A German Christmas market in the heart of Munich's Old Town.  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   You might have noticed that things have been a little slower than usual the past couple of weeks on Beneath the Surface News .   That’s because The Husband and I took a few days off to explore the famed Christmas markets in Paris, France and Munich, Germany.     The good thing about getting a little older is that once you’ve raised kids and helped them through college, there’s a little extra

Get festive with this beautiful holiday cocktail. By SARA VANDEN BERGE It appears that I am set to be the hostess with the mostest for the third year in a row thanks to this fancy winter cocktail I’ve mastered. The Brandy Ice. If you’ve never enjoyed one of these, you’re missing out. This holiday cocktail made with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream quickly became a fan favorite in our home a few years ago. The festive cocktail is perfect for a crowd. Here’s the recipe to make Brand

By Alexis Rochester   Looking for the perfect skincare gift, but short on time or aren’t sure what to give someone?   Then this list is for you.     As a chemist, I’ve tested hundreds of products, and these are the ones I love the most.   Whether you’re shopping for a friend, teacher or skincare-loving family member, these picks are backed by science and guaranteed to please. 1. Firming serum   This is the one serum that everyone can use and benefit from because it combines n

This wine will be center stage on my holiday tables this year. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’ve ever dreamed of wine tasting your way through Northern California’s epic vineyards, Napa is likely the place you plan to visit.   And while Napa is a gorgeous place you shouldn’t skip, Paso Robles offers a different, but equally incredible experience.     The Husband and I just returned from a three-day trip to Paso, where our long-time friends from high school opened Creekcut Win

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   It’s the first official day of fall and The Home Place at Ace is here for it.   The Stephenville-based retailer has taken cozy to a whole new level with tons of seasonal décor (think Halloween) and everything you need to make your home a comfort zone.     For me, fall means soup season and The Home Place has an amazing selection of pots to make anything from hearty stew to your favorite bisque.   They carry cast iron pots by Lodge and La Creuset in a v

By Alexis Rochester   The best part about Chemistry Cachet ’s skincare tips is they are simple and consistent with science-based products...

I fell in love with this amazing mask last year and just reordered my second bottle. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   September is less than one...

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   I did something for myself last month; I had surgery to address my undereye bags and dark circles.   Over the...

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   You have no doubt seen the Sola Bagels obsession all over your social media feeds.    I finally got my hands on...

By Alexis Rochester   I’ve been a big fan of red light therapy for years, even enjoying full-body sessions for its incredible benefits....

By Alexis Rochester   Forget sticky glosses and chalky balms; your lips are getting a serious upgrade this summer.   Imagine a single...

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and this is the fourth in a series of stories highlighting products that can...

I got both bottles from Amazon for $28.44 with next-day shipping.   By SARA VANDEN BERGE   May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and this...

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and this is the second in a series of stories highlighting products that can...

The path's grand finale is an incredible rainbow of rocks. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Grapevine’s Parr Park Rock Art Trail is a place you should soon visit.   On a recent trip to the city to see friends, we took a stroll through the art park and were amazed not only by the sheer number of hand-painted rocks that line the trail, but by the inspiration left in its wake. Our friends told us that it began during Covid when people started leaving hand-painted messages on rocks at the

Vogue Esthetics is located in downtown Stephenville. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you like to be pampered in a gorgeous setting, you’ll want...

By Alexis Rochester   I have found the highest quality, best mineral sunscreen in SPF 50 (also comes in a bronzer) that you can use on...

If you want to smell like you just stepped off the beach in Bali, Jo Malone London's new summer trio is for you. By SARA VANDEN BERGE  ...

This photo was taken six weeks after I began using ZO Skin Health and the changes to my complexion have been astounding. Photo/Jessica...

By Alexis Rochester   Keep your hair looking its best with this incredible smelling, affordable French-made rinse .   You’ll be amazed by...