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Entertain Your Guests With These Summertime Snack Trays

July 22, 2016 by

People often do a bit more entertaining in the warmer months, so if you're planning on having a few friends over to enjoy the summer weather, you'll want to set out light, tasty snacks for them to enjoy. Here are just a few creative ideas for summertime snack trays that everyone will love.

  • A variety of skewers. Stick a few tasty combinations of small skewers to give your guests a handheld snack. Try adding mozzarella, tomato and basil, or add a variety of summertime fruits to another. If you want to get creative, you can even add cake bites for a sweet treat.
  • A fruit platter with dips. While many people think of vegetables when they think of dips, fruits are a bit more refreshing in the summertime. Make your own yogurt dip, add a bowl of peanut butter or even add melted chocolate for a fondue-style snack.
  • Make a multi-layer taco dip. Layer ground beef, sour cream, shredded cheese, lettuce and tomato in a large bowl, and serve the dip with crunchy tortilla chips.
  • Dress up your popcorn. Think popcorn is only reserved for movie nights? Think again! Add a zest of lemon, a bit of parsley and some fresh sea salt to your popcorn to give it a gourmet flavor that's anything but ordinary.

Easy Appetizers: 15 Summer Party Picks [Food.com]

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Expect Bold Flavors and Fresh Ingredients at Uchiko Austin

July 19, 2016 by

Uchiko is a Japanese farmhouse style dining establishment on North Lamar. The ambiance is set with eclectic modern lighting and a mix of tile and wood accents that add to the upscale but comfortable farmhouse feel.

Award-winning chef and Uchiko owner Tyson Cole never fails to amaze with his culinary creations, which showcase bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The best way to try a bit of everything is to choose one of the chef’s tasting menus, which change daily and offer both hot and cold small plates. The dishes include highlights like fresh ceviche or a hot rock with Wagyu beef and ponzu sauce. Not only are the dishes bursting with flavor, they are so carefully plated that each is like a work of art.

Uchiko accepts only a few reservations daily to ensure they have room for walk-in guests. The restaurant is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Don’t miss sake socials daily from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the bar!

Uchiko
4200 North Lamar
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 916-4808
www.uchikoaustin.com

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Learn How to Manage Clutter — Not Hide It!

July 15, 2016 by

If you find yourself tucking away all of that extra clutter every time you clean your home, you may wonder how you can get rid of it for good. Instead of managing the clutter in your home, these smart, space-saving tips will show you how to control your clutter by getting rid of it completely.

  • Take an assessment of your clutter. Where do you notice clutter the most in your home? Is it in the junk drawers in your kitchen, the entryway area or your bedroom closet? Make note of those places where clutter always seems to accumulate so that you can focus the majority of your energy there.
  • Invest in storage systems. If the current storage systems in those areas just aren't working, it's time to reevaluate them. If clothes are always tumbling off of the shelves in your bedroom closet, add some affordable plastic drawers from your local home goods store; if you're always tripping over shoes in the doorway, add a stylish shoe rack.
  • Get rid of clutter-prone areas. Those junk drawers that are always overflowing? Get rid of them! If you don't have that go-to spot for disposing of those unused items, you'll be forced to really think about where they go — or if you need them at all.
  • Make it a part of your routine. If you don't usually think about where to put certain items, you might want to start. A big part of keeping a clean home is developing clean habits, so before you toss those shoes or that extra junk mail aside, take pause and deal with it right on the spot.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Jasper’s Big Dog Saloon: Darts, DJs, Karaoke and Cocktails in Lakeway

July 12, 2016 by

Jasper's Big Dog Saloon is a neighborhood favorite, filled with regulars every night of the week. The bartenders at this unpretentious Lakeway bar are skilled at mixing cocktails, and the beer selection is solid, too. The food menu focuses on elevated snack foods like broiled shrimp and bruschetta, as well as hot sandwiches and personal pizzas.

Jasper's Big Dog Saloon also hosts frequent special events, and you'll likely find that there's something going happening here nearly every night of the week. Depending on when you visit, you might find yourself singing karaoke, competing against your friends in a video trivia competition, playing a few hands of Texas hold-em poker, or dancing the night away to music provided by popular local DJs. Of course, you can always just play a friendly game of darts or pool with friends. And if you're lucky, you might even meet Jasper himself, a 130-pound Goldendoodle who is everyone's favorite pal.

Jasper’s Big Dog Saloon
1310 RR 620 South
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 432-5073
www.jaspersbigdogsaloon.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jaspers-big-dog-saloon-lakeway

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

How to Give Your Bathroom a Spa Makeover

July 8, 2016 by

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a spa in the comfort of your own home? Your bathroom is a private, quiet space and it’s where you go to take a nice relaxing bath or shower to de-stress. All you need to do is add a few more elements to create your own spa atmosphere at home. Use these hacks and tricks to give your bathroom a spa makeover.

