May this autumn bring you a harvest of fun times and laughter with family and friends!
Mills Pond: Relax by a Countryside Pond
September 22, 2016 by
Mills Pond is a tranquil oasis tucked into the middle of Austin’s Lakes at Wells Branch subdivision, and locals say it's a great spot to gather with friends and family. The pond offers a pier for anglers who want to try their hand at catching the local fish, as well as a floating boat dock for use by any non-motorized boats.
Winding trails around the pond's perimeter offer scenic views and the chance to glimpse local ducks, geese, and cranes, as well as the opportunity for a bit of exercise (joggers and bikers are both welcome). Sunny, grassy fields nearby are ideal for spreading out a blanket and sharing a picnic, reading a book, or just enjoying the fresh air.
Whether you decide to enjoy the view from a park bench on the bank, or climb into a canoe to explore the pond itself, you can expect a quiet, peaceful visit to Mills Pond.
Mills Pond
15108 Wells Port Drive
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 251-9814
www.wellsbranchmud.com/parks/mills-pond.html
www.yelp.com/biz/mills-pond-austin
Discover Your New Favorite Gelato Flavor at Dolce Neve in Austin
September 15, 2016 by
For area foodies with an undeniable sweet tooth, there are few dessert spots better than Dolce Neve in Austin. This quaint and charming dessert shop is furnished with white farm tables and industrial light fixtures that create a comfortable space for relaxing with dessert after dinner in the area, and it also has a wooden front porch perfect for chatting with friends on a lazy afternoon.
The gelato menu at Dolce Neve contains all of your favorite classic flavors, as well as brand-new combinations like Thai basil and buttermilk, butternut squash and sage, and mascarpone and fig. Enjoy one or two scoops in a small dish or a homemade waffle cone, and you'll likely find that the gelato is so decadent that you’ll only need a bit to really experience the taste!
Dolce Neve
1713 S. First St.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 804-5568
www.dolcenevegelato.com
Tackle Tough Stains With These Expert Tips
September 15, 2016 by
It's common knowledge that the longer a stain remains, the more difficult it is to remove. Whether it’s spilled coffee, wine, or barbecue sauce, it's still possible to save your clothes or carpet. Follow these tips on how to tackle tough stains.
- Time is of the essence. If you’re not near a washing machine, pre-treat the area using a portable stain pen or wipe. If you don’t have these on hand, trying using an ice cube to wet the spot.
- Wait before drying. After washing your item, check that the stain is gone before putting it in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can make the stain permanent.
- Blot your stain gently. Rubbing the stain will just make it worse.
- Choose your tactic.
- For ketchup or barbecue sauce stains, rinse with cold water first, then launder in cold water.
- For fruit, juice, or wine stains, launder with detergent in warm water. Do not use bar soap, as soap-based products could make your stain permanent.
- For stubborn stains like grass, soak the area in a solution of cool water and a laundry product such as Shout for at least 30 minutes. If the stains are still visible, soak for an additional 30 minutes and then wash again.
How To Get Stains Out Of Clothes Like A Boss [She Knows]
How to Remove Stains [Esquire]
Stain Removal Tricks and Shortcuts [Real Simple]
Stain Removal Chart [American Cleaning Institute]
Sanctuary: A World of Inspiring Gifts
September 9, 2016 by
If you’re looking for a unique gift for a relative, friend, or even for yourself, Sanctuary could be just the place to find it. Austin-area newspapers, magazine columnists, and style bloggers all heap praise on this Westlake boutique, which owner Hanna Curran opened in July 2008 to feature the best of locally-made jewelry, current fashion, sustainable home furnishings, and inviting garden and botanical accessories. You'll also find a growing selection of products for children and babies ranging from adorable bodysuits to traditional wooden toys.
While Westlake has a reputation for being ritzy, reviewers on Yelp praise Sanctuary for being tasteful without being snooty and affordable without skimping on quality or style. The inventory circulates often, so you can stop by regularly to see what’s new, or follow this shop on social media to get a sneak peek at what is currently in store.
Sanctuary
3363 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 329-0507
www.shopatsanctuary.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sanctuary-austin
CRAVE: Come for the Sliders, Stay for the Sushi (Or Vice Versa)
September 1, 2016 by
Not many eateries exist where you can order sushi, sliders, and caprese flatbread in the same sitting, but CRAVE is one of them.
The Austin eatery prides itself not only on the variety of its menu, but also the array of options when it comes to serving size. Smaller appetites can stick with a small plate like the CRAVE sliders (although some guests note that they're actually large enough to serve as an entree). The smoky bites of beef are topped with cheddar cheese, caramelized onion, and the house's signature burger sauce. Flatbreads and sushi also make for a smaller meal.
But there's nothing small about the crab-crusted filet mignon or One Big Meatball, oozing mozzarella cheese over an angel hair foundation. Some other full-sized entrees include pan-roasted sea bass and fried chicken and waffles, all of which pair well with a cocktail, pint of beer, or glass of wine. Plus, the menu boasts an impressive list of gluten-free options for diners with dietary restrictions.
CRAVE
340 E. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 469-0000
www.cravetexas.com
www.yelp.com/biz/crave-austin-4
Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine: From the Sushi Bar to the Sake Bar
August 25, 2016 by
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
Plan a Warm-Weather Dinner Party With These Delicious Desserts
August 18, 2016 by
Now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer, you're likely planning more social events to add to your calendar. This also means that you're on the hunt for warn-weather recipes for all of those cook-outs and dinner parties. Here are just a few fresh desserts that are perfect for the spring and summer seasons.
Ina's Lemon Yogurt Cake [foodnetwork.com]
With its bright, zesty flavor and moist texture, Ina Garten's recipe for lemon yogurt cake is perfect for your spring and summer brunches and other occasions. It also features a light drizzle of glaze on top to add even more sweetness.
Ducle de Leche Crepe Cake [foodnetwork.com]
With layers upon layers of homemade crepes, this is one of the most unique desserts that you'll try this spring. The recipe also features a creamy icing and a gooey caramel topping that creates that recognizable dulce de leche flavor.
Lemon Sherbet Cupcakes With Buttercream Frosting [myrecipes.com]
While you likely already enjoy sherbet during the warm weather of springtime, you'll love it even more in this innovative cupcake recipe. These cupcakes feature the citrus flavor of sherbet in their base, while the buttercream frosting on top makes them taste rich and creamy.
Finley’s Barber Shop: Get a Classic Cut at This Old School Shop
August 11, 2016 by
In a world where consumers are always looking for the fastest, most convenient options, the intricacy of a straight razor shave and a shoeshine goes a long way. Finley’s Barber Shop is an old-fashioned barber shop that's centered around this type of detail-oriented service, and the men who walk out of its wooden doors reflect the impressive difference a classic haircut makes.
The shop itself is located in the Warehouse District of downtown Austin, and inside of its large, glass-paneled storefront lies a exceptionally stylish barber shop with all of the classic trimmings. Vintage photo frames line the walls, antique pedestal sinks sit at the center of each station, and the industrial style of the exposed pipes adds even more character. Each customer is offered a cold beverage at the beginning of a visit, and then you can simply relax as one of the skilled barbers shaves, snips, and shines away.
Finley's Barber Shop is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended.
Finley’s Barber Shop
237 W. Third Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 298-2920
www.finleysformen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/finleys-barber-shop-austin-2
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