Celebrate the Globe’s Best-Known Band at “Ladies and Gentlemen…The Beatles!” Exhibit, Opening Saturday

Only the best of the best musicians receive a Grammy, so it makes sense that the Grammy Museum only showcases the work of top performers from the past and present. Unsurprisingly, The Beatles land on that list. That's why the Grammy Museum curated and designed "Ladies and Gentleman…The Beatles!" The traveling exhibit portrays the everlasting impact that the band had on the music scene at the time, and how it continues to affect tunes today.

The exhibit will be on display at the LBJ Presidential Library, just a little more than a mile from Elan East, beginning this Saturday, June 13. It follows the trajectory of The Beatles' career from the moment they set foot on American soil in 1964 through the highest point of their fame in 1966. More than 400 items commemorate the historic band, including rare photos, artifacts from their tours, and instruments actually strummed by some of The Beatles, contributed by private collectors.

The LBJ Presidential Library
Ladies and Gentlemen…The Beatles!
June 13, 2015 through Jan. 10, 2016
2313 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 721-0200
www.lbjlibrary.org/press/ladies-and-gentlementhe-beatles-exhibit-to-open-june-2015

Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum: Take an Interactive Trip Across Texas

You only have to travel five minutes from Elan East to take a tour of the entire state of Texas. That is, if you plan a visit to the Bullock Museum's Free First Sunday this weekend. An event held every month, the Free First Sunday invites museum visitors to Travel Across Texas via a series of historical exhibits—all free of charge between the hours of noon and 3 p.m. on these special days.

Bring your whole family along and check out the artifacts and art that tell the story of your home state. In addition to the typical exhibits, Free First Sundays also include activities the keep the entire clan entertained. Learn how to make your own work of art that pays homage to Texas, enjoy an activity hosted in one of the colorful galleries, or drink in the knowledge of a local expert at a special presentation. Free First Sundays inspire creativity and teach at the same time, so they're a great way to get your little ones excited about history.

The Bullock Museum
Free First Sunday
12 to 3 p.m. Every First Sunday of the Month
1800 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 936-8746
www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/calendar/free-first-sunday-travel-across-texas

Local Breweries Represent at the Germany-Inspired Austin Maifest This Weekend

Rahr & Sons Brewing. Austin Beerworks. Circle Brewing. Hops & Grain, Saint Arnold, Pedernales. These are just a handful of the Texas breweries that will represent at this year's Austin Maifest. The third annual installment of the beer festival, it continues to celebrate craft breweries not only from around Austin, but also from all over the state of Texas.

Make the quick two-mile drive from Elan East this Saturday to sip some of the finest suds from brewmasters in your area. They whip up special German beers for the Texas-German Bier Festival, as it's more formally known. Buy an advance ticket for $25, and you can snag a sample from 10 of the breweries on this year's roster, including the six previously mentioned businesses.

In addition to the suds, Austin Maifest also offers German fare by local business Smokey Denmark's Smoked Meats, plus bowling for groups of revelers. Enjoy the tastings or grab a pint at the rooftop biergarten, which overlooks the pulsing heart of Austin.

Austin Maifest
Saengerrunde Hall and Scholz Beer Garden
1 to 7 p.m. May 30
1607 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
www.facebook.com/MaifestATX

Bistro Vonish: Rich, Decadent Vegan Cuisine Served in a Trailer

Vegans don’t just eat salad. That’s one of the messages that chef Craig Vanis wants to send through Bistro Vonish, a vegan food trailer situated down the street from Elan East. Another is that vegan fare isn’t just for vegans. Meat-eaters can attest to that — Vanis’ cuisine is 100% free of animal products, but reviewers have given the chef an enthusiastic two thumbs up for creating mouthwatering dishes that eaters would never would have pegged as vegan.

Vanis’ menu is constantly changing, but some examples of dishes he’s offered before include pear-arugula pizza, mac and “cheese,” apple jam kolache (a European pastry), and chocolate mousse pie. If you dine here and enjoy your experience, it’s worth it to consider joining the Bistro Vonish supper club. Supper club members are invited to private, five-course, prix fixe dinners that highlight Central Texas produce.

