assortment of pastel sugared conch rolls and some fruit-filled empanadas to go. The staff were quick and warmly friendly. I was dazzled by all the lights, colors, aromas, and activity and I didn't want to leave. But I also wanted to stop at Bakery Lorraine.

Talk about a culture shift! Bakery Lorraine is a bright, cheery, open space set in The Pearl shopping and entertainment complex, centered around The Pearl Brewery, a cool historic building from the 1880s. This bakery is more yuppie/hipster, with a clientele that appeared to be mainly urban singles, young couples, and families with small children. It was also busy and bustling, and parking on this Sunday morning was a bit difficult, as we had to circle around a couple of times. The pastries and baked goods in the front glass display cases looked beautiful, and there was a wide variety to choose from. We chose several (tarts, scones, buns, and muffins) which were boxed up by rushed and harried young people behind the counters. There was also seating for those who wanted to eat there at the bakery.

So how was everything? Fantastic! I recommend both bakeries for delicious pastries and fun atmospheres. I guess it just depends what sort of pastries and what type of environment you are in the mood for, but you can't lose with either of these choices.

Mokara Spa - when we were here, it was crammed with disgruntled customers waiting for their services.

During the weekend, my grandmother and I treated ourselves to a spa day. She had never had one before! I do them all the time, and in fact, whenever I travel, I like to treat myself to a spa treatment. I did research on which were the best spas in San Antonio and I decided on the Mokara Spa, also in the Riverwalk neighborhood. It is apparently the only Forbes 4-star spa in the city, and it is connected to the Mokara Hotel. I was pleased that there was valet parking, and the entry way to the spa was very pretty. However, first impressions were not good. We entered the spa and were immediately enveloped in a loud and slightly disgruntled crowd. There was a meandering line of women waiting to check in for their spa services and the desk staff was not keeping up. Several of the women waiting were getting annoyed, and the staff was snippy. We finally were checked in after about 15 minutes. I didn't care for the front desk staff because they were not warm and friendly but had a snooty attitude. But finally we were able start our services. My grandmother got a reflexology foot massage that she said was amazing! I didn't go back into the room with her, but it apparently was very nice. I booked a mani/pedi for myself. Those services took place in a large open room with several stations. It was nice but not particularly unique or awesome. My technician was okay. My grandmother's was very nice and took extra care of her. I ended up tipping my grandmother's aestheticians a little extra because she was so pleased with her services. But truthfully, I was a bit underwhelmed with this spa/salon. It was nice but it didn't wow me, and I certainly wouldn't put it at 4 stars.

For how short our trip was, I was able to fit in a bit of shopping. Walking along the river from our hotel, I cam across La Villita Historic Arts Village. Billed as "one of San Antonio's first neighborhoods", this shopping and restaurant complex is made out of traditionally southwestern-styled buildings and it's very picturesque. There are many shops, several restaurants and lots of art galleries. I wish I'd had more time to look around but after walking around a bit, I only made it into one shop, Casa Manos Alegres. This is a really cool shop with imports from Mexico and Guatemala. It features all sorts of arts and crafts, home decor items, and clothing and accessories. I purchased two arpilleras depicting village scenes, and two pretty embroidered Mexican blouses. I thought the prices were reasonable and there were a lot of cool things to choose from. Highly recommended!

San Antonio is a really neat city with a lot of beautiful historic buildings, some natural beauty and lots to do. I want to go back, for longer this time. Definitely a worthy tourist destination.

A Weekend in San Antonio, Texas

A pretty church in downtown San Antonio, TX

Early in March, my 22-year-old son and I flew down to San Antonio to visit my 93-year-old grandmother. Aside from some pleasant time visiting and just shooting the breeze with Oma, we tried out a few of the local businesses. One I can recommend is the Westin Riverwalk. I was originally planning to stay at another hotel, but my reservation was lost, and they had no vacancy, so we walked over to the Westin and were relieved that they were able to accomodate us at the last minute, for the reasonable rate of $ a night. I also joined the Starwood Preferred Club (which is free) and received a few extra perks, like bottled water, free wi-fi, and some snacks. We chose to park in the street-side lot across the street, because at $16 a night, it was cheaper than hotel parking, which along the River Walk, is always expensive.

