tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75848097691976661012024-03-13T21:49:46.210-07:00Kathy's Austin Neighborhoodkathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-24741493829381011012014-01-02T08:20:00.003-08:002014-01-02T08:20:57.316-08:00Top 9 New Restaurants that opened in Austin in 2014Austin welcomed a smattering of great new restaurants to an already thriving dining scene in 2013. From French-, Italian- and Spanish-inspired locales to an influx of Asian-influenced establishments (with a clear ramen trend), to reinstated American fine dining, it’s been a good year in Austin food. And while we certainly enjoyed more than our fair share of newcomers, there were a few in particular that stood out the most. <br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/guide/restaurants/arro/">Arro</a> — I'm a fan of anything French, especially when it's delivered well. And la vie est trés belle at Arro. The third concept from dynamic culinary duo Andrew and Mary Catherine Curren, this vibrant brasserie is my favorite. Serving everything from goat cheese vegetable tart and mussels and fries in sherry wine broth, to steak frites and croque monsieur, Arro does it all— and with friendly service. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The exclusively French wine list is also a highlight with a range of unique-yet-approachable wines you won't normally find anywhere else. The $25 three-course menu is a steal, as is their "Cinq a Sept" weekday <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">happy hour which runs from</span> 5-7 p.m. Among the offerings is a Swiss classic raclette and an assortment of cheese, charcuterie and other small plate options for $5 or $7. (Late night loungers will love the salted chocolate-chip-cookie ice-cream-sandwich.)</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/guide/restaurants/bufalina/">Bufalina</a> — If there’s an unexpected success story of the year, it’s Bufalina. Owner Stephen Dilley left his career in finance, relocated from New York City and opened up a humble little pizzeria in East Austin. Little did he know he had the makings of a new neighborhood sensation. The Neapolitan-style pizza is good, to be sure. Really good. And though there are only a handful of pizza selections to choose from, the daily antipasti list (made with whatever fell off the local farm turnip truck) is not to be missed. And the wine list is unexpected, uniquely selected — and perhaps one of the best kept secrets in town. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/guide/restaurants/jeffreys/">Jeffrey’s </a>and <a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/guide/restaurants/josephine-house/">Josephine House </a>—It’s tough putting these two together in the same entry, but considering they share the same lot in Clarksville, it will just have to do. Old school Jeffrey’s fans who feared new ownership and a remodel would ruin the classic fine dining locale were happily proved wrong. While some scoffed at the elevated prices and showy service, there’s little to complain about once you’re seated in one of the snazzy new dining rooms. Table-side cocktail cart, wonderfully prepared steaks and accoutrement, and kid glove service. It’s an indulgence, indeed, but as they say, “you only live once.” </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Kid sister Josephine House manages to hold her own as the sunny afternoon happy hour neighborhood hot spot and the quintessential gathering place for ladies that lunch—gentlemen welcome, too. Seasonal menu items are varied and delicious, but a selection from the marble counter artfully displaying salads and appetizers is where I always find a home run. (A choice from the fresh cookies and pastry selection is a must.) </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">La Mancha — You may not expect much from yet another Tex-Mex joint in a north Austin neighborhood, but a stop into La Mancha is worth a shot. You’ll find your standard velvety bowl of queso and a down-and-dirty plate of “truck stop” beef enchiladas smothered in ranchero sauce and queso. The fajita selection includes beef and chicken as well as shrimp, Gulf snapper and portobello mushroom. (And a handful of other appealing vegetarian items scatter the menu.) In short, the food is good and the vibe is even better. If you’re looking for a good neighborhood joint to share a margarita among friends, La Mancha fits the bill. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Faustin.culturemap.com%2Fguide%2Frestaurants%2Fqui-restaurant%2F&ei=RPfCUqaJIerz2QWfpYGwCw&usg=AFQjCNFS7yn7jUoxwaylNPiLUqs-DNQzVg&sig2=BfekA_vnQH65ccRa13ujew&bvm=bv.58187178,d.b2I">Qui</a> — It was only one of the most talked about new openings of 2013 — before, during, and long after it finally opened its doors following a series of delays. While some were determined to marvel at the grandeur of Paul Qui’s very own venture before it even opened, others were quick to poke holes at every little flaw the second they walked into the sleek East Austin joint. Me, I’m just happy he got the doors open and appears to be having the time of his life. The menu impresses with a few shining stars, particularly the indulgent wagyu côte de boeuf and the visually stunning ode to Michel Bras vegetables with chilled turnip broth. Daily specials are where you see Qui and his creative kitchen really come to life. For some, it’s hit or miss. For others, it’s love before first bite. If you can manage to lay aside a preconceived expectation, you’ll no doubt have a really good time. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/guide/restaurants/ramen-tatsu-ya/">Ramen Tatsu-ya</a> & Michi Ramen — It seems 2013 was the year of Ramen. Not only did Ramen Tatsu-ya and Michi Ramen make an entry onto the scene, but two new East Side King locations opened at Hole in the Wall and on South Lamar Boulevard serving their own version of ramen. And the trend isn't over yet. In 2014, Whole Foods Market will dabble in the Japanese curly noodle soup at its new location at the Domain. If you ask me, the more ramen, the merrier! </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Winebelly — This new South Austin wine and tapas bar was a pleasant find from the same family who owns Vietnamese restaurants, Hai Ky. I originally happened in with a friend to check out the wine list, but was pleasantly surprised by the food menu as well. In addition to tapas such as roasted cauliflower with raisins and anchovy-soaked bread crumbs to tasty grilled lamb ribs with herbed yogurt and vegetables, you’ll find an assortment of cheese, charcuterie and savory bar snacks including shishito peppers with fresh ricotta and piquant French fries with pimenton and chili pepper. The wine list if wonderfully diverse and value driven, with a fair selection of wines by the glass. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And just in case you need a few more to cross off your list, here are a few other great spots we welcomed in 2013: </span><br />
Barlata<br /> Benji’s Cantina<br /> The Bonneville<br /> The Dojo<br /> East Side Kings South Lamar<br /> Eden East<br /> Goodall’s, in the Hotel Ella<br /> Bob’s Steakhouse<br /> Mettle<br /> No Va<br /> Odd Duck (Not open in time to review.)<br /> Pieous<br /> Salt & Time<br /> Say La V<br /> Schmidt's Family BBQ<br /> Searsucker<br /> Soto<br /> Umami Mia<br /> Weather Up<br /> Winflo Osteriakathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-32285174236951148522013-10-15T13:25:00.003-07:002013-10-15T13:25:56.931-07:00There's a way to get a loan with less or -0- Downpayment!!!<div class="first" id="yui_3_9_1_10_1381868507082_249">
If you don't have 20 percent to put down on a new home, that doesn't mean you can't buy one. Does that surprise you? Then listen to this: there are all kinds of strategies for prospective home buyers who can't get the cash together for the traditional 20 percent down. </div>
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In fact, homebuyers could get a loan with as little as 3.5 percent down through the <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1381512515433_5">Federal Housing Administration</span>, says <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_8">Joe Parsons</span>, senior <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_21">loan officer</span> with PFS Funding in Dublin, CA and author of "Growing Equity: A Guide for the Hopeful Investor." </div>
If you're interested in hearing more, you're in the right place. Let's take a deeper look into ways you can get a mortgage with a low down payment.<br />
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Strategy #1 - Get Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)</h3>
Wondering how you could avoid living with Mom and Dad until you've saved up that 20 percent down payment for a home? Private mortgage insurance (PMI), might be the answer you're looking for. PMI is basically an insurance premium you pay each month when you put down less than 20 percent on your mortgage.<br />
"The cost of PMI will depend on the loan to value ratio (LTV) and on the borrower's credit score," Parsons says. The LTV is the ratio between the amount you want to borrow and your home's value. The larger that ratio is, and the worse your credit score is, the more you might have to pay for PMI. <br />
That means that if you put 10 percent down and you have a credit score of 760, you could be paying $99 a month for PMI, Parsons says. But if you put down 3 percent and had a credit score of 760, you could be paying $279 for the same loan. Have a credit score of 700? That premium could jump to $330 a month, he says.<br />
But there is some good news: "Sometimes these [insurance] premiums will disappear altogether once you hit the 20 percent equity mark on your home," says Howard Dvorkin, CPA, founder of ConsolidatedCredit.org, and author of "Power Up: Taking charge of your financial destiny." <br />
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That could happen if you pay down the principal on your loan to 80 percent, or if the value of your home goes up and you have 20 percent equity in your home as a result. Be sure to check with your lender on their policies surrounding eliminating <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_2">private mortgage insurance</span>.</div>
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Strategy #2 - Get a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan</h3>
Since the Federal Housing Administration insures the loan - meaning they take on the risk associated with you possibly defaulting on the loan - you're generally allowed a lower down payment. That can be as low as 3.5 percent of the loan, Parsons says.<br />
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Plus, it's typically easier to qualify for an <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1381512515433_11">FHA loan</span> than a <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_10">conventional loan</span> - meaning you can have a lower credit score, for example. Sound too good to be true? Well, an FHA loan does come with some drawbacks.</div>
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"The disadvantages are that the <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1381512515433_7">mortgage insurance</span> is comparatively expensive and will be there for the life of the loan," Parsons says. That's in contrast to a conventional loan, where as we discussed, you could get rid of PMI after you have 20 percent equity in your home.</div>
Now let's look at the cost. There are two components to the insurance on an FHA loan. The first is called Up Front Mortgage Insurance (or UFMIP). It equals 1.75 percent of the loan amount, and it's paid once, usually by adding it to the loan amount. <br />
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The second is the Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium (or MIP), which is an annual premium paid monthly (like you'd pay for your car insurance, for example). MIP can vary from 1.30 to 1.35 percent depending on your loan-to-value ratio (your <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_12">loan amount</span> compared with the value of your home), paid monthly. </div>
<a data-rapid_p="1" href="http://homes.yahoo.net/mortgage/quote/?ywa=1&kid=1O0ZD" style="color: #149d98;" target="_blank">[Click to shop around and find a low mortgage interest rate now.]</a><br />
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Strategy #3 - Get a "Piggyback Loan"</h3>
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Have you ever heard of a "<span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_20">piggyback loan</span>" when it comes to <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_13">mortgage financing</span>? This used to be very common, according to Parsons. It basically means a homeowner would get one loan for 80 percent of the value of the house, and then a line of credit on top of that up to the remaining 20 percent of the value of the house. </div>
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Because of this, many people got into homes without any <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_14">down payment</span> at all. But the problem is that not all of them could afford the monthly payments on those loans. </div>
"There were huge losses in the wake of the meltdown, so banks are very reluctant to make these kinds of loans today," says Parsons. "Most lines of credit are capped at a total loan to value of 80 percent, so they will be of little or no help to a buyer with a small down payment."<br />
That's not to say these loans no longer exist, and that there aren't exceptions. But before you go looking for one of these, you might want to speak with a mortgage professional who can examine your particular situation and talk through the pros and cons with you.<br />
Dvorkin warns that while this strategy might get you into a home, the interest rate on a home equity line of credit is usually higher than that of a mortgage, and often increases throughout the course of the loan. "In the end, the final payment is considerably larger than the normal payments. So, while this is a viable solution, it can add up in the long run," he says.<br />
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Strategy #4 - First-Time Home Buyer Programs</h3>
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If you're thinking about buying your first home, you're probably feeling both excited and nervous. And chances are you might not have saved up 20 percent to put down on that first home either. Well, here are some resources for first-time home buyers that could help make the process a little less frightening.</div>
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"Different states and communities have different programs to help first-time home buyers," says <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_16">Parsons</span>. One example he cites is the <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_15">California Housing Finance Agency</span> (CAlHFA), which has a number of programs for first-timers including the California Home Down Payment Assistance Program. </div>
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"With CHDAP, the buyer receives a loan of 3 percent of the purchase price. This loan can be used for a <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1381512515433_17">down payment</span> or closing costs, and doesn't have to be repaid until the first mortgage is paid off through refinance or sale." It could benefit you to check into whether your state has a similar program. </div>
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"This could be right for anyone who is a first-time home buyer who doesn't have a large down payment," Parsons adds.<br />
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kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-18648290255622402502013-10-08T12:16:00.001-07:002013-10-08T12:16:18.601-07:00New FHA Program Seeks to Give Borrowers Back their Buying Power » KW Blog<a href="http://blog.kw.com/2013/09/19/hud/#.UlRZ9xbA4Uc.blogger">New FHA Program Seeks to Give Borrowers Back their Buying Power » KW Blog</a>kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-50656177553367362152013-09-16T08:31:00.005-07:002013-09-16T08:31:54.764-07:00FREE THINGS TO DO IN AUSTIN THIS WEEK SEPT 16-20<table id="yiv1999125368itemcontentlist">