Even though Bistro Vonish is a newcomer to the Austin dining scene, Vanis already has big plans for it. Later this year, he’ll be opening a brick-and-mortar version of his eatery.

Bistro Vonish
3111 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722
(203) 989-7762
www.bistrovonish.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bistro-vonish-austin

Celebrate 150 Years Since the Civil War Cease Fire at Austin’s Guns of 1863

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War cease fire, and the Texas Military Forces Museum intends to celebrate. On Saturday, May 16 it will host the Guns of 1863 event at Camp Mabry, which is only four miles and a 10-minute drive from your apartment at Elan East.

The program pays homage to the men who laid down their lives during the Civil War with reenactments, demonstrations, and exhibits. At 1 p.m., Union and Texas "soldiers" will recreate a scuffle just like it actually happened during wartime. Throughout the rest of the day, you can witness firing demos of the weapons that armed either side. Guests will also learn exactly what it was like to live through the conditions that Civil War soldiers endured, and they can watch the infantry drill just like they would have 150 years ago.

Guns of 1863
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16
Camp Mabry
2200 W. 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703
www.txmf.us/txmf-upcoming-events

Do You Have What It Takes to Escape From Puzzle Room Austin?

Imagine being locked in a room — literally — with a group of friends, and the only thing that will set you free is successfully solving a puzzle. At Puzzle Room Austin, this could be your next Saturday night.

The current scenario that participants are charged with solving is dubbed Escape From the Super Villian’s Hideout. The premise is you’re being held captive by a bad guy called the Befuddler, who is planning a scheme that would wipe out the city, so it’s up to you and your group to save the day by solving a series of puzzles and codes. You have an hour to solve them, and if you make it, Puzzle Room staffers will take your photo and post it on their website!

Only 33% of the groups have won; the record so far has been 49 minutes. Participants have reported that the puzzle is challenging but not impossible to solve, and it makes for a great team-building activity or fun thing to do with friends for a bachelor party or birthday. After you’re done, you can easily make the 10-minute drive back to Elan East, or continue the party by hitting one of the bars or restaurants near the Puzzle Room. After all, a celebration might be in order if you’re successful! Puzzle Room Austin is open Thursday and Friday nights, and all day Saturdays and Sundays.

Puzzle Room Austin
111 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
www.puzzleroomaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/puzzle-room-austin-austin

Feeling the Heat? Here’s How to Stay Safe During a Heat Wave

At the beginning of summer you’re thrilled about the bright sunshine, long afternoons spent outdoors, and the hot summer breeze blowing through the trees. There comes a point when these things can start to feel overwhelming, however, and those days are potentially dangerous to your health. Here are a few simple tips to keep yourself and your family safe during a heat wave.

  1. Know the symptoms. If you know the symptoms of heat-related illness, you’ll be better equipped to recognize it when it happens. If you or someone you know has painful muscle cramps, heavy sweating, a weak pulse, or nausea, those may be signs of heat exhaustion.
  2. Stay hydrated. When the temperature rises to 90 degrees or above, it’s very important to drink at least one gallon of water per day.
  3. Change your workout routine. Be sure to move any physical activity to the very early morning or after the sun goes down on days when there’s even a slight risk for heat stroke.
  4. Wear lightweight clothing. This one may seem like a no brainer, but it can be difficult if you work in a place with a strict dress code or if you’re unprepared for the heat. Be sure to wear breathable fabrics in single layers, or wear an undershirt so that you can shed layers as the temperatures rise.

Heat: A Major Killer [National Weather Service]
Summer Heat Safety Tips [Love to Know]
NYC Hazards: Extreme Heat and Your Health [NYC.gov]
Red Cross Offers Ways to Stay Safe During a Heat Wave [Red Cross]

How to Make Air Travel More Comfortable

From the lack of leg room to the stingy snacks, air travel leaves much to be desired. There are ways, however, that you can make flying a little bit more comfortable. Read these tips before packing for your next getaway.

