Posts tagged ‘house’

January 26, 2012

DIY: Beachy Mantel with Painted Driftwood

Operation Beach House is in full swing in my abode in Aspen, Colorado. I realize it might be a contrast to be building a beach house mantel on the mantel that sits over my real, wood-burning fireplace, but I am nothing if not a study in contrasts.

beachy mantel aspen colorado

Beach pics + driftwood + happy collage = beachy mantel

hula hut frame

I spray-painted a thrift store frame blue, then framed a Hula Hut post card in an homage to both the tropics and my beloved hometown.

painted driftwood

Spray paint FTW! It took lots of coats because the wood soaked up the paint, but the end result is a faded-but-bright look I adore.

July 23, 2010

Austin: Why does it feel like the master toilet is heated?

I wish United Inspections, www.UnitedInspectionsTexas.com, had been around when my brother and I bought our house! Started by a very close friend of mine, the company is beyond thorough and highly professional. The inspector did our house as a practice run and was able to explain one of the house’s greatest mysteries: why does it feel like the master toilet is heated?

A: because the person who initially did the plumbing switched the hot and cold lines to the toilet, meaning it constantly pumps hot water! The more you flush it (during a party, for instance), the hotter the seat and w.c. gets.

A good home inspector is one of those services the average person doesn’t use all that often, but it’s crucial that you have a good one so you don’t end up buying a house with problems. So if you are in the market for a home or are ready for an inspection, let me suggest United Inspections.

PLUS, there is a summer months 35% discount!!

www.UnitedInspectionsTexas.com … see if you can spot my house in the pics!

September 25, 2009

Perfect Weekend: Fighting,Terror, Dancing, and Football

As usual, fall weekends are jam-packed. Four things I’m most excited about:

1) Mansion of Terror

My fave haunted house from last season because it’s sort of scary but has funny twists (Danger: Hellaphant) is opening up this weekend! The Mansion of Terror is currently rated #1 in the country by Lionsgate Films and was selected as a Top 8 Haunted House in the US by The Travel Channel.

When visitors enter the Mansion of Terror, they choose either Death Asylum: Zombie Carnage or Blood Frenzy II: Reign of Blood. Death Asylum features a truly twisted take on an insane asylum that is overrun with patients who have turned into Zombies. Complete with claustrophobic passageways, mazes, padded rooms, and larger-than-life undead creatures. Visitors have to solve a puzzle to make their way through.

Blood Frenzy II: Reign of Blood is set in the decaying farmhouse of Austin’s own serial killer, Jon Eric Springwood, who has killed over 99 Central Texas men and women over the last 15 years. Visitors must endure his final victim’s painful last moments. Prepare to be baptized in blood (it washes out and they offer raincoats).

They’re also socially responsible, hosting 8 “Non-Profit Nights” where a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to local nonprofits. Schedule of Non-Profit Nights:
September 25th – Best Friends Animal Society
October 1st – Lights. Camera. Help.
October 2nd – Capital Area Food Bank  
October 9th – Goodwill Industries
October 10th – Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas
October 16th – Carinos Foundation 
October 23rd – Planet Cancer
November 13th – SCARE for a CURE

$20 for both Haunted Houses. There is also a $2 off coupon available all local Birds Barbershops, Alamo Drafthouses, Goodwill and Halloween Express locations. www.mansionofterror.com

2) Fight Gone Bad

Another CrossFit competition I’m doing … this is a fundraiser too (you can still donate to me! um, I’ve only raised $20… thanks Wes!) for The Prostate Cancer Foundation and The Wounded Warrior Project. Jeremy Thiel & Lisa Bender are featured on a News 8 interview on Fight Gone Bad – watch it here.

What to expect @ Fight Gone Bad IV:
Awesome workout
Performances by Reagan High School Drum line
Live DJ
Giveaways & Raffle Prizes from local Austin businnesses
Kid’s Play area sponsored by 1379
Post Fight Gone Bad Celebration Saturday Night @ Molotov (Appetizers, Drink Specials, & a Live DJ *This is a kid-friendly event, more info here)

The event kicks off @ 8:00am @ The Long Center on the Terrace facing Auditorium Shores, 701 W. Riverside Dr (Map)

3) Dallas NiteClub is Open again!

The venerable dance hall on Burnet Road was shut down earlier this year thanks to owning the title for most DUIs leaving an establishment, a record it set by over 150%–quite a feat in college-bar-filled Austin. Nonetheless, they’re back with the cheapest drinks for miles (see aforementioned title) and free dance lessons from 6-7 on Fridays and 7-8 on Saturdays. Only open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. http://danceatdallas.com/

4) UT v UTEP

Same tailgate info as last time. Or just walk around, people are friendly.  I’m actually going to the game this time–yay!

