Tuesday, June 29, 2010
What is 4th of July without Picnic Baskets and Fireworks?
There is nothing more synonymous with Independence Day than fireworks. This 4th of July, Austinites have several chances to catch a spectacle.
- Carlos & Charlie's 4th of July Fireworks
- 4th of July Firework Extravaganza!
WHERE: Carlos'n Charlie's located at Emerald Point Marina on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas:
5973 Hiline Rd. Austin, Texas 78734
PRICE: Admission is Free
FIREWORKS TIME: Show starts at Sunset (around 8:30 or 9:30)
- 4th of July Firework Extravaganza!
- Round Rock, TX 4th of July Fireworks
- City of Round Rock’s July 4 Frontier Days Celebration
WHERE: Old Settler's Park 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd
MUSIC: Austin Symphonic Band
PRICE: Admission is Free
FIREWORKS TIME: Expect fireworks around 8:45/9 p.m.
From the City of Round Rock Website:
The day starts with the parade through downtown Round Rock at 12 p.m. followed by festivities all afternoon at Old Settlers Park. At the park, participate in the duck races, pony rides, inflatables and children’s games, arts and crafts vendors, Ballet Folklorico dancers and a reenactment of the historical Sam Bass Shootout, all leading up to the annual fireworks celebration."
- City of Round Rock’s July 4 Frontier Days Celebration
- Lake Travis, TX 4th of July Fireworks
- 34th Annual Lakeway July 4th Celebration
WHERE: Lakeway City Park
MUSIC: Austin Symphonic Band
PRICE: Admission is Free
FIREWORKS TIME: Evening show is 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
From the LakeTravis.com Website:"We begin each year with the 8:30 AM Parade down Lakeway Drive. The Pageant at the Lakeway Activity Center. The Grand Marshal Speech follows starting at 10:30 am. This year, food, live entertainment, and fireworks will end the day at the Lakeway City Park beginning at 6:00 pm and ending at 10:00 pm. "
- 34th Annual Lakeway July 4th Celebration
- Volente Beach Waterpark 4th of July Fireworks (Lake Travis, TX)
- 34th Annual Lakeway July 4th Celebration
WHERE: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 Farm to Market Road 2769, Leander, TX 78641
PRICE: Free to anyone who purchased a daily admission ticket to the park. After 8:00 p.m. - $5.00 per person.
FIREWORKS TIME: Fireworks show starts at dusk.
- 34th Annual Lakeway July 4th Celebration
- Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic
- 4th of July Firework Extravaganza!
WHERE: The Backyard at Bee Cave
PRICE: General Admission Tickets: $ 55
SHOW TIME: Doors @ 11am | Show @ Noon
From the Backyard Website:"Live Performances By: AMBER DIGBY, ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL, BEN BURGESS, BILLY JOE SHAVER, DAVID ALLEN COE, DEL CASTILLO, FOLK UKE, GREEZINSLAW, JACK INGRAM, JAMEY JOHNSON, JODY NIX & THE TEXAS COWBOYS, JOHNNY BUSH, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, KEVIN FOWLER, LEON RUSSELL, PAULA NELSON & THE GUILTY PLEASURES, RANDY ROGERS BAND, RAY PRICE, RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, THE REFLECTACLES, WILLIE NELSON, and MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED..."
- 4th of July Firework Extravaganza!
- Downtown Austin 4th of July Fireworks
- H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks
WHERE: Auditorium Shores at The Long Center
CONDUCTOR: Peter Bay
PRICE: Admission is Free
FIREWORKS TIME: 9:30pm
From the Austin Symphony Website:" The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks features patriotic music and the ever-popular 1812 Overture—the latter punctuated by 75-millimeter Howitzer cannons, courtesy of Texas National Guard Salute Battery, and spectacular fireworks over Lady Bird Lake.
The Austin Symphony Orchestra will begin performing at 8:30 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m., ending at 10:00 p.m. Come early, bring a picnic, claim a grassy spot and enjoy the patriotic music of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Concessions will be available on site. (Sorry, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted in the park.)"
- H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Decorating with Built-Ins
Are you feeling a little disorganized or needing more storage? Built-ins are a great way to organize and hide items that are functional to a room, but are not the most visually appealing. TVs, stereo equipment, CDs, DVDS or even children’s toys are examples of items that store well inside built-ins.