1) Be prepared.
Bringing a few comforts from home will help you relax. Bring an eye mask, neck pillow, ear plugs, and/or noise-cancelling headphones so you can nap before take-off and on the flight. Magazines, books, and puzzle books can help pass the time. Download a few games to your phone or tablet, and don't forget your chargers! Also, many travelers would agree that being able to access the in-flight Wi-Fi is worth the cost.

2) Arrive well-rested and well-fed.
Expect the unexpected. Compounded with flight delays and other situations out of your control, being tired and hungry will make your flight even more stressful. If possible, get a good night's sleep the day before your flight. Eat a well-rounded meal before heading to the airport, and pack a few snacks to munch before and after you board. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking water once airborne.

3) Dress appropriately.
Don't wear restrictive clothing to fly, especially if you're embarking on a lengthy flight. Wear comfortable clothes, and pack a pair of cozy socks or slippers. Dressing in layers will make it easier for you to adjust your body temperature.

Top 10 Tips for Having a Good Flight [How Stuff Works]
Six Things to Make a Long Flight More Comfortable [Conde Nast Traveler]
How to Fly Coach in Comfort [Traveler and Leisure]
10 Ways To Make Flying Coach Comfier [Huffpost Travel]

6 Out-of-the-Ordinary Carrot Recipes

Once you leave infancy, plain old cooked carrots likely aren’t one of your favorite dishes. While these veggies alone can be somewhat bland and boring, when they’re spiced up and cooked in interesting ways, carrots are a versatile vegetable that can be turned into some pretty great dishes. Here are six unique carrot recipes to try at home tonight.

Roasted Parsnips and Carrots [Food Network]
This roasted root vegetable side dish is flavored with simple herbs and seasonings.

Glazed Salmon With Spiced Carrots [Food Network]
Pair the light, flavorful fish with spicy coriander, cumin, and cinnamon for an explosive dish that’s exciting for your taste buds.

Carrot Soufflé [AllRecipes]
Sweetened with rich vanilla and two types of sugars, this fluffy carrot soufflé is sweet enough to be dessert.

Curried Carrot Soup [AllRecipes]
A bit of exotic spice goes a long way in this creamy soup with a carrot base.

Moist Carrot Cake [AllRecipes]
It may not be the healthiest recipe, but you can’t think of carrots without thinking of carrot cake. This one is moist, hearty, and topped with a decadently creamy icing.

Carrot Rice [AllRecipes]
Combine grated carrots with basmati rice, roasted peanuts, and fresh ginger for a unique side dish that tastes incredibly fresh.

Public Domain/Freeimagescollection

5 Omelet Recipes That Will Make Your Breakfast Better

To get the perfect combination of eggs, veggies, and cheeses, there’s nothing better than a savory omelet. These five unique omelet recipes will give you a few new ideas for your morning meal.

Aussie Omelet
You may have heard of a Greek omelet or a Spanish omelet, but you’ve probably never tried an Aussie omelet. Full of shrimp, peppers, curry, and other down-under ingredients, this is a spicy seafood omelet that will jump-start your day.

Herbed Cream Cheese Omelet
The addition of rich, creamy cream cheese makes this omelet a savory treat. When the herbs, eggs, and cream cheese all blend together, it creates a rich taste that everyone will love.

Quick Garden Omelet
When you want to create a beautiful breakfast but you don’t have much time to spare, this veggie-packed garden omelet is the perfect choice.

Southwestern Omelet
Black beans, salsa, and melted cheddar give this omelet a spicy flavor that’s distinctly Southwestern. This recipe can feed two people.

Onion and Fresh Herb Omelet with Mixed Greens
This light onion omelet is topped with a mix of field greens for added vitamins and nutrients. Pair it with fresh fruit, hot coffee, and whole-wheat toast for a healthy and hearty breakfast meal.

Public Domain/Public Domain

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