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Nothing But a Pigeon turns traditional taxidermy on its head with cute crocheted creations (Credit: Taylor Hart)
The name, Nothing But A Pigeon, is a reference to a boy who used to tease Taylor Hart back in Ohio. He’d tell her she was a “plain Jane,” and she would amount to “nothing but a pigeon.” If only that young boy had known that Hart would successfully build a hobby into a full-time career.
Vannagram & Co. mobile photo booth in Austin (Credit: Sophie Epton Photography)
Guest article by Rebecca West
Nobody attends an event with hopes of not having fun. And today, no party is complete without a prop-filled photo booth. Not only do photo booths keep guests busy, but they’re also a great way to capture memories and create meaningful party favors.
Jared and Emily Shrode, founders of Vannagram & Co., a mobile photo booth company based here in Austin, have mastered the art of guest participation. With an impressive client list that includes South Congress Hotel, The Knot, Austin Way, and other notable national and local show stoppers, it’s clear Vannagram’s street cred runs high. [Read more…]
When you live in a city where technology, creativity and entrepreneurism intersect, I don’t recommend googling “Austin mobile businesses.” You must be more specific. Otherwise, you’ll get mixed results: 50 percent app developers and 50 percent companies operating out of Airstream trailers.
These local establishments have all said “no” to traditional brick and mortar in favor of operating a business on wheels. [Read more…]
It’s 8 a.m. and I’m in South Austin meeting Krista Allenby of Ruff Adventures for an adventure and photo session with Gary, the Brussels Griffon. I’m awake and functioning much earlier than I’m used to, but Allenby explains that mornings are when she goes on most of her adventures. It’s just one of the steps this Austin dog photographer takes to ensure her four-legged subjects are happy, comfortable, and safe.
Krista Allenby is one of the lucky few who are able to turn their passion into a business. For her, being a dog photographer in one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country is both exciting and rewarding.
Ruff Adventures’ clients come in all different shapes, sizes, and temperaments. But years of experience have taught Allenby how to capture their personalities while they adventure to their favorite spots around Austin. [Read more…]
Nine-Tailed Fox (Credit: Weird City Taxidermy)
Rachel Ahern isn’t interested in hunting, but reimagining creatures back to life through the art of taxidermy fascinates her. From the traditional to the fantastical, Ahern uses animal pelts to make shoulder and full-body mounts at her unusual Austin business, Weird City Taxidermy. [Read more…]
Prudence lusts after my turkey leg during the 2016 Pecan Street Festival in downtown Austin (Credit: Jaclyn Hubersberger)
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more dog-friendly place than Austin, since humanity’s best friends are allowed in the majority of our city’s outdoor spaces. In a place that frequently makes it onto Top 10 lists for dog-friendliness, Austin has no shortage of dog parks, off-leash hiking trails and swimming holes where both you and your pup can cool off. Our Capital City is also home to more than 35 pet photographers, a doggie yoga studio, and Yard Bar–a restaurant/bar and dog park rolled into one.
While most restaurant and bar patios welcome the four-legged variety, there happen to be a few I enjoy more than others when I have my beloved rescue pup, Prudence, in tow. From dive bars to diners, ranch-to-table restaurants to beer gardens, this list has something for every dog (and owner). [Read more…]
Ceramics Bayou is a perfectly welcoming place to paint
In 1995, artist Nancy Germond opened Ceramics Bayou, a studio full of pottery Austinites of all ages could walk in and paint. Germond sold Ceramics Bayou in 2003, but she recently returned and bought the business back last August. She says when longtime customers walk in, it’s as if time has reversed. In a city that’s hastily changing, Germond’s quiet artistic haven provides the perfect place to slow down, focus and reflect. [Read more…]
Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel sings a birthday tune for your loved one (Credit: MuZicCardZ)
Forget cake! Why not send a slice of local music to celebrate a special occasion? You can email anyone a video music card for holidays, as a love song or even an apology through Austin-based MuZicCardZ. For a few dollars, you go online, choose a favorite local musician and have their song sent straight to your loved one’s inbox.
Greetings From Austin mural (Credit: Yulia Dyukova)
Guest article by Caitlin Johnson
Let’s not forget how lucky we are to live in this weird city. Breakfast tacos, city-maintained trails, high-quality street art and endless BBQ are just some of the wonderful things we never lack in Austin, Texas. But not everyone is lucky enough to live in a city as beautiful as ours.
Below is a selection of fine Austin spots that always makes visitors and friends from out of town jealous they’re not living here–yet. Check it out and make sure to save for the next time you want to brag about our cool city! [Read more…]
Chocolaterie Tessa is not your usual chocolate store (Credit: Jessica Pino)
Finding the perfect gift can be a struggle. You want to give something thoughtful, but also something that won’t go to waste, or worse, be re-gifted. I’m happy to announce I’ve finally found the perfect gift! It can be given on any occasion, to men and women. It’s a gift guaranteed to be shared, but never re-gifted. And, best of all, it’s made right here in Austin, Texas. I’m talking about handmade chocolates from Chocolaterie Tessa.
This local chocolate shop in north Austin will protect you from any gift-giving faux pas. I recently met with Tessa Halstead for a tour of her factory, and to learn more about her handmade, small-batch chocolates. [Read more…]