We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day celebrating with the ones you love!
Take a Dip at Shipe Park
February 11, 2016 by
Shipe Park only claims two acres of Austin's Hyde Park, but it packs a lot of opportunities for outdoor recreation into that relatively small outdoor space. One of the biggest draws—or, more accurately two of the biggest draws—is its set of pools. Between the shady swimming pool and slowly ebbing wading pool, there's an appropriate spot to dive in no matter the age of your kids, or if you don't bring any kids along at all.
You'll want to cool off in the pools after spending time enjoying Shipe Park's other features, like the pair of basketball courts or tennis courts. It also boasts a multi-purpose field and a picnic area where you can set up camp after a day of running around. You can also bring your youngsters to the playground, surrounded by towering trees, and let them explore the playground in the shade.
Shipe Park
4400 Avenue G
Austin, TX 78751
www.austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=329
www.yelp.com/biz/shipe-park-austin
Black Lagoon Art + Yoga: Cultivate Flexibility in an Inspiring Space
February 4, 2016 by
Part art gallery, part yoga studio, Austin's Black Lagoon promotes healthier bodies and imaginations in Austin. Not that Austin needs much help staying "weird," but this indie art gallery and fitness studio certainly helps. When it first debuted in 2010, its founders likely had no idea the profound impact it would have on yogis and artists alike—although they probably hoped.
Today, it's become a staple of the neighborhood. Exercisers flock to the art gallery for yoga classes amid the masterpieces hanging on the walls. There's a class appropriate for every level of ability, even if you've never stepped foot in a yoga studio before. And with multiple yoga classes offered on a daily basis, you should be able to squeeze in practice even if you have a busy schedule. If you're just interested in seeing the art, make an appointment to check out what's on display right now or attend one of the receptions held at Black Lagoon Art + Yoga.
Black Lagoon Art + Yoga
4301 A Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 534-6719
www.blacklagoongallery.com
www.yelp.com/biz/black-lagoon-art-yoga-austin
Salata: Making Lunchtime a Little Healthier With Salads and Wraps
January 28, 2016 by
If you’re looking for a place to make your lunchtime meals a bit healthier, Salata is a great option in the North Austin area. This grab-and-go salad bar offers customizable salads, wraps, and made-in-house dressings and sauces that give everything major flavor. All of the veggies and proteins are prepped fresh daily, and everything on the menu is gluten free.
Salata runs like a well-oiled machine, with friendly employees tossing large salad bowls from behind a long, colorful salad bar filled with greens, vegetables, and an assortment of toppings. There are a number of different soups that change from day to day, and the selection of fresh juices complements the eatery's health-conscious menu.
Inside, Salata’s bright green dining room features light wood booths and tables where guests can enjoy both the lunch and the free Wi-Fi. Customers can even order their meals online and pick them up in person for added convenience on a busy work day!
Salata
10515 N. Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 487-5497
www.salata.com
www.yelp.com/biz/salata-austin
Want to Decorate Your Apartment Without Emptying Your Wallet? Here’s Where to Shop!
January 21, 2016 by
Want your apartment at Nalle Woods to look like something out a home design blog? If know the right places to shop, you can transform your rental into the home of your dreams — without emptying your bank account! Here are three great stores where you can buy stylish home decorations for less.
Pier 1 Imports
Pier 1 Imports isn’t exactly a budget store, but with its frequent sales and affordable versions of designer pieces, it can save you a great deal anyway. Shop here if you’re looking for a gold metallic side table, plush faux fur pillows, or luxurious frames for dressing up your walls. Don't miss the clearance section for even deeper discounts!
H&M Home
That’s right: the trendy clothing store now offers an equally affordable selection of home decor items, and they’re just as stylish as you might expect. From bedding sets for less than $50 to funky shower curtains and even marble print kitchenware, this is the perfect place to find all of the hottest decorating trends.
