4 Uses for Baking Soda That Might Surprise You

Whether you want to save a bit of money or eliminate the amount of unnatural chemicals in your household, making your own cleaning and beauty products is a great option. Baking soda is one of the most versatile products you can use, and it works just as effectively as most store-bought products. Here are a few ways to create your own household cleansers using baking soda.

  1. Toothpaste. To create an all-natural toothpaste, all you have to do is mix baking soda with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Mix it until it forms a paste, and then use it just as you would your regular toothpaste. Though it doesn’t have the minty taste of a commercial toothpaste, this baking soda mixture will clean your teeth just as effectively.
  2. Facial Scrub. If you’ve ever shopped at a beauty supply store, you know how expensive those fancy facial scrubs can be. You can achieve the same skin smoothing results in a much more natural way by using baking soda. Just mix three parts baking soda with one part water and give your face a good scrub.
  3. Coffee Pot Cleaner. Baking soda is also great for cleaning hard-to-reach places like the inside of your coffee pot. Just rinse the pot in a solution made of 1/4 cup of baking soda and one quart of warm water.
  4. Dishwasher Deodorizer. If your dishwasher smells a bit funky after frequent use, freshen it up by using baking soda. Just sprinkle some all over the bottom of the dishwasher and then let it run through one full rinse cycle.

75 Extraordinary Uses for Baking Soda [Life Hackery]
31 Surprising Baking Soda Uses [All You]
51 Fantastic Uses for Baking Soda [Care2]

Find Indian Cuisine at Teji’s Foods in Round Rock, Texas

Fans of Indian food in Round Rock delight in Teji's Foods, which doubles as a restaurant and a grocery. The menu is split into vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections and features food that is fresh, simple, and well seasoned. Order chicken wings for the table that come in your choice of traditional Indian flavors. If you're not sure what to order, consider trying one of Teji's combos to get a sampling of a variety of dishes, like the creamy lamb curry, lentil soup, garlicky Naan bread, and sweet rice pudding.

After you're finished eating, stop by the small grocery store attached to the restaurant and pick up the needed ingredients to recreate your experience at Teji's at home.

Teji's Foods
1205 Round Rock Avenue
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 244-3351
www.tejifoods.com/teji/index.php
www.yelp.com/biz/tejis-round-rock-2

3 Ways to Make a Great First Impression

The old adage is true: You only have one chance to make a good first impression. Because the saying rings true in both social and professional situations, it's helpful to remember a few key pieces of advice when meeting new people. Here are three handy tips:

1) Dress to impress.
Wear clothing that's appropriate for the occasion. Doing so will help bolster your confidence, which will, in turn, be relayed to the other party. If you're headed for a job interview, accessorize minimally, and be sure that your hair and nails appear well-groomed.

2) Be aware of your body language.
Whether you're at a cocktail party or interviewing for a job, crossed arms tell the other people in the room that you're unavailable for conversation. Similarly, excessive fidgeting, slouching, and avoiding eye contact signal that you're anxious and lacking confidence. Sit up tall (just like Mom used to advise!) and smile warmly when warranted by conversation.

3) Don't talk too much.
This might seem counterintuitive when meeting new people, but steamrolling conversation can make you seem self-absorbed. If you find that you tend to ramble when nervous, remind yourself to ask plenty of questions about the other person. This will show that you're truly interested in getting to know them. Offer information about yourself when asked.

5 Ways To Make a Killer First Impression [Forbes]
How to Make a Good First Impression [Real Simple]
Making a Great First Impression [Mind Tools]
It Takes Just 3 Seconds To Make A Brilliant First Impression [Business Insider]

Happy Holidays!

We wish you and your loved ones all a very happy and safe holiday season.

Pfluger Park: Embark on a Shady Retreat

A neighborhood park is a valuable asset to the entire community that it serves, especially one as clean and well maintained as Pfluger Park. This park is a shady respite from Austin’s fast pace, and it offers something for visitors of any age. The colorful play area is filled with monkey bars and climbing structures that the kids will love, the gazebos are ideal for an outdoor birthday party, and dog owners love the tree lined walking trails. The 30-acre Pfluger Park also features a sand volleyball court and a basketball court for more athletic visitors. Whether you come to relax or to get in a bit of exercise, this park offers a taste of nature to Pflugerville-area residents.

In addition to its regular activities, Pfluger Park hosts neighborhood activities such as the Deutschen Pfest and the Music in the Park series. Check the park’s website for more information about upcoming events.

