Did you say Whole Food coupons?

Whole Planet Foundation’s new free green mobile app, Make Change, Not Waste created by Atomic Axis, an Austin based mobile application development company gamifies learning about eco-actions.  Released in May, this mobile application gives users the opportunity to track their green activity and earn coupons to Whole Foods (which by the way are instantly available to scan on your phone at the checkout) for their actions. Planning on donating those old clothes that have been hiding in the mysterious depths of your closet? You can earn rewards for that.

Performing green actions like buying in bulk, reusing towels and taking short showers earn users of Make Change, Not Waste valuable coupons to green brands like Organic Valley, Alexia Foods and Natures Path. Don’t want to use the coupons on yourself? Not a problem. After earning a coupon, an option is available to donate a percentage of the coupon back to Whole Planet Foundation to aid in microcredit loans. You can track how much money you’ve raised under the “My Impact” tab, as well as bags you’ve avoided by reusing your own.

Mobile Learning

Having the app is like gaining access to a mini pocket book full of educational information on green actions. Browsing through the actions while logging activities provides users with ideas on new ways to be eco-friendly, as well as providing descriptions of the activities and the impact it will make. The great thing about using this app is that you don’t need to be a green guru by any means. The app can be the tool you use to discover the multitude of ways you can contribute to sustaining the world. What’s that, you’re already an expert? Use your skills to climb to the top of the leader board of most active users. Or, pass the app onto that friend who wants to be green but doesn’t know how, and consider it your good deed for the day.

While you get on to log Repurposed Containers after doing a project reusing broken plates, pottery and assorted ceramics you might notice the item Commuted During Non-Peak Hours. Clicking on the description would inform you that this action helps you use less gas and reduce emissions from the vehicle, inspiring you to try this out next week while you go to work. Not to mention your action takes you a step closer to acquiring that beautiful coupon. Educating ourselves while saving money? It doesn’t get more legit than that.

Download Make Change, Not Waste on the iPhone App Store today to start saving money and saving the world.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, after some Sunday morning shopping on Second Street went a little late, my husband and I found ourselves downtown with ten minutes until kickoff for the Texans’ game and nowhere to watch. I immediately thought of Beale Street Tavern, so we popped in to see if we could catch the game. Indeed, the Texans were on the TVs both up and downstairs, and it was blessedly quiet as opposed to the raucous Cowboys viewing party that was going on next door at Bikini’s. I was happy to belly up to the bar and settle in for the long haul.

Again I was impressed with the bartenders’ attitude and service, but this time I had the pleasure of sampling some of Beale Street’s cocktails. Those girls are mixing up some excellent, fresh margaritas and my husband was delighted with his carefully blended Old Fashioned. It was a delightful change of pace from the usual sports bars; with the old hardwood floors, stately bar, and huge, high ceilings I felt more like I was in a stately old bar in the French Quarter rather than on Sixth Street at a time most people reserve for more wholesome activities.

With some good cocktails in hand, it was easy to relax, chat with the staff and fellow football fans, and enjoy the game. Before we knew it, the referees were signaling the two minute warning in the fourth quarter and I hadn’t even thought to order the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. We look forward to our next visit to Beale Street Tavern: I won’t let another chance to try The King’s favorite meal pass me by.

Beale Street Tavern,
214 East 6th Street  Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-6078

Nope, just the Texas Unclaimed Property Site.   It’s run by the Comptroller’s Office and it doesn’t cost a dime to check the site or file the claim (so don’t fall for the nasty scammers who claim want filing fees).   We’ve found money from closed bank accounts, an insurance refund check that didn’t quite make it back to us ($500!), and even money from an overpaid bill.    A tip, when you’re on the site check for money owed to your friends and relatives–they will always appreciate a tip on free money.

We found out about this site via CheapDeep-our local version of Clark Howard.   You can find and like CheapDeep on Facebook

Stopped in to Roaring Fork at Stonelake Boulevard for a business lunch.  What a gorgeous location–on the edge of Quarry Lake.  The restaurant is quite upscale and I was expecting to blow the lunch budget.   However, they have a great deal for lunch–The Texas Two Step.    For $13 you can get a Cup of Soup or Pork Stew or Salad and either Grilled Salmon, Trout, or Roast Chicken.  Not bad for a sit down meal in a great environment.

Roaring Fork, 10850 Stonelake Boulevard, Austin – (512) 342-2700

Photos by Nicole Ryan Photography

In an attempt to try virtually every meat option on the menu, we

each ordered the 3 Meat Plate – the stars of which were the pork ribs (that immediately fell off the bone), moist brisket, and jalapeno and cheese sausage. Regarding the sides, pass on the mac and cheese (it was tasty, but not a standout) and order the fried okra and baked beans – both full of flavor and just the right amount of heat. If your taste buds can handle it, their homemade hot sauce has a great flavor. Just look for the ominous red bottle marked with a skull and crossbones.

Photos by Nicole Ryan Photography

The interior of the restaurant was cozy yet spacious, with enough TVs to make it a perfect spot for game days. Unfortunately it was a chilly night, so the picturesque Oasis location was lost on us. But I’m certain that come spring (or a warm Texas winter day) they’ll open the garage style doors overlooking the lake, giving Uncle Billy’s patrons a gorgeous view to go along with their seriously satisfying BBQ.

Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que
http://www.unclebillysaustin.com/
555 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78731
(512) 266-0111

The only color film of Japan's surrender at the end of World War II is available for museum at the Nimitz National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredricksburg.

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.

Gorgeous Turnips from Springfield Farms

Touch the Fish?

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