Want to Travel Light? Don’t Pack These Items!

You think that you packed your suitcase pretty efficiently—until the scale at the airport tells you otherwise and you’re met with a huge baggage fee. We’ve all been there before, but there are a few things that you can do about it. Eliminate these three items from your list of things to pack, and you’ll likely be amazed at how much lighter your suitcase is.

  1. Toiletries. They may be essentials, but until you actually arrive at your destination, toiletries are just taking up space in your suitcase. Instead of filling your bags with heavy shampoo bottles or, even worse, having your toiletries taken away by airport security, opt to buy the same products in travel-size versions once you arrive.
  2. Snacks. This one is very common with international travelers. If you’re a creature of habit who prefers to eat the same foods every day, it may be tempting to bring your favorite snacks with you on vacation. Even a box of cereal can take up quite a bit of space, however, so opt to instead immerse yourself in foreign culture and try the local cuisine.
  3. Books. Many people like to relax with a good book on the beach or in the hotel room, but it’s very easy to over pack reading material and weigh your suitcase down. Invest in an e-reader instead, or bring just one book and swap with a friend once you finish it.

10 Things You Should Never Pack in Your Checked Bag [Smarter Travel]
What Not to Pack in Bags When Flying [USA Today]
What Not to Pack: 10 Things You Really Shouldn’t Take on Holiday [Skyscanner]
What Not to Pack [IndependentTraveller.com]

Faulk Central Library: Check Out This Historic Downtown Library

Since 1926, the Austin Public Library has provided Austin residents with access to classic works of literature and more modern literary offerings. The current building, which was constructed in 1979, was renamed the Faulk Central Library, but it still aims to provide locals with the same reading resources entirely free of charge. The building is a large, square structure with three floors and a parking garage, and it serves as the reference and collection epicenter of the entire Austin Public Library System.

In addition to its many books, this library also offers a very impressive selection of DVDs and CDs. Educational programs for adult and children are frequently offered at the Faulk Central Library, including computer classes, Spanish lessons, and an all-ages story time.

The Faulk Central Library is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Faulk Central Library
800 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 974-7400
library.austintexas.gov/locations/Faulk%20Central%20Library
www.yelp.com/biz/faulk-central-library-austin-public-library-austin

Meet Bombers!

Say hello to Bombers! He is a Boston Terrier and a happy pup! Bombers loves to have his back scratched and can do some serious yoga poses- he has mastered downward facing dog. He hates when his dad goes out of town. This is him trying to stop a vacation. Make sure to say hello next time you see him in the hallway!

Wingo!

Do you like bingo? Do you like chicken wings? If the answer is yes, meet us at Pluckers this Thursday night for Wingo- it is bingo on steroids! The party starts at 10 and there will be great prizes to be won. See you at Pluckers, 2222 Rio Grande Street.

Click here for more information.

Turf N’ Surf Po Boy: Take a Bite Out of This Classic New Orleans Fare

The famous po' boy is a sandwich made famous in Louisiana, but Austin’s Turf N’ Surf Po Boy does a great job of imitating the sandwich's crispy French bread, fried seafood, and generous toppings. This dark, nondescript restaurant looks unassuming from the street, and the inside is decorated with eclectic wall art and industrial decor that is fairly standard in the Austin area.

It's the food that really makes Turf N’ Surf Stand out, however, and the menu lists fried favorites that are served piping hot and positively packed with seasonings. The hush puppies are arguably the most popular menu items, but the fish tacos and, of course, the po' boy sandwiches come in close behind. The menu also includes fresh fish salads, cilantro fries, and pulled pork platters that are equally as tasty.

If you’re looking for a taste of New Orleans in the Austin area, this is the place to get it.

Turf N' Surf Po Boy
407 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 276-2763
www.facebook.com/pages/Turf-N-Surf-Po-Boy/364351950938
www.yelp.com/biz/turf-n-surf-po-boy-austin

Channel Your Inner Interior Designer With These Helpful Tips

Whether you're working with the blank canvas of a new apartment or an outdated space that’s simply not functional, decorating your home is always intimidating. It may seem crazy, but by adhering to just two simple tips from professional designers, you can make your home look and feel a whole lot fresher. Here are two interior design rules that you should know.

  1. Make every room work for your needs. It seems simple enough, but many people get so caught up in the details that they forget about the function of the room itself. Is it an office? Make the desk the focal point, then worry about the wall hangings later. Are you decorating your living room? Get rid of that old chair that you don’t have room for, because it’s only taking up space. Focus on the things that you use every day, and the things that are pretty to look at will fall into place later.
  2. Maximize the lighting. Even if your apartment came with built-in light fixtures, don’t feel like you’re limited to the cold feel of overhead lighting. Add a few lamps with softening shades here and there to create a more flattering lighting effect, and always play up the windows to bring in as much natural light as possible. You’ll be amazed at the difference good lighting can make!

6 Basic Interior Design Rules [Suite]
The 3 Principles of Interior Design [HGTV]
The 7 Rules of Interior Design [Zillow Blog]
5 Rookie Mistakes You’ll Never Make Again [Apartment Therapy]

Meet Sam!

Meet Sam, one of our newest four legged residents! He was rescued and found a forever home after the Bastrop fires and we are so thrilled to welcome him to Mosaic! If you see him in the halls ask for a high five because he loves to give them out.

Greystar Job Fair

If you, or someone you know, is interested in a career with Greystar please stop by the Job Fair this week!

Esther’s Follies: Austin Entertainment

Turn off the TV, get up off the couch and head out for some zany fun at Esther’s Follies. The Follies’ home is located at the historic 280-seat Cactus Theatre on Austin’s vibrant 6th Street. It’s a Texas-style revue featuring a melodious mélange of comedy skits, magic acts and political satire. The stage features two large windows that look out on the action on bustling 6th Street.

Now in its 36th season, this Austin hallmark is a must for anyone who loves creative, cutting edge live entertainment. Master magician Ray Anderson is a favorite for his seamless melding of magic and comedy. The theatre features five shows weekly – one on Thursday and two each on Friday and Saturday. Book your tickets in advance, as it sells out regularly.

Esther's Follies
525 E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0553
http://www.esthersfollies.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/esthers-follies-austin-2

Public Domain/Public Domain

The Stitch Lab: South Austin Crafts

Austin is great place for crafters, with tons of people learning sewing, knitting and other fun crafts. If you'd like to take up crafting as a hobby, one of Austin's best resources might be The Stitch Lab.

The Stitch Lab's owner Leslie Bonnell is a former costume designer who realized that there was a market for truly skilled sewing instruction, so she started offering classes out of her home in 2001. The concept took off quickly and she expanded into a retail location in 2009, hiring a number of other instructors to supplement her offerings.

All of the teachers here win raves from regular patrons – they’re patient, skilled and capable, willing to take as much time as they need to make sure that you’re really understanding the material. The Stitch Lab also has a sizable retail area which sells a variety of cute and funky fabrics from all over the world, as well as thread, floss, embroidery patterns and other notions.

Visit The Stitch Lab's website to learn more about this Austin craft shop!

The Stitch Lab
1000 S 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 440-0712
www.stitchlab.biz
www.yelp.com/biz/the-stitch-lab-austin

Public Domain/Public Domain

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