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379345116282_2050" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379345116282_2049">Monday</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379345116282_2053">
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379345116282_2054" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://austintoystores.com/calendar-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Storytime at Brilliant Sky Toys & Books</b></a> – Monday, September 16 at 11am. Ms. Sandy will captivate your child with a variety of stories and related crafts. <b id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379345116282_2055">FREE</b>! Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, The Village at West Lake (360 and Bee Caves Rd), 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy Suite D-480, Austin.</span><br /><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379345116282_2056">
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379345116282_2057" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://events.austin360.com/austin_tx/events/show/347607543-diez-y-seis-de-septiembre-celebration" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Diez y Seis de Septiembre at Texas State Capitol</b></a>- Monday, September 16 at noon. Join State Senator Kirk Watson and State Representative Eddie Rodriguez in celebrating Diez y Seis de Septiembre and México's War of Independence at the Texas Capitol Rotunda. Grito by Cónsul General de México Rosalba Ojeda; Invocation by Father Bill Wack, St. Ignatius Martyr Parish. Performances by Mariachi El Romance, Conjunto Los Pinkys, Danza Azteca Guadalupana and Austin High's Ballet Folklórico. <b>FREE</b> and open to the public. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin.</span><br /><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.austincc.edu/cppps/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Diez y Seis de Septiembre at ACC Riverside Campus</b></a> - Monday, September 16 at noon. The Honorable Gonzalo Barrientos and ACC invite you to celebrate Diez y Seis the Septiembre. Learn the meaning of el Diez y Seis from historians. Sample tasty traditional dishes. Enjoy the rhythmic steps of Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklórico, plus musical entertainment from Johnny Degollado y su Conjunto, and Boca Abajo. <b>FREE</b> and open to the public. ACC Riverside Campus, 1020 Grove Boulevard, Austin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/home/index.asp?page=9&recordid=22969" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Rockin Crafts Grade K-5 (Round Rock)</b></a>- Monday, September 16 at 4:30pm- 5:15pm. Elementary students, come explore a new fun craft project every week. Sessions will last 30-45 minutes. <b>FREE</b>!! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main Street, Round Rock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.austintexas.org/includes/events/Diez-y-Seis-de-Septiembre/82755/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Diez y Seis de Septiembre Neighborhood Fiesta</b></a> - Monday, September 16, from 5 - 7:30 p.m. Parque Zaragoza will be hosting a <b>FREE</b> Diez y Seis de Septiembre Neighborhood Fiesta. There will be live entertainment in addition to tortilla, salsa and pinata making, a jumpy castle, loteria, fun games, prizes, snacks and crafts. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow">512-472-7142</a>. Parque Zaragoza, 2608 Gonzales St, Austin.<br /><br /><b>Tuesday</b><br /><br /><a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/literature-live-presents-jack-beanstalk-tuesday-tales-dougherty-arts-center" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Literature Live! Presents <i>Jack and the Beanstalk</i></b></a>- Tuesday, September 17 at 10:30am. When hungry young Jack trades his family's cow for a peddler's beans, his life takes a magical turn! For ages 4 and up. <b>FREE</b>!! Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bookpeople.indiebound.com/event/armstrong-community-music-school-storytime-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Armstrong Community School Storytime</b></a>- Tuesday, September 17 at 10:30am. Come sing songs with Walter Tragert, one of the talented Early Childhood Development faculty members from the Armstrong Community School. Mr. Walter will engage your child with music and movement, plus he’ll read some stories for you too! This session is perfect for kids up to 6 years old. <b>FREE</b>!! BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/lego-lab-44" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lego Lab-</a> </b>Tuesday, September 17 at 11:15am and 3:30pm. With Legos, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with Legos provided by the Library! Recommended for ages 5 and up. <b>FREE</b>!! Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe Street.<br /><br /><a href="http://austintoystores.com/calendar-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Music with Mr. Will at Brilliant Sky Toys & Books</b></a> – Tuesday, September 17 at 11:30am. Rock out with local children’s singer, “Mr. Will” Dupuy. <b>FREE</b>!! Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, The Village at West Lake (360 and Bee Caves Rd), 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy Suite D-480, Austin.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.babyearth.com/grow/ai1ec_event/interactive-story-time-1-4years-or-walkers/?instance_id=62800" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Interactive Storytime (Round Rock)-</b></a> Tuesday, September 17 from 1:45- 2:15pm. Each week we read a couple fun books, sing songs, play with instruments and have a great time! Join us every Tuesday at 1:45pm for this great story time! This group is perfect for children 18 months and older. <b>FREE</b>!! Baby Earth, 106 East Old Settlers Boulevard, Round Rock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.westbanklibrary.com/event/discovery-lego-open-play-lauras" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Discovery! Lego Open Play (Bee Cave) </b></a>- Tuesday, September 17 from 4:30- 5:30pm. The Discovery hands on program explores all sorts of different topics, including science, literature, and much more! Come join us for the Ultimate Lego Building Experience! Recommended for all ages. <b>FREE</b>!! Laura's Library, 9411 Bee Cave Road.<br /><br /><b>Wednesday</b><br /><br /><a href="http://toybraryaustin.com/calendar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Creative Drama Class</b>-</a> Wednesday, September 18 from 10-11am. Let's Imagine! Come and use your imagination with Miss Leta (from ZACH Theater) in a fun filled creative drama theatre class for ages 3-5. We will read stories and have fun on adventures that only our imaginations can create. <b>FREE</b>!! Toybrary Austin, 7817 Rockwood Lane.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/literature-live-presents-jack-beanstalk-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Literature Live! Presents Jack and the Beanstalk</b></a>- Wednesday, September 18 at 10:15am and 3:30pm. When hungry young Jack trades his family's cow for a peddler's beans, his life takes a magical turn! For ages 4 and up. <b>FREE</b>!! The 10:15 performance is at the <a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/literature-live-presents-jack-beanstalk-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ruiz Branch Public Library</a>, 1600 Grove Blvd., and the 3:30 performance is at the <a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/literature-live-presents-jack-beanstalk-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hampton Branch at Oak Hill</a>, 5125 Convict Hill Road.<br /><br /><a href="http://bookpeople.indiebound.com/event/tiny-tails-petting-zoo-storytime-9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Tiny Tails Petting Zoo Storytime</b></a>- Wednesday, September 18 at 10:30am. If you're a fan of chinchillas, bunnies, ducklings, guinea pigs, chickens AND stories then you're in luck! Tiny Tails to You (<a href="http://www.tinytailstoyou.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.tinytailstoyou.com</a>) will be reading stories and introducing some of the cutest, softest, most adorable little creatures in Austin! What a wonderful way to make new friends. <b>FREE</b>!! BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.<br /><br /><a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/storelocator/stores.aspx?pagetype=storeList&city=austin&state=TX&zip=#content" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Barnes and Noble Storytime</b>-</a> Wednesday, September 18 at 11:00am. All ages. <b>FREE</b>!! Barnes and Noble, La Frontera Village, 2701 Parker Road Bldg A Suite 700, Round Rock; 10000 Research Blvd #158; Lakeline Crossing, 14010 US Hwy. 183; Sunset Valley Village, 5601 Brodie Lane Suite 300.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://austinparks.org/yoga.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Yoga in the Park</b></a> – Wednesday, September 18, from noon – 1 p.m. A certified instructor from Yoga Yoga will lead this <b>FREE</b> class. The class is appropriate for all ages and skill levels. Bring a water bottle and mat and wear clothing you can move in. Republic Square Park, 422 Guadalupe, Austin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.babyearth.com/grow/ai1ec_event/baby-play-group-6/?instance_id=56445" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>(Round Rock) Baby Play Group</b></a>- Wednesday, September 18 from 3:30- 4:15pm. We sing songs, play with a parachute and let babies have lots of interactive, social, free-play time. This group is perfect for non-walkers. <b>FREE</b>!! Baby Earth, 106 East Old Settlers Boulevard, Round Rock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/all-ages-storytime-31" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>All Ages Storytime</b>-</a> Thursday, September 19 at 10:15am. Storytime for children aged 5 and under and their parents, featuring stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and crafts or other extension activities. <b>FREE</b>!! Little Walnut Creek Public Library, 835 W. Rundberg Lane.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mama-SingerSongwriter-Music-Series/592952677399294" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Mama Singer Songwriter Series</b></a> - Thursday, September 19, from 10:30 - 12:30 a.m. Shelley King will perform a <b>FREE</b> concert for families, next to the giant playground at Central Market North. Come out for music, prizes, and good times. Central Market, 4001 North Lamar, Austin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/609094969113876/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Talk Like a Pirate at Toy Joy</b></a> - Thursday, September 19 from 3 - 7 p.m. Visit Toy Joy for pirate-themed music, shenanigans and <b>FREE</b> booty! Set your sails to adventure, and feel free to wear your pirate attire. There will be a pirate costume contest (you must visit Toy Joy between 2 and 8 p.m. to be eligible). Toy Joy, 403 W. 2nd Street, Austin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cedarparktexas.gov/index.aspx?page=21" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Explorers Club at Cedar Park Library: Crafty Kids (Cedar Park)</b>-</a> Thursday, September 19 from 3:30- 4:00pm. Each Thursday, kids in grades K-5 meet at 3:30 to explore a set of rotating monthly programs. <b>FREE</b>!! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/lego-lab-49" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lego Lab-</a> </b>Thursday, September 19 at 4pm. With Legos, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with Legos provided by the Library! Recommended for ages 5 and up. <b>FREE</b>!! University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/home/index.asp?page=9&recordid=23569" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Learn to Talk Like a Pirate (Round Rock)</b> -</a> Thursday, September 19 at 4:00pm. It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day! For those of you secretly wishing the library staff could help with your International Talk Like a Pirate Day festivities, you're welcome to join us for an exploration of pirate communication. Learn the meaning and origin of fascinating pirate phrases! Practice your piratical pronunciation and inflection! Learn interesting pirate facts that will make you happy you are only pretending to be a pirate! The show is best enjoyed by tweens and teens, but welcomes would-be pirates of all ages. <b>FREE</b>!! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main Street, Round Rock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/family-movie-night-19" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Family Movie Night: The Witches</b></a>- Thursday, September 19 at 6:00pm. A young boy stumbles onto a witch convention and must stop them, even after he has been turned into a mouse. <b>FREE</b>!! Manchaca Road Branch Public Library, 5500 Manchaca Road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://austintoystores.com/ai1ec_event/brilliant-scientists/?instance_id=4094" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Brilliant Scientists Class</b></a>- Wednesday, September 18 from 6-7pm. Mr. Ardee, our local mad scientist, will fascinate your children with classic and new science experiments! Ages 5 yrs+. Registration required. Cost: <b>$6</b> per class or $20 for 4 classes. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, The Village at West Lake (360 and Bee Caves Rd), 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy Suite D-480, Austin.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kgsr.com/unplugged/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Unplugged at the Grove</b></a> – Thursday, September 19 at 8pm. <b>FREE</b>!! Join KGSR every Thursday for 24 consecutive weeks at Shady Grove on Barton Springs Road for one of Austin’s longest running free concert series. There’s still no cover charge, $3 Ziegenbock Drafts, and the best music, food, and fun you’ll experience under the clear, warm skies of Austin, Texas! Additional parking is available at the Bicycle Sports Shop right down the street at 517 S. Lamar Blvd. This week, Cahrlie and Will Sexton will perform. Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd.<br /><br /><b>Friday</b><br /><br /><a href="http://toybraryaustin.com/calendar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Singalong with Staci Gray</b></a>- Friday, September 20 from 10:30- 11:00am. Staci Gray is an Austin-based children's performer who has mesmerized children all over town. She performs monthly shows at the Austin Children's Museum, BookPeople, Toybrary Austin, and more! Her original music gets children to sing, dance and be just plain silly! Cost: <b>$3</b> per child. There will also be face painting by Woo Who. Toybrary Austin, 7817 Rockwood Lane.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/preschool-storytime-32" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Preschool Storytime</b></a>- Friday, September 20 at 11:00am. Storytime for preschoolers and their parents featuring stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and crafts or other extension activities. Recommended for children ages 3 to 5. <b>FREE</b>!! North Village Branch Public Library, 2505 Steck Ave.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.westbanklibrary.com/event/friday-family-films-lauras" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Friday Family Films: <i>Aladdin</i> (Bee Cave) </b></a>- Friday, September 20 at 4pm. Join Laura's Library on the third Fridays of the month for family-friendly movies. <b>FREE</b>!! Laura's Library, 9411 Bee Cave Road.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Catherine Prystup is mama to three kiddos ranging in age from one to 14. Looking for more wisdom on how to spend your days? Head on over to <a href="http://livemom.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LiveMom.com</a>, a resource website for Austin-area moms (and dads, too!).</span></i><div class="yiv1999125368feedflare">
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<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreeFunInAustin/~3/5z4_ACrERmU/top-5-free-weekday-events-sept-16-20.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email" name="2" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Top 5 FREE Weekday Events (Sept 16-20, 2013)</a></div>
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<span>Posted:</span> 16 Sep 2013 03:00 AM PDT</div>