Z Gallerie
If your style is a bit more luxe, you’ll love the upscale touches without the upscale price tags that Z Gallerie has to offer. This popular home goods store is well known for its ornate wall mirrors and elegant tableware, but you’ll even find sofas, sectionals, and other affordable furniture pieces.
Blue Velvet: A Vintage Clothing Store with 20 Years of History
January 14, 2016 by
With a long-standing community presence and a loyal customer base, Blue Velvet is considered one of the best vintage clothing stores in a city that boasts quite a few. In fact, Austin’s Blue Velvet clothing store has been in the area for so long, many of the items that came out when it opened are now considered vintage! The prices are very reasonable for the items that the store sells, and the knowledgeable, stylish salespeople are friendly, but not overly pushy.
Blue Velvet offers a wide variety of women’s dresses and skirts, vintage band t-shirts, men’s jackets and buttondown shirts, and a number of retro accessories. From the fedora hats to the rows up on rows of vintage jewelry and sunglasses, this store sells the types of items that you’ll wear for years to come.
Blue Velvet is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.
Blue Velvet
217 W. North Loop Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 452-2583
www.bluevelvetaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/blue-velvet-austin-2
Sonora Hot Dogs: Get the Frank Con Todo
January 7, 2016 by
Sonora Hot Dogs may look like a mere food truck at first glance—and that assessment isn't entirely wrong. But the Sonoran-style hot dogs, fully loaded burritos, and gooey quesadillas that come from its kitchen on wheels are a few notches above your typical fast food. The gourmet versions of American comfort food have won the acclaim of local publications like Eater Austin and even the food critics from nationwide restaurant encyclopedia Zagat.
Regulars highly recommend getting the Sonoran-style hot dog "con todo," topped with everything from mustard and mayo to crispy strips of bacon. Sonora also offers a meat-free veggie dog version zig-zagged with Vegenaise. You can also opt for an overstuffed carne asada burrito, which features not only the grilled steak, but also mashed avocado and freshly made pico de gallo. Get the carne asada as a quesadilla if you're craving cheese.
Sonora Hot Dogs
5715 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 994-8982
www.tlocs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sonora-hot-dogs-austin
Donut 7: Get Your Morning Off to a Sweet Start
December 23, 2015 by
Whether you have a sweet tooth or you’re craving a hearty, bacon-topped breakfast sandwich, Donut 7 is a dependable choice for a casual breakfast in the North Austin area. Since 1983, this small bakery and cafe has given hungry early risers a place to grab breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, and freshly baked doughnuts and kolaches in the wee morning hours.
Stop in before work to pick up a dozen glazed doughnuts for the office, or treat yourself to an apple fritter or a cinnamon roll. Those who prefer savory fare can go for a kolache, which arrive stuffed with cheese, sausage, and jalapenos. The breakfast sandwiches also receive high marks. These handheld creations layer egg, cheese, and breakfast meats between your choice of croissant or biscuit. Of course, no order at Donut 7 is complete without a piping-hot cup of coffee, and this Austin eatery has plenty to go around!
Donut 7 is open 6 a.m. to noon Mondays through Saturdays.
Donut 7
11005 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 837-9221
www.donut7austin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/donut-7-austin
Make Your Own Molten Lava Cake with These Two Recipes
December 17, 2015 by
"Sinful" may be the only way to describe the dessert known as molten lava cake. This decadent treat combines chocolate cake with a warm liquid chocolate center melts in your mouth. There are many ways this cake can be made, some healthier than others. Try one of these two recipes for molten lava cake.
- Healthier Molten Lava Cakes for Two [Texanerian]
This dairy-free, whole-grain lava cake recipe is a healthier attempt at the usual dessert. It uses half the amount of butter and sugar that most recipes call for, yet loses nothing in taste and texture. - Molten Lava Cakes [Food Network]
Here is the classic molten lava cake recipe you’ve been looking for. Indulge in the full flavor of chocolate, butter, and sugar baked to perfection.
Happy Winter!
December 15, 2015 by
As sweater weather approaches we hope you all stay warm and cozy this season! What are some of your favorite winter activities?
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