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Peruse Original Artwork in Austin at Yard Dog Gallery

December 11, 2014 by greystar

An art gallery in Austin, Yard Dog once specialized in showcasing folk art from the American South, but has since grown to feature art from all over North America. This is a great place to stop by and browse when visiting the shopping district.

Here, you'll find smaller pieces for sale, as well as work by well-known artists, like singer Daniel Johnston's cartoon art and Lisa Brawn's painted woodcuts. You can browse some of the inventory online, but there is nothing like viewing these creations in person. Regulars also suggest that Yard Dog Gallery puts on one of the best parties for Bloodshot Records during South By Southwest, so keep that in mind when planning your yearly festivities!

Yard Dog Gallery is open daily.

Yard Dog Gallery
1510 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 912-1613
www.yarddog.com
www.yelp.com/biz/yard-dog-gallery-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Les Chatfield

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Things to Do in Austin, Yard Dog Gallery

Simple DIY Centerpieces and Decorations for Your Next Party

December 4, 2014 by greystar

Planning a party can be expensive, but all it takes is a bit of time and creativity to make DIY decorations that hardly cost a thing. Here are some festive centerpieces and décor ideas that will spice up your next party on a budget.

Romantic Table Runner [Pinterest]
This vintage-inspired table runner is ideal for casual weddings, anniversary parties and any other time that you want to add a look of romance to a celebration. By simply attaching antique lace doilies in a haphazard row, you can create a truly custom table runner.

Pennant Bunting [Pinterest]
Long strings of retro pennants are some of this year’s most popular décor crazes because they’re so simple to make. Collect some scrap fabric or bunting in colors that match your party’s theme, and then cut them into pennant shapes for a designer-inspired decoration without spending a dime.

Metallic Flower Vases [Real Simple]
Turn some old coffee canisters into luxurious centerpieces with the addition of a bit of metallic spray paint. Simply spray the canisters in alternating shades of gold, silver or bronze and fill them with your favorite flowers.

Floating Balloon Vases [Real Simple]
For a truly festive birthday party centerpiece, try filling a clear glass vase with colorful mini balloons. Best of all, there’s absolutely no helium required.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Phil Hawksworth

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Apartment Living, DIY, Entertaining, Parties

Happy Thanksgiving

November 27, 2014 by greystar

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

Filed Under: Life at Ladera Apartments Tagged With: Ladera Holiday Greeting

The Flying Carpet: Truck It to This Tasty Moroccan Eatery

November 24, 2014 by greystar

Austin’s culinary scene is well-known for its diverse assortment of food trucks, and The Flying Carpet is one of the city's most popular mobile eateries. This Moroccan fare restaurant cooks and serves its food from inside of a colorful food truck, and it also hosts a dining room inside of a separate building in front of the truck. This quirky layout makes The Flying Carpet a bit difficult to find for first-time visitors, but once you figure it out it becomes quite convenient. If you prefer to sit outside on a warm Austin afternoon, The Flying Carpet also offers a few shady tables on the outdoor patio.

Dishes like the Big Abdu consist of freshly baked pita bread, ground meats, and seasoned vegetables, and many regular guests order a pot of fine Moroccan tea to pair with their meal. With affordable prices and a knowledgeable staff, The Flying Carpet is ideal for an adventurous lunch.

The Flying Carpet
504 West Oltorf
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 744-5651
www.tfctheflyingcarpet.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-flying-carpet-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/stu_spivack

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Austin Dining, Restaurants in Austin, The Flying Carpet

Tips for Healthy Snacking

November 20, 2014 by greystar

Your little ones love sugary cookies, while you just can’t resist a savory snack every now and then. If you’re looking for healthier snacks for the whole family that still tasty and satisfying, these tips from the NIH can help you find them.

Create healthier versions of your favorite snacks. Instead of your usual cheese and crackers, substitute low-fat cheese and whole-grain crackers. Instead of buttery, salty movie theater popcorn, make some fat-free or low-fat popcorn.
Make healthier dessert choices. Instead of your usual homemade milkshake, blend a banana, ice and low-fat chocolate milk for a chocolate smoothie that’s still delicious.
Choose smarter condiments. Sauces and other toppings can add fat and empty calories to an otherwise healthy snack. Instead of cheese, choose salsa, and instead of regular ranch dressing opt for a fat-free variety.

For more healthy snacking tips, visit the NIH website.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/marc kjerland

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Diet, Food, Health, Ladera, Nutrition

Cupcake Happy Hour!

November 19, 2014 by greystar

Filed Under: Life at Ladera Apartments Tagged With: Ladera Resident Events

Goorin Bros. Haberdashery and Hat Shop: Stay Stylish From Head to Toe

November 13, 2014 by greystar

Take a walk down any given street in Austin, and you’ll likely notice that locals of both genders love a good hat. From classic cowboy hats to vintage ball caps and floppy hats to block the summer sun, Goorin Bros. Haberdashery and Hat Shop supplies a very large number of Austin residents’ hat collections. This beloved shop is located in the eclectic South Congress area, and it aims to maintain the city’s cowboy roots while also offering a bit of Tejano culture and folk art influence.

Inside, rich rugs line the shop’s floors and rustic light fixtures create a distinctly Austin décor style. Hats of all kinds are displayed on just about every surface, but the knowledgeable salespeople are more than willing to help you choose the perfect one. Although customers note that Goorin Bros. hats can be a bit pricey, these are investment pieces that are meant to last a lifetime.

Goorin Bros. Haberdashery and Hat Shop
1323 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 326-4287
www.goorin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/goorin-bros-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/wicker-furniture

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Austin Attractions, Goorin Bros. Haberdashery and Hat Shop, Things to Do in Austin

Tasty Mexican Cuisine in Austin at El Alma

November 6, 2014 by greystar

This upscale Mexican restaurant is named after chef Alma Alcocer, who was born in Mexico City and attended the legendary Le Cordon Bleu academy in Paris for culinary training. After her studies, she moved to Austin where she paired with restaurant magnate Carlos Rivero to open El Alma in 2012. The restaurant’s location is unique and charming; it’s built into a limestone hillside with a delightful outdoor patio.

Of course, the food is the biggest reason to take a trip here. Some of the menu’s most-loved dishes include the duck emmoladas—mole-covered enchiladas stuffed with healthy portions of tender, flavorful duck—as well as the shrimp chelada, a dish of seafood cooked in citrus, ceviche-style, and topped with beer.

Visit El Alma's website to learn more about this Austin restaurant!

El Alma
1025 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 609-8923
www.elalmacafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/el-alma-austin-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Steven Depolo

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Austin Dining, El Alma, Restaurants in Austin

Don’t Forget to Vote!

November 4, 2014 by greystar

Today is Election Day! Make sure you go out and vote today!