How to Host an At-Home Book Swap

Do you have a group of book-loving friends who love to talk about their latest literary endeavors? Get them all together for a book swap at your home! These fun gatherings are great opportunities for you to trade books that you’ve read and loved and receive new recommendations. Here are a few simple tips for planning your first book swap.

  1. Set a minimum. In order to ensure that everyone brings enough books (it wouldn’t be much of a swap with just a few titles, after all), set a minimum for each person. For a group of around 10 people, 10 books per person should do the trick.
  2. Bring books that are in good condition. While you may want to get rid of your college philosophy books with notes all through the margins, your friends likely won’t appreciate receiving these in the swap.
  3. Give out tickets. The easiest (and fairest) way to run the swap is by giving everyone a ticket with his or her name on it for each book that they bring. Toss all of the tickets into a hat, and then draw names to decide who picks next.
  4. Add descriptions. If you want to get really in-depth with your swap, instruct your guests to write a short description of each of their books on a Post-It note (think “Recommended if you liked…”).

How to Throw a Book Swap Party [Reader’s Lane]
How to Host a Book Swap Party [One Good Thing]
How to Host a Swap Party [Real Simple]

Falconhead Golf Club: Stay On Par at This Scenic Course

Falconhead Golf Club is one of the more popular public golf courses in Austin. Whether you want to work on your swing or get competitive by joining a league, this scenic course has something for golfers of every skill level. The course was designed by the PGA Tour Design Center to make it both challenging and fun for new golfers, and it features five sets of tee boxes that enable players to customize their own round. You’ll be able to see for miles from Falconhead's many rolling hills, which are signature to the Central Texas Hill Country where Austin is located.

Leagues for men, women, and seniors add a bit of friendly competition to the game, while the Falconhead Golf Shop offers everything you need to keep your golf bag stocked. Finish the day with dinner and drinks at Talon’s Bar and Grill!

Book your tee time on the Falconhead Golf Club website.

Falconhead Golf Club
15201 Falcon Head Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78738
(512) 402-1558
www.falconheadaustin.com

Happy Fall!

With Autumn just arriving, we hope everyone enjoys all of the fun this season has to offer! Happy Fall!

The Long Center for the Performing Arts: Where Austin Soaks Up the Limelight

Check The Long Center’s for the Performing Arts' calendar and you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. This live entertainment venue aims to be a community gathering place, emphasizing local art and talent while creating a fun and welcoming place for residents to come together.

Both outdoor and indoor concerts are held at The Long Center for the Performing Arts, either inside the spacious, round venue or outside on the attached City Terrace. The programming is diverse, and you’ll often find many different types of performances ranging from Shakespeare in the Park to touring rock groups and even comedy shows throughout the week. Theater buffs will enjoy seeing musical theater performances, while fans of ballet will likely want to check out a night with Ballet Austin.

The Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 457-5100
www.thelongcenter.org

Stop Into Jason’s Deli for a Fast and Healthy Lunch in Austin

A chain restaurant with a presence in more than half of the nation's states, Jason's Deli proudly proclaims that it was the first eatery of its kind to ban artificial trans fats and high fructose corn syrup from its menu. So when you sink a fork, spoon, or tooth into Jason's Deli's organic salads, piping-hot soups, and loaded sandwiches, you can feel reasonably certain that your meal is in line with your healthy lifestyle.

The fast-casual restaurant's vibe is similarly wholesome; the chain appeals to families with its relaxed atmosphere and robust kids' menu. Little ones 12 and under can choose from well-balanced meals that include antibiotic-free chicken nuggets, grilled cheese on multigrain bread, and bowtie pasta with meatballs. A side of organic carrot sticks or apple slices helps ensure Junior gets his fair share of fruits and veggies.

Note that Jason's Deli also serves a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Jason's Deli
3300 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 328-0200
www.jasonsdeli.com/restaurants/tx/austin/plaza-de-las-lomas-deli

How to Get the Most Mileage Out of Your Vacuum Cleaner

Your vacuum cleaner is one of the most expensive tools in your home’s cleaning arsenal, which is why it's important to keep up with its maintenance. Whether your vacuum is brand new or a decade old, here are a few tips to help you get the most mileage out of your vacuum cleaner.

  1. Check the bag frequently. One of the easiest and most straightforward ways to keep your vacuum in top condition is by replacing the bag as soon as it is full. You won’t know if it’s full unless you check it, however, so be sure to open it up every couple of weeks.
  2. Clean the brush. This often-overlooked part of the vacuum is essential for its performance, so be sure to remove it and clean it as well. Take scissors to any hairs that are wrapped around it, and remove fuzz with your fingers.
  3. Lubricate any spinning parts. The wheels and the bearings in your vacuum take a lot of pressure with every use, so keep them spinning smoothly by adding a common lubricant every few months.
  4. Check the belt. Many vacuum problems stem from a worn-out belt, so check yours frequently. If it is stretched out or broken, you can easily replace it with a brand new version.

How to Maintain a Vacuum Cleaner [WikiHow]
How To Maintain Your Vacuum Cleaner [Housekeeping Channel]
Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance: How to Clean a Vacuum [Cleanipedia]

Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge: Bring Your Friends (or Just Your Laptop!) to This Austin Cafe

Owned by the same entrepreneurs behind the Grove Wine Bar, its neighbor just next door, Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge is a welcome alternative to the chain coffeehouse experience. That's according to the cafe's many glowing Yelp reviews, which laud Lola's relaxed ambiance and friendly service as much as the cafe's freshly roasted coffee beans.

Here, empty burlap coffee sacks are suspended from the ceiling, adding a rustic flair to the open, light-filled space below. There are plenty of tables arranged throughout the cafe, so you're likely to be able to find a place to sit, even during the morning rush. That's when Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge reaches peak activity; locals hurry in for freshly toasted bagels and to-go espressos before work, while some choose to sit and linger with a bowl of oatmeal, a latte, and the newspaper.

Arriving with your laptop in tow? Regular visitors say the free Wi-Fi is fast and reliable.

Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge
6317 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 732-0093
www.yelp.com/biz/lola-savannah-austin

Happy Labor Day!

Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Labor Day!

Kayak Along Austin’s City Streets with Live Love Paddle

Austin has earned a reputation as one of the most outdoorsy cities in the nation, largely thanks to the presence of the beautiful Lady Bird Lake and series of rivers that snake between the bustling streets. Live Love Paddle takes full advantage of Austin's unique proximity to the water.

Tour guides take kayakers out on the various rivers to give them a new perspective of the city. Join one of the full-day river trips to coast along the San Marcos, Guadalupe, or Colorado River at a leisurely pace. Ogle the world's biggest urban bat colony, which resides under the Congress Avenue Bridge, from the comfort of your watercraft. You can also get a panoramic view of downtown from a kayak atop Lady Bird Lake or even take an overnight kayaking trip. Live Love Paddle rents out kayaks, as well, if you prefer a self-guided tour.

Live Love Paddle
1610 E. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 804-2122
www.livelovepaddle.com
www.yelp.com/biz/live-love-paddle-austin-2

Lucky’s Puccias: Try a Grilled Sandwich From This Famous Food Truck

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

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