May this autumn bring you a harvest of fun times and laughter with family and friends!
Treat Your Hair to a Trip to Salon Aura Veni
September 15, 2016 by
Salon Aura Veni isn't your typical hair salon. Yes, its stylists boast an array of specific talents (go to Leigh for short hair and Lori for hair extensions), and yes, they take on every styling task you can imagine, from cutting and coloring to curling and straightening. However, the stylists at Salon Aura Veni rely solely on the highest quality products to achieve their jaw-dropping cuts and colors.
These include Kevin Murphy products, a professional line that shies away from any harmful parabens or sulfates. Pureology, another brand the stylists enlist, also shirks all sulfates in favor of safer ingredients that won't damage strands. Moroccan Oil is another common name in professional hair care, one known for its powerful antioxidant ingredients and UV protection; it's generally used to condition hair to make it shiny and soft.
Salon Aura Veni
210 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-2872
www.auraveni.com/Salon_Aura_Veni/About.html
www.yelp.com/biz/salon-aura-veni-austin
Speakeasy: A Retro Cocktail Lounge That’s the Cat’s Meow
September 15, 2016 by
If you love all things inspired by the Roaring ‘20s, there might not be a better spot to grab a drink in the Austin area than Speakeasy. As its name implies, this ‘20s-style bar and music venue is inspired by the speakeasies of the Jazz Age, featuring three levels of dimly lit, mysterious spaces for listening to live music, sipping a cocktail, or checking out the view on the rooftop lounge, Terrace 59.
The cocktail menu includes old-fashioned options with names like the Godfather and the Perfect Storm, and ordering bottle service makes your visit even more enjoyable. With so many different levels and seating areas, you can even enjoy your drinks anywhere you please. Challenge your friends to a game of darts or shuffleboard, check out great local music, or just plan a swanky night out at this retro local favorite.
For a full schedule of music and events, visit the Speakeasy website.
Speakeasy
412 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-8017
www.speakeasyaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/speakeasy-austin
Job Hunting? These Tips Can Help You Nail That Interview
September 15, 2016 by
Going to a job interview can be stressful, but adequate preparation can help relieve some of your anxiety. The more you prepare, the more comfortable you will be during your interview. Here are some tips to help you nail your next interview.
- Practice answering typical interview questions and take time to think of examples to use that will highlight your skills.
- Lay out your interview attire the day before your interview. Make sure it is neat and clean and appropriate for the company you are applying for.
- Bring a portfolio and several copies of your resume to hand out in case there is more than one person interviewing you.
- Take some time beforehand to drive past your interview location so you know exactly how long it will take to get there and where you will park.
- During the interview, remain calm and relaxed. Your body language says a lot about you and you want to appear confident.
- Always follow up an interview with a thank-you that reiterates your interest in the position.
7 Interview Tips That Will Help You Get the Job [About]
12 Surprising Job Interview Tips [Forbes]
16 Job Interview Tips and Hacks That Are Genius! [The Interview Guys]
The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press: Globally Inspired Flatbread Sandwiches
September 9, 2016 by
The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press is a favorite among Austin locals, and once you get a meal from this colorful little food truck, you'll likely understand why. The menu promises a global culinary tour, offering a broad range of tasty sandwiches, each wrapped in a piece of fresh, house-made flatbread.
Try the Italian inspired caprese sandwich stuffed with mozzarella, tomato, and pesto, or bite into a spicy Thai style sandwich heaped with pickled onions, tangy Asian slaw, and peanut sauce. There’s a substantial vegetarian menu, too, featuring sandwiches like “the butler,” which is filled with rich, buttery brie, and topped with picked apples, honey, and slivered almonds. The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press is happy to convert any of the sandwiches into gluten-free salad bowls and will even transform your order into a set of tacos, if you like.
However you order, add a side of colorful veggie chips or creamy hummus to enjoy a full, hearty meal.
The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press
1502 San Antonio Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 814-8557
www.jalopyaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-jalopy-rotisserie-and-press-austin-2
Unwind and Unplug at the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve
September 1, 2016 by
The Barton Creek Habitat Preserve is a beautiful, pristine landscape that's located along four miles of Barton Creek in southwest Travis County. With the help of neighboring landowners, the habitat protects two species of endangered songbirds and preserves the quality of water in Barton Creek.
The Barton Creek Habitat Preserve is a very peaceful place to hike, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is truly a gem that is tucked away in the middle of Austin. The preserve is at its peak during a wet spring. During this time, the creek has enough running water to swim and relax in many different hot spots. The greenbelt area offers at least 14 miles of trails that are ideal for walking, hiking, and even mountain biking. There are also caves that you can explore and even cliffs that are popular for climbing on. Visitation is limited here so be sure to arrange your visit through the volunteers.
Barton Creek Habitat Preserve
1700 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78738
www.facebook.com/pages/Barton-Creek-Habitat-Preserve/208065779237756
Sip, Swish and Savor at The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen
August 25, 2016 by
Wine lovers in the West Austin area know that when you’re looking for a spot to sip Chardonnay with friends, The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen is the place to go. This sleek and modern wine bar is filled with light and ample seating, making it a wonderful eatery for large groups and small dates alike. There is a long, lime green bar area where visitors can relax with a glass of wine and some appetizers, or if you’re looking for a larger meal, the spacious dining room features numerous wooden tables and cozy booths.
For lunch and dinner, The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen serves a full menu of bruschetta samplers, entrée salads, and seasonal pastas, as well as light, healthy seafood, grilled meats, and local veggies. Pair any meal with a glass (or a whole bottle) from the impressive wine list for an evening out that you won’t soon forget.
The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen
6317 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-8822
www.grovewinebar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-grove-wine-bar-and-kitchen-austin-6
How to Get Your Home at Sendera Barton Creek Ready for Houseguests
August 18, 2016 by
The next time you host guests in your home, prepare in advance by setting a game plan well ahead of time. These smart and stress-free tips will show you exactly how to get your home ready for houseguests, even if you don’t exactly have a separate guest wing to work with.
- Create a designated space. Everyone likes to have a feeling of privacy and a place to decompress, which you can easily create for your guests even if you don’t have a closed-off guestroom. Simply give them free run of a living room or den, or create your own guest quarters by investing in a room divider.
- Test out the bed. Since you don’t normally sleep in the guest bed (or air mattress, or sofa…), it’s always smart to test it out first to ensure its comfort. If it’s not up to snuff, add a foam mattress topper, more blankets, or other affordable improvements.
- Create an overnight kit. Stock a small caddy with shower supplies, water bottles, pain relievers, and snack bars, as well as anything else that your guests might ask for.
- Change the linens. Be sure to put clean, fresh-smelling sheets on the bed and provide enough clean towels for all of your guests.
- Feel out their schedules. Once they arrive, work around their schedules to prevent stepping on any toes.
Make Your Overnight Guests Feel at Home [Southern Living]
Hosting Overnight Guests [Life Your Way]
Real Life Advice: Hosting Guests Without a Guestroom [Apartment Therapy]
Getting Ready for Overnight Guests [Real Simple]
Have You Tried the Summermoon Latte at Brian’s Brew?
August 11, 2016 by
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
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