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Ritual Salon + Spa: A Stylish Salon Specializing in Modern Hairstyles

December 11, 2014 by greystar

From the moment you walk through the large glass doors and into the immaculately decorated, modern industrial-style salon, you’ll likely fall in love with Ritual Salon + Spa. This full-service Rosedale beauty shop specializes in all of the most current hairstyling services, from cutting that elongated bob to giving customers the perfect ombré color. Ritual is separated into a number of different areas, including a comfortable waiting area with eclectic throw pillows and hair product displays, a media bar, and comfortable styling stations surrounded by unique light fixtures.

Services include not only haircuts and coloring services, but also more intricate beauty treatments like eyelash extensions, brow tinting, and hair extensions. Ritual even provides full spa treatments such as massages, nail care, and facials. Pop in to treat yourself to a trim, or spend a full day being pampered!

Ritual Salon + Spa
4800 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 391-0010
www.ritualsalonaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ritual-salon-spa-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Droid Gingerbread

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Ritual Salon and Spa, Things to Do in Austin

Plan a Visit to These Unique Museums in Austin, Texas

December 4, 2014 by greystar

A cutting edge city like Austin has much to offer to its visitors, and it even boasts the unofficial slogan, "Keep Austin Weird." Visit these thought-provoking attractions and see how Austin even takes a unique approach to something as basic as a day at the museum!

Bullock Texas State History Museum
Discover the tale of Texas at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Located a few blocks from the Texas State Capitol building, this museum showcases the pride and history of the Lone Star State. You'll be captivated from the moment you're greeted by the 35-foot-tall bronze star sculpture that sits at the entrance to the museum. The cutting-edge Texas Spirit IMAX Theater will keep you on the edge of your seat, as it shows educational films that showcase state-of-the-art special effects. Be sure to check the museum's calendar for upcoming special events, which are sure to excite and amaze.

Museum of the Weird
Austin is openly proud to be unique, and this is very apparent at the Museum of the Weird. The museum is located right on Sixth Street in the heart of the city, and visitors can see strange and unusual items on a tour through some of the oddest pieces of recent history. Creep through twisted hallways, passing wax statues and giant movie monsters. You never know what will pop up next, and this museum will have your mouth on the ground and your brain in a tizzy. After your tour is over, be sure to stop by the gift shop and pick up a souvenir to commemorate this truly weird trip.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Alexis Fam Photography

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Museums, Travel, Trip Ideas, Vacation

Get Your Lobster Fix at Garbo’s Restaurant

November 24, 2014 by greystar

Garbo's Restaurant is the bricks-and-mortar extension of Heidi Garbo's popular local food truck. Like the original food truck, Garbo's Restaurant specializes in fresh, buttery lobster rolls served either "Maine style" or "Connecticut style" and accompanied by fries or clam chowder, but this Austin restaurant also offers an expanded seafood menu.

Yelp reviewers recommend trying the smoked fish dip, served with crackers or grilled French bread, as well as the crispy clam fritters accompanied by a gribiche sauce for dipping. Main dishes include whole gulf shrimp simmered in a spicy herb and lemon broth, as well as beer battered fish and ships served with house-made ketchup and tartar sauce. Don't forget a bowl of creamy, New England clam chowder, topped with scallions and served with traditional oyster crackers to round out your meal.

Don't worry if seafood's just not your thing, either, because the restaurant also serves a popular Texas wagyu burger accompanied by fries and a pickle.

Garbo's Restaurant
14735 Bratton Lane
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 350-9814
garboslobsteratx.com/restaurant
www.yelp.com/biz/garbos-restaurant-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/intenteffect

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Austin Dining, Garbo’s Restaurant, Restaurants in Austin

Find Great Pumpkin Recipes at These Four Sites

November 20, 2014 by greystar

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin coffee, even pumpkin soup – no matter what it is, we can’t get enough pumpkin foods. Something about the warm, rich flavor of pumpkin feels so soothing on a cold winter day, and its versatility makes it the perfect ingredient for both savory meals and sweet desserts.

These four pumpkin recipe websites will make you rekindle your love for everyone’s favorite cold weather flavor:

How to Cook with Pumpkin [AllRecipes]

Pumpkin [Food Network]

My Favorite Pumpkin Recipes [The Pioneer Woman]

14 Great Pumpkin Recipes [Real Simple]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Jeremy Seitz

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: 3500 Westlake, Cooking, Nutrition, Recipes

Tap Your Foot to the Beat at The Roost in Austin

November 13, 2014 by greystar

Many music lovers say that few things in this world are better than an evening of foot-stomping, hand-clapping live music, and that's just what The Roost delivers. Once you visit this Austin club, you'll likely understand exactly why it’s such a local hotspot. Shows range from blues performers to rock bands, small local acts to internationally-known musicians, so there's something to suit just about everyone's taste.

With professional lighting that creates a concert-like atmosphere, several bars located throughout the venue, and a lively, dancing crowd, The Roost cultivates a festival-like atmosphere. Yelp reviewers say that sight lines and acoustics are top-notch, and there's plenty of seating available for music aficionados who prefer to sit and relax. The Roost does not serve food, but patrons are welcome to bring in snacks from the neighboring taqueria or crawfish shack.

