BoConcept: Sleek, Modern Style for Your Home

Head to BoConcept and their design consultants will help you decorate your home in a sleek, sophisticated, European style. Check out the Indivi 2 modular sofa system with varying seating units, leg styles, armrests, coverings and pillows that can be customized to suit your room and style to a tee. Pair it with a modern glass and chrome coffee table, a plush, geometric color block rug, a sleek, chrome floor lamp, a couple of glass and brushed-steel nesting tables and a supple leather chair and you’ve got a room that rocks. Check out their online catalog. Open every day.

BoConcept
430 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 258-0835
http://www.yelp.com/biz/boconcept-austin-2

 

J Mueller BBQ: Hit The Pit

Texas is one of the country’s big destinations for barbecue, with a beef-centric menu and some serious slow-cooked flavor. The Hill Country is rife with barbecue joints, but locals will almost unanimously recommend J Mueller in Austin. Owner John Mueller hails from a barbecue dynasty in Taylor, Texas – his grandfather Louie’s restaurant is internationally known as one of the temples of Texas ‘cue. It took a lot for John to set out on his own, but he quickly found success in Austin. His business has had some ups and downs since then, but since opening the new location in Austin’s Bouldin Creek neighborhood, things have been looking up for Mueller. And for good reason – this is incredible barbecue, perfectly tender and flavorful. The brisket here is the meal of choice, and it’s done up as well as you can possibly do it. Beef ribs and sausage are also quite good. Note that this place has become a little more popular since it was profiled on Anthony Bourdain’s TV show.

J Mueller BBQ
1502 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 229-7366
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jmueller-bbq-austin

Max’s Wine Dive: Eclectic Flavors

‘Fried chicken and Champagne? Why not?!’

That’s nearly the slogan at Max’s Wine Dive, which lets you know it’s not just another snooty wine bar. Gourmet comfort food, an eclectic selection of wine from around the world and a funky, relaxed setting with a jukebox is what’s earned them a host of fans. Stop by for lunch to chow down on a Puttanesca Caesar Salad, Shrimp & Grits or Max’s Signature Burger. The dinner menu features many of the same dishes as the lunch menu, including Max’s Famous Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes & greens, the Fried Egg Sandwich with applewood smoked bacon & gruyere, and the Texas Haute Dog with onion rings & French fries. Stop by for happy hour for nice food and drink specials. Open every day.

Max’s Wine Dive
207 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
Neighborhood: Downtown
(512) 904-0111
http://www.yelp.com/biz/maxs-wine-dive-austin

Reimers Ranch Park

Looking for a place to chill out in under the big Texas sky? Head to Reimers Ranch Park, a huge, pristine swath of parkland that’s the largest in Travis Country at 2,427 acres. Three miles of continuous beach frontage on the Pedernales River makes it a great spot for fishing and swimming on hot summer days. There’s no shade, so bring an umbrella and sunscreen. It’s also a premier destination for world-class rock climbing. More than 18 miles of trails in varying lengths and levels of strenuousness make for excellent hiking and biking opportunities. Port-a-potties are the only amenities. Leashed dogs are allowed.

Open sunrise to sunset. Car admission is $10.

Reimers Ranch Park
24100 Hamilton Pool Rd
Austin, TX 78798
(512) 854-7275
http://www.yelp.com/biz/milton-reimers-ranch-park-austin

5 Household Uses For Mint

Did you know that there are a lot of uses for mint beyond a garnish for your iced tea? Well, read on for a few creative, household uses for this versatile plant. If you're intrigued, you can learn more about these and 10 other household uses for mint over at Mother Earth Living.

Bug Repellent
Did you know that mint deters pesky bugs like ants and flies. Bring a potted mint plant into your kitchen, or spray diluted peppermint essential oil (ten parts water to one part oil) around doorways and windows.

Pet Care
Keep your household pets flea-free with this homemade repellent: bundle two parts fresh spearmint, one part fresh thyme, and one part fresh wormwood, and place it inside a small pillow. Put the pillow near your pet’s bed, or favorite resting spot.

Cure Stomach Upset
Peppermint tea is a refreshing way to ease an upset stomach. This is because peppermint naturally serves to calm the digestive tract and alleviate indigestion, intestinal gas, and abdominal cramping.

Soothe Sunburn
Menthol cools and soothes skin, so mint is a great herb to have around in the warm weather. Rely on it to ease sunburn — make a strong peppermint tea, and then refrigerate the mixture for several hours. Then, carefully apply to the burned area with a clean cotton ball.

