How to "want less" this Holiday Season

As we all embark on the season that's about giving, and secretly, WANTING, also...

It seems appropriate that we all get a lesson in overcoming the challenge of wanting to acquire all of the time. I found this article posted on Zen Habits, no less useful than the typical Zen Habits blog posting about how to lead a minimalist lifestyle.

Titled "How to Want Very Little" By guest blogger David Turnbull, he breaks down the challenge into 8 seemingly simple steps:

1. Have a vision for your life. Don't just have goals, be specific about them. Have depth, emotion, and passion behind them.
2. Find your motivation. Don't be a meaningless minimalist. Wether it's to save money, travel, or free up time find your motivation to want less and lead a more simple life.
3. Experience the benefits. Plan a short vacation with your extra money, dedicate a room in your house as a tranquil no-stuff zone, visit minimalist location. Actually reaping in the benefits of the wanting less, minimalist lifestyle is the best way to transform your mindset.
4. Be noncommittal. Wanting less and being a minimalist is about a lifestyle, not a decision. Remind yourself of this, and do not feel tied down to your choices.
5. Understand the psychology of influence. Don't fall into the trap of cheap psychological sales tricks any longer. Remember that Sales and marketing are apart of this world you must learn to work around.
6. Grow into it. As with any goals, start with small victories and be persistent by surrounding yourself with positive influences. Literature like Tao Teh Ching and similar mind-set individuals are a good idea.
7. Lose yourself. Instead of being strung along in the process of losing yourself to purchasing the lastest gizmo, learn to transplant that process into an outlet such as writing, music or drawing. Focus on doing interesting things instead of purchasing interesting things.
8. Crunch the numbers. When you're about to make an unecessary purchase, compare it to your passion, say, traveling. Compare the costs of your two, and realize if the purchase is really worth sacrificing living your passion someday soon.

For the full article check it out at Zen Habits or Turnbull's blog The Adventures of a Barefoot Geek.

Trailer Food Restaurant Trend- Austin,Texas

Restaurant trends come and go, and often without most of Austin realizing there even was a trend going on. However, airstream trailer restaurants have taken over much of South Austin within the last few years. Savory meals can now be conveniently found curbside no matter what your taste buds prefer. From the Trailer Park Eatery on South First St. to the strip of restaurants on South Congress, they are thriving in the middle of a recession that would threaten the existence of any new restaurant popping up in Austin.

Let’s take a look at a few trailers around Austin that have either recently burst onto the Austin restaurant scene or are already established:


1. Roppolo’s Pizzeria- this joint has been going strong for more than a few years now. With locations on and off of Sixth Street, you are bound to stop here after last call to pick up a big ol’ tasty slice of pizza. Toppings range from regular pepperoni to supreme to plain cheese. Your alcohol-induced taste buds are sure to enjoy a slice whenever you are downtown or making your way home.


2. Torchy's Tacos- Wether you have made it to the permanent location on South First of the trailer located in the Trailer Park Eatery, you have probably heard of Torch's Tacos. With a new special every month and plenty of taco choices, Torchy's keeps everyone satisfied. Just don't expect to find a healthy option when you head to Torchy's. Deep fried chicken and avocado's, jalapeño sausage, plenty of cheese and more than a few meat choices will be sure to take a few years off of your life. But true to their slogan, Torchy's promises "Damn Good Tacos," and that is exactly what you get.


3. Mighty Cone- Located on South Congress in what is clearly a strop mall of trailer eateries. Mighty Cone offers a slightly odd take on food in a cone. You choose between chicken and shrimp, fried almond batter or plain meals wrapped in a tortilla. Or you can go for traditional sliders, but you are sure to receive everything (even fries) in small cones. Try to go on a nice sunny day so you can sit on the red picnic tables and watch the pedestrian traffic on South Congress.


