Jumpoline Park: A Hop, Skip and a Jump to All-Ages Fun

The next time you’re looking for something fun and out of the ordinary to do with the kids, your friends, or even your coworkers, check out Jumpoline Park. This colorful facility is filled with wall-to-wall trampolines that visitors can bounce on and play games on, and because bouncing burns 600 to 1,000 calories an hour, it even makes a great workout that’s much more fun than your usual jog.

If you want to host a unique birthday party for your child, Jumpoline Park features private party rooms that can be rented out for children’s parties and other social events. Order a pizza from Jumpoline Park’s concession stand, bring your own cake and ice cream, and then watch as the little ones let out their energy on the many trampolines filling this safe, fun facility.

Jumpoline Park is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Jumpoline Park
13801 Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78727
(512) 310-1420
www.jumpolinepark.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jumpoline-park-austin-2

New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

To enter the Sweepstakes, visit our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends February 29th, 2016. We suggest you like our page to keep informed about future sweepstakes and community happenings.

For mobile users, click here to enter.

Update Your Wardrobe by Hosting a Clothing Swap at 3500 Westlake! Here’s How!

Wondering what to do with all of those clothes that you just don’t wear anymore? Many thrifty fashion lovers nowadays are starting to host clothing swaps, during which groups of friends get together to trade their gently worn clothes, shoes, and even accessories. Do something good for your budget and even for the environment by using these tips to host your own clothing swap at 3500 Westlake!

  1. Decide on the perfect group. Choose a manageable group that you can fit comfortably inside of your home. While you don’t want to go overboard with people, you’ll likely want to invite at least three or four friends to ensure ample swapping opportunities.
  2. Send out detailed invites. Be sure to describe how the swap will work and exactly how many items to bring in your invitation, email, or text message.
  3. Create a comfortable swapping area. Set up an area in your living room or other common space where you can set up chairs, snacks, and other essentials. Designate a spare room as a "changing room."
  4. Take the reins. Since many of your guests have likely never done a swap before, get things started by demonstrating how to browse the clothes and swap for items. You may even want to give people a limit on how many items they can take home.
  5. Bring refreshments. Once the swap is done, keep the mood light by socializing over snacks and drinks.

How to Hold a Fashion Swap Party [WikiHow]
10 Tips for Hosting a Successful Clothing Swap [Woman’s Day]
13 Rules for a Successful Clothing Swap [Oprah]

Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine: From the Sushi Bar to the Sake Bar

Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine offers a creative, inventive take on classic Japanese cuisine, blending the best of both old and new culinary techniques.

For lunch and dinner, you’ll find delicious sashimi options, unique maki rolls, and even rice-free sushi dishes for those who are cutting carbs, and each one is almost to pretty to eat! (Because Beluga encourages a “shared table” style of dining, guests are encouraged to order a number of small plates to share amongst the table in order to experience every dish.) Beluga also features a full bar of wines, beers, and spirits, as well as traditional Japanese sake to make your experience feel truly authentic.

Visit Beluga for the two-for-one weekday sushi lunch special, then return for the post-work happy hour discounts!

Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine
661 Louis Henna Blvd
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 255-6454
www.belugasushi.net
www.yelp.com/biz/beluga-japanese-cuisine-round-rock

How to Decorate Your Holiday Tree for Maximum Impact

It’s easy to get in a rut when it comes to decorating your tree for the holidays, but if you switch things up to create maximum impact, all it takes is a bit of creativity and a whole lot of festive cheer. Here are a few great ideas for decorating your holiday tree this year.

  • Instead of mixing up red, green and gold ornaments, go for a monochromatic look. Really commit to one specific shade and decorate your entire tree in that color.
  • Create your own unique tree topper by purchasing a wooden letter in your last name’s initial. Cover the whole thing in glitter paint to match the tree, and then attach it by stapling a piece of sturdy fabric to the back and sliding it on to the top of the tree.
  • Keep things simple and minimal all over the surface of the tree in order to the let the tree’s skirt really shine. This often-overlooked part can be dressed up with a luxurious velvet skirt or a homemade version in your choice of wild, fun fabrics.
  • Purchase a dozen small mirrors in gold or silver frames from a thrift store or craft shop and set them all over the tree for a truly unique effect.
  • Decorate your tree with live poinsettias for a dramatic look. Simply cut individual flowers from a poinsettia bush (or purchase silk versions) and evenly space them all over the tree.

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Elegantly [wikiHow]
40 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas to Try This Season [HGTV]
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree [Better Homes and Gardens]

Find the Perfect Gift for the Women in Your Life at Atown

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for your mother, a friend or your significant other, you’ll find it at Atwon. This women’s clothing boutique and gift shop sells something for just about everyone, and they often have sales that benefit local charities and community organizations.