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Welcome to Free Fun in Austin! If you are visiting because you saw our site featured on the KXAN Morning News, here is the recap of our picks for the Top 5 Free Weekday Events:</span><ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.austintexas.org/includes/events/Diez-y-Seis-de-Septiembre/82755/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Celebrate Diez y Seis de Septiembre</a></b> - <b>Monday</b>, September 16. There are three Diez y Seis celebrations happening on Monday, all FREE and open to the public:</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://events.austin360.com/austin_tx/events/show/347607543-diez-y-seis-de-septiembre-celebration" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Texas State Capitol</a> </b>- <b>Monday</b> at noon. Join State Senator Kirk Watson and State Representative Eddie Rodriguez in celebrating Diez y Seis de Septiembre and México's War of Independence at the Texas Capitol Rotunda. Grito by Cónsul General de México Rosalba Ojeda; Invocation by Father Bill Wack, St. Ignatius Martyr Parish. Performances by Mariachi El Romance, Conjunto Los Pinkys, Danza Azteca Guadalupana and Austin High's Ballet Folklórico. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.austincc.edu/cppps/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ACC Riverside Campus</a></b> - <b>Monday</b> at noon. The Honorable Gonzalo Barrientos and ACC invite you to celebrate Diez y Seis the Septiembre. Learn the meaning of el Diez y Seis from historians. Sample tasty traditional dishes. Enjoy the rhythmic steps of Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklórico, plus musical entertainment from Johnny Degollado y su Conjunto, and Boca Abajo. ACC Riverside Campus, 1020 Grove Boulevard, Austin.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.austintexas.org/includes/events/Diez-y-Seis-de-Septiembre/82755/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diez y Seis de Septiembre Neighborhood Fiesta</a></b> - <b>Monday</b>, from 5 - 7:30 p.m. Parque Zaragoza will be hosting a FREE Diez y Seis de Septiembre Neighborhood Fiesta. There will be live entertainment in addition to tortilla, salsa and pinata making, a jumpy castle, loteria, fun games, prizes, snacks and crafts. 512-472-7142. Parque Zaragoza, 2608 Gonzales St, Austin.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.freefuninaustin.com/2013/08/jack-and-beanstalk-puppet-show.html#.UjZcMxaydlI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Literature LIVE! Presents <i>Jack and the Beanstalk</i></a></b><i> </i>- <b>Tuesday</b>, September 17 and <b>Wednesday</b>, September 18. The Literature LIVE! performance troupe presents <i>Jack and the Beanstalk</i>, a not-so-traditional FREE puppet show recommended for ages 4 and up. Showtimes:</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/literature-live-presents-jack-beanstalk-tuesday-tales-dougherty-arts-center" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dougherty Arts Center</a></b> - <b>Tuesday</b> at 10:30 a.m. 1110 Barton Springs Rd., Austin.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/literature-live-presents-jack-beanstalk-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ruiz Branch of Austin Public Library</a></b> -<b>Wednesday</b> at 10:15 a.m. 512-974-7500. 1600 Grove Blvd., Austin.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/event/literature-live-presents-jack-beanstalk-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hampton Branch at Oak Hill</a></b> - <b>Wednesday</b> at 3:30 p.m. 512-974-9900. 5125 Convict Hill Rd., Austin.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.freefuninaustin.com/2013/09/free-krispy-kreme-doughnuts-for-pirates.html#.UjYKKGTF1cQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Talk Like a Pirate Day</a></b> - <b>Thursday</b>, September 19. <a href="http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Talk like a pirate</a> to get free doughnuts and more:</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/609094969113876/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toy Joy</a></b> - <b>Thursday</b>, from 3 - 7 p.m. Visit Toy Joy for pirate-themed music, shenanigans and free booty! Set your sails to adventure, and feel free to wear your pirate attire. There will be a pirate costume contest (you must visit Toy Joy between 2 and 8 p.m. to be eligible). 512-320-0090. Toy Joy, 403 W. 2nd Street, Austin.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.freefuninaustin.com/2013/09/free-krispy-kreme-doughnuts-for-pirates.html#.UjZVjRaydlJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Krispy Kreme Doughnuts</a></b> - <b>Thursday</b>, during store hours. Customers who talk like a pirate will be rewarded with one FREE original glazed doughnut. If you visit a Krispy Kreme store dressed like a pirate on September 19, you will receive one FREE dozen original glazed doughnuts.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://torchystacos.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Free Breakfast Item at the New Torchy's Tacos</a></b> - <b>Thursday</b>, September 19, from 7 - 10 a.m. Visit the new location at 2801 Guadalupe and you can get one FREE breakfast item from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. FREE breakfast tacos are limited to one unit per person through 10 a.m. on September 19, 2013 only. Also, stop by anytime opening day and enter to win Torchy's Tacos for a year! 2801 Guadalupe, Austin.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mama-SingerSongwriter-Music-Series/592952677399294" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mama Singer Songwriter Series</a></b> - Thursday, September 19, from 10:30 - 12:30 a.m. Shelley King will perform a free concert for families, next to the giant playground at Central Market North. Come out for music, prizes, and good times. Central Market, 4001 North Lamar, Austin.</span></li>
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kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-8346454379663576792013-07-27T12:30:00.001-07:002013-07-27T12:30:46.984-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; line-height: 19px;">
Before you’re ready to list and sell your home, you need to make sure that the functionality and appearance of your home is top notch. It’s important that, when preparing your home to sell, you think like a buyer; turn your home into a home that you’d want to buy. Here are 10 things you need to do before you sell your home.</div>
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<strong>Outside of your home</strong> (exterior of the home (paint/ siding), lawn, flower beds, backyard, driveway, walkways, etc.). Curb appeal is key when trying to sell your home; it’s the first thing buyers will see when they look at your property, so it’s important to make a good impression with the outside of your home.</div>
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Cut the grass at least once a week, and be sure to water your lawn and plants regularly to keep them looking lively and beautiful</div>
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Depending on the season: rake up any leaves that have fallen, or clear your driveway and walkway of snow and ice</div>
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Add potted plants and flowers near the entrance of your home to make the property seem more inviting to potential buyers; look for seasonally appropriate flowers for your area, i.e. ones that will survive the outside weather, to be sure that your plants will enhance the look of your home</div>
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De-clutter your yard and driveway by removing cars and toys from the area. You want your property to appear clean and well-kept</div>
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Be sure to repaint, or replace if necessary, any outside trim or siding that looks old or worn</div>
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<strong>Inside of your home</strong> (flooring, walls, systems, etc.). Once buyers are drawn in by your curb appeal, you need to keep them interested and show them the beauty of your interior.</div>
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Clean all of your carpets and hardwood floors, in every room. Stained carpet and dull or scratched wood flooring are a turnoff for most buyers who are looking for a “move-in ready” home</div>
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Clean all furniture and fixtures in your home, including chairs, tables, beds, couches, lamps, and ceiling fans</div>
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Repaint your walls and ceilings, especially if any of the paint is chipping or wearing away. If your walls and ceilings don’t require fresh paint, make sure you still wash them down with a soap water mixture to remove fingerprints or other smudges.</div>
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Fix any non-working home systems (plumbing, electric, heating/cooling), and update older systems that aren’t as cost-effective or don’t work as well (we’re all about being green and efficient these days!)</div>
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Make sure your home is well lit for pictures and showings. If you don’t have a lot of windows, add lights under cabinets and in dark corners; this will increase the inviting-ness of your home.</div>
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kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-39649699685384371152013-05-20T10:55:00.002-07:002013-05-20T10:55:45.779-07:00New AREA CODE coming to the AUSTIN area in JULYStarting in July all new cell phone and landlines in the Austin area will be assigned the 737 area code and we will all be required to dial 10 digits on all phone calls. The continued population increase in the capital has made it necessary to add the new area code.<br />
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The main area code, 512, was one of the original area codes established in October 1947. At the time, it covered most of the south-central portion of Texas, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Mexican border. Besides Austin, it included San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen.</div>
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Despite the presence of both San Antonio and Austin, 512 remained unchanged for 45 years. Finally, in 1992, the western part of its territory, including San Antonio, was split off as area code 210, making 512 the last of Texas' original four area codes to be split. On February 13, 1999, it was reduced to its current size when the southern portion (including Corpus Christi) was split off into 361.</div>
kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-46286418073791179642013-04-05T09:34:00.005-07:002013-04-05T09:34:53.932-07:00<h1 class="gfont" itemprop="headline">
Top 10 things to do in April: Karaoke Underground, Texas VegFest, Dog Day Afternoon </h1>
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Winter (if you dared to call it that) is over and spring has officially sprung in Central Texas. This month is not only abuzz with June bugs and blooming flora, but also a slew of festivals, outdoor activities and cultural events.<br />
Hold on to your floppy hats, here are our top 10 picks for April activities in Austin.<br />
<strong>Austin Beauty Week</strong><br /><em>April 1-7</em><br />
To Austin women (and even some men), <a href="http://www.austinbeautyweek.com/">the first week in April</a> means big savings in the beauty department. For seven consecutive days, participating local businesses such as <a href="http://www.austinbeautyweek.com/participants/sono-bello/">Sono Bello</a>, <a href="http://www.austinbeautyweek.com/participants/wet-salon-studio/">Wet Salon & Studio</a> and <a href="http://www.austinbeautyweek.com/participants/stella-dot-by-whitney-fields/">Stella & Dot by Whitney Fields</a>, <a href="http://www.austinbeautyweek.com/participants/">among many others</a>, offer dramatically discounted products and services. How discounted, you might ask? Try a stress fix massage from <a href="http://www.austinbeautyweek.com/participants/hiatus-spa-retreat/">Hiatus Spa Retreat</a> (regularly $109) for only $69 or <a href="http://www.adoremakeupsalon.com/Services.html">50 percent off Makeup Bar looks</a> from <a href="http://www.austinbeautyweek.com/participants/adore-makeup-boutique-salon/">Adore Makeup Boutique + Salon</a>.<br />
<strong>Boots, Burgers & Beers</strong><br /><em>April 4, 7:30 p.m.</em><br />
Celebrate the April issue of <em><a href="http://www.austinmonthly.com/">Austin Monthly</a></em> with a sampling of some of the best burgers in town. The event features meaty selections from the local joints Your Mom’s, <a href="http://thepeachedtortilla.com/">The Peached Tortilla</a>, <a href="http://eastsideshowroom.com/">East Side Showroom</a> and <a href="http://www.bluestarcafeteria.com/">Blue Star Cafeteria</a>, as well as seasonal beer from <a href="http://www.shiner.com/">Shiner Bock</a>. For the more daring (and strong-stomached) burger-beer enthusiasts, there will also be a mechanical bull onsite. Local “celebrities” will judge the burgers while guests indulge in diversions from the <a href="http://www.billiardfactory.com/store-locations/austin-texas.aspx">Billiard Factory</a> and <a href="http://www.thetravelingphotobooth.com/">The Traveling Photo Booth</a>. To purchase tickets, visit the <a href="http://bootsburgersbeer.eventbrite.com/">Boots, Burgers & Beer Eventbrite page</a>.<br />
<strong>Demetri Martin</strong><br /><em>April 4, 8 p.m.</em><br />
If you like ‘<a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/">The Daily Show</a>,’ <a href="http://www.comedycentral.com/">Comedy Central</a>, and laughing, chances are you love — or will soon love — <a href="http://www.demetrimartin.com/">Demetri Martin</a>. The comedian, actor, artist, musician, writer and humorist (phew!) is currently on tour in support of <a href="http://www.comedycentral.com/comedians/demetri-martin">his second comedy album</a> and returns to Austin on April 4 with a stage performance at <a href="http://scottishritetheater.org/">the Scottish Rite Theater</a>.<br />
<strong>Texas VegFest</strong><br /><em>April 6, 11 a.m.</em><br />
Veg-heads: pry yourself away from that wicked, homemade compost pile and get thee to the second annual <a href="http://www.texasvegfest.com/">Texas VegFest</a>! This family-friendly event features live music, vendors, and, of course, plant-based foods, with a special focus on health, the environment and compassionate living.<br />
<strong>Karaoke Underground</strong><br /><em>April 6, 10 p.m.</em><br />
Scream, cry and croon your way through over 600 punk and indie classics with the April installment of <a href="http://www.karaokeunderground.com/">Karaoke Underground</a>. Seriously, you name it — anything from Cat Power to Guided By Voices and Black Flag — and they’ve got it. This month’s hootenanny returns to the <a href="http://www.nomadbar.com/">Nomad Bar</a> with video karaoke and the requisite selection of drafts, liquor, wine and food.<br />
<strong>Austin Restaurant Week</strong><br /><em>April 7-10; April 14-17</em><br />
Although <a href="http://restaurantweekaustin.com/">Restaurant Week in Austin</a> may be a far cry from that of similar events in New York or LA, the premise is all the same: some of the city’s top restaurants offer pre-fixe menus at a discounted price. Some of this year’s participating restaurants include <a href="http://www.uchiaustin.com/">Uchi</a>, <a href="http://uchiaustin.com/uchiko">Uchiko</a>, <a href="http://oliveandjune-austin.com/">Olive & June</a>, <a href="http://saltysow.com/">Salty Sow</a> and <a href="http://www.swiftsattic.com/desktop/">Swifts Attic</a>, among a selection of over 35 other local dining hotspots.<br />
<strong>CultureMap Tastemaker Awards</strong><br /><em>April 11, 6:30 p.m.</em><br />
Austin’s Daily Digital Magazine is a local arbiter of gastronomy, which just happens to be the focus of the <a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/tastemakers">2013 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards</a>. Guests will enjoy a sampling of complimentary bites and specialty cocktails in the company of the city’s best chefs and mixologists, in an event benefiting the <a href="http://austinfoodwinealliance.org/">Austin Food & Wine Alliance</a>. At the end evening, the Tastemaker Awards ceremony will honor Austin’s best restaurant, chef, pastry chef, sommelier or beverage director, brewery and craft bartender.<br />
