We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day celebrating with the ones you love!
Treat Your Hair to a Trip to Salon Aura Veni
February 11, 2016 by
Salon Aura Veni isn't your typical hair salon. Yes, its stylists boast an array of specific talents (go to Leigh for short hair and Lori for hair extensions), and yes, they take on every styling task you can imagine, from cutting and coloring to curling and straightening. However, the stylists at Salon Aura Veni rely solely on the highest quality products to achieve their jaw-dropping cuts and colors.
These include Kevin Murphy products, a professional line that shies away from any harmful parabens or sulfates. Pureology, another brand the stylists enlist, also shirks all sulfates in favor of safer ingredients that won't damage strands. Moroccan Oil is another common name in professional hair care, one known for its powerful antioxidant ingredients and UV protection; it's generally used to condition hair to make it shiny and soft.
Salon Aura Veni
210 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-2872
www.auraveni.com/Salon_Aura_Veni/About.html
www.yelp.com/biz/salon-aura-veni-austin
Mecca Gym and Spa: A Luxurious Treat for Mind, Body and Soul
February 4, 2016 by
If you believe that working out should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience, Mecca Gym and Spa is the facility for you. This upscale, modern gym is located conveniently in downtown Austin, and it offers a feeling of classic luxury and a personalized fitness experience. Wall-to-wall windows fill the fitness area with natural light, and top-of-the-line cardio and weight machines are scattered throughout the spacious room.
The gym portion hosts a knowledgeable staff of personal trainers who help guests meet their fitness goals, whether those are to train for a triathlon or simply to shed a few extra pounds. The spa is elegantly decorated and soothing, with ornate architectural details, sparkling light fixtures, and comfortable furnishings in every service area. Talented technicians offer massages, facials, and waxing services in private rooms, while guests sip wine or champagne in the open, airy manicure area.
If you want to tone your body and then treat your self to a day of pampering afterward, Mecca Gym and Spa is the place to do it all!
Mecca Gym and Spa
524 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 381-2680
www.meccagymandspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mecca-gym-and-spa-austin
Catfish Parlour: Find Fried Seafood at This Local Favorite in Austin
January 28, 2016 by
If you’re looking to take a taste of the real Austin, Catfish Parlour is the place to go. Here, you’ll find catfish made using fish sourced from domestic farms and fried to crispy perfection, or if you’re looking for something a bit healthier, the restaurant also serves grilled catfish that’s just as tasty. Hush puppies, house recipe coleslaw, and savory pinto beans come on the side, and there is even an extensive menu of homemade desserts to finish the meal.
Everything at Catfish Parlour is served in large portions at low prices, and you can ask for carryout on any menu item. If you choose to dine in, Catfish Parlour’s spacious dining room, rustic wooden tables, and friendly atmosphere will make you feel right at home.
Catfish Parlour is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.
Catfish Parlour
4705 E Ben White Blvd
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 443-1698
www.catfishparlour.com/south-austin.html
Allergic to Eggs? These 3 Webpages Provide Info About Egg Substitutions
January 21, 2016 by
Vegans and those with egg allergies may think that certain foods are off limits, but thanks to egg substitutes, you can still enjoy things like cakes, breads, and other baked goods. These helpful websites are full of tips for using egg substitutes to help you create egg-free dishes that taste just as good as the originals.
PETA
Though this website is tailored toward vegans, its tips are helpful for anyone who wants to remove eggs from their diet. The Egg Replacements page features information about all of the different types of egg substitutes, including silken tofu, potato starch, ground flax seed, and canned pumpkin. There’s also a list full of tips about egg substitutions.
The Kitchn
The Kitchn’s Vegan Egg Substitutes page helps you to choose the perfect egg substitute for any dish. It offers full descriptions of everything from tofu to applesauce, and it also provides information about the best brands of commercial egg replacers.
About.com
The vegetarian section of About.com is a wonderful resource to learn more about egg substitutes. It answers readers’ most pressing questions about cooking without eggs, and it also describes which egg substitutes work best in different types of recipes.
Savory an Icy Treat at Sweet Caroline’s Snow Shack
January 14, 2016 by
New Orleans is known for its snowballs, a popular frozen treat that involves fluffy, white ice that is much smoother than that of a sno-cone. In Austin, you can find authentic snowballs at the family-owned Sweet Caroline’s Snow Shack. This small and colorful dessert shop is housed in a food truck complete with a bright yellow exterior and a convenient ordering counter where you can choose your tasty treat.