4. Flip Happy Crepes- This places could be called the mother of satisfying trailer foods. Featured on the food network as part of Bobby Flay's Throwdown the trailer, located at 400 Jesse St. on block behind Romeo's on Barton Springs Rd, serves up a variety of handmade crepes that will leave you craving more.
From savory crepes with ingredients such as caramelized onions, chicken, and goat cheese, to classic sweets like Nutella and fruit, the ladies of Flip Happy, Andrea Day Boykin and Nessa Higgins, truly know how to make your taste bud's Flippin' Happy. Though the trailer is closed Monday's and Tuesday's check out their culinary success Wednesday through Sunday or call in your order to beat the line.


5. Lulu B's- A slightly smaller trailer, yet with a lot to offer. Serving up vietnamese sandwiches, spring rolls, salads, smoothies, coffee and bubble teas the trailer off S. Lamar is a popular destination for those grabbing lunch on the go, or with time to spare to sit and enjoy a meal amongst the oak trees. You can go light, with Shrimp and Avocado rolls complimented with a spicy peanut sauce, or really satisfy your hunger with sandwiches such as lemon grass chicken. For under ten dollars you'll be sure to treat yourself to yet another South Austin gem.

Co-written by Phillip Bradshaw

Tweet what you eat?

Not to worry America, our latest technological fad, Twitter, is making it easy for you to keep off that holiday weight this season. The new trend in weight loss apparently helping tweeters shed the pounds and keep them off is called Tweet What You Eat, otherwise known as TWYE.

Calorie counting, admitting the details of your snack binges to the world via tweets, and essentially keeping an online food diary are all key components in how this ridiculous new diet tool works.

The tool even has a section for you to log your exercise and calculate your calorie burn.



What better way to drop a few than telling the world what you're eating and shaming yourself into losing weight. Perfect. Now your twitter account can do more than just benefit your social standing.

(via Daily Mail UK)

VS Fashion Show 2009

Two evenings from tonight on Tuesday Dec. 1st, men and women of all ages will tune in to watch beauty wearing angel wings as CBS airs the 14th annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at 10pm/9pm central.




Model's to look forward to: Brazilian Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Isabeli Fontana... and this year, donning the "Harlequin Fantasy Bra" valued at $3 Million, Marisa Miller.

Oh to be rich and flawless...

Black Friday

This past Friday known to consumers around America as Black Friday marked the start of this holiday's shopping season. As usual, the day seemed as horrible as it sounds, and this shopping season is only expected to be marginally better than last season's (which was the worst in about two decades).

In effect, stores took desperate measures to ensure that their consumer's buying craze didn't fall short. Department stores such as Kohl's and Macy's opened far before the sun rose on Friday morning to cater to the early birds desperate for good deals on electronics and gifts.

The strangest effect? Macy's offered boxes of snack's to shoppers...to ensure that their nutrition and energy was up to par for shopping madness.

Spicewood Getaway: Krause Springs

After a long day of shopping and eating pie and leftovers, my family plans to head 30 miles west of Austin to spend a night or two among in the Texas Hill Country at Krause Springs. Though Krause Springs is more of a popular summer and spring destination for campers because you can cool off in the gorgeous springs, winter seems to suit us just fine.

The camping site is a beautiful 115 acre property located in Spicewood, Texas and has been owned by The Krause family for over 50 years. It's the perfect size for a private get a way, or to come with lots of company since there are 24 rv sites avaiable with electricity. In addition, there and numerous spots for rugged campers to pitch a tent. Among the trees there is also a beautiful butterfly garden worth reading or spending time in.

Though Krause Springs does not alow pets or glass containers it is open to the public year round with a $10 per adult/$ per child camping fee. RV sites are $10.

Next time you're in need of an escape from the city lights and a night among the stars, head to Krause. Directions are simple.

Ye olde Soco Cafe

Alright, so, this normally isn't a popular topic of discussion for yours truly since we all get worn down thinking about our place of employment. However, I must admit to you that South Congress Cafe has damn delicious food and that currently, as a promotion, the cafe is offering 20% off the entire menu Sunday evenings through Wednesdays.