<strong>KLBJ Dog Day Afternoon</strong><br /><em>April 13, 12 p.m.</em><br />
There are few pleasures greater in this world than watching a gaggle of dachshunds race across a lawn. That is, besides watching a group of Chihuahuas do the same thing. Spectators at the annual <a href="http://www.klbjfm.com/dogday/">KLBJ Dog Day Afternoon</a> will delight in both, as well as a slew of kids' activities, dog-related vendors and animal rescue groups. Admission is free and friendly dogs on leashes are welcome.<br />
<strong>Fun Party</strong><br /><em>April 19, 7:30 p.m.</em><br />
Cindy St. John and Dan Boehl, hosts of <a href="http://funpartyatx.tumblr.com/post/35824366085/welcome">the local literary series Fun Party</a>, return to Tiny Park Gallery this month with a reading featuring the visiting poets Adam Clay, Ada Limón and Michael Robins. The series, which employs literature, art and film mediums, focuses on writers associated with small, independent press publishing. Readings such as Fun Party, along with <a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/02-28-13-american-short-fiction-returns-after-a-short-hiatus/">the recent return of American Short Fiction</a>, have helped to establish Austin as a new bastion for independent authors and artists.<br />
<strong>Austin Food & Wine Festival</strong><br /><em>April 26-28</em><br />
For two days in late April, foodies will descend on our fair city to indulge in the annual epicurean adventure that is <a href="http://www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com/">the Austin Food & Wine Festival</a>. Top chef talent, sommeliers and winemakers converge with Austin's emerging gourmet scene for cooking demos, wine and cocktail seminars, tasting lounges and pavilions, and, of course, all out noshing. </div>
kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-49463610843862644012013-03-31T07:14:00.003-07:002013-03-31T07:14:41.441-07:00There are lots of Down Payment assist Programs... Call MeThe Austin real estate market is alive and well in both the city and surrounding areas. With interest rates at all time lows, it's a great time to purchase a new or resale home.<br />
There are city, state, and county programs that are available to help the homebuyer achieve their goals of buying a home and obtaining an affordable mortgage with zero down payment and limited cash out of pocket when looking for Austin homes for sale.<br />
These programs are available for new build or resale homes and are not restricted to specific neighborhoods. This allows you to shop for a home in the areas you are interested in living in Austin or surrounding areas.<br />
Austin real estate has numerous quality builders building in neighborhoods in Austin and surrounding communities. Award winning master planned communities with parks, pools, and schools are a popular choice.<br />
There are many established neighborhoods with a myriad of home choices for the Austin real estate buyer.<br />
The Austin real estate market has remained strong and will continue to grow, making the choice of buying a home in Austin or the surrounding communities a wise investment.<br />
Numerous surrounding communities are growing around Austin. Leander to the northwest of Austin has exemplary schools and has the ease of the new 183A toll road, making travel to downtown Austin a mere 25 minutes.<br />
Pflugerville to the northeast of Austin was voted one of the top 100 cities to live in the United States.<br />
No matter what you're looking for, the Austin real estate market and it's surrounding cities have many great options when shopping for a home.<br />
Commute times are minimal to and from Leander, Round Rock, Pflugerville, and many other communities around Austin.<br />
With interest rates at historic lows and an affordable market of homes still available in and around Austin, now is the time to buy that first time home, move up to a larger home, move down if you are empty nesting, or simply just making a move to a different home.<br />
If you are a first time homebuyer OR you haven't owned a home in the last 3 years AND your credit is good, you could qualify for this program. There are income restrictions.<br />
1-2 FAMILY SIZE $75,000 MAX ANNUAL INCOME<br />
3 + FAMILY SIZE $87,000 MAX ANNUAL INCOME<br />
This program is subject to credit approval, so be sure to get pre-approved with a participating mortgage lender before shopping for a home.<br />
You could buy a new or resale home with up to 5% assistance for down payment and closing costs. This would cover your down payment and most of your closing costs.<br />
Negotiations with the seller could assist you even more in the costs associated with buying a home.<br />
Why rent when you can purchase a new home for about the same costs as the deposits and application fees required when renting?<br />
Interest rates are at historic lows making mortgage payments even more affordable.<br />
Being a homeowner provides you a tax advantage each year you own the home making home ownership better than renting.<br />
Call me at 512-626-9559kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-71212747490542726322013-03-28T12:30:00.000-07:002013-03-28T12:30:01.909-07:00Unique Austin Open Air Markets
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More and more people are beginning to think locally
when it comes to fresh produce and other goods. <strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.shayhargus.com/" href="http://www.shayhargus.com/" target="_blank" title="Austin real estate"><span style="color: #0066cc;">Austin</span></a>
has always been known for its more forward thinking ways.</strong> Farmers
markets are fantastic places to support local commerce while also reducing your
carbon footprint and getting the freshest fruits and vegetables possible. <strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.shayhargus.com/listnow/listings.html" href="http://www.shayhargus.com/listnow/listings.html" target="_blank" title="My featured Austin homes for sale"><span style="color: #0066cc;">Austin</span></a> holds several open air markets for
residents and visitors every weekend for your convenience.</strong></div>
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<strong><a href="http://www.shayhargus.com/areasearches/southaustintxhomesearch.html" target="_blank"></a>Great Hills Open Air Market</strong> - Where: Arboretum
Shopping Mall, 10000 Research Blvd, Austin. When: Sundays, 10am to 2pm.
Offerings: Local fruits and vegetables, cheeses, pasta, baked goods, handmade
arts and crafts and artwork. Admission is free and there is plenty of parking
available.</div>
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<strong>Oak Hill Open Air Market</strong> - Where:
6300 W Hwy 290, Austin. When: Saturdays, 10am to 6pm. Offerings: Fruits,
vegetables, local crops, jams, honey, bread, desserts, nuts and dried fruit,
raw chocolate, plants, orchids, handmade soap, arts and crafts. Enjoy live
music while you shop. Admission is free. Lots of free parking available. </div>
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<strong>Sunset Valley Artisan Market</strong> -
Where: Toney Burger Center, 3200 Jones Rd, Austin. When: Saturdays, 9am to 1pm.
Offerings: Organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef, lamb, chicken, pork
and bison, jewelry, paintings, clothing, bags, woodwork, flowers, cheese, baked
goods, knife sharpening. Admission is free. Plenty of free parking available.</div>
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Support local businesses. <strong>Visit one of <a data-mce-href="http://www.shayhargus.com/homesearchaustin.html" href="http://www.shayhargus.com/homesearchaustin.html" target="_blank" title="Austin homes for sale"><span style="color: #0066cc;">Austin's</span></a> open air markets over the weekend. </strong>You
can stock up on the freshest in organic produce and meats, find unique gifts
for your loved ones and decorate your home with one-of-a-kind art work from
local Austin artisans. Farmers markets help our local economy flourish.</div>
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kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-12224434551231140712013-03-26T09:03:00.004-07:002013-03-26T09:03:48.104-07:00Useful Info For 65 And Over Homeowners
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are officially in ‘Tax Season’. I would like
to point out some valuable and timely information for Real Estate Agents who
have clients that are nearing or over the age of 65 and/or Veterans. I will
review how they can move their exemption to another property.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over 65 Exemptions</span></u></b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The client has the following options to pay
their taxes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1) Take the exemption and pay their taxes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2) Defer and pay when the property sells<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3) Pay the taxes on a payment plan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*Always consult the tax office for payment
options.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Benefits to Over 65 and Veterans:</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If the home owner is selling their property,
they have the option to take their Over 65 or Veterans Exemption with them to
the next property they purchase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The client can also choose take the exemption at
any time of the year<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What I as your real estate agent should know:</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Know ‘where my client is going’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What are your plans over the next 12 months?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Will you be downsizing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moving out of the state?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moving into a State Funded Assisted Living
Facility?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If my client is Over 65 or a Veteran, these
exemptions can be moved at any time. However, a Homestead Exemption alone can
only be initiated in January at the beginning of a new year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20pt; margin: 0in 0in 21pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If my client decides to take their Over 65 or
their Veterans exemption to another property; the proration of the taxes will
be adjusted at closing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20pt; margin: 0in 0in 21pt;">
<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Helpful County resources:</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.traviscountytax.org/goPropertiesTaxBreaks.do"><span style="color: #1d445d; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.traviscountytax.org/goPropertiesTaxBreaks.do</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-8390118888339359302013-03-21T06:32:00.003-07:002013-03-21T06:32:44.856-07:00BETTER ACT QUICK!!! Austin has FLASH SALES...FLASH, THEY'RE GONE!See a "For Sale" sign in front of the house of your dreams? You'd better act fast — a new report says that Austin has one of the fastest housing markets in the United States.<br />
The data comes from Seattle-based real estate firm Redfin, which has <a href="http://blog.redfin.com/blog/2013/03/homes-get-em-while-theyre-hot.html"><span style="color: #007698;">coined the term</span></a> "Real Estate Flash Sales" for homes that go under contact within only hours of listing. Austin ranks No. 5 on the nationwide list, counting 163 flash sales within the past five months. <br />
Dallas and Houston pulled ahead, at Nos. 4 and 3 in the ranking, with 184 and 188 flash sales during the five-month time period.<br />
<blockquote class="pull-quote">
<span style="display: none;"> </span>Austin ranks No. 5 on the nationwide list, counting 163 flash sales within the past five months. <span style="display: none;"> </span></blockquote>
"Metropolitan areas in Texas and non-coastal regions are the best places to find a real estate bargain," states a new study. An online real estate broker, compared median home sale prices to median household income to determine that Texas metro areas are the best places to find a real estate bargain.<br />
Dallas-Fort Worth ranks No. 1 on its list of the <a href="http://www.ziprealty.com/blog/sites/default/files/Most%20Affordable%20Housing%20Markets%202013.pdf"><span style="color: #007698;">Most Affordable Housing Markets of 2013</span></a>, followed by Houston at No. 2 and Austin at No. 7. <br />
In DFW, where the median household income is $47,418 and the median home price is $249,950, the ratio is 5.27; in Houston, it's 5.43 (considering a $44,761 median income and a $243,000 median home price). Austin's median household income is $48,950, and a median home price is $300,000, yielding a 6.13 ratio. kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-28257298024270873192013-03-18T07:15:00.003-07:002013-03-18T07:15:44.846-07:00Learn Composting FREE from the City Of Austin...<div style="background-color: white; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; padding: 7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12px;"><div style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">This spring the City of Austin is hosting a series of free home composting classes to help residents reduce the amount of waste in their homes. In addition to waste reduction, composting creates a nutrient-rich soil like material which is great for cultivating beautiful lawns and gardens. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">The classes are part of Austin Resource Recovery‚s Home Composting Rebate program. The program encourages Austinites to attend a free composting class, downsize to a 24 or 32-gallon trash cart and purchase a composting system for their home. Austin Resource Recovery curbside customers who accomplish these three goals are eligible for a rebate of 75 percent off the cost of their new home composting system, up to $75. In addition to the rebate, selecting a smaller size trash cart can help residents save money on their utility bills. The smaller the trash cart, the less it costs.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">To sign up to attend a class, visit the class-specific registration links below or <strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://austinrecycles.com/" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">austinrecycles.com</a></strong>. Many of the classes will take place at neighborhood library branches to make it easier for Austinites to attend.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">The list of scheduled classes is as follows:</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em;">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: inherit; line-height: 1.22em;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">March 16</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-top-color: windowtext; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-top-color: windowtext; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="176"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">Recycled Reads Bookstore</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-top-color: windowtext; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="333"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5258720976/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5258720976/eorg</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">March 23</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="176"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">Sunset</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"> Valley Famers</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="333"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5257214470/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5257214470/eorg</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">March 27</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="176"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">City</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"> Hall</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="333"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5214785564/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5214785564/eorg</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">April 6</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="176"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">Zilker</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"> Garden Festival</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="333"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5258823282/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5258823282/eorg</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">April 10</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">6 to <br />7 p.m.