Home Fragrance
Keep your home smelling great with mint. Add a few drops of mint essential oil to your favorite unscented cleaner to infuse your home with a refreshing scent. 

Second Bar + Kitchen: The Wow Factor

Second Bar + Kitchen is a trendy little hotspot that will wow you. Order something from their hefty selection of beer, wine and artisan cocktails paired with an appetizer like Smoked Salmon Fritters, Black Truffle Pommes Frites or Green Garlic Gnocchi. Lunchtime offerings include a Congress Burger, a Fried Egg & Avocado Sandwich and Short Rib Sliders. Dinner rolls out some delectable artisan pizzas, plus entrées like Roasted Rainbow Trout with black radish salad, Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop with green chile hominy or Braised Beef Short Ribs with black truffle grits. Brunch offerings include Steak & Eggs, Brioche French Toast, Corned Beef Hash and Texas Eggs Benedict. Open every day.

Second Bar + Kitchen
200 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 827-2750
http://www.yelp.com/biz/second-bar-kitchen-austin

Frank: Frankly Good Hot Dogs

Frank's artisan hot dogs are are paired with an amazing array of fresh ingredients. The Jackalope is made with antelope, rabbit, & pork, Notorious P.I.G. features pork, bacon, jalapeno & sage, and the Texalina is beef & pork. They come served on a bun and dressed up with a variety of toppings including barbeque sauce, spicy mustard, sauerkraut, curry sauce, cheddar cheese and mac & cheese. Not a meat eater? Get yours veggie or vegan-style. Add on some sides like cheese waffle fries, chili cheese fries, baked beans, ranch style beans, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and loaded baked potato salad. Coffee, beer, well drinks and cocktails are on the menu, too. Open for lunch and dinner.

Frank
407 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-6916
http://www.yelp.com/biz/frank-austin

 

219 West: Drink With Style

219 West is a fave for their extended happy hour, which offers great deals on drinks and food. Also a plus is their expansive selection of libations and their spacious seating, which includes a front patio, an indoor lounge & dining room and rooftop patio with a primo view of Austin. Prepare to blow away the day’s cares with something yummy like a Blackberry Martini or Mojito and a tasty tapa like Beef Carpaccio, Shallot French Fries, Tilapia Nachos or Creole Crab Dip. If you want to go the entrée route, they’ve got taste pleasers like Teriyaki Ribeye with wasabi mashed potatoes, Chicken Fried Ahi Tuna with sugar snap peas and Lump Crab Stuffed Mushroom with grilled asparagus. Open every day.

219 West
612 W 6th St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-2194
http://www.yelp.com/biz/219-west-austin

Make-Up Tips For Your Eyes

Your eyes are the window to your soul, and what better way to draw attention to one of your face’s most important features than with make-up? You don’t need a Hollywood professional to do a star quality make-up job at home, though. Here are some simple tips to get you started.

Eyelashes can provide a bold border to your eyes, drawing attention to the colors of your pupils and making them look bigger. One of the best things to do with your eyelashes is to curl them before applying mascara. This increases their volume, which the mascara will accentuate.

The jury is still out on whether to apply mascara to your lower eyelid. It depends on the shape of your face and the folds of your eye. Experiment with your makeup to see if it works for you or not.

Light eyeshadow is one of the biggest secrets in the makeup artist’s repertoire. Putting a small amount at the inside ridge of your eye where the upper and lower lids meet creates a highlighting effect that makes the whites of your eyes appear brighter and clearer.

In addition, keeping your eyebrows neatly trimmed can do a lot for the look of your face. Arched eyebrows attract attention to your eyes, and if they’re neat and carefully manicured, they’ll help your eyes pop more than ever.

Driskill Grill: Austin Farm to Table Fare

One of Austin’s most prestigious restaurants, the Driskill Grill – located within the Driskill Hotel – is an award-winning New American restaurant that serves up innovative and exciting food to a clientele of appreciative diners. The establishment has pulled in multiple Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine, as well as solid Zagat ratings year after year. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Jonathan Gelman, the kitchen produces exceptional menus that dazzle diners. If you don’t feel like deciding, put yourself in the chef’s capable hands with his nightly three-course “farm to table” prix fixe menu, which never disappoints. Eaters who feel like dining a la carte have an excellent selection of dishes, with some favorites including the prime aged filet mignon with smoked cheddar grits, roasted wild mushrooms and glazed onions, as well as the Hawaiian ahi poke.

Driskill Grill
604 Brazos Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 391-7162
http://www.yelp.com/biz/driskill-grill-austin

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