Many of my clients who live in two story houses need to keep some toys downstairs. A built-in with doors is a great way to keep games, books and toys in a family room without allowing the toys to take over and clutter the home.
Built-in shelving around a fireplace is not only functional, but will immediately add a dramatic focal point to a room.
Some people are concerned that adding a built-in will make a room appear smaller. Normally, just the opposite is true. Having the built-in go all the way to the ceiling will actually make the room appear larger and make use of vertical space that would otherwise go unused.
Built-in bookcases going up a stairway is another way to make great use of space that is often unused, and they look fabulous.
You will notice a built-in that I designed by taking an antique ice box and kitchen hutch and building around them to make them appear as one unit. This resulted in a totally custom and original piece. It now showcases the sentimental pieces and makes the entire unit very functional to the client’s dining room.
We are great at customizing built-ins to work with your needs. We can help you with the design, and we have custom cabinet makers who will make the built-in a reality. If your budget will not allow a custom built-in, we also work with cabinet installers who do semi-custom cabinets. They offer a variety of finishes that will give you a really wonderful look.
Best of all in regard to built-ins, they will normally give you a great return at the time of resale by adding originality and function to your home. This makes your home stand out from others.
Many of my clients who live in two story houses need to keep some toys downstairs. A built-in with doors is a great way to keep games, books and toys in a family room without allowing the toys to take over and clutter the home.
Built-in shelving around a fireplace is not only functional, but will immediately add a dramatic focal point to a room.
Some people are concerned that adding a built-in will make a room appear smaller. Normally, just the opposite is true. Having the built-in go all the way to the ceiling will actually make the room appear larger and make use of vertical space that would otherwise go unused.
Built-in bookcases going up a stairway is another way to make great use of space that is often unused, and they look fabulous.
You will notice a built-in that I designed by taking an antique ice box and kitchen hutch and building around them to make them appear as one unit. This resulted in a totally custom and original piece. It now showcases the sentimental pieces and makes the entire unit very functional to the client’s dining room.
We are great at customizing built-ins to work with your needs. We can help you with the design, and we have custom cabinet makers who will make the built-in a reality. If your budget will not allow a custom built-in, we also work with cabinet installers who do semi-custom cabinets. They offer a variety of finishes that will give you a really wonderful look.
Best of all in regard to built-ins, they will normally give you a great return at the time of resale by adding originality and function to your home. This makes your home stand out from others.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
What type of window treatment is right for you?
There are some great new products on the market to cover your windows. Many times people purchase a home and install a house full of wood or faux wood blinds just to get the windows covered. I recommend, instead, working with a Designer and treating each room separate based on the orientation of the window and the function of the room. It may be that a wood blind will serve the needs of the room, but if you have a beautiful view out of that particular window then a product that will stack tight and reveal the total view may be more appropriate. If you have a sun issue then there are other products that deflect the heat better.
At times a soft treatment like traversing drapery with black-out lining is the best choice for a master bedroom. Having the option of blacking out the room will promote much better sleep.
Sometimes a combination hard and soft treatment offers the best solution for light control and aesthetic beauty. A little more about soft or hard treatments:
Hard Treatments
Hard treatments are factory-made window treatments, which include: wood blinds, faux wood blinds, woven wood shades, vertical blinds, mini-blinds and shutters.
Hard treatments are available as stock items found in home-improvement stores, or custom made to order. Stock merchandise comes in standard sizes. Custom-made treatments can be made in any size. Colors and options are limitless with custom-made hard treatments.
Soft Manufactured Shades
These products include roller shades, solar shades, honeycomb shades, soft sheer-verticals and soft sheer horizontals.
New styles of manufactured hard and soft treatments are coming out all the time.
Custom Soft Treatments
Any window covering sewn from fabric is considered a custom soft treatment. Soft treatments are generally used as decoration on top of hard treatments, but can also be used alone.
To get the best heat, light and isolative qualities, operable fabric treatments are many times the best choice.
Soft treatments can be custom-manufactured to fit any window. Your decorated window will be completely unique – one of a kind. Any fabric and trim can be selected, and practically any style can be created. Professional installation using custom hardware also adds to your distinctive look.
Common soft treatments include:
Sometimes a combination hard and soft treatment offers the best solution for light control and aesthetic beauty. A little more about soft or hard treatments:
Hard Treatments
Hard treatments are available as stock items found in home-improvement stores, or custom made to order. Stock merchandise comes in standard sizes. Custom-made treatments can be made in any size. Colors and options are limitless with custom-made hard treatments.
