Mingle with Peacocks at Mayfield Park

It may be tucked away in the heart of a major city, but Mayfield Park still manages to retain an atmosphere of calm. That's despite its particularly flashy residents, about two dozen peacocks. The promise of seeing them sunbathing, tree-climbing, or just meandering around draws many locals to Mayfield Park time and time again. After all, they look a little bit different depending on the season, so it's a new experience each time. Perhaps the best time to visit is late winter or early spring, when the male peacocks fan out their colorful feathers in an attempt to attract the ladies.

Even if you don't spot one of the majestic birds, though, your trip to Mayfield Park will still be well worth the time. Its 21-acre nature preserve contains snaking trails, perfect for a hike or a stroll through the trees. After your hike, stop by the picturesque Mayfield Cottage and Gardens for a glimpse inside the way Austin's elite lived in the early 20th century.

Mayfield Park
3505 W. 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 974-6797
www.mayfieldpark.org
www.yelp.com/biz/mayfield-park-austin

Deck the Halls With These Holiday Decor Ideas

Everyone loves a nice wreath on the front door and some stockings on the staircase, but with a bit of holiday cheer and seasonal inspiration, you can create completely unique decorations that will make your home the most festive one on the block. Here are some holiday décor ideas to try this year.

  1. Create a berry branch centerpiece. Instead of purchasing pricey flowers and struggling to arrange them before guests arrive, simply step outside and gather some branches for a more rustic centerpiece. If you prefer something more colorful, try berry branches instead.
  2. Don’t forget the doorway. Greet guests before they even get inside by decorating your doorway with evergreen garland, fresh poinsettias and a bright red bow.
  3. Add lanterns. Arrange some vintage lanterns in shades of red, silver and black at the entrance to your home. If you place them inside you can fill them with tall pillar candles, or you can even use flameless candles if you put them outside.
  4. Deck the pendant lights. If your kitchen has hanging pendant lights, wrap them with festive garland or even tinsel for a festive look.
  5. Add colorful candy dishes. Create candy dishes that are just as pretty as they are tasty by filling a clear bowl or vase with striped peppermint candies.

13 Stylish Holiday Decorating Ideas [Real Simple]
11 Easy Holiday Decorating Tips from Top Bloggers [House Beautiful]
101 Fresh Christmas Decorating Ideas [Southern Living]

Mother’s Cafe: Sink Your Teeth Into a Bueno Burger

Long before vegetarianism and veganism went mainstream, Mother's Cafe was already on board. It opened in Austin back in 1980 with a completely meat-free menu. Plant-based eating may be commonplace today, but back then, this eatery was blazing a new trail.

Perhaps that's why it's continued to thrive in the years since; vegetarians and vegans know that they can count on a fresh, carefully prepared meal here. Even if you're a meat-eater, you'll still be able to appreciate the fact that Mother's uses healthy ingredients such as non-GMO canola oil and offers purified water (which chefs also use when cooking). Locals suggest you try the Bueno burger, which showcases a patty made of veggies, grains, seeds, and tofu tucked inside a vegan whole-wheat sesame bun with tomato, pickle, red onion, and lettuce. Add vegan cheese or guacamole for some extra flavor. The artichoke enchiladas are a big hit, too, so opt for these if you're craving something spicy.

Mother's Cafe
4215 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-3994
www.motherscafeaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mothers-cafe-and-garden-austin

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends! What are you thankful for this year?

Check Out These Surprising Facts About Cranberries

Once the weather starts to gets chilly and the holidays roll around, you likely want to bake all of the cranberry desserts that you can think of. But how much do you really know about this tart winter berry? Here are a few interesting facts about cranberries.

  1. Cranberries grow in swamps and bogs. They grow well throughout much of North America, and there are more than 3,500 different species of cranberries found in areas from the icy cold polar regions all the way to the tropics.
  2. Contrary to popular belief, cranberries don’t grow in water. These small berries grow on low vines throughout marshes, and when it comes time to harvest them, farmers flood the marshes with water and the air-filled berries float to the top.
  3. Americans consume 20 percent of the country’s annual cranberry intake during Thanksgiving time. There are 400 million pounds of cranberries consumed each year, and 80 million of those pounds are eaten during the week of Thanksgiving.
  4. Cranberries are filled with vitamin C. In fact, hundreds of years ago American ships carried vessels of cranberries because they were known to prevent scurvy. Although they didn’t know it at the time, it was due to the berry's high amounts of vitamin C.

Cranberry Facts and History [University of Maine]
Find out what cranberries can do for you! [Wisconsin Cranberries]
Cranberry Facts [Teacher Vision]
Cranberry Facts [Wisconsin Rapids]

Ritual Salon + Spa: A Stylish Salon Specializing in Modern Hairstyles

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

Happy Veterans day!

Today is a day to honor the men and women who have bravely fought and continue to fight for our country. Thank you for your service!

Jumpoline Park: A Hop, Skip and a Jump to All-Ages Fun

The next time you’re looking for something fun and out of the ordinary to do with the kids, your friends, or even your coworkers, check out Jumpoline Park. This colorful facility is filled with wall-to-wall trampolines that visitors can bounce on and play games on, and because bouncing burns 600 to 1,000 calories an hour, it even makes a great workout that’s much more fun than your usual jog.

If you want to host a unique birthday party for your child, Jumpoline Park features private party rooms that can be rented out for children’s parties and other social events. Order a pizza from Jumpoline Park’s concession stand, bring your own cake and ice cream, and then watch as the little ones let out their energy on the many trampolines filling this safe, fun facility.

Jumpoline Park is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Jumpoline Park
13801 Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78727
(512) 310-1420
www.jumpolinepark.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jumpoline-park-austin-2

Election Day

Today is Election Day. Be sure to get out and vote!

Have You Tried the Chile Relleno at Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant?

There are ample opportunities to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in Austin, but Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant is a local favorite that’s certainly worth checking out. This casual eatery offers sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos made with high quality meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and they come in a variety of different styles. If you’re looking for something more filling, you might enjoy the combination platters or a traditional entree (don't skip the chile relleno!), or if you’re feeling a bit less adventurous, opt for a juicy hamburger or chicken tender platter.

Mesa Rosa offers large portions for reasonable prices, and the daily lunch specials make it even more affordable. Pair your meal with an icy margarita or the famous Austin Iced Tea, and be sure to stop by during the festive weekday happy hour.

Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant
10700 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 335-3335
www.mesarosa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mesa-rosa-restaurant-austin

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