The Lobby of the Westin Riverwalk

Another shot of the Westin Riverwalk lobby

The Riverwalk from the patio of the Westin

More of the peaceful and pretty Riverwalk in San Antonio

We stayed at the Westin for two nights. The lobby was impressive and tasteful. The rooms were nice, and very comfortable. The bathroom was nice, everything was clean, and I loved the green leaf-shaped soaps they offered. While there, I bought a pair of sunglasses from the gift shop, and got a free toothpaste and comb (which I'd forgotten from the front desk). The front desk staff was very warm, friendly and efficient. I would say my only negatives were that the breakfast in the hotel dining room was expensive and pretty mediocre, and the room was a bit dark. But otherwise, I think it's a good hotel choice along the river.

Soma, You Depress Me

On my recent trip to Sarasota, Florida, I had to stop in to the Soma lingerie boutique and try a bra fitting. I had done one bra fitting before, at Intimacy in Chicago, with unpleasant results, but that was several years ago, and tempted by the desire to have a perfectly fitting bra, I decided to go for it again.


Well, it was even worse than the last time! It was really depressing and kind of insulting. When I tried Intimacy, (on the suggestion and recommendation of Oprah, by the way), the parts that were disappointing were that (1) they told me I wasn't the same size in every bra company bra, so that kind of defeats the purpose of getting a bra fitting, and finding out YOUR size, because you still have to try on a bunch of different sizes to find one that works for you. And (2), the salesperson only showed me certain bras that she picked out for me. I couldn't just look around and pick out the ones I liked. The salesperson would bring a handful of bras to my dressing room, where I was trapped, topless, and then I would try them all on and say "yes" or "no." And (3) the bras were extremely expensive - like $150 each, expensive!  Obviously, I guilt-bought a couple of bras out of a sense of obligation from having used the salesperson's time, and never went back.


Anyway, on to Soma. I had high hopes because my aunt shops there and loves the store. BUT - my aunt is small chested and slim. I, however, am a 40" band, and either an F,G, or H cup, depending on the brand. But I liked that Soma just sold Soma bras, so hopefully, once they figured out my size, I could just pick any bra I liked and get it in my correct size.


Well, the first thing that I didn't like about the fitting was that their only way of measuring you was to measure underbust and full bust, and then subtract. Well, I can do that on my own! What do I need a Professional Bra Fitter for? Even the HerRoom website's bra finder (which is wonderful, BTW!) does a more comprehensive job, involving fullness, shape, etc.)

So on to the depressing part: The (very young, gorgeous, tall and model-slim) salesperson that measured me told me I was a 40G in their sizes, and then told me they had the 1" and the 3" minimizers in my size. (Sad face) Minimizers?! My boobs are one of my favorite things about my body, and something I am proud of, and Soma wants to MINIMIZE them? Seriously, those were my only choices in bras in my size. (Please note, that there is ONE pretty balconet bra available in my size from Soma, but only online). I was offended. Big girls don't always want, or need, to be Minimized. And you should have seen the ugly, pre-formed, can-stand-up-on-their-own, heavily padded, matronly, bland bras she brought me. Just two choices, and they both looked sad, and not at all sexy.


When I responded less-than-enthusiastically that I didn't want those heavy duty, old lady, cow-like bras, but wanted something colorful, lightweight, sheer, lacy, and sexy, the salesperson's eyes clouded over as she realized she had nothing for me, and was not going to make a sale. She basically shrugged and left my dressing room in annoyance.

To be fair, another salesperson, (who I took to possibly be the store manager, due to her air of authority) was more sympathetic; acknowledging the company's lack of choice for larger busted ladies, and suggested I try Sea Cup and Up for a better selection. But anyway, I left the store feeling shunned for my size, and insulted that Soma - a company that specializes in lingerie and should be in touch with women's needs in that department - was basically telling me "Yeah, you're not the kind of customer we want." I promptly returned home and purchased four beautiful, unlined, lacy, pretty bras, that fit wonderfully -  in purple, yellow, cafe au lait, and red - from HerRoom. I love you HerRoom, and all the other lingerie companies that GET IT, and embraces their customers of all sizes and shapes.

Illinois Flea Markets: Kane County vs. Grayslake

This fall I did something I've been wanting to do for a long time, which is to do a side by side comparison of the two biggest flea markets in my area of Northeastern Illinois, the Kane County Flea Market (sometimes know as the St. Charles Flea Market) and the Grayslake Antique Market. The first one is year round (no market in January) on the first Sunday/preceding Saturday of every month. There is a $5 entrance fee, but parking is free. The Grayslake Antique Market is year round on the second Sunday and preceding Saturday, monthly, and charges a $7 entrance fee, with free parking. Because the dates are staggered, there is some overlap of the vendors, but not too much.