- Roman shades
- Swags and cascades
- Shaped valances
- Drapery panels
- Traversing drapery
- Balloon valances
- Scarf Treatments
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Ice Cream Keeper
There is almost nothing better than ice cream on a hot day, but before there was no good way to take your ice cream with you on a picnic or to the lake. This new Ice Cream Keeper is foam-core insulated and has a freezable gel lid that helps keep your ice cream cold for up to 90 minutes. Priced under $15, the Ice Cream Keeper is a must have addition to your kitchen. http://www.kitchenkapers.com/kiwi-ice-cream-keeper.html
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Would any of our fine business associates be interested in exchanging links to your website?
http://ping.fm/nAWKl
http://ping.fm/nAWKl
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
For the Father That Has Everything
I don’t know about you, but I often times have a hard time knowing what to get my dad for Father’s Day. He is the man who has everything and though he loves gift cards to Academy. It seems so boring just getting him a gift card to Academy every year. I was introduced to Andy Andrews about 3 years ago and I have his Seven Decisions posted where I can see them every day. He is a powerful motivational speaker and author. Dad will find his books and DVDs inspiring and interesting.
I hope you will find this gift idea helpful for the father who has everything!
http://www.andyandrews.com/
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Sea Glass
Sea Glass inspired shades are getting popular this summer. They bring a relaxed, “beachy” feel to any room. So here are some examples of ways to use sea glass in your home. Get Inspired!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Fun with Florals
Who would have ever thought you use your favorite vase more often than just when your husband brings you flowers? While summer is in full swing, think of using leaves and plant cuttings in your vases instead of the usual bouquets of flowers. For best results, use plants of different shades of green. Try to bring in red or purple leaves whenever possible. Also, using a narrow necked vase cinches the stems together helping to make your arrangement look lusher. The sky is the limit when coming up with your arrangements. There is only one rule…treat the leaves as you would flowers. Cut the stems at an angle using sharp clean scissors and put them in water right away. Be creative and have fun!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Citrus Almond Pork Chops
Tuesday night I threw some things together and came up with this dish that we really enjoyed. Try it and let me know what you think.
Citrus Almond Pork Chops
2 T Olive Oil
6 Pork Chops
Celery Salt to Taste
Pepper to Taste
½ C Flour
1 T Grated Lemon Peel
1 T Fresh Oregano
2 Cloves Garlic Minced
1 Cup Chicken Broth
¼ C Sliced Almonds
Season the pork chops to taste with celery salt and pepper. Put the flour in a plastic Bag and shake to coat the pork chops with a thin layer of flour. Brown the pork chops a few at a time in a large and deep non-stick pan. Set the pork chops aside as they are browned. Once they are all browned, add the cup of chicken broth to the pan, scrapping any flour bits from the pork chops, return the chops to the pan and sprinkle the tops with the grated lemon peel, oregano and garlic. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve over steamed rice.
Citrus Almond Pork Chops
2 T Olive Oil
6 Pork Chops
Celery Salt to Taste
Pepper to Taste
½ C Flour
1 T Grated Lemon Peel
1 T Fresh Oregano
2 Cloves Garlic Minced
1 Cup Chicken Broth
¼ C Sliced Almonds
Season the pork chops to taste with celery salt and pepper. Put the flour in a plastic Bag and shake to coat the pork chops with a thin layer of flour. Brown the pork chops a few at a time in a large and deep non-stick pan. Set the pork chops aside as they are browned. Once they are all browned, add the cup of chicken broth to the pan, scrapping any flour bits from the pork chops, return the chops to the pan and sprinkle the tops with the grated lemon peel, oregano and garlic. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve over steamed rice.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Helpful Hints for Hiring a Desinger
Helpful Tips for Hiring a Designer
• Your Designer should listen: You will know if you are considering a Designer who will reflect your style by the first meeting. If the Designer does all of the talking and gives a ton of advice before listening then the chances are that the Designer’s style will be reflected and not yours. A good Designer will spend most of the time during the initial complimentary consultation listening, asking questions and taking notes. From there, he or she will have the valuable input necessary to come up with something you will love.
• Communication is key: Sometimes letting your Designer know the things you don’t like are just as important as what you do like. If you absolutely hate the color yellow or floral fabric then let that be known up front. This will save time and point your Designer in the right direction. Pointing out to your Designer something you love, such as a piece of art can be great inspiration for a room and assure that you will be happy with the end result.