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="176"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">Triangle Farmers Market</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="333"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5259958678/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5259958678/eorg</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">April 13</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">9:30 to <br />10:30 a.m.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="176"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">Downtown</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"> Farmers Market</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="333"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5259978738/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5259978738/eorg</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">April 22</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">6 to <br />7 p.m.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="176"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">Ruiz</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"> Library</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="333"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5236544646/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5236544646/eorg</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">April 24</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">6:30 to <br />7:30 p.m.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="176"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">City</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"> Hall</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="333"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5214805624/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5214805624/eorg</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">May 7</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">6 to 7 p.m.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="176"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">Spicewood</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"> Springs Library</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5236847552/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5236847552/eorg</a></span></div>
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<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">May 15</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">6 to 7 p.m.</span></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">Triangle</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"> Farmers Market</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5260022870/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5260022870/eorg</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">May 16</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">6 to 7p.m.</span></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">Manchaca Road Library</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5236907732/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5236907732/eorg</a></span></div>
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<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">May 25</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">9:30 to 10:30 a.m.</span></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">Downtown</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"> Farmers Market</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="333"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5260040924/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5260040924/eorg</a></span></div>
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<tr style="height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="61"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">May 29</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="80"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;">6:30 to 7:30 p.m.</span></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;">City Hall</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"></span></strong></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 35.25pt; line-height: 1.22em;" width="333"><div align="center" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5214962092/eorg" style="color: blue !important; cursor: text !important; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline !important;">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5214962092/eorg</a></span></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em;"> </span></strong></div>
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kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-28571549168662292762013-03-10T16:46:00.001-07:002013-03-10T16:46:53.224-07:00Win a Start up company Move to Austin for FREE!Who out there wouldn't love free money, free groceries, a free apartment for a year in one of the coolest cities in the country and relocation expenses all paid by someone else? Five founders of emerging Internet companies competed in Capital Factory's "<a href="http://www.capitalfactory.com/2013/01/19/move-your-startup-to-austin-for-free/">Move Your Startup to Austin for Free at SXSW</a>." Capital Factory is an Austin-based company that helps tech startups become entrepreneurs.<br />
So, who won?<br />
Drumroll please...the winner is <a href="http://meritful.com/">Meritful</a>, an Ann Arbor, Michigan based company that connects students with potential future employers. Meritful defines itself as "a professional development platform for students and companies," and implores its users to "stand out," and develop a professional network of mentors before they even graduate.<br />
Meritful practices what it preaches by helping equip students with the tools to get noticed by potential employers by providing ways for students to showcase their problem-solving skills, receive feedback and make connections with company decision makers.<br />
The "Trending Now" team was present when the winner was announced, and we caught up with co-founder Azarias Reda, PhD, to talk about how the win will change his life and the future of Meritful.<br />
Launched in the fall of 2012, Meritful is aimed toward students who want to stand out from their peers and get a head-start on connecting with people who are already a part of the job-force. Before developing Merfitul, Reda worked as a data analyst and researcher for LinkedIn. His idea for Meritful really took off when Reda taught at a high school while earning his PhD.<br />
List of some of the spoils for the winner:<br />
<ul>
<li>$35,000 convertible note <a href="http://www.centraltexasangelnetwork.com/">investment from CTAN</a><em><br /></em></li>
<li>$15,000 for rent <a href="http://www.homeaway.com/">from HomeAway</a></li>
<li>6 months of co-working at Capital Factory</li>
<li>$24,000 of <a href="http://www.rackspace.com/">server hosting from Rackspace</a></li>
<li>Moving expenses <a href="http://www.uship.com/">from uShip</a></li>
<li>6 months of a <a href="http://sparefoot.com/">storage unit from Sparefoot</a></li>
<li>6 months of <a href="http://greenling.com/">local and organic groceries from Greenling</a></li>
<li>2 badges for <a href="http://sxsw.com/">SXSW Interactive 2014</a><em><br /></em></li>
<li>1 year worth of <a href="http://outboxmail.com/">postal mail scanning from Outbox</a></li>
<li>6 months of Ramen noodles</li>
</ul>
kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-54366622752826412182013-03-05T16:52:00.002-08:002013-03-05T16:52:26.047-08:00SXSW schedule...It's almost here!!!There are only 2 1/2 days left before Austin's world-famous South by Southwest begins! This festival starts March 8th and ends on the 17th.<br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; line-height: 19px;">
This year's line-up includes a wide array of amazing artists from newly budding Indie bands such as The Away Days to long-standing artists and groups such as Green Day. There will also be speeches by the likes of Stevie Nicks, 50 cent and others.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; line-height: 19px;">
Check out <a data-mce-href="http://sxsw.com" href="http://sxsw.com/" target="_blank">the official SXSW</a> website.</div>
kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-59568724437629615542013-02-22T05:30:00.002-08:002013-02-22T05:30:41.900-08:00Austin Housing Market on FIRE!!!!!The Austin housing market is red hot according to new numbers released by the Austin Board of Realtors Wednesday. <br />
Januaury home sales are up 33 percent from last year and realtors say there is no reason those numbers will slow down anytime soon.<br /><br />In January 1,402 houses sold in the Austin region, which includes Round Rock and San Marcos. <br />
That's the highest number of homes sold in the month of January in the past six years. The median price is up too. It rose 10 percent to $197,900. <br />
The Austin Board of Realtors says this means 2013 could truly be a seller's market. <br />
The fastest growth right now is concentrated in the central, downtown and northwest areas of Austin. <br />
"A particular property might have two, three, even four separate offers on it, and it's up to the seller at that point to decide which offer is the one that best gives results for them," said Leondard Guerrero from the Austin Board of Realtors. <br /><br />According to the new report, homes spent just 71 days on the market. That's two weeks less than just one year ago.<br />
The board is warning that the housing supply is drying up in the Austin area. Right now Austin has the lowest amount of inventory in the past decade. kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-36528960865340254412013-02-21T08:13:00.003-08:002013-02-21T08:13:43.491-08:00Top 5 Ways to be Welcomed to AustinIf you’re moving or thinking of moving to Austin in the near future, Kathy Stafford is here to first welcome, then help. Here are the “Top 5 Things You Should Know When Moving To Austin:” <br />
<h2>
5. Find a Friend or Two or Three or…You Get The Point</h2>
Would you believe there are other ways of finding, making, and maintaining friends outside of Facebook in Austin? A good place to start would be to walk out your front door and say “hi” to the first person you see because with all of the southern hospitality just oozing out of people here in Texas, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn’t stop and say hi back – there, one friend found. But if you would like to add to that list, here are a few other suggestions:<br />
<a href="http://www.meetup.com/"><img alt="" class="lazy alignleft size-full wp-image-12460 data-lazy-ready" data-lazy-src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/meetup-logo.png" data-lazy-type="image" height="111" src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/meetup-logo.png" style="display: inline;" title="meetup.com logo" width="150" /><noscript><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-12460" title="meetup.com logo" src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/meetup-logo.png" alt="" width="150" height="111" /></noscript></a><br />
<strong>Just meet up…dot com</strong> – Meetup.com is a great place to start. Figure out what you feel like doing today and there is probably a group for that. Wanna go standup paddle boarding in the evenings? There’s a group for that. Wanna meet up, drink beer, and talk about visual design for mobile apps? There’s a group for that. Or do you just feel like meeting new people and doing something different? There’s a group for that!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.keepaustinbeautiful.org/"><img alt="" class="lazy alignleft size-full wp-image-12463 data-lazy-ready" data-lazy-src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/keep-austin-beautiful.png" data-lazy-type="image" height="67" src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/keep-austin-beautiful.png" style="display: inline;" title="keep austin beautiful - logo" width="150" /><noscript><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-12463" title="keep austin beautiful - logo" src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/keep-austin-beautiful.png" alt="" width="150" height="67" /></noscript></a><br />
<strong>Volunteer</strong> – Find a cause after your own heart and you’re bound to meet someone new. Austin is a large city, but we are an even bigger community. A helping hand can be used in any area of interest you may have – people, animals, music, food, or just picking up trash for the parks to Keep Austin Beautiful – you will be appreciated, feel good about what you did to serve your new city, and meet some new peeps all in one day.<br />
<br />
<h2>
4. There Are Lots of Fun Things To Do With Your New Found Friends</h2>
<a href="http://sxsw.com/"><img alt="" class="lazy alignleft size-full wp-image-12472 data-lazy-ready" data-lazy-src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/sxsw-logo.jpeg" data-lazy-type="image" height="98" src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/sxsw-logo.jpeg" style="display: inline;" title="sxsw-logo" width="150" /><noscript><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-12472" title="sxsw-logo" src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/sxsw-logo.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="98" /></noscript></a><br />
<strong>Festivals, festivals, and more festivals –</strong> If you haven’t heard, Austin kind of likes music. And with the liking of the music, we like to celebrate it for days on end and we call those celebrations festivals. Just around the corner to kick off the fall is the 2012 Austin City Limits Music Festival – three days, hundreds of bands, thousands of people, countless amounts of fun to be had…and that’s just one celebration. Then wait six months, and here comes <a href="http://sxsw.com/">SXSW</a>. If a sea of crowds isn’t your thing, map out the closest coffee shop from your new crib and chances are someone with a guitar will be belting some live tunes within the near future.<br />
<strong>So there’s this thing called brunch –</strong> All the cool kids are doing it and so should you. No kidding, search “brunch in Austin” and you won’t go wrong. Start from the top of the page and make it your month’s goal to try a new one every weekend. We love food here in the ATX, but brunch has a special place in all our hearts.<br />
<a href="http://www.austin360.com/"><img alt="" class="lazy alignleft size-full wp-image-12474 data-lazy-ready" data-lazy-src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/austin-360-logo.jpeg" data-lazy-type="image" height="69" src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/austin-360-logo.jpeg" style="display: inline;" title="austin-360-logo" width="160" /><noscript><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-12474" title="austin-360-logo" src="http://media.goodlifeteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/austin-360-logo.jpeg" alt="" width="160" height="69" /></noscript></a><br />
<strong>The choices are endless –</strong> At any given moment, something fun is going on in Austin. A favorite place to start is the events page on Austin360.<br />
<br />
<h2>
3. Fitness is Not an Option – You’ve made some friends, you’ve had some food, now you need to go work it off!</h2>
Lady Bird Lake, formally known as “Town Lake,” is a must. For one, it’s smack dab in the middle of downtown with city and hill country views in one spot. If you’re a runner or cyclist you’ve got anywhere from 1.2 to 10.3 miles of trails to run. If you love the water, there’s kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing (but wouldn’t recommend eating), and more. There’s an off-the-leash section of dog-park for you and pooch to roam and mingle. Soccer, volleyball, disc golf, you name it, someone’s doing it.<br />
