From the moment you walk through the large glass doors and into the immaculately decorated, modern industrial-style salon, you’ll likely fall in love with Ritual Salon + Spa. This full-service Rosedale beauty shop specializes in all of the most current hairstyling services, from cutting that elongated bob to giving customers the perfect ombré color. Ritual is separated into a number of different areas, including a comfortable waiting area with eclectic throw pillows and hair product displays, a media bar, and comfortable styling stations surrounded by unique light fixtures.

Services include not only haircuts and coloring services, but also more intricate beauty treatments like eyelash extensions, brow tinting, and hair extensions. Ritual even provides full spa treatments such as massages, nail care, and facials. Pop in to treat yourself to a trim, or spend a full day being pampered!

Ritual Salon + Spa
4800 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 391-0010
www.ritualsalonaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ritual-salon-spa-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Droid Gingerbread

Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or simply looking for something sparkly to add to your own jewelry collection, pieces from indie designers exude a unique quality that sets them apart from the rest. These handcrafted jewelry items are often made in more environmentally friendly ways, and they usually cost much less than name-brand jewelry. Here are three great online sources for indie bling.

Catbird
Since it first opened the doors of its Brooklyn brick and mortar store almost 10 years ago, Catbird has been one of New York City’s most popular destinations for unique, affordable jewelry from independent designers. Now the shop also offers an expansive online store that allows web surfers to shop its signature dainty gold necklaces, stackable rings, and engagement rings at all price points.

Etsy
Etsy is democratizing the way that jewelry is sold by enabling independent designers to set up their own shops through the site’s online marketplace. Whether you’re searching for woven friendship bracelets or hammered gold rings, you’ll find it all via the simple search tools.

Bario Neal
Although many jewelry companies obtain their diamonds through the diamond trade, Bario Neal uses only ethically sourced stones and reclaimed precious metals that are cruelty-free and eco-friendly. This Philadelphia-based jewelry boutique and studio sells engagement rings, pendant necklaces, enamel bracelets, and much more.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/erink photography

From the spongy injera bread to the flavorful doro wot, every Ethiopian dish is a uniquely delicious culinary experience. Taste of Ethiopia is a wonderful way to experience Ethiopian fare in Austin, though it takes a bit of exploring to uncover this hidden gem tucked away in the Pflugerville area. The restaurant itself is modern and stylish, with tasteful Ethiopian baskets and other knick-knacks scattered about.

Taste of Ethiopia's owners are dedicated to providing authentic, healthy foods to each of their customers, so all of the dishes here are made with fresh, high quality ingredients and without harmful preservatives. Dishes like lentil stew, beef and lamb with flavorful sauce, and vegetarian sampler platters are served in the traditional Ethiopian way, which involves using injera bread to eat with instead of utensils. Taste of Ethiopia also offers a vegetarian lunch buffet on weekdays, which many regulars say gives you the most bang for your buck.

Taste of Ethiopia is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Taste of Ethiopia
1100 Grand Ave. Parkway
Pflugerville, TX 78613
(512) 251-4053
www.tasteofethiopiaaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/taste-of-ethiopia-pflugerville

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/sara marlowe