May 6, 2009

Allan House Spring Open House (Weddings)

It’s that time of year … Allan House Spring Open House & Bridal Showcase tonight from 5:30-8:30pm

Friends and Maids of Honor like me can enjoy delicious cocktails and mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres while the bride checks out some of Austin’s finest wedding vendors. The house and grounds will be set up for a mock ceremony and wedding to help brides envision their dream wedding at The Allan House. Event info: http://www.allanhouse.com/upcoming.php.

Participating vendors:

Marquee

Verbena Floral

Galaxy Cafe

Aimage Photography

Joe Simon Productions

Blue Note Bakery

Hill Country Events

Sparkling Engagements

DJ Boss Ross

TOP Photo Photobooth

SALON by milk + honey

Mancino Iron Works

Divisi Strings

RSVPs are appreciated! Please email events@allanhouse.com

March 26, 2009

Shhhh Secret 70% OFF SALE (Amazing!!)

Designer Clearance House VIP STOREWIDE SALE SNEAK PREVIEW!

The sale opens to the public on Friday, but go on Thursday and mention the sale to take advantage of 70% off a day early! Thursday,10am-6pm

70% off entire store inventory Thurday – Sunday ONLY

Designer shoes, apparel, handbags and accessories… this is REAL designer stuff, most of their clothes are overstock from Tootsie’s in Houston, one of Houston’s oldest shopping institutions. This is not Le Garage or a sale at Dillard’s, this is Balenciaga, Donna Karan, Miu Miu, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Sam Edelman flats … it is a MUST-DO for anyone in Austin who loves fashion or clothes!

Friday & Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12:30-4pm

Designer Clearance House is located on the corner of Burnet Rd and 51st

March 21, 2009

(512) Brewing Spring Open House

As if SXSW didn’t offer enough free booze and tunes, local brewery (512) is having their Spring Open House on Saturday. Taste ALL the (512) Ales plus the latest offering, the (512) ALT from 2-5 pm.

Live Music with Danny Fast Fingers

407 Radam, F200 Austin, Texas, 78745, between South 1st & South Congress, 1 block south of Ben White

February 27, 2009

Quickie: 75% Everything at Designer Clearance House

GO! Designer Clearance House Spring Sale = 75% off entire inventory

TODAY Friday, February 27th, 10am-6pm
Saturday February 28th, 10am-6pm
Sunday March 1st, 12:30-4pm

5101 Burnet RD (on the corner of 51st and Burnet)
http://designerclearancehouse.com/

January 22, 2009

Thursday Scion House Party

Frankly, I’m confused about this Scion House Party thing. I know they’re supposed to be the pulse of the U.S. underground dance movement, but this House Party is at Beauty Bar … oh, you mean House like the music? Gah, I’m such a music dummy. Is anyone else going to see Sublime cover band Badfish this weekend? Because that’s my style …

Anyway, RSVP at www.scion.com/houseparty for the Thursday night show 10pm–2am at Beauty Bar. The Juan MacLean and Still Going (Rub ‘n’ Tug, Manthraxx) hit Austin’s Beauty Bar with opening DJ Ian Orth (Learning Secrets) for “a night of classic four-on-the-floor club thumpers.” Whatever that means.

January 19, 2009

Jo’s Chili Cold Blood Chili Cook-Off

Name? Don’t get it. Related to the band that plays? Whatevs, because Chili Cook Offs in general, I get. And love. [Well, used to, before I only ate free-range meat, which I doubt most chili-makers are employing these days. And I already missed the vegetarian chili cook-off...]
  • Highlights: Local musicians featuring Chili Cold Blood, HoneyBread, WoodsBoss, DJ Chicken George and Tina Rose and the Jo’s House band.
  • Beer specials all day at Jo’s.
  • Proceeds from the cook off will go directly to Safe Place. Enter for the cook-off no later than Thursday January 22nd by 4pm. You can register at Jo’s on South Congress or go to www.joscoffee.com. Your space in the Jo’s parking lot will be available at 8:00am on Saturday, please plan to be cooking by 9:00am

Chili Cold Blood

January 14, 2009

Au40 Happy Hour

Au40 Nominations Roundup tonight at Paggi House, co-sponsored by Tribeza. I posted on Austin Under 40 a little while back, but I still think it’s pretty cool and worth checking out tonight–plus who doesn’t want to see the new Paggi House?

RSVP here.

I will be attending a leadership planning meeting for the awesome upcoming Blondes v Brunettes Charity Football Game–so freakin’ excited about that. Everyone should sign up to play, coach, or donate, and then EVERYONE should really come to the game. Mark May 16, 2009 on your calendars now!!

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