Cool Clock Apps

With all the devices that populate our lives, often a standard wrist watch is not one of them. But, we still need to know the time! If you're looking for a cool, cutting edge way to keep track of the hours, check out one of these cool clock apps today. They're from an Apartment Therapy list of great clock and weather apps:

Chameleon Clock
This clock app uses the iPhone's built-in camera to make your phone or tablet appear like it's blending in with your surrounding environment. This app is a fun, creative way to while away the hours while you keep track of time.

Time in Words
This app displays the time in a bit of an experimental way: by presenting it in words, the way you'd tell somebody what time it was. In other words, it says "it's half past three," or "five to two." What it loses in accuracy it makes up for in charm.

You can find both on the iTunes Store.

 

Crafts and Art Finds at Gibson Street Artisans

Next time you need a gift for a friend, parent or special someone, consider a one-of-a-kind item from Gibson Street Artisans. On weekends, the LAZ parking lot turns into an artisan market featuring handmade crafts. This art fair features eco-friendly fashions, accessories, repurposed decor and gift items. You can find anything from unique and elegant jewelry to handmade chairs.  Some of Austin’s favorite food trucks stop by too, so you can snack while you shop.  Check their Facebook page for featured artisans and upcoming events. 

Gibson Street Artisans
1400 S Congress
(Gibson and Congress In LAZ Parking Lot)
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 623-9696
www.yelp.com/biz/gibson-street-food-court-and-artist-market-austin

 

Start Your Day Right: Healthy Breakfast Ideas

I'm sure you've heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It gets your metabolism going, and gets you going for the day. Unfortunately, though many Americans don't eat breakfast, or if they do, it's not a healthy, balanced mea. Instead of scarfing down a sugary donut or a fattening Egg McMuffin, start your day with a well-balanced meal.Try one of these healthy breakfasts, to enjoy an energized start to your day!

One traditional, healthy breakfast option is oatmeal. It’s packed with complex carbohydrates that break down slowly, giving you ample energy that will carry you easily until lunch. Top your bowl with nuts for protein, mix in a little milk for calcium, sprinkle with some berries to get extra antioxidants, and drizzle on some local honey for sweetness. And, voila, you have a well-balanced, nutritious meal!

Yogurt is also a fantastic breakfast staple. Not only is it high in protein and calcium, but the probiotic bacteria that live in yogurt can aid stomach function and digestion for the entire day. Sprinkle it with healthy granola and berries, and you’ll be satisfied, happy, and ready to go.

Scrambled tofu may seem a little foreign for some, but, believe it or not, in consistency it’s very close to scrambled eggs! Plus, it has far more protein and less fat. Mix-in veggies like tomatoes, onions, or spinach for taste, and top with a little cheese for a great morning scramble!

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a year of happiness and success in 2013.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

Cover letters give you an opportunity to expand upon your resume’s bullet points, so take advantage of the chance to show off your abilities along with displaying your stellar writing skills. A good cover letter can truly set you apart from the competition.

Get specific
Your resume probably catalogues your work experience, but you should use your cover letter to specify and amplify. Without making it overly long, spend some time in your cover letter expanding on the tasks you performed in specific jobs and highlight skills relevant to the posted position. And whenever possible, quantify the specific contributions you made!

Get personal
You should personalize every cover letter you send out. Companies like to feel that you’re interested in working with them and only them. Include specifics about the company and the position; let them know you took the time to thoroughly read the job posting and visit their website. Express why this particular company and job interest you, and what skills and training you have for the listed job that makes you the right fit for the job.

Copy and paste with discretion
Since you’re sending out more than one cover letter, you can save some time and energy by copying certain details such as education background from one to the next.  Also, you can possibly begin with a few templates like “Non-profit Cover Letter” or “Business Cover Letter” and change accordingly for specific companies.

Re-read!
Little mistakes, such as typos, can cost you an interview, so re-read and edit carefully. Get someone else to read over your letter – fresh eyes will often catch errors you overlooked, and they can also offer feedback.

 

Magnolia Cafe: An Austin Institution

If you’re looking for a laid back meal at midnight, head to Magnolia Cafe, just moments from Marquis at Barton Trails.  Open 24 hours, this Austin institution serves up tasty diner food in a funky and fun atmosphere.  You’ll enjoy Magnolia’s at any time of the day, but the large menu lets you satisfy your late night cravings.  It’s completely normal to mix your meals here – start with their famous “Mag Mud” chip dip with black beans, queso, avocado and pico, then head onto gingerbread pancakes or migas scrambled with their spicy “love” butter of garlic and serrano chilies.  Burgers and sandwiches round out their menu, along with specialty entrees like Pasta Caspian with grilled chicken, Mediterranean veggies in garlic white wine butter sauce over linguine. You can find just about anything anytime here. Check it out!
 

Magnolia Cafe
1920 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-0000
www.yelp.com/biz/magnolia-cafe-austin-2

What Is Instagram?

Instagram is one of the most popular apps available for both iPhones and Androids today. This photography app is essentially a photo-sharing network that enables users to share their photos with friends, and also browse the pictures of everyone they "follow".

This free app was recently purchased by Facebook for an astounding one billion dollar price tag! The app also allows you to easily share your pictures on other social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, so that you can share them all over the web!

Perhaps the most unique thing about the app, however, is all the unique filters and treatments you can apply to your photos to enhance them, and even give them a vintage look. Plus, you can always recognize an Instagram photo by its iconic square layout.

Holy Cacao Is For Chocolate Lovers

Holy Cacao is Austin's sweetest food truck, a chocolate lover’s dream featuring cake balls, shakes and chocolate drinks. Their version of cake balls are unique; the fresh cake is crumbled and mixed with frosting shaped into a ball and is then dipped into chocolate to form a shell.  There are several flavors to choose from including red velvet and carrot cake. The trailer also serves cake shakes that whirl their cake into traditional vanilla or chocolate shakes.  Holy Cocao is also known for their flavorful chocolate drinks – either hot or frozen – made with 65% chocolate for a creamy and rich treat. Their Mexican Chocolate is pleasantly spiced with ancho chile, cinnamon and cayenne. If you're a chocolate lover, or need a gift for someone who is, head to Holy Cocao for a sweet treat. 

Holy Cacao (in South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery)
1311 S 1st St
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 851-2253
www.yelp.com/biz/holy-cacao-austin

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday season filled with warm memories!

Party Time: Host a Wine Tasting

Do you think that wine-tasting parties are just for foodies and oenophiles? Think again, wine tastings are a fun way to enjoy time with friends while also refining your palate. And today, with so many great, inexpensive wines available, this party need not break the bank! Below are some tips to help you plan your wine tasting extravaganza!

Consult the experts. If you’re new to the world of wine, check the Internet for ideas, ask your local wine store for suggestions, or pick up a copy of a recent wine review magazine. If you like, you could even ask a customer service rep at your favorite gourmet food store for suggestions about cheese and food pairings.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Even if you’re a Chardonnay drinker, give yourself permission to try something new — you never know what you'll wind up liking! Plus, the more variety you have, the more fun you'll have trying them!

Brown-bag it. If your attendees have some wine-tasting experience, turn your tasting party into a competitive event by covering the labels and asking guests to try to identify each varietal. Reveal the labels at the end, and the winner gets — you guessed it — a bottle of wine!

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