Snowballs from Sweet Caroline’s are served in large Styrofoam bowls and topped with colorful syrups including flavors like classic cherry and root beer, as well as more unique flavors like the Tootsie Roll, which is made with chocolate cream and silver fox syrups.
The mobile operation has two locations in Austin, so it’s always easy to stop in for a frozen dessert after dinner or to cool down on a hot afternoon.
Sweet Caroline's Snow Shack
9528 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78729
(512) 234-7669
www.facebook.com/sweetcarolinessnowshack
www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-carolines-snow-shack-austin-2
5 Unexpected Household Uses for Mayonnaise
January 7, 2016 by
Even if mayonnaise isn’t your favorite sandwich topper, you can’t deny that these unique uses for the condiment are downright brilliant! Try one of these new uses for mayonnaise in your home, your car, or even the shower.
- Fix cracks in wood furniture by simply dabbing mayonnaise all over the top, and then using a clean rag to wipe the entire surface. The mayo will stay inside of the crack, and after a few days, its oils will swell the wood and help close the cracked part.
- Create a DIY deep hair conditioner by applying mayo all over your head. Concentrate on the drier parts at the ends and work your way up to the roots, and then leave it on for at least five minutes. When you rinse, you’ll be left with smooth, soft locks.
- Remove the frustrating residue left behind by stickers and other adhesives. Simply rub the spot with mayo and a smooth, dry towel.
- Clean up crayon marks from walls and wood floors by rubbing mayonnaise on the affected area and letting it soak in for a few minutes. Wipe it away with a damp towel and you’ll wipe away the crayon as well.
- Get gum out of your (or your kids’) hair by rubbing the gum with mayonnaise. Once it’s worked in, simply slide the gum down the strands.
10 Unexpected Home Uses for Mayonnaise [Wise Bread]
9 Surprising Uses for Mayonnaise [Rachel Ray Everyday]
11 Home and Beauty Uses for Mayonnaise [Reader’s Digest]
No Austin Restaurant Tour is Complete Without a Visit to Uchi
December 23, 2015 by
Austin has long since become a foodie’s playground, and despite the city's laundry list of so-called "must-try" restaurants, few have quite as much buzz as Uchi. This popular sushi spot is upscale without being pretentious, which makes it the perfect place to go for a first date, a family dinner, a business meeting, and everything in between.
The breezy outdoor patio makes the perfect place to relax while waiting for a table inside the warm, minimal dining room, which is always a great place to see and be seen in Austin. Once you find your table, you’ll face the difficult task of choosing from the delicious selection of baby octopus pops, salmon toro, seared Wagyu beef and foie gras sushi rolls, among many other creative dishes.
There is also a well-regarded selection of wine, beer, and sake. Regulars recommend arriving a bit before the restaurant opens to avoid a long wait.
Uchi
801 S Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808
www.uchiaustin.com
Spruce Up Your Space With These DIY Holiday Crafts
December 17, 2015 by
Instead of splurging on holiday decorations from those pricey home décor stores, make your own seasonal crafts for next to nothing. Here are three holiday craft ideas that will give you a bit of extra money to spend on gifts for your loved ones.
Magazine Trees
Take an old magazine and fold it over page by page to create fan-like holiday trees with a bit of a vintage look. Once you’re done, you can even decorate the trees with tinsel and ornaments. Display them along a mantle or up the stairwell.
3D Paper Snowflakes
If you’re decorating for a holiday party at home, these 3D paper snowflakes are a fun and easy craft that you can make in bulk. Use silver or gold paper for a metallic look, or simply use white computer paper to create a whole flurry of realistic snowflakes.
Ornament-Filled Vases
If you have some leftover ornaments that didn’t fit on the holiday tree, don’t let them go to waste. Instead, create a festive centerpiece or an accent for the mantle by placing them inside of a cheap, clear vase. Add some tall branches behind the ornaments and place the whole thing somewhere that all of your guests can see.
Happy Winter!
December 15, 2015 by
As sweater weather approaches we hope you all stay warm and cozy this season! What are some of your favorite winter activities?
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