Pfluger Park
515 City Park Road
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 251-9321
www.pflugervilletx.gov/index.aspx?NID=1309
www.yelp.com/biz/pfluger-park-pflugerville

6 Healthy Garlic Recipes With Big Flavor

Garlic is a superfood that’s full of healthful properties. Garlic adds robust flavor and dimension to any dish, and there’s scientific evidence that it helps to prevent many types of cancers. Whether you press your own fresh garlic or use canned, minced versions, it’s an important seasoning to keep on hand. Here are a few great recipes with savory, garlicky tastes.

Asparagus with Anchovies and Garlic
This one is a nutritious side dish with a similar flavor to a Caesar salad, and it perfectly complements grilled chicken or fish.

Brazilian Grilled Flank Steak
Grill up this steak recipe in just 30 minutes for a flavorful entrée with a bold garlic flavor.

Mashed Red Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan
Garlic is a necessity in mashed potatoes, and this recipe adds even more flavor with the addition of zesty Parmesan cheese.

4 Minute Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Combine Jumbo shrimp with lemon, red pepper and garlic cloves for a fresh and healthy summer dish.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
The creamy garlic and cheese sauce on this hearty pasta makes a perfect comfort food that the whole family will love.

Chicken Garlic Bites
These small chicken hors d’oeuvres have a big garlic flavor and can be accentuated with a variety of dipping sauces.

Happy Thanksgiving

We hope everyone has a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The League Kitchen & Tavern: Comfort Food for the Sophisticated Palate

The League Kitchen & Tavern offers a unique dining experience. The dining room at this Austin hotspot is decorated to evoke the feeling of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, and once you're seated you just might find yourself glancing over your shoulder as you order a cocktail in your historic-feeling surroundings.

The food at The League Kitchen & Tavern, however is, thoroughly modern. The kitchen is focused on elevating familiar comfort foods, and regulars say the hand-cut truffle fries served with garlic aioli shouldn't be missed, while the bacon wrapped shrimp atop a smoked gouda grit cake makes a tasty start to any meal. The spinach and kale salad mixes savory and sweet with a combination of shaved cheddar, tart granny Smith apples, candied walnuts, and red onions, and hearty eaters will enjoy the chicken fried pork chop accompanied by mashed potatoes and a creamy jalapeno gravy.

Whatever you decide to order, Yelp reviewers say you're sure to enjoy the restaurant’s innovative preparations.

The League Kitchen & Tavern
1310 Ranch Road 620 South
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 263-3279
leaguelakeway.com/page/home
www.yelp.com/biz/the-league-kitchen-and-tavern-lakeway

Caffeinate Your Morning at These Two Austin Cafes

Although Austin is probably better known for its barbecue, the city's gourmet coffee scene is rapidly catching up. For those who love to treat themselves to a premium cup of joe in the mornings, you have more than a few options from which to choose. Here are just two of Austin’s best coffee shops to fuel your morning.

Epoch Coffee
If you’re searching for the hippest coffee shop in Austin to people watch, surf the web, and get caffeinated, Epoch just may be it. Epoch features the rustic, urban decor that Austin is known for combined with a menu of strong brewed blends and simple espresso drinks. While you won’t find a sugary, blended coffee here, you will find great roasts for coffee purists.
221 W. North Loop Blvd., Austin, TX 78751; (512) 454-3762

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Mozart’s offers your morning cuppa with a stunning view on the side. The cafe’s outdoor patio overlooks a crystal clear lake, while inside friendly baristas create elaborate flavored lattes, seasonal coffee blends, and iced espresso drinks in a wide variety of styles. Although Mozart’s is best known for its sweet beverages, the shop offers more traditional cappuccinos and brewed coffees, as well. Order a coffee and a housemade pastry and enjoy it all while watching the sunrise over the lake outside.
3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX 78703; (512) 477-2900

Design Your Own Frozen Dessert at Front Porch Frozen Desserts in Round Rock

Front Porch Frozen Desserts is a family-owned and -operated self-serve frozen yogurt shop in Round Rock. Replete with Southern hospitality, this space boasts reclaimed wood walls and rustic pine tables, the latter of which were handmade by a family friend.

Front Porch’s high quality yogurt (“the true original good-for-you treat”) is sourced from Honey Hill Farms. The yogurt is crafted into inventive fro-yo flavors such as sea salt caramel pretzel, white chocolate mousse, and monkey bread. In addition to 16 flavors (some rotate seasonally), the yogurt shop has more than 90 toppings from which to choose. If you’d prefer something non-dairy, Front Porch Frozen Desserts serves sweet and refreshing sorbet. French press coffee, made with fair trade, locally roasted beans, is also on offer.

Front Porch Frozen Desserts is open seven days a week.

Front Porch Frozen Desserts
3107 S. IH 35
Round Rock, TX 78664
512-388-6330
frontporchrr.com
yelp.com/biz/front-porch-frozen-desserts-round-rock

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