  • Use minimal decor and a clean, simple style to achieve a serene and spa-like setting.
  • Soften your lighting and get a relaxing feel by installing lights with dimmer controls.
  • Create a barrier, such as a dramatic shower curtain or large plants, to make yourself feel a bit transported
  • De-clutter your bathroom by keeping your toiletries well organized or hidden.
  • Keep your bath salts and soaps in attractive containers. The presentation of everything will really make a difference.
  • Invest in a towel warmer or use towel-warming bars.
  • Use lavender or jasmine scented candles or oil diffusers. Aromatherapy is a huge part of a spa atmosphere.
  • Create a playlist of relaxing and meditating songs to play while you’re soaking in the tub.

Bathroom Decorating Ideas: 5 Ways to Make Any Bathroom Feel More Spa-Like [Apartment Therapy]
6 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Spa [Popsugar]
10 Affordable Ideas That Will Turn Your Small Bathroom Into A Spa [Improvenet]

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New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

July 8, 2016 by

To enter the Sweepstakes, visit our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends August 31st, 2016. We suggest you like our page to keep informed about future sweepstakes and community happenings.

For mobile users, click here to enter.

Filed Under: Life at Marquis at Barton Trails Apartments Tagged With: ,

Easy Ways to Squeeze in a Workout

July 5, 2016 by

Between work, keeping up with chores, and spending time with friends and family, you may find it difficult to make time in your day for exercise. But as busy as you may feel, you should be able to uncover a few extra minutes hiding in your day. Here are a few ways to fit more fitness into your busy schedule.

  • For two days, keep track of how you spend your time. Writing this down helps you find more downtime that you could use for working out.
  • Pencil it in. Decide on a set time for exercise and enter it in your calendar as a daily event. When you see it every morning, you'll make a mental note that you’re going to exercise and this can help you to stay motivated.
  • Start small. Five-minute walks every day can easily turn into 30-minute walks.
  • Do small exercises while you’re watching TV. You can do crunches, planks, squats, lunges, or pushups while you’re catching up on your favorite shows.
  • Keep a positive attitude. Editing your negative thoughts is a great way to support healthier lifestyle choices.

4 Ways to Squeeze In That Workout [Women’s Health]
25 Ways to Make Time for Fitness [Experience Life]
10 Ways to Sneak In a Workout [Fitness Magazine]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Happy Fourth of July!

July 4, 2016 by

Wishing you a Fourth of July filled with pride, honor, and lots of fun!

Filed Under: Life at Marquis at Barton Trails Apartments Tagged With:

Expert Tips for Creating an Eye-Catching Vignette

July 1, 2016 by

If you have a hallway table or bedroom dresser that could use some sprucing up, the table vignette may be the way to go. A vignette is simply an embellishment that consists of different elements arranged harmoniously, from blooming flowers to vintage picture frames. The exact contents of the vignette are up to you (consider shopping around at thrift stores), but there are a few rules you should follow when you actually go to create the vignette. Here are four of the top suggestions, gleaned from the internet's interior design experts.

  1. Pick a focal point. Before you randomly start arranging knick-knacks on a coffee table, pick an element that will anchor your vignette. For example, it might be a vintage vase filled with flowers or artsy twigs. It could be a pretty picture frame with a personal photo or postcard. Regardless of what it is, make sure the focal point meshes with the colors and style of the rest of your home.
  2. Let light win over dark. If you don't already have a focal point in mind, consider using a cool lamp. When creating a vignette, it's imperative that you put it somewhere where the light can accentuate it—and what better way to do that than to make the light a part of it?
  3. Use the rule of threes. Interior design experts often adhere to the rule of threes, which essentially states that when grouping design elements, you should opt for odd numbers over even numbers. It creates a focal point that naturally draws the eye.
  4. Create depth and texture. You should also vary the arrangement of your vignette elements in order to intrigue onlookers. Instead of placing each piece in a straight line, pull some forward and push others back. Pick candlesticks or books of varying heights. Choose different textures. This will keep your vignette interesting and eye-catching.

Creating a Well-Styled Table Vignette [Jenna Burger]
8 Tips for Making Beautiful Vignettes [HGTV]
Rule of Three and Odd Numbers [Cecilia Walker Design]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Take a Spin on Your Trusty Bike Around the Barton Creek Greenbelt

June 28, 2016 by

Craving some outdoor adventure in Austin? You won’t find many places more exciting than the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This popular hiking, biking, and running trail winds its way around the city through lush, green areas, across rolling rivers, and even right in front of hidden caves that many locals don’t even know about.

This weekend, set out on foot or hop on your trusty bike to explore the miles and miles of trails around the beloved outdoor space. Individual portions are well marked to keep you right on track, whether you’re looking for a short 2-mile hike or to spend the day attempting to make your way around the entire belt. Stop in at a natural swimming hole to cool off from the Texas heat, or even hike to a waterfall and admire the surrounding scenery.

Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755-B Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78704
www.ci.austin.tx.us

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,
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