Why the big fuss? Well, as of last month the kitchen is under a new chef's supervision, and the fusion-like menu added some really great things. No matter what type of food you prefer, I guarantee you that something on the menu will catch your eye.

BRUNCH

Ever famous (props to the Food Network's Giada) carrot cake french toast is a must try. The densely sweet french toast comes with a pecan cream cheese that is to die for. For all the experienced brunchers, the cafe also offers three different types of eggs benedict to choose from,
crab cake benedict, steak and migas, and traditional. Self explanitory. Delicious. TRY THEM. Looking for something less breakfast and more lunch? The cafe recently added a Quail Sandwich to the menu. Comes with a truffled remolade, carmelized onions, goat cheese, portabella mushrooms, arugula, and bacon. If your mouth isn't watering I suggest you check your pulse ASAP. Other brunch favorites include blackened tuna tacos, crab enchiladas, and a warm goat cheese salad...mm...

Dinner is a little more swanky and has a lot more to offer. Sea bass, duck, lamb, filet mignon, pasta, you name it. To check out a full version of the brunch and dinner menus check out the cafe's website. Don't even get me started on the dessert menu...or Wine list.

Reservations ARE accepted daily, call 512-447-3905 to check with a manager for availability.

Fitness Tips: Taylor Kitsch

As many of us tighten our workouts in preparation for the effect of the holiday season's indulgences we look to others with a fabulous bod for inspiration.  Case in point (for men): Canadian born Austin native Taylor Kitsch. Aside form acting Kitsch bas been both a trainer and nutritionist, so the Friday Night Lights actor knows how to stay fit amongst it all.

Kitsch's three tips for fighting for a better body (via Men's Health):

1. Martial Arts. The eastern hemisphere knows best. The twisting and bending will work your core like crazy. To do this in the comfort of your own home and not, say, with a impeccably flexible asian at your front, "Attach a rope handle to the low pulley on a cable stack, bend at the waist and knees, and reach across your body to grab the handle with both hands. Next, forcefully bring it up and across your body as you simultaneously stand up. Do 10 repetitions, reverse your body position, and do 10 more reps."

2. Enhance up your hand-eye coordination. Everyone can benefit from being more alert in this manner. Use a speed bag to develop this. "Strike the bag by windmilling your fists in small, forward circles; keep your hands in front of your face and stare at them, not the bag, to keep them from drifting. Once you've punched the bag, allow it to hit the back part of the platform, rebound, and ricochet off the back part a second time before hitting it again."

3. Mix it up.  If anyone does a routine for too long they will get bored, and in effect, the workout will be less effective.  Try boxing, alternating cardios, running trails and the places you work out. All in all, a change of scenery in your workouts is healthy for you physically AND mentally.

Enough said boys...time to put down the lonestar and hit the gym. 

Newest R. Rodriquez Project: Remake of 80's Flick Predator

Deriving from previous experience everytime Robert Rodriquez strolls into South Congress Cafe it's with either of two things: a beautiful latin woman/equally as handsome male or a large, rather organized stack of paperwork.  

This time, we know the paperwork will consist of his newest production: a remake of 1987's Predator movie. And, accordingly, hopefully his company will be Brazilian babe Alice Braga or Adrien Brody himself, both of whom star in the movie that will be released in July 2010.

Action horrors, yes, I could care less about, but Adrien Brody spotting in the streets of Austin? Count me in.

Jimmy Choo for H&M

What will women do in the name of fashion? The same thing most males will do in anticipation for the newest edition of Halo. Wait in line for hours to be the first to get their hands (or should I say feet) on the product, despite weathering conditions. 

Saturday November 14th marked the release date for the infamous Jimmy Choo for H&M line which included handbags, accessories, first ever edition clothes, and, of course, shoes.  Lines of women and their pitied boyfriends formed far before midnight on Friday at H&M stores across the country and abroad (check out the frenzy before a store in Lausanne, Switzerland above). While some opinions of the affordable line by the designer were that 'you get what you pay for' (affordable price= cheaper quality?), others were less cynical and thrilled at the ability, for the first time ever, to have more than one Jimmy Choo label donning their wardrobe.