We’re so fit we have a magazine – Austin Fit Magazine is a great reference for what is going on with the Austin outdoors – from yoga, to races, for beginners, to the elites don’t be afraid to break a sweat and get out there.<br />
Just ask Krisstina – Founder and CEO of The GoodLife Team, Krisstina Wise, was nominated for the Fittest Entrepreneur Award earlier this year. Having a full-time life does not keep Krisstina from leading a fit life and believes that “health is a foundational element to true success.” Click here to read more on Krisstina Wise’s ideas of health, fitness, and being an entrepreneur.<br />
<br />
<h2>
2. You Should Rest…Your Head…We Mean Real Estate... How to find the perfect Austin home for you!</h2>
<h3>
Step one – Ask, answer, repeat.</h3>
<strong>Q: How will I know when the right time to buy is?</strong><br />
<strong>A:</strong> You will feel it. Or your family will tell you! Timing the real estate market to find the single most perfect time is like timing the stock market. You’ll never really know the “perfect” time until it’s already happened. So listen to your instincts. Everyone knows when they’re ready for a change. Sometimes fear of the unknown or of the complexity of the real estate market hold people back. I train our agents to ask enough questions to get to the core of why a person is moving. If we can understand what role moving will play in creating your “GoodLife” then we can help you act on that instinctual feeling you have to move.<br />
<strong>Q: How will I know where to look?</strong><br />
<strong>A:</strong> First, think about what part of town you enjoy spending time in. Is it central Austin? Out in one of the suburbs? One of the cities nearby? Then start online and see if there is any housing in your price range. One of our associates can then help you investigate the housing in the area and if it’s not affordable for you, slowly expand the circle from your favorite area until you hit the housing that fits into your budget.<br />
<strong>Q: What else should I know about the Austin housing market?</strong><br />
<strong>A:</strong> You should know that the media is almost always 6 months behind the curve on their reporting of what’s happening in the market. You should know many parts of Austin are seller’s markets but not all areas. You should know interest rates are still low. You should know that even though more homes are on the market in the spring, there are still plenty of great choices and if you’re in the market now, you won’t be competing with as many buyers for those homes as you would in the spring. And you should know that our company loves navigating you through all of this as we work toward playing our part in building your great experience<br />
<h3>
Step two – Contact Me! 512-626-9559</h3>
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<h2>
1. Oh, You Want a Job Too? Sure! – Whatever type of businessperson you are, you’ll fit right in.</h2>
<strong>Big business–</strong> Public education, government, technology, health care, and higher education are just some of the big businesses Austin can claim on its resume. The Austin Chamber of Commerce is a good guide for names of employers and numbers of employees. According to the recent Comerica Regional Economic Update, our flourishing technology division is driving the growth of Austin’s local economy.<br />
<em>“After a dip in income growth in Q1 2012, Austin incomes rebounded in the second quarter, to a 4.5 percent annualized rate. As the Austin job market continues to expand, the metro area should see full year 2012 income growth bordering 5 percent, about 1 percent higher than the national forecast,” states Comerica.</em><br />
After recording a 5.9 percent unemployment rate for the second quarter, Austin is expected to gradually decrease the rest of the year and into 2013 and 2014.<br />
<strong>Not really in to “the man”? – </strong>Great, because Austin thrives on it’s small, local businesses. We wouldn’t be the city we are without them and we love to shop local. And not to brag, but we were named 2011’s No. 1 of “The 10 Hottest Spots to Start a Small Business” by the Fiscal Times.kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-78607901124950894862013-02-17T05:59:00.000-08:002013-02-17T05:59:09.880-08:00The hottest new home trends!!!<h1 class="gfont" itemprop="headline">
The hottest new home trends: Experts reveal the 8 must-haves buyers are demanding </h1>
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By <a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/author/Ralph_Bivins/articles/" itemprop="author">Ralph Bivins</a></div>
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<span class="gfont">02.16.13</span> <span class="b">|</span> 03:30 pm</div>
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LAS VEGAS — Whether it’s built-in cabinetry to accommodate your poodle or ultra-luxury wine cellars that would make Ernest Gallo jealous, you can always count on the International Builders Show to generate trendy ideas for the year ahead. Early this winter, more than 60,000 builders and suppliers migrated to Las Vegas for their annual convention, sponsored by the <a href="http://www.nahb.org/">National Association of Home Builders</a>.<br />
CultureMap was there, trudging through the overwhelming acreage holding 900 exhibits on the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center, touring various show homes and attending multiple seminars and press conferences. We sifted through it, listened to various experts, and came up with this list of top trends you can expect to see in home building frequently in the near future.<br />
<strong>1. Scaling it down. </strong>Even when they can afford it, home buyers are telling architects and builders that the pursuit of massive square footage alone is not their goal. Buyers remember the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/feb/15/uk-retail-sales-drop-triple-dip-recession">recession</a>. A house does not have to be huge to be high quality.<br />
A judge in the NAHB’s Best of American Living Awards said new homes are reflecting the idea that “small is beautiful.” <br />
<strong>2. Outdoor living.</strong> Home are getting more outdoor kitchens and patios are decorated with furniture that looks like it belongs indoors. The New American Home, the primary showcase home of the convention, had little separation between the kitchen and the swimming pool, just a few feet away.<br />
When the home’s glass pocket doors were concealed, it was hard to tell where the outdoor space began.<br />
<strong>3. White kitchen cabinets.</strong> “We are back to white,” says Anchorage, Alaska home designer Karen Kassik-Michelsohn. Dark, stained cabinets are on their way out, she says.<br />
<strong>4. Pet provisions.</strong> If you are designing a custom home, you might as well bring your dog along to meet the architect.<br />
“Pets are becoming an important part of the design process,” says St. Louis architect <a href="http://www.glantzarchitects.com/barry_glantz.asp">Barry Glantz</a>. Look for more homes to have a dog bathing facility in the laundry room or built-in compartment in the bottom of a cabinet for a dog’s food bowl.<br />
<blockquote class="pull-quote">
<span style="display: none;"> </span>If you are designing a custom home, you might as well bring your dog along to meet the architect.<span style="display: none;"> </span></blockquote>
<strong>5. Carrara kitchen.</strong> Light colored <a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/travel/an-idyllic-retreat-in-a-tuscan-hamlet.html?_r=0">Carrara marble</a> is become a hot item in kitchens across the nation. Also huge: The mega-island, which is extra long and wide to provide space for cooking and socializing. By the way, Carrara is finding its way into baths, also.<br />
<strong>6. Multi-generational living.</strong> Homes are being built to accommodate the homeowner’s children and parents — three generations. It’s part of a cultural shift.<br />
We are changing from<em> Leave it to Beaver</em> to <em>The Waltons</em> says Glantz. Homes should have wider doorways to allow easy wheelchair access. Cottages for grandparents are popular, as are dual master suites. Showers should be built without curbs.<br />
<strong>7. Elevators.</strong> The aging Baby Boomer population is realizing that climbing the stairs may not be easy in 20 or 30 years. Home elevators, starting at $20,000 or so, are becoming a more popular option.<br />
Thinking ahead, other builders are lining up closets with the proper dimensions so they can be converted to an elevator shaft as the homeowners grow older, says architect <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Wayne Visbeen</a> of Grand Rapids, Mich.<br />
<strong>8. Fancy ceilings.</strong> It’s not just about flooring anymore. Barrel vault ceilings, coffers and beams are bringing design to ceilings. And the ceilings don’t have to be all white — overhead color is alright, too.<br />
In 2013, people are looking up.</div>
kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-60979341461354821972013-02-11T05:50:00.003-08:002013-02-11T05:50:50.396-08:00Ski lift style people movers in Round Rock???? ROUND ROCK, Texas - The City of Round Rock is looking at an innovative way to relieve traffic congestion, by moving it from the street - to the air.<br />
The City said in such a growing community, traffic is a real issue. Now they're getting creative, and what they're considering actually resembles a ski lift.<br /><br />"If you can do it in high winds in the snow and mountains, then you can do it in this country," said Round Rock City Council Member John Moman.<br /><br />It's an enclosed cab hundreds of feet in the air that could move as many as six people. The system could link for miles.<br />
Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw suggested this unique form of travel to the Round Rock City Council. At first, council members thought it was a joke<br /><br />"Then he brought it up again and again and we realized this is really a pretty good idea, it's not just a joke," Moman said.<br /><br />frog design studio in Austin will create the plan.<br /><br />"They cruise at 15 mph in between stations and when they're in a station they slow down just below walking speed but they never stop," said frog principal designer Michael McDaniel. "The ball park is $12 million a mile or up, but when you take that compared to the current proposed light rail here in Austin estimates for that are a $100 million a mile."<br /><br />This design isn't found anywhere else in the country. The company said the sky high ride will be more than just a way to get around, it will be an experience. <br /><br />"You're not sitting there looking at other traffic, you're looking at the city," said frog designer Jared Ficklin. "So you can imagine coming down into something like the Dell Diamond, what an amazing experience that would be."<br /><br />"It's kind of like Jetsons, except you have cables," said Moman.<br /><br />People who live in Round Rock are ready to take a ride.<br /><br />"I would immediately go and try it," said Tyler Gorrell.<br /><br />"I definitely think it would help put a stamp on the town and the community," said Jeff Birdsell. "Give it a shot, why not?"<br /><br />Predictability, efficiency and a fun ride; people agree that a ski-lift in Central Texas might actually make sense.<br />
The City said, most likely, the aerial ride would take you from shopping centers to hotels, to downtown Round Rock, and could even connect to the Capital Metro bus system.kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-80788500404216538512013-02-08T09:53:00.000-08:002013-02-08T09:53:28.667-08:00Birthday Perks....
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freeloader's guide to making the most of your birthday in Austin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last year on my 29th birthday, I stopped in to rent some movies
from </span><a href="http://www.vulcanvideo.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007698; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Vulcan Video</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. The clerk informed me my rental was free because it was my
birthday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did she feel sorry for me because I was alone and renting not
one but</span><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> two</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">movies on my birthday? Did she think I could use that $3.99 to
also grab a pint of Ben and Jerry’s to ease my loneliness? Perhaps. But it’s
also Vulcan’s policy to give all of their customers a free rental on their big
day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I drove home, I realized my birthday has more to offer than
just depressing self-analysis and Facebook posts from random acquaintances. I
could be taking advantage of this day to get a bunch of free stuff!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, gearing up for my 30th b-day, I put together a handy guide
to enjoying what this city has to offer you on your most special day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10 a.m.</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: It’s your birthday day, so you might as well gorge yourself.
If you sign up for</span><a href="http://tacos-and-tequila.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007698; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> Tacos and
Tequila’s</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chilehead Club, you’ll get an email for a free Saturday brunch.
The coupon is good for thirty days, so don’t sweat it if your birthday's not on
a Saturday. Besides just delicious Mexican food, their brunch also includes
unlimited mimosas, champagne and agua frescas. But, take it from me, you'll
want to take it easy on the alcohol if you’re going to make the most out of
your day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11 a.m.</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Next, stop by Vulcan Video to claim your free rental. It’s
best to pick a movie out early on in the day as you'll likely be too
tired/drunk later to make good decisions. And you DON'T want to wake up the
next day to find out you thoughtlessly wasted your free rental on Nic Cage's</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6QY5LOa6MM" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #007698; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Season of the Witch</span></i></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 p.m.</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Get ready for another all-you-can-eat feast because you’re on
your way to</span><a href="http://www.cannolijoes.com/eclub.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007698; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> Cannoli Joe's</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">! View it as “putting down a good
base" before partying and you won’t feel so bad about the copious amounts
of Italian food you are about to ingest. You will need to plan ahead by signing
up for Cannoli Joe’s E-Club. They’ll email you a coupon for free lunch on your
birthday. This buffet has multiple rooms of rich Italian courses, and each is
painted to look like a neighborhood. Think of it as the culinary birthday
vacation you always dreamed of and deserved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 p.m.</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: It’s time to relax and digest a bit. Go back to your place and
watch that free movie and just enjoy the cool darkness. Falling asleep is
optional. I recommend setting an alarm just in case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 p.m.</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: If you’re still feeling sleeping, head straight to</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://kickbuttcoffee.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007698; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Kick Butt Coffee</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Fill out a form in the store prior to your birthday to join
their VIP club. You’ll get a birthday card that entitles you to one free drink
on your b-day. Now take that shot of espresso and keep moving, birthday girl!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6 p.m.</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: It’s still your day, so you can be as demanding as you want.