Browse the handmade cards and candles if you’re on the hunt for a small yet thoughtful gift, or peruse the nail bar, which is well stocked with polishes from top brands. There is always a great selection of artisan jewelry and accessories from makers around the Austin area, and it all pairs perfectly with the cozy flannel shirts, boho-style dresses, and graphic print T-shirts that you’ll often find in Atown’s clothing section.

Grab some complimentary cookies, agua fresca, or a glass of wine while you wander around this popular local boutique, and don’t forget to pop in to the other shops in the Allandale area!

Atown
5502 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 323-2533
www.shopatown.tumblr.com

Black Lagoon Art + Yoga: Cultivate Flexibility in an Inspiring Space

Part art gallery, part yoga studio, Austin's Black Lagoon promotes healthier bodies and imaginations in Austin. Not that Austin needs much help staying "weird," but this indie art gallery and fitness studio certainly helps. When it first debuted in 2010, its founders likely had no idea the profound impact it would have on yogis and artists alike—although they probably hoped.

Today, it's become a staple of the neighborhood. Exercisers flock to the art gallery for yoga classes amid the masterpieces hanging on the walls. There's a class appropriate for every level of ability, even if you've never stepped foot in a yoga studio before. And with multiple yoga classes offered on a daily basis, you should be able to squeeze in practice even if you have a busy schedule. If you're just interested in seeing the art, make an appointment to check out what's on display right now or attend one of the receptions held at Black Lagoon Art + Yoga.

Black Lagoon Art + Yoga
4301 A Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 534-6719
www.blacklagoongallery.com
www.yelp.com/biz/black-lagoon-art-yoga-austin

Try Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar for All Your Seafood Favorites

Whether you want to grab a quick bite on the go or relax with friends to watch the game, Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar is a popular choice in Austin. This eatery offers all the Cajun cuisine classics you'd expect, including a spicy gumbo, jambalaya filled with shrimp and sausage, and crawfish etouffee.

In fact, it's crawfish in any form that's the main draw for this place. Yelp reviewers report traveling for miles to feast on the Crawfish Shack's crawfish, which is best simply ordered by the pound, hot from the pot. Choose a few add-in extras, like corn, potato, and fried oysters for a truly decadent meal. Whatever you order, don’t forget to ask for the restaurant's signature moist towelettes to clean up your fingertips after you're finished eating!

The restaurant itself is clean, with brightly colored walls and offbeat decorations, like fishing nets draped here and there. There's even free Wi-Fi in case you've got a few emails to answer while waiting for your meal.

Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar
2013 Wells Branch Parkway
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 252-7556
www.crawfishshacktx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/crawfish-shack-and-oyster-bar-austin

Impress Your Family and Friends With These Thanksgiving Fun Facts

While the only foods known to have been served during the first Thanksgiving included deer, corn, and fish, today, the fourth Thursday of every November is a bona fide feast of turkey and cranberry sauce. In fact, around 20% of the cranberries consumed in the U.S. every year are eaten on Thanksgiving, and 7 billion pounds of turkey are sold annually for the holiday! Here are some more fun facts about Thanksgiving that you may not already know.

1. Historians believe that seal, swan, and lobster may have also been on the menu during the first Thanksgiving, which took place in 1621.

2. If you're feeling sleepy post-turkey, don't blame the tryptophan. Drowsiness is more likely caused by over-eating and -imbibing!

3. The heaviest turkey ever raised weighed in at a whopping 86 pounds.

4. Over 3 million people attend Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade every year. The first parade was held in 1924.

5. Benjamin Franklin campaigned for the turkey to be our country's national bird, instead of the bald eagle.

Thanksgiving Fun Facts [WHSV-TV3]
10 Interesting Thanksgiving Facts [TIFO]

Treat Yourself to a Little R&R at Avant Salon & Spa

Whether you’re looking to debut a new hairstyle for the upcoming season or simply to treat yourself to a day of pampering, Avant Salon & Spa is one of the best places in Austin for all things hair, skin, and body. This luxury salon and spa employs a number of skilled stylists who can sculpt flattering haircuts on both men and women, as well as administer highlights, lowlights, and all-over color. Relaxing massages are available in the chic, private massage rooms, and there are also other body treatments, like full-body exfoliation and waxing for the arms, legs, or bikini area.

Avant Salon & Spa also offers professional makeup application for special occasions, like weddings and school dances, using Aveda’s popular Uruku line of cosmetics. For all of your beauty and relaxation needs, Avant Salon & Spa is a truly reliable and high-class option in Austin.

Avant Salon & Spa
9901 North Capital of TX Highway
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 502-8268
www.avantsalon.com
www.yelp.com/biz/avant-salon-spa-austin?sort_by=date_desc

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