Typical outdoor stall at the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles, Illinois

Antique marble sink for $300 at Kane County

Vintage wicker rocking chair at Kane County

Barn-type interior stalls at Kane County

Vintage frosted glass $1 at Kane County

Vintage copper Moscow Mule mug $5 at Kane County

Vintage Avon cologne decanter at Kane County $5

Vintage rubber toy at Grayslake $30

Indian head at Grayslake

Bin of faucet knobs at Grayslake

Quirky clock at Grayslake

Midcentury Lamp/table at Grayslake

Interior stalls at Grayslake

Antique wicker rocker for $35 at Kane County.

Cute metal table, spray painted pink. $12 at Grayslake

Vintage abalone shell in resin table; $8 Grayslake

Kane Country Flea Market in the fall.

Purse for a dollar! May not be vintage, but it's adorable!!!!

Comparisons: Both locations have both outdoor stalls and indoor stalls. The indoor ones at Grayslake tend to be slightly more pricey. You can find fantastic bargains at both flea markets. I bought several purses for $1 each at Grayslake, and I got some really cute stuff, all for less than $5 at Kane County (vintage glassware).

Stylish vintage vanity table $150 and vintage bamboo purse $5; Grayslake

The Kane County market is much bigger than Grayslake, has a more traditional flea market appearance (i.e. stalls spread out on dirt paths in a county fairgrounds, or under the open-air roofs of stalls labeled "Pigs" or "Cows.").

Kane County Funnel Cakes!

The Kane Country flea market also has slightly better food options. Both have rather depressing but typical Midwestern fast food counters offering hot dogs, burgers, etc. But at Kane County, at least in the summer and fall when people can mill about out of doors, they also have stands offering hot buttered ears of corn, funnel cakes (my and my mom's favorite!), and spiced nuts. The only other available treats at the Grayslake Antique Market were some delicious baked goods baked by a local organization of nuns for their charitable organization, and it was not clear whether they are there all the time, or just once in a while.

Amazing vintage velvet skirt. Too long for me so I made it into a throw blanket $1 at Grayslake!!!! And a shot of the interior of Grayslake.

Vintage carved plastic bangles in ivory from Grayslake; $8 each. Vintage satin pillows in Perfect Condition $5 each.

I would also say that the Kane County flea market is better for furniture, as far as the amount of pieces offered and the prices, but on the negative side, it also has more "junk" vendors selling lame stuff like tube socks, baseball caps, cheap sunglasses, knock-off purses and the like.

Vintage bookend $3; vintage daisy brooches $5 each. At Grayslake Antique Market

As far as handmade items or crafts, neither flea market has very much to offer in that way: only a handful of stalls selling those items. The great majority of vendors sold vintage/antique items and collectibles, and predominantly household items. There were relatively few vendors selling vintage clothing or fabrics. I think places in Chicago would be better sources for vintage clothing lovers.

And one final note about comparisons: having been to the Brooklyn Flea Market in September, it really struck me how stereotypically Midwestern everyone looked at the two markets. The Brooklyn Flea is not only fun to shop and eat, but a place to "see and be seen" where vendors and shoppers alike are stylishly and funkily dressed, and there are so many attractive hipster type people there. The attendees at these two Illinois markets were mostly in "mom" or "dad" jeans, sweatshirts, or sports team shirts. Everyone looked very plain and unremarkable. As a Midwesterner, it was a little embarrassing.

Typical attire for a Midwestern flea market is pretty drab and utilitarian.

 So - the verdict? Both flea markets are worth the trip. Prices are generally good, and everyone is down with negotiation and bargaining. You might not find exactly what you were looking for, but you will probably find plenty to love - and spend money on!

Fewer words: Will it equal my posting more?

I don't post as often as I'd like on this blog and one of the reasons is that it is kind of daunting to do all that writing. So I am going to experiment with writing many fewer words per blog post and see if that helps me post more often. Here is my latest sewing project. Made this for myself - I have a life long love of yellow summer dresses, pintucks and flutter sleeves. This is made of a really pretty 100% cotton pale yellow dotted swiss. It's the Real Dotted Swiss with woven-in cotton tufted "dots", not the crappy modern version with synthetic flocked dots printed on.

I used this pattern from New Look.

I chose the size 16, and then did my usual alteration to the pattern of making it an A-line for my extra large bottom half.

I love the way this turned out. I had to double the fabric for the body because the fabric is so sheer, and that took a little of the flowy-ness away from it, but it does make it more wearable. It would have been too see-through if left unlined, for me to feel comfortable wearing. Can't wait for warmer weather to wear it!