Make your friends meet at</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.trudys.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007698; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Trudy’s </span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">for happy hour. Trudy’s offers a free Mexican Martini, draft
beer, mixed drink or shot on your birthday. Be careful, those Mexican Martini’s
are strong (they cut you off after two). You can also choose a free dessert if
you are underage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8 p.m.</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: It’s time for fun, so why not take in some comedy?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.capcitycomedy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007698; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Cap City Comedy Club</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">will send you a postcard for eight free tickets to use during
your birthday month if you fill out a comment card at a show. That’s right, you
get to bring ten friends. No need to pick and choose one or two people to bring
with you. Invite all your friends! (No one has more than ten friends, right?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-40333149855432876602013-01-29T06:30:00.001-08:002013-01-29T06:30:37.805-08:00Austin #1 for Job Seekers.....says Nerdwallet.com<h1 class="gfont">
Austin ranks No. 1 city for U.S. job-seekers; Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth follow suit</h1>
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By <a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/author/arden_ward/articles/">Arden Ward</a></div>
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<span class="gfont">01.28.13</span> <span class="b">|</span> <span>01:14 pm</span></div>
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Nerdwallet.com has good news for Texas job seekers. The organization's blog recently <a href="http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/finance/2013/best-cities-recent-job-seekers/">announced its list</a> of the "Best Cities for Job Seekers," which features five Texas locales in the top 10.<br />
Austin topped the list at No. 1., followed by No. 5 Houston, No. 6 Fort Worth, No. 7 Dallas and No. 9 San Antonio. NerdWallet ranked the "fastest-growing cities for those seeking employment," using the following criteria: population growth, income, unemployment rate and the cost of living.<br />
With the highest percentage of population growth and lowest unemployment rate, NerdWallet deemed the Capital City a "clear winner":<br />
<blockquote>
With the highest percent growth in population and the lowest unemployment rate, Austin is a clear winner as the best choice for job-seekers. The median income is moderately high, and the cost of living is low. Job-seekers should check out this fast-growing city, particularly for jobs in the burgeoning tech industry. Large tech companies such as Dell and IBM are headquartered there, and companies like Apple and Google have offices there as well. Biotechnology is a growing field in Austin as well.</blockquote>
According to the study, Austin saw a 3.8 percent change in population and has a 6.2 percent unemployment rate. Those statistics, along with a median income of $31,170, median 2-bedroom apartment rent cost of $968, and cost of living index of 94.9, gave Austin an overall score of 85.2.<br />
The top 10 Best Cities for Job-Seekers, listed with their overall scores, is as follows:<br />
<ol>
<li> Austin, TX: 85.2</li>
<li> Washington, DC: 80.8</li>
<li> San Francisco, CA: 78.3</li>
<li> Denver, CO: 74.4</li>
<li> Houston, TX: 70.8</li>
<li> Fort Worth, TX: 69.9</li>
<li> Dallas, TX: 69.2</li>
<li> Seattle, WA: 69.1</li>
<li> San Antonio, TX: 68.5</li>
<li> Charlotte, NC: 64.8</li>
</ol>
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kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-11398826387435834602013-01-24T10:01:00.001-08:002013-01-24T10:01:25.215-08:00Yeah Austin... We're #1 againAustin took the top spot for the third year in a row on <em>Forbes</em>’ <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2013/01/23/americas-fastest-growing-cities/" target="_blank">list of “America’s 20 Fastest Growing Cities</a>.”<br />
The Capital City is an economic powerhouse thanks to the 51,000-student <a class="ct saveLink" ct="APT: Company Link" href="http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/adview?ai=BaH4SWXYBUeGSKPCE2wWbxoHwAZnf_4kDAAAAEAEgADgAWKmywYVOYMmu6ozkpPATggEXY2EtcHViLTk3MzYwOTI2MDQ2Nzc1MTayARN3d3cuYml6am91cm5hbHMuY29tugEJZ2ZwX2ltYWdlyAEJ2gH-AWh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYml6am91cm5hbHMuY29tL2F1c3Rpbi9ibG9nL21vcm5pbmdfY2FsbC8yMDEzLzAxL2F1c3Rpbi1pcy1hbWVyaWNhcy1mYXN0ZXN0LWdyb3dpbmctY2l0eS5odG1sP2FuYT1lX2F1c19yZHVwJnM9bmV3c2xldHRlciZlZD0yMDEzLTAxLTI0JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9UmVhbHR5K0xpbmUrU3Vic2NyaWJlcnMmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPTU2ZWYyNTQ1MmYtV2Vla2x5X0phbnVhcnlfMjRfMjAxMzFfMjRfMjAxMyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsmAKYdcACAuACAOoCHDQ2MzUvYnpqLmF1c3Rpbi9hcnRpY2xlX3BhZ2X4AoHSHpAD6AKYA6QDqAMB4AQBoAYg&sigh=T3bWLRb3CaI&adurl=http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/imgad/1488751/hp_int_2013.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/profiles/company/us/tx/austin/university_of_texas_at_austin/3211285">University of Texas at Austin</a>, a bevy of Silicon Hills startups and the presence of mega corporations like <a class="ct saveLink" ct="APT: Company Link" href="http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/adview?ai=BaH4SWXYBUeGSKPCE2wWbxoHwAZnf_4kDAAAAEAEgADgAWKmywYVOYMmu6ozkpPATggEXY2EtcHViLTk3MzYwOTI2MDQ2Nzc1MTayARN3d3cuYml6am91cm5hbHMuY29tugEJZ2ZwX2ltYWdlyAEJ2gH-AWh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYml6am91cm5hbHMuY29tL2F1c3Rpbi9ibG9nL21vcm5pbmdfY2FsbC8yMDEzLzAxL2F1c3Rpbi1pcy1hbWVyaWNhcy1mYXN0ZXN0LWdyb3dpbmctY2l0eS5odG1sP2FuYT1lX2F1c19yZHVwJnM9bmV3c2xldHRlciZlZD0yMDEzLTAxLTI0JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9UmVhbHR5K0xpbmUrU3Vic2NyaWJlcnMmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPTU2ZWYyNTQ1MmYtV2Vla2x5X0phbnVhcnlfMjRfMjAxMzFfMjRfMjAxMyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsmAKYdcACAuACAOoCHDQ2MzUvYnpqLmF1c3Rpbi9hcnRpY2xlX3BhZ2X4AoHSHpAD6AKYA6QDqAMB4AQBoAYg&sigh=T3bWLRb3CaI&adurl=http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/imgad/1488751/hp_int_2013.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/profiles/company/us/tx/austin/whole_foods_market_inc/519255">Whole Foods Market Inc.</a> (Nasdaq: WFM) and <a class="ct saveLink" ct="APT: Company Link" href="http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/adview?ai=BaH4SWXYBUeGSKPCE2wWbxoHwAZnf_4kDAAAAEAEgADgAWKmywYVOYMmu6ozkpPATggEXY2EtcHViLTk3MzYwOTI2MDQ2Nzc1MTayARN3d3cuYml6am91cm5hbHMuY29tugEJZ2ZwX2ltYWdlyAEJ2gH-AWh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYml6am91cm5hbHMuY29tL2F1c3Rpbi9ibG9nL21vcm5pbmdfY2FsbC8yMDEzLzAxL2F1c3Rpbi1pcy1hbWVyaWNhcy1mYXN0ZXN0LWdyb3dpbmctY2l0eS5odG1sP2FuYT1lX2F1c19yZHVwJnM9bmV3c2xldHRlciZlZD0yMDEzLTAxLTI0JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9UmVhbHR5K0xpbmUrU3Vic2NyaWJlcnMmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPTU2ZWYyNTQ1MmYtV2Vla2x5X0phbnVhcnlfMjRfMjAxMzFfMjRfMjAxMyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsmAKYdcACAuACAOoCHDQ2MzUvYnpqLmF1c3Rpbi9hcnRpY2xlX3BhZ2X4AoHSHpAD6AKYA6QDqAMB4AQBoAYg&sigh=T3bWLRb3CaI&adurl=http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/imgad/1488751/hp_int_2013.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/profiles/company/us/tx/round_rock/dell_inc/518649">Dell Inc.</a> (Nasdaq: DELL), the magazine wrote.<br />
Houston and Dallas took the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, respectively.<br />
Data from the <a class="ct saveLink" ct="APT: Company Link" href="http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/adview?ai=BaH4SWXYBUeGSKPCE2wWbxoHwAZnf_4kDAAAAEAEgADgAWKmywYVOYMmu6ozkpPATggEXY2EtcHViLTk3MzYwOTI2MDQ2Nzc1MTayARN3d3cuYml6am91cm5hbHMuY29tugEJZ2ZwX2ltYWdlyAEJ2gH-AWh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYml6am91cm5hbHMuY29tL2F1c3Rpbi9ibG9nL21vcm5pbmdfY2FsbC8yMDEzLzAxL2F1c3Rpbi1pcy1hbWVyaWNhcy1mYXN0ZXN0LWdyb3dpbmctY2l0eS5odG1sP2FuYT1lX2F1c19yZHVwJnM9bmV3c2xldHRlciZlZD0yMDEzLTAxLTI0JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9UmVhbHR5K0xpbmUrU3Vic2NyaWJlcnMmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPTU2ZWYyNTQ1MmYtV2Vla2x5X0phbnVhcnlfMjRfMjAxMzFfMjRfMjAxMyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsmAKYdcACAuACAOoCHDQ2MzUvYnpqLmF1c3Rpbi9hcnRpY2xlX3BhZ2X4AoHSHpAD6AKYA6QDqAMB4AQBoAYg&sigh=T3bWLRb3CaI&adurl=http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/imgad/1488751/hp_int_2013.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/profiles/company/us/dc/washington/us_census_bureau/3324976">U.S. Census Bureau</a> shows more than 427,000 people moved to Texas between August 2011 and July 2012, <em>Forbes</em> reports. The magazine cites the state’s healthy labor markets, low unemployment rates and business-friendly regulatory environment among factors contributing to Texas cities’ high rankings on the list. San Antonio also made this year's ranking.<br />
Forbes' analysis of the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan statistical areas was based on six metrics. Here’s how Austin measured up:<br />
<ul class="grayBullets"><li>2012 population growth rate: 2.8 percent</li>
<li>2013 population estimated growth rate: 2.7 percent</li>
<li>Job growth rate: 3.1 percent</li>
<li>Unemployment: 4.9 percent</li>
<li>Gross Metro Product: 6.3 percent</li>
<li>Median salary for local college-educated workers: $63,200</li>
</ul>kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-58969900411007426912013-01-16T06:44:00.000-08:002013-01-16T06:44:22.736-08:00Austin named one of the Top 10 Tastiest Towns in the South by Southern Living <h1 class="gfont">
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In its February issue,<em> Southern Living</em> announces the second annual "Top 10 Tastiest Towns in the South," based on a belly-filling trek through southern culinary hotspots.</div>
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After a "flurry of herbaceous cocktails, pork belly benders, belt busting charcuterie platters, noodle bowls, fancy tasting menus, and rowdy food festivals," the magazine narrowed down its 10 finalists based on several key factors:<br />
<ul>
<li> "Food as a cultural identity"</li>
<li> "Growth of culinary-minded community"</li>
<li> "Hot chefs on the rise"</li>
<li> "Abundance of buzz-worthy food events"</li>
</ul>
This year, <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/travel/souths-tastiest-towns-austin-00417000081027/">Austin joins other culinary cornerstones</a> like New Orleans and Louisville on the <a href="http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2013/01/11/vote-for-the-tastiest-town-in-the-south/">elite list</a>. Based on the aforementioned criteria, it's no surprise to local foodies that the Capital City has made its way into the ranking, and <em>Southern Living</em> agrees.<br />
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<span style="display: none;"> </span>"Add live music at every turn, tacos galore, and lethal margaritas and you'll see why locals are smitten with Austin's indie style."<span style="display: none;"> </span></blockquote>
"With a posse of star chefs (Tyson Cole of Uchi and Uchiko; David Bull at Congress; Bryce Gilmore at Barley Swine; James Holmes at Olivia and Lucy's Fried Chicken), there are ample opportunities to swill and chomp in style," the website says.<br />
"Add live music at every turn, tacos galore, and lethal margaritas and you'll see why locals are smitten with Austin's indie style."<br />
Here are <em>Southern Living</em>'s <a href="http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2013/01/11/vote-for-the-tastiest-town-in-the-south/">"Top 10 Tastiest Towns in the South"</a> for 2013:<br />
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<strong>Asheville, NC: </strong>This bohemian brewtopia has a buzzy scene flavored with local bounty.</div>
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<strong>Atlanta, GA:</strong> The city’s multicultural explosion makes Atlanta an essential food destination.</div>
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<strong>Austin, TX: </strong>With a posse of star chefs, there are ample opportunities to swill and chomp in style.</div>
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<strong>Charleston, SC: </strong>The city’s top chefs are moving indigenous ingredients to the center of the plate.</div>
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<strong>Durham, NC: </strong> The town boasts a mix of pioneers alongside a new generation of bootstrap cooks.</div>
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<strong>Greenville, SC: </strong>Features luscious Lowcountry cooking with a surprising international flair.</div>
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<strong>Louisville, KY: </strong> With a bourbon-infused larder, the city is experiencing a culinary renaissance.</div>
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<strong>Memphis, TN: </strong>The town’s latest riffs on soul cooking rock.</div>
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<strong>Miami, FL: </strong>The fusion flash of the ’80s has evolved into a diverse, refined eating town.</div>
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<strong>New Orleans, LA: </strong>The sultry confluence of old world and innovation maintains our adoration.</div>
