AroundAustin.Com

The best performing Kiva microlending team is from Austin, Texas

Did you know that Austin has the highest performing Kiva city lending team in the world—http://www.kiva.org/team/austin_texas. Yep we beat cities many times our size. As of March 14, 2010 the team has loaned almost $157,000.  It was started by a "poor" graduate student...as she said last night at the AIR awards...she's rich compared to the folks she loans to.

Join the Austin, Texas team or start your own at www.kiva.org--$25 lets you help an entrepreneur and the best part you'll get it back to help the next entrepreneur.  The Kiva, Austin, Texas members also meet periodically and participate in local charities.  

Austin Farmers Market

Gorgeous Turnips from Springfield Farms

Touch the Fish?

Heart of Texas Chorus offers a unique Valentine’s Gift

W ant a totally unique gift for your valentine.  Order a singing valentine from the one of the nation's best choruses--the Heart of Texas Chorus.   What better way to say "I Love You" than have a quartet sing a couple of love songs, deliver a card, rose and a box of chocolates to the spice of your life! Prices start at $50.00.You can order either by calling our toll free number, 866-801-4238 or by visiting the Heart of Texas website. Valentines will be delivered on February 12th and 13th.The Heart Of Texas Chorus

Austin based Sikara offers 15% discount for AroundAustin readers

 February 14th - a day dreaded by some and enjoyed by others - this year look at it as a reason to treat yourself! Sikara & Co, an Austin based modern fusion jewelry company, is offering everyone a reason to love on Valentine's Day. Visit their Austin Showroom at 706 Rio Grande on Wednesday, February 10th through the 14th (hours are 11AM - 7PM) and receive 15% off your favorite piece by mentioning AroundAustin.com. 

Sikara, is Modern Fusion Jewelry, and a reflection of Austin resident and Sikara's founder, Mousumi Shaw's life as a first generation Indian-American. Mousumi travels the world, where she works with her team of inspirational designers to create country collections. The 2010 Collection includes designs inspired by India, Mexico, Italy, Egypt and two new collections inspired from Brazil and Spain. Through these international collections, Mousumi takes her customers on a voyage, sharing the culture and history of each country. Headquartered in Austin, Sikara's showroom is located at 706 Rio Grande. 

You can find Sikara & Co in over 250 boutiques, spas, jewelry store and museums across the country and locally at the Blanton Museum, Eliza Page, Capra Cavalli and Milk+Honey Spa (Hill Country). 

If you can't make it to the showroom, shop Sikara's 'Add Up The Love' campaign on www.sikarajewelry.com . The promotion started on February 3rd, and for seven days Sikara is featuring one of their most popular pieces each day of the week. Every day they will bring you a new chance to offer the person you love (which could be yourself!) a handcrafted token of your affection. Each of the seven pieces are 25% off until Tuesday, February 9th, so don't wait! Fall in love this Valentine's Day.

El Arroyo Signs

Folks Entering downtown on 5th street frequently do a double-take at the El Arroyo sign.  What smart ass comment did the famous (infamous?) Tex-Mex place put up today.  Well now you can follow ‘em on Twitter at http://twitter.com/elarroyosign so you don’t miss a sign if you haven’t made it downtown lately.

Nonstop Flights from Austin, Texas

I’m never really going to afford a private jet and am far to cheap to fly first class (heck I usually fly Southwest Airlines and there ain’t any first class seats).   To make flying easier I look for Nonstop flights from Austin.  You can fly to a surprising number of cities nonstop from Austin—Boston, Orlando, Washington, and my favorite during ski season Salt Lake City.  ABIA’s website has been kind enough to list all the cities and airlines that offer Nonstop service from Austin at

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport/nonstops.htm

Austin Luxury Home for Rent

Enjoy a beautifully landscaped Hill Country setting in the heart of Austin.  This Tuscan villa is minutes from the Lake Bird Lake and Trails, Zilker park, the Capitol, the University of Texas and downtown   Call (888) 899-3580, Sham Nasta, Realtor

This gorgeous house at 124 Birnam Wood Court, Austin, Texas  is now for rent.  Their is more information on this amazing home at http://www.stratfordmountain.com

124 Birnam Wood Ct, Austin, TX 78746
Call (888) 899-3580, Sham Nasta, #1 Custom Homes, Inc-Realtor, $6950 per month

Details:

• 7155 sq ft.
• 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 bath, 3 Living areas
• Luxurious Private Master Suite, children and entertainment areas.
• Gourmet Kitchen with Viking Range, 2 dishwashers, top of the line stainless steel appliances
• Resort style heated pool and spa with waterfall.
• State of art media room and home theatre
• Putting green, game room with second kitchen,
• Inlaid travertine and granite baths, huge tubs, large closets.
• 3 decks
• Exemplary Eanes School District.

I plan on taking some pictures of my family and I’ve been looking around for backgrounds that would say Austin. Where should I go?

We have several suggestions to give your family portrait that "Austin" feel. In the spring Bluebonnet shots are mandatory for Texans, aren't they? Year-round there are several other options:

Try the park on the south-side of Riverside. There is a hill next to the Long Center that will give you a perfect view of the Austin Skyline and Lady Bird Lake, and at the same time the little-ones can check out the fountains and roll down the hill.

 

Kayak on Lady Bird Lake to get the best downtown view

The water level in Lake Travis is so low right now that it is hard to go sailing or boating. Town Lake....I mean Lady Bird Lake, on the other hand, is a constant level lake with delightfully cool water.   I've been curious about the kayaks and canoes on the lake so I decided to head down to the Rowing Dock to rent a kayak and get out on the lake on Labor Day.  

It was so busy that we had to circle twice to get parking.  However, the folks at the dock were efficient.  Soon as we turned over our license and $15 (cash or check please) at the dock they got us in a kayak built for two.  We headed to the "ritzy" part of town paralleling Stratford and gawked at the mansion.   I've been to a party or two at those mansions but the view from the water side is amazing.   Turning the kayak around at Red Bud Isle (lots of dogs playing in the water) we decided to cross under the Mopac bridge...it is LOUD under there.  A short way down you get a spectacular view of downtown.  I definitely need to bring my camera next time.   We did manage to see turtles basking in the sun and a couple of herons catching there dinner. 

All in all a nice way to spend the afternoon.  Kayak rentals on Lady Bird Lake are offered by 

Rowing Dock
2418 Stratford Dr
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 459-0999

Texas Rowing Center
1541 West Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 467-7799

Zilker Park Boat Rentals
2100 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 478-3852

Austin Land and Cattle Second Helping

Austin Land and Cattle, one of Austin's best steak houses announces a $35 prix fixe menu on Sunday night with a second helping for a local charity.   For each dinner sold a different deserving organization will be the Second Helping recipient each month and receive $5.    

Austin Land and Cattle Company
1205 N Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX,  78703 (512) 472-1813
http://www.austinlandandcattlecompany.com/