Check the website for a current calendar of shows and to buy your tickets before they sell out.

The Roost
2113 Wells Branch Parkway
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 394-5727
theroostaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-roost-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/carlota

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, The Roost, Things to Do in Austin

La Patisserie by Oven Fresh Delights: Macarons, Coffee, and More

November 6, 2014 by greystar

The French know how to do dessert, from their decadent pastries to their delicately flavored macarons. La Patisserie offers all of these French delicacies and more right in the heart of Austin’s Pflugerville neighborhood, and the bakery features a stylish interior that’s equally as sweet. Glass display cases show off La Patisserie’s colorful baked goods, while hardwood floors, antique bookcases, and gleaming chandeliers offer a touch of charm.

The shop’s brightly colored macaron is one of La Patisserie's most popular desserts, but regulars also adore the pain au chocolat and the cream puffs. La Patisserie serves traditional French quiches and croissants for breakfast, as well as a few American breakfast dishes. For lunch, the menu comprises hot sandwiches like croque monsieur and croque madame, simple cold sandwiches, and fresh soups to go along with them. Don’t forget to grab an espresso on your way out!

Note that La Patisserie by Oven Fresh Delights is closed on Mondays.

La Patisserie by Oven Fresh Delights
602 W. Annie Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 912-0033
www.lapatisseriepfl.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-patisserie-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/julien haler

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Austin Dining, La Patisserie by Oven Fresh Delights, Restaurants in Austin

New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

November 6, 2014 by greystar

To enter the Sweepstakes, Like our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends December 31, 2014.

For mobile users ONLY, like our Facebook Page, and then click here to enter!

Filed Under: Life at 3500 Westlake Apartments Tagged With: 3500 Westlake, Facebook Sweepstakes

Which Sandwich Will You Order at Which Wich?

October 23, 2014 by greystar

There are lots of sandwich chains, but chances are you’ve never seen one like Which Wich. Come in and grab an order form; it’s appropriately printed on a brown lunch bag. With over 50 bread, meat, and topping options, the possible combinations are endless, and deciding can be tough!

You’re not accustomed to seeing this stuff elsewhere, either; choices like Chicken Pesto or Hummus and Cucumber lift Which Wich sandwiches above the competition. Add a fresh cookie or a thick, creamy milkshake and you’ve got a cheap, memorable meal. Note that rush hours get busy, but locals praise the efficient service. Free Wi-Fi is available here.

Which Wich
12800 Hill Country Boulevard
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-1221
www.whichwich.com
www.yelp.com/biz/which-wich-bee-cave

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/avlxyz

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Austin Dining, Restaurants in Austin, Which Wich

Complement Your Halloween Costume With Cool Makeup Tutorials

October 16, 2014 by greystar

No matter what you decide to be for Halloween, your costume would likely benefit from makeup—but we're not talking about mascara and lipstick here! If you’re clueless about makeup but want to create a really realistic look for the holiday, these online tutorials will teach you everything you need to know about adding stitches, attaching faux eyelashes, or even transforming yourself into a gory zombie.

Zombie Makeup Tutorial [fairestsfavorites.blogspot.com]
A zombie is a classic Halloween costume that requires some serious makeup skills to perfect. If you want to look truly undead, this costume makeup tutorial will show you how to make your skin pale and add some killer wounds and gashes.

Mermaid [hgtv.com]
For something a bit prettier, this creative mermaid tutorial uses many of the items that you might already have in your makeup kit to transform you into an underwater mermaid. Textured scales along the cheekbones are the most important detail, but pearl accents and dramatic blue lips help to complete the look.

Fairy [popsugar.com]
Another great costume idea is an ethereal fairy, and this makeup tutorial makes the costume look truly realistic. Best of all, this will help you to create a look that’s a bit edgier than most.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/William Warby

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: DIY, Halloween, Parenting, Seasonal

Enjoy Yoga Classes at Austin’s Yoga Yoga

October 9, 2014 by greystar

Yoga has evolved into an obscure hobby into a full-fledged fitness movement, and for good reason. People are learning that focused, controlled stretching under the supervision of an instructor has incredible health benefits.

Whether you’re a yoga newbie or an experienced practitioner, you’ll find excellent classes at Austin’s Yoga Yoga. The studio here is a marvel of cleanliness and organization. Instead of signing in and worrying about billing, clients are given a magnetic card that they swipe with each class. Cards can be pre-loaded for certain numbers of classes and easily refilled. One thing that draws more serious practitioners is the studio's guest seminars by national teachers and yogis. If you’re looking to push yourself or learn some new tricks, consider attending one.

Prices are reasonable, but some popular classes can feel crowded. If you’re lacking supplies, note that Yoga Yoga sells yoga mats and clothing. Yoga Yoga has several locations around the area, so you’ll have no problem finding a studio near you.

Yoga Yoga
2167 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 380-9800
www.facebook.com/YogaYogaAustin
www.yelp.com/biz/yoga-yoga-austin-12
www.yogayoga.com