Thank You and Congratulations

We wanted to thank everyone who came out to the brunch on Saturday. We had a great turn out and went through all the food in no time!

We would also like to congratulate the winners of the drawing for $15 off their rent for following us on Twitter. Congratulations to Chad, Amanda and John-Paul. Thank you to everyone who followed us, and we hope to see more of you on board.

Your Canyon Ridge Team

Tap Into Your Creative Side: Starting a New Hobby

Tapping into your inner creativity can offer rewards to both your personal and professional life. If you've been wanting to pursue an artistic hobby at home at The Marquis at Canyon Ridge, these tips can help you get started.

First, gather the materials you will need. There is nothing more challenging than getting your creative juices flowing only to discover that you are lacking a necessary tool or piece of equipment. That said, don’t pressure yourself to purchase the most expensive or fanciest supplies — you just need something to get started with.

Next, set aside some time where you won’t be interrupted — this is key. In order to learn a new skill you need both time and undivided attention. We all know it can be difficult to schedule the time, but be realistic. If you can only set aside fifteen minutes, then make those fifteen minutes count.

Sometimes, it's helpful to set aside time to get creative with your friends. Finding people at a similar level of skill can provide an environment where you can all learn together, and also support each other as you learn. Whether you’re crocheting, scrapbooking or whatever, a group can’t do anything but help you improve, and make the process more fun!

If you're finding your new talent a challenge, seek out some professional instruction. You don’t have to commit to an overwhelming schedule of lessons, but having a few pointers can be really helpful as you get started, and make the whole process more pleasureable.

The Steeping Room: Relax and Refresh

Whether refreshing yourself with a nice pot of tea or sitting down for a full meal, The Steeping Room is a wonderful place to visit. Service here is great, and the interior is bright and casual, making you feel right at home. The Steeping Room's selection of teas is pretty astonishing, with an extensive menu for each of the seven types of tea available. It makes it great fun to investigate and try to uncover new favorites. A number of tea services are available, or order a la carte from the menu from delicious sandwiches, salads, and other comforting dishes. There are also, of course, delicious sweets and baked goods to accompany your tea, too! The Steeping Room is also a great breakfast and brunch spot, and has happy hour specials on weekday afternoons. Whenever you come, get ready for a relaxing and pleasant time sipping and snacking the time away.

The Steeping Room
11410 Century Oaks Terrace
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 977-8337
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-steeping-room-austin

Saturday Brunch

Come join us this Saturday, February 2nd at 10:30 a.m. for free brunch here in the clubhouse. Come mingle with your fellow community members while enjoying some delicious food and beverage. We will be having bagels and cream cheese, fruit, Round Rock Donuts, and Rudys breakfast burritos so come hungry and ready to eat.

Jessica and Leisha will be looking forward to seeing all your smiling faces. Also from now until then follow us on twitter and be entered into a drawing to win $15 off your rent. We will select 3 winners to receive the prize.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend!


 

Famous Speeches in American History

Oratory's one of the oldest arts, practiced by statesmen and other leaders from even before the days of Cicero. It's not surprising that some of our country's most effective leaders have also been master rhetoricians, capable of moving and inspiring their audiences with the power of words. Here are five of the most famous speeches in American history:

The Gettysburg Address
Perhaps the most quoted speech in American history, Abraham Lincoln's powerful speech is incredible in not only its eloquence, but also its brevity. In just over two minutes, he spoke of human equality at the roots of the American experience, and the Union's struggle in the Civil War as one to preserve and renew freedom.

Lou Gehrig Farewell
Incredible Yankee's first baseman Lou Gehrig had his career cut short when at 36 he was diagnosed with the disease now bearing his name. Celebrating all that he was grateful for, Gehrig used his farewell address to proclaim himself as "the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

"I Have a Dream"
Calling for an end to racial inequality and racial discrimination, Martin Luthur King Jr's words have inspired countless millions. This charismatic message of love voiced the hopes of civil rights, and in giving it King shared his dream with a nation.

Kennedy's Inaugural Address
When John F. Kennedy took the oath of office on January 20, 1961, he was helping to inspire America into a new era. In this stirring speech, Kennedy famously implored his fellow Americans to "ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."

"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death"
Before America was America, Patrick Henry spoke forcefully to the Virginia House of Burgesses. The Revolutionary War had begun, and Henry wanted to organize a militia in Virginia in an effort to join the war. His famous words still ring out as some of the most impassioned words spoken on behalf of America.

Swad: Dig Into a Dosa

A vegetarian restaurant with tantalizing food from the North and South of India, Swad is an exotic and delicious treat. The flavors and aromas here are incredibly enticing, making it a great destination even for the most carnivorous diner. The samosas are a wonderful way to start, but the real star here are the enormous dosas. Dosas are crepes made with a batter of rice and lentils, and are not only delicious, but enormous in size. Thali is another great option, in which you are served incredible bread and a plate full of numerous little dishes to eat it with. For the quality and size of the dishes here, the prices are incredibly low, too! For a fantastic, fast meal, give Swad a shot and prepare to be delighted.

Swad
9515 N. Lamar Boulevard #156
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 997-7923
http://www.yelp.com/biz/swad-austin

Free Fitness Classes

How are those New Year’s Resolutions going? Don’t forget about our FREE Fitness classes every Monday and Thursday night at 6:30! It’s not too late to get in the gym and fulfill those resolutions! Hope to see everyone at the Shape up Boot Camp tomorrow night!

U.S. Travel Spots That You Must See

Often when we think about vacationing, we envision far off locales, exotic beaches, and swaying palms. But, travel such as that can be expensive and time consuming. Instead of forgoing travel altogether, why not opt for a destination a little closer to home?!

Grand Canyon (Arizona). The Grand Canyon is definitely a must-see! Here, you can behold the chasm that was carved by the Colorado River. This natural wonder is visited by five million visitors each and every year.

– New York City. Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, the Statue of Liberty – enjoy some quintessential American culture in the city that never sleeps!

– Washington, DC. As the seat of the federal government, D.C. houses fabulous cultural riches that will delight visitors of all ages.

– Disney World (Florida). If you have young children, Disney World is a great choice! Offering attractions for kids of all ages, this place offers the ultimate theme-park experience.

– Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho). This park spans three states and offers nearly 3,500 square miles of bucolic landscapes and untouched wilderness.

Enjoy a stateside getaway this year, and revel in all our great country has to offer. 

Office Closing

Hello!

Our office will be closing Wednesday, January 16th from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For maintenance emergencies, please call 512-837-3333 and follow the prompts.

Thank you,

Your Canyon Ridge Team

Casual Homemade Italian Food at Mezzaluna

 

Mezzaluna Italian Grill is a homey little italian restaurant in Austin's Wells Branch neighborhood, just a few minutes from The Marquis at Canyon Ridge.

Diners love the oven-fresh bread that starts the meal. Salads are fresh and served with homemade dressings – try the blue cheese vinaigrette. If one of their daily specials doesn’t peak your interest, the huge seafood ravioli is a go-to choice. Meat dishes are ultra-tender and the Veal Saltimbocca alla Romana – a veal cutlet wrapped with prosciutto in a lemon sage sauce – is highly recommended. 

Pizzas have fun gourmet toppings like goat cheese, grilled asparagus, and smoked salmon. Many wines are available by the glass – including several from Texas wineries – as well as a small selection of craft beers. The atmosphere is quiet and comfortable, perfect for a casual yet romantic date.
 

Mezzaluna Italian Grill
14735 Bratton Ln
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 252-1444
www.yelp.com/biz/mezzaluna-italian-grill-austin-2

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