The best food destination in the South will be announced in the May issue of <em>Southern Living</em>, set to hit newsstands on April 19. From now through February 28, you can <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/travel/souths-tastiest-towns-00417000076768/">vote once a day</a> for your favorite (hint: Austin) tasty town.<a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/01-09-13-06-37-epicerie-cafe-grocery-brings-delicious-french-louisiana-fare-artisan-goods-to-rosedale/"></a><br />
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kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-39938575906069377792013-01-11T05:25:00.001-08:002013-01-11T05:25:33.211-08:00Austin events this weekend... NO MORE Rain!!<br />
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<br /><strong>The Sand Mandala Project at the Blanton</strong><br /> Tibetan Buddhist monks have descended upon Austin from the Drepung Loseling Monastery for an elaborate installation at the Blanton Museum of Art. The monks will be on site early Friday morning to kick things off for the exhibit, which runs <a href="http://blantonmuseum.org/calendar_events/details/sand_mandala_project1/">through Sunday</a>. (The image of monks kicking anything off, though, is hilarious imagery, especially consider that they’ll be doing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSLU9PiXgRk">this</a>.) Sand mandalas are intricately designed, usually circular patterns that bare important religious meaning. The monks will be constructing one by hand-laying millions of grains of sand.<br /><br /><strong>The 15th Annual Home and Garden Show at the Palmer Events Center</strong><br /> Wall sconces and lawn gnomes galore. Thousands of square feet of the Palmer Events Center will be covered in home improvement madness, including builders, contractors, materials, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage, plants, landscape displays/materials, kitchenware and a litany of Lowe’s-like business. <a href="http://www.austinhomeandgardenshow.com/">It’s all weekend</a> and $8.50 to get in. A prime opportunity to learn how to spruce up your space from being, “Oh, it’s IKEA,” to “Wow! That’s IKEA?”<br /><br /><strong>School of Rock Austin’s tribute to The Beatles </strong><br /> The music school for kids is putting on a two-night show at Red 7 <a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/eventdetail/school-rock-austins-tribute-beatles/">Saturday and Sunday night</a> featuring the classics from the British Invasion’s leading troupe. Reward these kids for their bravery. I would try to string together an elaborate, tongue-in-cheek description of the show using only Beatles lyrics.<br /><strong>Grand opening of Merlin Works Improv at the ZACH Theatre</strong><br /> All you aspiring Kristin Wiigs and Bill Haders have an opportunity for some serious hobnobbing: The comedy school headed by Shana Merlin is moving classes to the ZACH Theatre and their new building near West Riverside Drive. To celebrate, they’re throwing a party and putting on a show <a href="http://merlin-works.com/event/grand-opening-merlin-works-improv-at-zach/">Sunday night</a>. There will be top-notch comedy, food and drinks.<br /><br /><strong>B.B. King at the Paramount Theatre</strong><br /> There’s a legend in town. One of the most influential blues musicians and killer guitarists, B.B. King, will be <a href="http://www.austintheatre.org/site/Calendar/1337909146?view=Detail&id=31021">performing live</a> at the Paramount Theatre Sunday night. After a weekend of monks and art, laughing, and starting the sketches of your dream home, wind down with the Grammy winner, </div>
kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-67071134820200078692013-01-10T07:15:00.002-08:002013-01-10T07:15:28.924-08:00Stay fit in 2013....<h1 class="gfont">
Work out for free with Roamfit, Austin's newest fitness app </h1>
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By <a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/author/arden_ward/articles/"><span style="color: #007698;">Arden Ward</span></a></div>
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<span class="gfont">01.07.13</span> <span class="b">|</span> <span>02:29 pm</span></div>
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“We live in Austin, one of the most outdoor/nature-oriented cities in the world, yet folks are paying $150-plus a month to do fitness indoors,” says Drew Bridges of what is most accurately described as Austin’s free fitness plight.<br />
To combat the Capital City's indoor fitness identity, Bridges and friend Ajay Mody developed Roamfit, a web-based app whose mission is to make fitness “fun, accessible and transparent.”<br />
“I had just moved to Austin and didn’t know where the best places to workout for free were,” Bridges says. At the same time, Mody, who was injured in a taxi accident, was transitioning from rehabilitation programs to creating a fitness program of his own. The two joined forces on an innovative fitness platform that could meet their varying needs.<br /><br />“We both put our heads together to create a fitness discovery web application,” Bridges says. Mody and Bridges launched <a href="http://roamfit.com/"><span style="color: #007698;">Roamfit</span></a> in September, a web tool where locals can find fitness options (free and paid), then register for classes and review the experience to benefit others. “What we’ve created is like a hotels.com, but for the fitness industry,” he says.<br />
Roamfit is a one-stop shop for fitness opportunities, where you can filter results by type, location and cost. To use the tool, create a free account at roamfit.com, then start exploring the many fitness options — from sport climbing and paddling to yoga and dance. The site is relatively new and blends user-generated content with merchant data, so results will become more refined as more people start reviewing.<br />
While the central focus of Roamfit is a web hub for fitness, founders Bridges and Mody also host free workouts three times a week that anyone can join.<br /><br />“We wanted to motivate more people to work out,” says Bridges, “so we created a free workout series that meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday before work at 6:30 a.m.” The workouts take place at different locations downtown, each offering high intensity interval training that can benefit athletes of any sport.<br />
Each week starts with a Hill/Obstacle Run on Monday, followed by a Sieze the Garage workout (read: run stairs) on Wednesday and closes out with Capitol Circuits on Friday. Roamfit Movement workouts are cost- and signup-free — the only requirement is your commitment to getting up and moving first thing in the morning.<br />
Whether it's helping you discover an empowering new class in town, or providing you with a free chance to start the day with some serious calorie burning, Roamfit might be just your ticket to fitness discovery in 2013.<br />
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kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584809769197666101.post-60774125928663524342013-01-09T06:23:00.003-08:002013-01-09T06:23:47.114-08:00January in Austin....January is notoriously one of the sleepiest times of the year, but don’t let the wind chill trick you into staying under the covers this month. From cultural events such the citywide Martin Luther King Day celebrations to the ever-popular Free Week and even a couple of <em>Family Feud </em>auditions, Austin has a little something for everyone in January.<br />
Here are our recommendations for the top 10 things to do in Austin this month. <br />
<strong>The Drafthouse goes back to the '80s</strong><br />
Even though <a href="mailto:http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/12-22-12-02-36-alamo-drafthouse-south-lamar-plans-one-last-day-of-movie-mania/">the Alamo South is now closed for renovations</a>, you can still enjoy all the nostalgic, guilty pleasures that the Drafthouse can offer. All this month, the Ritz location of the Alamo will screen ‘80s film classics such as <em><a href="mailto:http://drafthouse.com/movies/ferris_buellers_day_off_quote-along/austin">Ferris Bueller’s Day Off</a></em>, <em><a href="mailto:http://drafthouse.com/movies/girlie_night_dirty_dancing/austin">Dirty Dancing</a></em> and <em><a href="mailto:http://drafthouse.com/movies/tough_guy_cinema_they_live/austin">They Live</a></em>, the latter of which stars the mulletted <a href="mailto:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roddy_Piper">Rowdy Roddy Piper</a>. <br />
<strong>Shakey Graves at the Parish </strong><br />
If you haven’t heard of Alejandro Rose-Garcia, otherwise known as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shakey-Graves/123688040988781">Shakey Graves</a>, chances are you soon will. The finger-picking and raspy, whiskey-soaked vocals of this one-man-band have stirred a buzz among music-minded locals and media. For the month of January, <a href="http://www.theparishaustin.com/event/free-week-shakey-graves-january-residency">Shakey Graves plays for free at the Parish</a> every Wednesday as part of a weekly residency.<br />
<strong>Free Week</strong><br /><em>January 1 - 12</em><br />
Austin’s annual music tradition continues during Free Week, when participating venues around town offer free nightly shows featuring local bands. Although the Free Week festivities began in the first week of January, it continues through Saturday, January 12, with acts such as <a href="http://goldenboysaustin.com/">the Golden Boys</a> and <a href="http://www.theriverboatgamblers.com/">the Riverboat Gamblers</a> lighting the way.<br />
<strong>Mike Birbiglia at the Paramount</strong><br /><em>January 11</em><br />
<a href="http://birbigs.com/">Mike Birbiglia</a> isn’t just a comedian. He’s also a heralded author, director and actor. He’s appeared off-Broadway in the one-man show <em>Sleepwalk With Me</em>, which he later transformed into a feature film that debuted at Sundance. He’s a New York Times Bestseller and has appeared in the HBO series <em>Girls</em>. Birbiglia brings<em> <a href="http://www.austintheatre.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=29761">My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend</a></em>, his second one-man show, to the Paramount on January 11.<br />
<strong>3M Half Marathon and Relay</strong><br /><em>January 13</em><br />
If you haven’t started training for the <a href="http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/HalfMarathon/Home/">3M Half Marathon and Relay</a>, one of the city’s largest distance road racing events, then it’s a little too late to begin. As any seasoned spectator knows, however, the only thing better than actually running in a road race is cheering from the sidelines. The race begins at the corner of Stonelake Boulevard and Capital of Texas Highway and ends at 18th Street and Congress Avenue.<br />
<em><strong>The Lion King</strong></em> <strong>at Bass Concert Hall</strong><br /><em>January 16 - February 10</em><br />
Don’t get it twisted: Disney musicals — especially the ones set for stage — aren’t just for the kiddos. <em>The Lion King</em>, with its stunning costumes, elaborate choreography and Tony Award-winning musical performances, is one of the best and most beloved Disney stage productions of all time. <a href="http://www.lionking.com/ticket/austin-tx">The spectacular comes to the Bass Concert Hall</a> on January 16 and runs through mid-February.<br />
<strong>11th Annual Star of Texas Tattoo Arts Revival</strong><br /><em>January 18 - 20</em><br />
In a bearded, bespectacled, and otherwise totally tattooed town such as Austin, it makes sense that an event like <a href="http://golivefast.com/contentsaus.php">the Star of Texas Tattoo Arts Revival</a> would hang around for so long. How long? The event, which boasts parties, live demonstrations, competitions, performances and sideshows, is now its 11th year. The exhibition runs January 18-20 at the Palmer Events Center.<br />
<em><strong>Family Feud </strong></em><strong>auditions come to Austin</strong><br /><em>January 19 - 20</em><br />
Spanning over 35 years and five different hosts, <em>Family Feud</em> has somehow survived and is unbelievably holding auditions in Austin on January 19 and 20. In order to qualify, you must gather a team of five family members related by blood, marriage or legal adoption. Each team member must also be a U.S. citizen or have permission to work within the United States. To register for an audition or for more participation guidelines, email <a href="http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/01-08-13-12-17-top-ten-things-to-do-in-january-free-week-family-feud-and-shakey-graves/Austin@familytryouts.com">Austin@familytryouts.com</a>. No walk-ins will be accepted.<br />
<strong>MLK March and Festival</strong><br /><em>January 21</em><br />
What better way to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. than with a multi-cultural community march and festival? <a href="mailto:http://www.mlkcelebration.com/">Austin’s annual celebration</a> begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 21, with a short program at the MLK statue on the University of Texas campus. The crowd then marches to the Capitol for a gospel music presentation and, finally, on to Huston-Tillotson University for a community festival. For more information, contact <a href="mailto:carol@aahc.org">Carol Wright</a>.<br />
<em><strong>National Geographic Live! - Tim Samaras </strong></em><br /><em>January 28</em><br />
If you are like me, then you’re fascinated by storms — specifically, the people who dare to track them. In a riveting speaking series, <a href="http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/speakers/2013/01/28/chasing-tornadoes-austin/">National Geographic Live! brings storm chaser Tim Samaras to the Long Center</a>. Samaras will share dramatic footage from his adventures and discuss the findings of his scientific exploits.kathys austin neighborhoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06145013035530574391noreply@blogger.com0