Guest Blogger, Author at The Austinot

Austinites Heal With Kermit the Therapy Dog

March 14, 2018 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Kermit the Therapy Dog

Guest article by Jesselyn Parks

“We were sitting underneath a tree and looking out over the field”, Melissa Unfred said, with a palpable, reflective calm in her voice. She’s telling this story over a speakerphone, with the roar of the highway audible on the line.

Unfred is 1,100 miles into a 1,300-mile journey. She’s returning to Austin from Parkland, Fla., the site of one of America’s most deadly school shootings. The faint panting of her certified Therapy Dog, Kermit, is not far off in the distance, coloring the phone call with a repetitive beat.

Kermit loves car rides. “Kids and parents would come and sit down next to us, and just quietly stroke his fur.” During the trip, Kermit’s working vest displayed in large, bold font: Therapy Dog. Please Pet Me. [Read more…]

Center for Social Innovation Propels Nonprofits With Intentional Ecosystem

January 30, 2018 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Team behind The Center for Social Innovation (L-R): Dan Graham, Matt McDonnell, Daryl Kunik, Michael Hsu

Guest article by Sarah Snyder

Going to a construction site is always intriguing, especially when hard hats are required. My behind-the-scenes look at The Center for Social Innovation, Springdale General’s current project, was especially fun considering the center’s purpose to serve the social impact community in Austin.

Wait until you read about all the nonprofits and social good companies planning to come together at this east Austin hub.

[Read more…]

Kids Compete for Best Space Settlement Ideas Through STEAMSPACE

October 27, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Teens compete in Cities in Space competition

Guest article by Sarah Snyder

When a friend told me there was an “off-world settlement contest” for kids in Austin, I asked her to repeat herself. Wouldn’t you be intrigued? She went on to explain Austin is home to the Cities in Space kids competition, along with two incredible organizations—STEAMSPACE and New Worlds—all helping lead education surrounding the future of life in space. I was introduced to Holly Melear and Amos Behana, so I could learn more.

[Read more…]

12 Free Date Ideas for the Frugal Austinite

October 16, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

You butter believe you’re going to love this list of free date ideas (Credit: Lane Becker via Flickr CC)

Guest article by Michele Eilertsen

From feasting on delectable dishes at local restaurants to laughing until your eyes well up with tears at over-the-top comedy shows, living in a city as quirky as Austin provides a plethora of options when it comes to dating. Planning a fun outing with your romantic interest is a surefire way to show them how much they mean to you. However, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to spend an exorbitant amount of money to impress your partner. Truth be told, there are an abundance of places in Austin that make excellent choices for date night (or afternoon), and won’t break the bank. [Read more…]

Gain (More Than) Outdoor Survival Skills at Earth Native Wilderness School

September 27, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Learn survival skills at Earth Native Wilderness School (Credit: Scott David Gordon )

Guest article by Caitlin Jackson

In Austin, we are fortunate to have so many natural spaces to enjoy. We have lakes, rivers, and hiking. But simply being in nature is only one part of forging a deeper connection with it. Many of us have felt the need to acquire survival know-how. But for those of us who spend the majority of our time within city limits, learning these skills can be a daunting task. Where do we begin? Luckily, we have a starting line and it’s located at Earth Native Wilderness School.

[Read more…]

Enjoy Moonlight Bat Float and Support Texas River School

September 5, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Austin’s famous bat bridge along Congress Avenue (Credit: He.Who.Wanders)

Guest article by Caitlin Jackson

You’ve seen the bats from the bridge, but how about from the water? Under a full moon? Texas River School has an event that allows you to do both. It’s called Moonlight Bat Float. Guided by moonlight and entertained by live music, you set out on Lady Bird Lake in a flotilla of kayaks and canoes. Just as the sun goes down, the bats fly overhead while you glide on the water, away from traffic and noise.

[Read more…]

Austin’s Only Women-owned Barbershop Offers Fresh Cuts in Vintage Style

September 1, 2017 by Guest Blogger 3 Comments

Owners of Barbon’s Barbershop, Clarita and Sarita Sanchez

Guest article by Mathis Kennington

More female entrepreneurs are making a mark on industries that used to be the domain of men, and Austin women are leading the charge. Nowhere is this more evident than at Austin’s newest barbershop, owned by sisters, Sarita and Clarita Sanchez.

Barbon’s Barbershop started as a creative dream shared by Sarita, whose obsession with the art of barbering earned her a reputation as one of the city’s finest, and Clarita, whose business skills made her a perfect fit to run the shop. It’s pretty obvious this sibling pair is a match made in barber heaven. [Read more…]

8 International Desserts in Austin to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

August 30, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Beignets and coffee at épicerie (Credit: épicerie Cafe and Grocery)

Guest article by Archana Vemulapalli

For those of you with a sweet tooth here in Austin, you already know there are plenty of places for fresh bites to satisfy those cravings. But what you may not know is that Austin’s local businesses offer international desserts for the times when you want to indulge in something different. Get ready to travel around the world without having to leave Austin city limits.

[Read more…]

Your Biker Gang Turns Up Street Style With Guided Tours of Austin

August 14, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Credit: Your Biker Gang

Guest article by Caitlin Jackson

They’re not motorcycles. They’re not Segways. They’re electric minibikes. And you can ride one, too.

Austin has a novel way to explore the city. For two hours, you can be a part of your very own biker gang. Your Biker Gang, a guided tour company using electric minibikes, turns up the street style as its team takes you and your friends around town. [Read more…]

Wildwood Bakehouse, Austin’s Go-to Gluten-free Restaurant and Bakery

August 11, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Wildwood Bakehouse

Editor’s Note: Wildwood has closed at 3106 Guadalupe, as of Feb. 24, 2019. Wilder Wood is still open at 1300 E. 7th St.

Guest article by Sarah Snyder

Coming from someone who has been gluten-free for 16 years due to a celiac disease diagnosis, Wildwood Bakehouse is heaven-sent. In business for over 15 years, everything at Wildwood Bakehouse is 100 percent gluten-free. They have vegan and carb-free options available, as well. The restaurant and bakery also maintains an association with the Celiac Disease Foundation.

[Read more…]

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