Valentine’s Treat - Ultimate Chocolate Mousse - YUM!
To celebrate chocolate in its most delectable guises, we asked some of the best cooks—Julia Child, James Beard, Maida Heatter, and more—to share their favorite chocolate recipes. Craig Claiborne, who was the New York Times restaurant critic and one of the top food journalists at the time, shared his remarkable chocolate mousse, which could be reliably whipped up without tremendous effort. In his original headnote for the recipe, Claiborne says, “once in a rare while, I discover a formula for a dish that seems the ultimate, the definitive, the ne plus ultra. I am convinced that the finest chocolate mousse creation ever whipped up in my kitchen is the one printed here. As if you didn’t know,...
Commodore Perry Estate is a treasured Austin landmark, re-envisioned with modern glamour. The picturesque grounds offer a welcoming 10-acre setting in the heart of the city.
Set walking distance from UT, Austin’s newest luxury boutique hotel is set on nearly 10 secluded acres in the heart of Downtown Austin. Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a treasured Austin landmark re-envisioned with modern glamour. 54 bespoke guest rooms and suites are surrounded by manicured gardens. Connect with friends, new and old, over craft cocktails and locally-inspired fare at Lutie’s -- named for estate matriarch Lutie Perry. This glamorous social hub and exquisite architectural jewel is listed...
Austin-Round Rock MSA closes year with record-breaking $17B housing market
“The Central Texas housing market is incredibly competitive and moving at lightning speed right now,” Susan Horton, 2021 ABoR president said. “The complexity of a home sale is at an all-time high as it has become commonplace for homes to receive multiple offers well over list price. Whether you’re a homebuyer or a home seller, it is more important than ever to work with a REALTOR® who deeply understands your local area and can navigate the near-zero inventory market on your behalf.”
“The Austin-area real estate market is experiencing extraordinarily high demand fueled by years of high population growth and employment...
DIY Salt Dough Ornaments
Bring a classic Christmas craft to your home this season! Salt dough ornaments have been a holiday family favorite for decades. The simple-to-make dough uses 3 non-toxic ingredients that make it great for tiny elves or pets that may be helping. Bring out your family’s creative side with different design options such us a hand-print memory, cookie-cutter shapes, or Christmas tree garlands. Customize your ornaments with paint and glitter to finish off the look. Follow the directions below or click the link to get started!
Ingredients:
As far back as the early 1800’s, families all over the world have put out their stockings to be filled for Christmas morning. The tradition is said to be inspired by the legend of St. Nicholas, a widowed husband who slid down the chimney of his poor neighbor’s home and placed gold coins in their freshly washed “socks” that were hanging to dry by the fireplace. It was a way for St. Nick to give back to his community and fill the void of his first Christmas without his family which has continued to inspire others to give back during the holidays for centuries to come!
Stockings were traditionally filled with items such as coins, oranges, candy canes, and small toys. As time went on, the stocking stuffing tradition persisted and the gifts inside continue...
Christmas in November? Join shoppers and merchants from all over the country for this year’s reinvention of an Austin Christmas Tradition. In past years, The Junior League of Austin’s
“A Christmas affair” has hosted over 200 merchants and 25,000 patrons during a 6-day shopping experience. This year’s shoppers will be enjoying the annual event in a new way. Keeping safety top of mind, the JLA has created a completely virtual experience as a way for shoppers to get into Christmas spirit without risking their health.
Shop the virtual marketplace to find items including Christmas décor, clothing and jewelry, beauty products, stationary, food and more! Purchase raffle and auction tickets for a chance to win items including a Louis Vuitton tote, fine jewelry, luxury vacations!
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The ABoR Central Texas Housing Market reports continued strength across the five-county area in the month of September. Sales dollar volume jumped 51.7% (now up to $1,779,067,529) and the median price rose 12.1% to $355,000. The number of new listings has increased 5%, pending sales increased over 28%, while inventory for active listings decreased almost 50% compared to last year.
Homes are currently seeing an average of 37 days on market, (2 weeks fewer compared to 2019). Historically this time of year shows a slow down in real estate activity, but with the covid-19 impact pushing back the spring market, summer selling season extended into September and beyond.
“The housing market is pumping billions of dollars into our region’s economy at a time it’s greatly needed, but we also need to be cognizant of the impact such rapid activity...
Moving into cooler months makes for a perfect time to bring out the good ole’ slow cooker! If you grew up in the south, you’ll likely know the comforting smell of coming home to fully cooked, simmering crock pot dinner. These meals are easy, timesaving and delicious! Many people think of comfort food dishes when they think of crock pot meals, but you don’t have to limit your options there! From breakfast to desserts, you and your family can create delicious dishes again and again without the hassle extra prep work. Just dump the ingredients, set your time and temperature, and BOOM – a perfectly cooked meal waiting for your return!
Here are some of our favorite slow cooker recipes that’ll save you time and keep you full!
Taco...
Throughout the pandemic, food service companies across the globe have modified their business to serve the rapidly growing number of to-go orders. Grocery stores are now offering more pick-up & delivery options than ever before. Food delivery companies like Door Dash & Uber Eats are overflowing with orders day and night. We are now over 7 months into our new “socially distanced” culture and with holidays around the corner, it has us wondering what those meals will look like this year.
Multiple Austin restaurants and grocery stores offer pre-ordered Thanksgiving dinners which may be a safer and simpler alternative to enjoy this year’s annual feast. Check out this list of some of our favorite local food services who are open for to-go business. From traditional Thanksgiving staples to untraditional cuisine, you’ll be serving up delicious convivence!
