Finley’s Barber Shop: Get a Classic Cut at This Old School Shop

In a world where consumers are always looking for the fastest, most convenient options, the intricacy of a straight razor shave and a shoeshine goes a long way. Finley’s Barber Shop is an old-fashioned barber shop that's centered around this type of detail-oriented service, and the men who walk out of its wooden doors reflect the impressive difference a classic haircut makes.

The shop itself is located in the Warehouse District of downtown Austin, and inside of its large, glass-paneled storefront lies a exceptionally stylish barber shop with all of the classic trimmings. Vintage photo frames line the walls, antique pedestal sinks sit at the center of each station, and the industrial style of the exposed pipes adds even more character. Each customer is offered a cold beverage at the beginning of a visit, and then you can simply relax as one of the skilled barbers shaves, snips, and shines away.

Finley's Barber Shop is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended.

Finley’s Barber Shop
237 W. Third Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 298-2920
www.finleysformen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/finleys-barber-shop-austin-2

Happy Memorial Day

Today we remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our great country. We hope you have a great Memorial Day!

Marye’s Gourmet Pizza Pub: Making Pizza a Bit More Nutritious

By using only fresh, local ingredients and nutritious cooking techniques, Marye’s Gourmet Pizza Pub offers a healthier take on the usual pizza. This thoughtful approach to pizza doesn’t sacrifice its delicious flavor, however: the restaurant’s tasty pies are still flavorful, delicious, and indulgent.

Stop by this local favorite pizzeria and discover pizzas with names like the Mother Lode and The ‘Que, as well as classics like the veggie-loaded Nature’s Treat and the decadent Four Cheese. There are gluten-free pizza crusts for those with restricted diets, and if you’re not in the mood for pizza, Marye’s even offers large sandwiches, lasagna, and salads that are just as delicious. Have a glass of wine or beer with your pizza in the minimal, modern restaurant, or take it to go to enjoy at home while relaxing in front of a movie.

Marye’s is open Mondays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Marye’s Gourmet Pizza Pub
3663 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-5222
www.maryesgourmetpizza.com
www.yelp.com/biz/maryes-gourmet-pizza-austin-2

Let the Sunshine In: DIY Spring Home Decor Projects

After your spring cleaning is complete, you may start to feel like your home could use a bit of a decorating revamp, as well. No matter your budget, you can easily give your home a springtime makeover with DIY home decor projects. Here are just a few of the best spring-themed decorating projects for every room in your home.

Colorful Egg Window Dressing [familycircle.com]
Set to work crafting colorful paper eggs that will dress up those newly cleaned windows. This simple tutorial only requires multicolored construction paper and some scissors to complete, and it’s easy enough that even the kids can help out.

Heart-Shaped Sachets [countryliving.com]
Freshen up your drawers and closets with these adorable DIY sachets. Simply take some scrap fabric in a pattern that you like, cut out two heart shapes, and sew them together around the edges. Fill them with potpourri just before you sew them closed, then seal them shut and enjoy the scent.

Daffodil Flower Care [marthastewart.com]
One of the best ways to spruce up your home for the springtime is by adding fresh flowers wherever you can. Freshly cut daffodils are the picture of spring, but they can often be difficult to care for. This tutorial will show you how to properly cut daffodils and arrange them in a vase in a way that even a florist would admire.

Stop and Smell the Roses at Westbank Flower Market

Whether you’re looking for a bright, colorful bouquet to send to your sweetheart or a token of appreciation to send to a friend, you’ll find all kinds of flower arrangements at Westbank Flower Market. This Austin florist is located in the Westlake Hills neighborhood, and it's said to be one of the most trusted places in the area for fresh flowers.

Here, you’ll find pre-made arrangements that you can pop in and pick up at the last minute, as well as knowledgeable florists on staff to help you choose a customized arrangement or even order flowers for an upcoming event. Inside, Westbank Flower Market hosts a small gift shop that sells pots, vases, and plants to pair with your arrangement or use on their own.

Westbank Flower Market is open to the public 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. To order a custom arrangement, visit the website or call the shop directly.

Westbank Flower Market
5320 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-3374
www.westbankflowers.com
www.yelp.com/biz/westbank-flower-market-west-lake-hills

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate Mom! Are you doing anything special for your mother today?

