If it's your first visit to Brian's Brew, there are a few things you should know. First, this tiny, independently owned cafe is tucked within the Bank of America building. Next, the cafe brews coffee drinks made from wood-fired beans. That is, beans that have been hand-roasted in small batches over a wood fire. Lastly, Brian’s Brew serves a latte that they claim is "life-changing."

The verdict is still out about that verity of that last point, but regular visitors of Brian's Brew say the latte is worth ordering nonetheless. It's called the Summermoon Latte, and it's described as being creamy, full-bodied, and just a tad sweet. Order yours hot or iced, and pair it with a breakfast taco (provided by Torchy's Tacos) or freshly baked glazed doughnut or apple fritter from local doughnut bakery Round Rock Donuts.

Brian’s Brew is open 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.

Brian’s Brew
515 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 738-7713
www.briansbrew.com/index.html
www.yelp.com/biz/brians-brew-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Edsel Little

A puccia is a type of flatbread from the Puglia region in Italy, but in Austin, most people would recognize it as the hearty sandwiches served by the famous Lucky’s Puccias. This often buzzed-about white and orange food truck is located in the Market District area of downtown, and it features a few small tables outside where customers can enjoy their sandwiches.

The menu includes puccia sandwiches made on fresh baked bread and topped with organic ingredients, and then the whole thing is baked in an oven to create a wood-fired taste. The signature sandwich is the Lucky’s Puccia, which features prosciutto, tomato, mozzarella, and chipotle mayo. Other puccias come with a variety of other meats or vegetables to accommodate vegetarian customers.

The wait at Lucky's can be a bit long, but regulars recommend stopping by one of the nearby bars for a drink while you wait for your tasty sandwich. Lucky’s Puccias is open daily.

Lucky’s Puccias
817 W 5th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 739-8785
www.facebook.com/LuckysPuccias
www.yelp.com/biz/luckys-puccias-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Nic McPhee

Whether through shopping, checking in on social media, or just reading up on favorite topics, many Americans spend hours upon hours online every year. It should come as no surprise, then, that online identity theft is now a common problem among internet users. In fact, nine million Americans fall prey to internet identity theft every year. Protect yourself by following these helpful tips.

1. Check (and double check) your bank and credit card statements.
Keep an eye out for strange purchases, like ones made out of state or via online retailers you don't frequent. Report suspicious activity right away. Also, be sure to order your credit report annually to double check that no fishy accounts or credit cards have been opened in your name. You're entitled to a free copy of your credit report once per year from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

2. Create strong passwords.
Use a combination of hard-to-guess letters, numbers, and characters in your online passwords. Be sure to change passwords frequently, and be especially careful when entering them into a public computer. Don't share your passwords, social security number, or credit card information over email or instant messenger — even with your family members. You never know when your email could be breached.

3. Install anti-virus software.
Keep your computer up-to-date with software packages that detect viruses and spyware. Also, when you log into your bank or credit card accounts, make an online purchase, or engage in any activity that requires security, double check that the web address bar begins with https. This signifies a secure website connection.

8 Tips on How to Protect Yourself Online [McAfee]
How to Protect Yourself Online [FCC]
10 Ways to Protect Yourself Online [Reader's Digest]
How to Protect Yourself Online [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]
Identity Theft & Credit Card Fraud – How to Protect Yourself [Wall Street Journal]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Eric Norris