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Rejoice, Central Texans! For the first time in decades, members of the public are allowed to enter the crystal-clear waters at Spring Lake in San Marcos. Exclusive yet affordable snorkeling tours, scuba diving excursions, and stand-up paddleboarding tours of the lake are now available through The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.
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Want to know a strange secret? I imagine a world where we treat teachers with the same reverence we do musicians and actors. I also dream of a place where pop culture celebrates Nobel Peace Prize winners the same way they do Oscars winners. I know, silly right?
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Squirrels. Some love them or hate them; some find them entertaining or annoying. For many of us city dwellers, squirrels are little more than a minute detail among the bustling backdrop of cars, crowds, and skyscrapers.
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Kendra Scott jewelry pieces are distinguishable for their architecture and shape (Credit: Kelsey Applebaum)
Most of Austin recognizes the name, Kendra Scott. She started her jewelry empire out of a spare bedroom in Austin, growing it into a billion dollar company.
The story of the founder and her company has inspired female entrepreneurs and fashion lovers alike. If you already adore the jewelry, but have never read the story, then prepare to experience a higher level of appreciation.
The author’s dog, Trooper, is a prime example of the many loving adoptees that are waiting for you in Austin
Austin proudly became a No Kill city in 2010. A few years later, The Huffington Post named Austin one of the safest U.S. cities for dogs and cats. Great work, Austin. I’m proud to call you home!
When you’re ready to let a furry friend invade your heart and home, help us stay No Kill by adopting a dog, cat, or even bunny from an Austin animal shelter. Below are seven local rescue groups that will help you get matched to your perfect animal companion. And don’t forget to spay and neuter, like Bob Barker always said!
Meet the Brown sisters, the creatives behind atx&o (Credit: Erica Tello)
Here at The Austinot, we highlight local businesses, events, and movers and shakers. So it makes sense for us to acknowledge those with a similar mission.
Few do local story sharing as well–or with as much style–as atx&o, the brainchild of sisters Ashley and Becky Brown. Whether through curated web series, quick hit spotlights, or events, atx&o is making waves and bringing people together.
I recently sat down with the Browns to flip the script and shine a spotlight on them, and the work they do.
BLXPLTN tears apart The North Door during Musicians’ Living Wage kickoff event (Credit: Nicola Gell Photography)
Instead of a candy dish or ironic red stapler, imagine a tip jar on your work desk. In lieu of a paycheck, a manager swings by, smiles politely, and drops a couple of singles in your jar. Sadly, he isn’t able to actually pay you. You’re there for exposure.
Latinitas serves girls ages 9-18 through after-school clubs, camps, conferences, and workshops
(Credit: Josie Hughes)
In this day and age, media and technology impact nearly every moment of the day. Though new jobs are constantly being created, women struggle to find their voice. Especially within the Latina community.
From a cultural perspective, Latinas have a powerful voice and important perspective to contribute to all creative sectors. This is where Latinitas shines, and why it’s become such a valuable part of the Austin community. Latinitas is empowering young Latinas to innovate through media and technology, find their voice, and let it be heard. [Read more…]
Aiko Lyne, Head Pastry Chef at Emmer & Rye
A high schooler who knows exactly what she wants to be professionally is a rare find. I remember my high school days. I was only concerned with making a C in all my classes, in the hopes of getting out of my parents’ home soon. If someone asked what I wanted to be, I didn’t have much to say.
But I recently met an extraordinary 20-year-old here in Austin. Her name is Aiko Lyne, and she’s Head Pastry Chef at Emmer & Rye. On her day off, the two of us sat down for a chat at the restaurant. When I asked what she was doing there, she told me her definition of a day off is to help in the kitchen and plan for the next service.
This response gives you an idea of how much Lyne loves what she does, and how much she enjoys being at Emmer & Rye. [Read more…]
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…]