• Be sure you are clear on Fees: Most designers offer some products and services. Be sure they have explained to you in a clear and easy manner how these fees work so you will not have any surprises along the way. Professionalism is just as important as creativity.
• Does your Designer Sell Products? Many times you can save a considerable amount in hourly design fees by purchasing your furnishings through your Designer. You are going to be purchasing the products for your home anyway. If your designer has direct accounts with wholesale product distributors they are able to sell products to you similar to the way a retailer would and for this reason can waive hourly fees when working with you on those products. Your Designer may still need to charge some hourly fees for things such as delivery, staging or for consultation on items they don’t sell, but you will still come out many times with better products at a fair price when purchasing through your Designer.
• Take your Designer’s advice: If after your complimentary consultation, you get the idea that the Designer has listened to your desires and can implement, then take their advice. Too often, a Designer ends up being a third wheel in a project where a friend, other or “well meaning” relative starts giving their input. Keep in mind, that the project will not look complete until the end. This is where it will take some courage to have trust in your Designer’s vision. By looking at your Designer’s previous projects you will have a good indication that your room will end up beautiful. By all means, if your Designer is off base and is going with something you totally dislike then speak up. All of the pieces make up the whole in room design and chances are it will look very different in the end than it does along the way.
• Be prepared to match the quality of furnishings to the home: One of the biggest mistakes that consumers make is purchasing a home that puts them right to the edge of their budget without considering the fact that the home needs to be furnished properly. The quality of the furnishings needs to be in line with the price of the home. You would be surprised at how many homes I walk into that are $1,000,000 + in value and they have artwork purchased from Target. I have nothing against furnishings from Target for a college dorm room or apartment, but a grown up house deserves grown up furnishings. Consider reserving a budget with this in mind when deciding where you want to purchase our home and for how much.
• Your Designer should listen: You will know if you are considering a Designer who will reflect your style by the first meeting. If the Designer does all of the talking and gives a ton of advice before listening then the chances are that the Designer’s style will be reflected and not yours. A good Designer will spend most of the time during the initial complimentary consultation listening, asking questions and taking notes. From there, he or she will have the valuable input necessary to come up with something you will love.
• Communication is key: Sometimes letting your Designer know the things you don’t like are just as important as what you do like. If you absolutely hate the color yellow or floral fabric then let that be known up front. This will save time and point your Designer in the right direction. Pointing out to your Designer something you love, such as a piece of art can be great inspiration for a room and assure that you will be happy with the end result.
• Be sure you are clear on Fees: Most designers offer some products and services. Be sure they have explained to you in a clear and easy manner how these fees work so you will not have any surprises along the way. Professionalism is just as important as creativity.
• Does your Designer Sell Products? Many times you can save a considerable amount in hourly design fees by purchasing your furnishings through your Designer. You are going to be purchasing the products for your home anyway. If your designer has direct accounts with wholesale product distributors they are able to sell products to you similar to the way a retailer would and for this reason can waive hourly fees when working with you on those products. Your Designer may still need to charge some hourly fees for things such as delivery, staging or for consultation on items they don’t sell, but you will still come out many times with better products at a fair price when purchasing through your Designer.
• Take your Designer’s advice: If after your complimentary consultation, you get the idea that the Designer has listened to your desires and can implement, then take their advice. Too often, a Designer ends up being a third wheel in a project where a friend, other or “well meaning” relative starts giving their input. Keep in mind, that the project will not look complete until the end. This is where it will take some courage to have trust in your Designer’s vision. By looking at your Designer’s previous projects you will have a good indication that your room will end up beautiful. By all means, if your Designer is off base and is going with something you totally dislike then speak up. All of the pieces make up the whole in room design and chances are it will look very different in the end than it does along the way.
• Be prepared to match the quality of furnishings to the home: One of the biggest mistakes that consumers make is purchasing a home that puts them right to the edge of their budget without considering the fact that the home needs to be furnished properly. The quality of the furnishings needs to be in line with the price of the home. You would be surprised at how many homes I walk into that are $1,000,000 + in value and they have artwork purchased from Target. I have nothing against furnishings from Target for a college dorm room or apartment, but a grown up house deserves grown up furnishings. Consider reserving a budget with this in mind when deciding where you want to purchase our home and for how much.
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