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Austin is now home to Hotel Magdalena, a new hotel project from Austin’s acclaimed Bunkhouse, in the iconic district of South Congress. The 89-room hotel features a “tree-house” like design and offers different style suites to impress a variety of guests. Hotel Magdalena is situated on 14 prime acres that boast views of downtown Austin and the Texas Capitol. This area was previously owned legendary musician Willie Nelson during the 1970’s.
Amenities at Hotel Magdalena include a 900 square foot sunken pool with bar, retail boutique featuring goods from Texas makers and Bunkhouse signature custom products, bicycle rentals, access to neighborhood trails and more!
The hotel is also home to Summer House on Music Lane, a full-service restaurant that is said to be opening in Fall of 2020...
Austin remains one of the nation’s fastest growing cities with an average of 169 people moving to metroplex daily. Growing by more than 60,000 new residents per year, the Austin real estate market remains extremely low on inventory, making it a great time to take advantage of the seller’s market! As we move into Fall, we see no signs of our market slowing down. If you are thinking of selling, NOW IS THE TIME!
This summer alone (June 1-Sept. 21), waterfront property sales on Lake Austin, Lake LBJ, and Lake Travis have increased over 66%, even with the covid-19 impact. All 3 lakes saw an increase of waterfront sales price & saw equal or fewer average days on market.
Lake Austin saw sales prices increase over 69% compared to the previous year, with...
2020 Has Been Hard - Let’s Wine About It! 
Check out 3 of Austin’s top wine bars!
Whether you’re longing for a quiet evening alone, a date night for two or a socially distanced happy hour with friends, Austin’s got the spot to wine!
Wanderlust Wine Co.
Where? 610 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78701
What? Wanderlust Wine Co. featuring 56 premium wines, all on tap!
When? Open Wednesday-Sunday 5 pm – 11 pm
About: “From Tank or Barrell, To Glass”, The Wanderlust Wine Co. keeps our planet top-of-mind while serving up some of the world’s best tasting wines. The company has eliminated corks and bottle handlings from their services, reducing thousands of pounds per year from landfills while simultaneously reducing their carbon-footprint!
Sit back,...
Organize Your Pantry
Every season brings a fresh new start so why not freshen up your home this Fall!?
Let’s start with the pantry. Keeping efficiency & visual appeal in mind, staying organized in your kitchen can help you with grocery shopping, meal prepping and may even inspire you to try some new recipes!
1) Start with removing all items from shelving.
2) Wipe down shelves and measure space for bins, jars, and canisters. (Pro-Tip – clear organizing containers look neat and easily display what’s in them or missing.)
3) Sort the remaining items by category.
4) Begin with the items that are a priority to you and your family and organize those items into different bins and jars. Start by placing them in the most convenient places of your pantry space.
5) ...
Host family & friends for a unique dining experience right in your backyard!
Brendan Yancy of Austin, TX and his girlfriend ordered a case of high-quality oysters last year to celebrate Yancy’s birthday. After working hard to shuck the delicious oysters, the couple sparked an idea to give Austin a similar dining experience without the effort. Yancy and his now business partners, Dave Kleifgen & Will Meredith, put together “their obsession of quality oysters and hanging out with friends,” and the Austin Oyster Company was born!
With partnerships from Maine to Massachusetts, this new company continues to bring
high-quality New England oysters neighborhoods all over the city.
How it Works:
1. You order oysters
2. We deliver, shuck, and serve
3. You enjoy and we clean up
It’s that simple!
Services start at $125...
Pierce Haney | REALTOR
512-608-2294
Josephine Olinger | REALTOR
281-935-6399
Bailey Coleman | REALTOR
512-228-1834
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The Greater Austin area’s housing market is continuing to bounce back, according to the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) latest Central Texas Housing Market Report. Compared to July 2019, residential sales in the five-county area increased 21.5% while sales dollar volume increased 36.7%. At the same time, the median sales price increased 10.7% to $353,000 and homes spent three fewer days on the market—an average of 44 days. “The jobs pipeline into Austin continues to create new economic opportunities and a double-digit percentage gain in new listings in July, coupled with buyers continuing to take advantage of historically low interest rates, allows us to be cautiously optimistic about the remainder of 2020,” said Romeo Manzanilla, 2020 ABoR President.
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Three Local Craft Beers to Try This Labor Day Weekend
1) Electric Jellyfish – Pinthouse Pizza Craft Brewpub
2) Texas Honey Cider - Austin EastCiders
3) Stash IPA - Independence Brewing Co.
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There’s something about the smell of a cool Fall day that makes life a little sweeter – and it wouldn’t be Fall without the pumpkin patch! Don’t miss your chance to visit some of Austin’s favorite Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals to ensure good, clean fun for the whole family!
What: Sweet Eats Fall Festival
When: September 19th-November 8th
Where: 4400 E. State Highway 29 Georgetown, TX
Featuring: 80+ acres with picturesque views, corn maze, live music, pony rides, face painting & more!
What: Sweet Berry Farm - “The Harvest of Fall Fun”
When: September 19th-November 8th
Where: 1801 FM 1980 Marble Falls, Texas
Featuring: Hayrides, Texas-shaped corn maze, pumpkin painting, stuff-your-own scarecrow & more!
What: Barton...
Impress friends and family by decorating your front porch for an inviting feel before anyone sets foot through your door!
There are limitless ways to create your space this Fall. Whether you gravitate toward a classic look or an unconventional display, there’s nothing like creating an unforgettable look for your entry.
Neutral & Classic
Pumpkins Galore
Spooky Sights
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