Where to Shop Quirky Gifts and Novelties in Austin, Texas

March 5, 2015 2:34 pm

Austin is one of the quirkiest cities in the country, so it only makes sense that it would be filled with lots of shops selling strange curiosities. Whether you want to decorate your home or find something unique to wear, you’ll find it all from Austin’s weird and wonderful purveyors. Here are two of the city’s must-see shopping destinations.

Parts & Labour
If you prefer your quirky trinkets with a cute flair, you’ll want just about everything in Parts & Labour. This local boutique sells things that you wouldn’t imagine in even your most adorable daydreams, from stuffed animal taxidermy and colorful t-shirts to geeky greeting cards. The shop is open and airy and perfect for browsing, which you’ll likely want to do for the better part of an afternoon.
1117 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704; (512) 326-1648

Uncommon Objects
Just like its name suggests, Uncommon Objects is Austin’s go-to spot for everything creepy, eclectic, and just plain strange. The shop itself is an organized mess of antiques and oddities, including wall mounted armadillos, authentic Texan belt buckles, and more costume jewelry than you’ll have time to root through. Ideal for the antique lover who loves a good hunt, you truly never know what you’ll find at this artistic shop.
1512 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704; (512) 442-4000

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Jasper’s Big Dog Saloon: Darts, DJs, Karaoke and Cocktails in Lakeway

February 26, 2015 2:35 pm

Jasper's Big Dog Saloon is a neighborhood favorite, filled with regulars every night of the week. The bartenders at this unpretentious Lakeway bar are skilled at mixing cocktails, and the beer selection is solid, too. The food menu focuses on elevated snack foods like broiled shrimp and bruschetta, as well as hot sandwiches and personal pizzas.

Jasper's Big Dog Saloon also hosts frequent special events, and you'll likely find that there's something going happening here nearly every night of the week. Depending on when you visit, you might find yourself singing karaoke, competing against your friends in a video trivia competition, playing a few hands of Texas hold-em poker, or dancing the night away to music provided by popular local DJs. Of course, you can always just play a friendly game of darts or pool with friends. And if you're lucky, you might even meet Jasper himself, a 130-pound Goldendoodle who is everyone's favorite pal.

Jasper’s Big Dog Saloon
1310 RR 620 South
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 432-5073
www.jaspersbigdogsaloon.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jaspers-big-dog-saloon-lakeway

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Overslept? Try These Five Easy On-the-Go Breakfast Ideas

February 19, 2015 2:56 pm

When you sleep past your alarm and don’t even have time to shower, it can be tempting to skip breakfast. Even if you don’t have time for your usual eggs and toast, these quick, healthy breakfast ideas will help you get a nutritious morning meal that you can eat while running out the door.

  1. Yogurt Parfait. Though it sounds complicated, all it takes to create a nutritious yogurt parfait is an individual-sized plain yogurt and a few toppings. Sprinkle fresh fruit, nuts, or granola on top for a quick breakfast that you can eat with just a spoon.
  2. Breakfast Smoothie. Fruit smoothies are very healthy, but they’re not as filling as your usual breakfast. Make your smoothie as hearty as a meal by adding oats or nuts to the mix.
  3. Homemade Granola Bars. If you’re always running late in the morning, bake your own homemade granola bars and keep them on hand to eat on your commute.
  4. Tortilla Wrap. When you have just enough time to toss something together for breakfast, a tortilla wrap is an easy, handheld option. Simply put scrambled eggs, grilled peppers, and a sprinkle of cheese inside of a whole wheat tortilla shell.
  5. Avocado on Toast. If you love avocado with lunch and dinner, try it out for breakfast by eating it on toast. Just mash half of an avocado and spread it on a piece of toast, then add a bit of salt and pepper to taste. For an extra boost of nutrients, top with tomato slices, too.

9 Fast, Healthy Breakfast Ideas [Real Simple]
23 On-the-Go Breakfasts [Buzzfeed]
15 On-the-Go Breakfast Recipes [Parenting]

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