Watching Your Waistline? Check Out These Weight Loss Tips for Women

Just about every website and magazine today claims to offer miracle diet tips, but the only real way to lose weight is by exercising regularly and watching what you eat. These smart (and realistic!) tips can help keep women on track to shedding those extra pounds.

  1. Determine your individual calorie intake. Sure, counting calories is important for everyone, but not every woman’s body requires the same amount of calories each day. Work with a doctor to determine your recommended daily amount based on your weight loss goals.
  2. Practice portion control. Even if your diet already consists of mainly lean meats, fruits, and veggies, many people go overboard when it comes to portion control. Measure out your portions beforehand to stay on track.
  3. Forgo diet treats. Every American supermarket is filled with “diet” versions of unhealthy treats, but in most cases, you’re better off opting for a smaller serving size of the real deal. That way, you won’t be tempted to overindulge.
  4. Balance cardio and strength workouts. Most people prefer one or the other when it comes to their gym habits, but it’s important to balance both types of exercise if you really want to lose weight.
  5. Amp up your workouts. Practice short bursts of intense activity, which burn far more calories and help you to lose weight faster.

Our 75 Best Tips for Losing Weight [Women’s Day]
7 Weight Loss Mistakes Even Healthy Women Make [Prevention]
7 Weight Loss Challenges and Tips for Women [ShareCare]

Baguette et Chocolat Is a Cafe With a Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi

If you think that you have to jet off to the City of Light in order to find an authentic taste of Paris, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you visit Austin’s Baguette et Chocolate. This traditional French patisserie and boulangerie creates some of the most popular pastries and baked goods from French cuisine entirely from scratch, and it even has the same cozy, intimate feeling as a cafe found on the cobblestone streets of Paris.

Sample colorful macarons and gourmet éclairs au chocolat with a steaming cup of espresso, or pop in for a casual lunch of fresh croque madame sandwiches and pressed paninis around midday. If you’re planning a special occasion, Baguette et Chocolate is also one of the best places in the area to find custom cakes with your choice of decorations.

If you’re looking for an elegant and uniquely cultural lunch option in the Austin area, you’ll find it at this Parisian bakery.

Baguette et Chocolat
12101 Bee Cave Road
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-8388
www.baguetteetchocolat.com
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-2

Calling All Teachers: These Pinterest Boards Are Head of the Class!

Being teacher is an incredibly fulfilling job, and Pinterest is one of the most beneficial tools on the Internet to help make the most out of your classroom. From funny quotes to creative lesson ideas, the Pinterest teaching community offers something for all types of educators. Here are three of the best teaching boards on Pinterest.

Classroom Management
Teaching a class isn’t all fun and games, and this helpful board offers a number of tips and tricks for organizing your classroom and keeping everything running smoothly. Here, you’ll find creative ways to motivate your students, plus fun decorations that double as educational resources and printable worksheets to bolster your lesson plans.

Classroom Organization
Any teacher will tell you that staying organized is the key to a happy classroom, and this board is filled with ideas to help you do just that. Creative sign-out sheets will help you to keep track of all of your students, while bins and cubbies make great spaces for organizing all of your classroom supplies. There are even printable labels, worksheets, and calendars that all teachers will love.

Teacher Quotes
At the end of the day, teaching is all about maintaining a sense of humor. These inspiring and often hilarious quotes are filled with inside jokes that only fellow teachers will understand.

Mecca Gym and Spa: A Luxurious Treat for Mind, Body and Soul

If you believe that working out should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience, Mecca Gym and Spa is the facility for you. This upscale, modern gym is located conveniently in downtown Austin, and it offers a feeling of classic luxury and a personalized fitness experience. Wall-to-wall windows fill the fitness area with natural light, and top-of-the-line cardio and weight machines are scattered throughout the spacious room.

The gym portion hosts a knowledgeable staff of personal trainers who help guests meet their fitness goals, whether those are to train for a triathlon or simply to shed a few extra pounds. The spa is elegantly decorated and soothing, with ornate architectural details, sparkling light fixtures, and comfortable furnishings in every service area. Talented technicians offer massages, facials, and waxing services in private rooms, while guests sip wine or champagne in the open, airy manicure area.

If you want to tone your body and then treat your self to a day of pampering afterward, Mecca Gym and Spa is the place to do it all!

Mecca Gym and Spa
524 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 381-2680
www.meccagymandspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mecca-gym-and-spa-austin

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