You are here: Home / Archives for Lifestyle

Tech Question of the Day: What Is Arduino?

February 5, 2015 by

If you’re not particularly in tune with the inner workings of a computer, you likely don’t know what Arduino is. In the simplest terms, Arduino is a single-board microcontroller that hobbyists can use to create computer-powered devices, with sensors like thermometers, light meters, and more. Here are a few key facts about Arduino:

Arduino is an open-source computing platform.
This means that anyone can use it and help to develop it. The Arduino board can be assembled by hand, or it can be purchased already assembled. Owners can use Arduino alone or in conjunction with software running on an existing computer.

Newcomers to computer programming can use Arduino.
In fact, that’s who it was designed for. Arduino is meant to introduce artists and other non-software developers to computer programming by providing a code editor with syntax highlighting, brace matching, and other features. The language and hardware can be used to create fun home projects like wearable computers, interactive toys, and much more!

Introduction [Arduino]

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Slurp a Bowl of Authentic Vietnamese Pho at Pho Viet

January 29, 2015 by

Many say that Pho Viet serves some of the most authentic Vietnamese food in the greater Austin area. The eatery's lengthy menu lists traditional favorites such as eggrolls, noodle soup, and broccoli and beef, as well as vermicelli bowls and a combination clay pot consisting of shrimp and chicken.

Pho Viet is located inside a large strip shopping mall, so the outdoor appeal may be lacking. However, the service is cordial and friendly, and the atmosphere is much quieter than what one would expect from such a popular restaurant. The colored walls, dark wood tables and chairs, and drop lighting help to add to the comforting feel of the restaurant, making it an ideal restaurant for both families and those celebrating a special event.

Pho Viet
603 Louis Henna Boulevard

Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 255-7800
www.yelp.com/biz/pho-viet-round-rock

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , ,

Party Safe: Tips for Serving a Safe Food Buffet

January 22, 2015 by

When you have a large group of people over for dinner, serving food buffet-style ensures that everyone gets exactly what they want. But how can you be sure that everything stays fresh, from appetizers to dessert? Here are a few tips for serving a safe food buffet.

  1. Buy foods at the proper temperature. Things like fried chicken, casseroles, and ice cream should be kept at the same temperature from the store to the buffet table, as changing their temperatures too much can cause food to spoil.
  2. Know the proper temperatures. Hot food should be kept between 140° and 165° Fahrenheit, while cold food should be kept at 40° Fahrenheit and lower.
  3. Don’t leave food out for longer than two hours. Be sure to include preparation and serving in your count.
  4. Use the proper tools. To ensure that food is kept at the proper temperature, use things like slow cookers, warming trays, and nesting dishes in bowls of ice. To prevent guests from mixing foods, make sure that you provide a separate spoon, spatula, or tongs in each dish. Also provide individual bowls for dips to discourage guests from double-dipping.

Serving Up Safe Buffets [FDA]
Serving Prepared Foods Safely [Whole Foods]
Holiday or Party Buffets [USDA]

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Crown Donut: A Friendly Donut Place in Austin

January 15, 2015 by

If donuts put you in a good mood stop by Crown Donut in Austin, Texas where donuts are served with a smile. Loyal customers find the donuts to be light and tasty. They have a wide variety of yeast and cake donuts, as well as donut holes and kolaches.

If you are in the mood for sweet treat, get a cinnamon sugar cake donut. Looking for savory? Try the highly recommended jalapeno kolache. Although there is a drive through, many customers prefer going into the store for the friendly service. Crown Donut might just be one of the best spots for a sweet breakfast near Indigo Apartments.

Crown Donut
325 Ranch Road 620 S

Austin, TX 78734
(512) 230-4247
www.crowndonut.blogspot.com
www.yelp.com/biz/crown-donut-austin

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , ,

4 Uses for Baking Soda That Might Surprise You

January 8, 2015 by

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]

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

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

December 22, 2014 by

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

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , ,

3 Ways to Make a Great First Impression

December 18, 2014 by

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]

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Pfluger Park: Embark on a Shady Retreat

December 11, 2014 by

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

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , ,

6 Healthy Garlic Recipes With Big Flavor

December 4, 2014 by

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.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

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

November 24, 2014 by

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

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , ,
Next Page »

Pin It on Pinterest