Photos from the line revealed lots of strappy stilettos, zebra print, suede, boots, leather jackets, neons, and lots of embellishments.

Yes, they're only shoes, but this is America and we love our labels (especially at a fourth of the price) perhaps one day little old Austin,Texas will be able to join the fun... maybe that's asking too much at this point in our growth.  Until then, my replacement store, ZARA. 

ARF Charity Gala: Hilton Austin Monday Nov. 30th

A beautiful Lake Travis home, super-model wife, success in the French-Open, US Open, Australian Open, AND Wimbeldon cup  are just a handful of Andy Roddick's possessions. However, one's worth should never be measured by their possessions, right? Well, even more note-worthy and slightly heart-warming is the variety of charity events which the American Tennis Pro has sponsored via his Andy Roddick Foundation.  In the past, Roddick has held charity events everywhere from Boca Raton, Florida, NYC, to right here in Austin, Texas. The young athlete plans to hold another Charity Gala on Monday Nov 30th at the Hilton Austin which will benefit several organizations in Austin and central Texas.  The event will host the graces of sir Elton John as it has in the past, along with a dinner, auction and cocktail reception. 

Tickets are $750 per person and start at $7500 for tables of 10. For more information call: 561-620-9449 or check out Roddick's website.

Carnival O' Pizza

As I sit and blog and enjoy my slice of margarita and greek salad I feel compelled to pass on some valuable information: One week from this Saturday, on December the 5th Homeslice Pizza will be holding it's 4th annual Carnival O' Pizza. That means an all day event full of free HOMESLICE PIZZA, carnival style games, a pizza eating contest and more. Even better, Homeslice will donate the event's funds to Austin Pets Alive. You know you're already hungry. See your pizza pie-faces there.

Daily Inspiration: Alan Cohen

I spend lots of time on the internet reading quotes. I realize, lots of this should be spent reading books with real substance instead, but sometimes, for instance when I have little time to spare, quotes are just as satisfying to my brain.

My daily wisdom/inspiration comes from a variety of places including Zen Habits and Barbara Ann Kipfer but my third loving guru is none other than Alan Cohen. Cohen's best known as author of Chicken Soup for The Soul, but to others, you could say he's a large player in the so-called "Spiritual" revolution occurring. Cohen does Life Coach Training and speaks at events but what he's really great at is offering daily insights and inspiration.

Cohen's latest book Linden's Last Life is out now and it's subsequent movie will be out in 2011. Get on Cohen's e-mail list for daily quotes and wisdom.

Efron in the ATX?

So, one week from Monday, teeny boppers and adults a like will be at The Paramount to greet Zac Efron and cast as part of the Austin premiere of the film Me and Orson Welles. Likely to be a very lively greeting supported by the Austin Film Society which will donate the event's proceeds to the Texas Filmmaker's Production Fund.

The film, directed by oscar-nominated Richard Linklater, is the story of young director Oroson Welles who puts together Julius Caesar at the newly founded Mercury Theatre in New York, 1937. In the play an adolescent Richard Samuels (played by Efron) is casted with a leading role though he has little acting ability. The coming-of-age, romance film also stars Claire Daines, Ben Chaplin, and Christain McKay. The combination of well-known acting ability should unfold quite interestingly.

While many are intrigued by the film itself, lots of viewers seem to anticipate the drama break out role of Efron's. We'll see how well the High School Musical Hunk proves himself in this more weighty role, but my senses tell me he won't disappoint.

Be there, Monday Nov 30th at the Paramount. Film begins at seven... get there in advance to drown out the screaming young ladies and paparazzi.

For more info on how to get tickets to the premeire check out the Austin Film Society's website.

SoLa Fashion Gate '09

As we all tap our feet in anticipation for winter's arrival in Texas, many are already celebrating like the season is present. Think: the world of fashion. Fall lines came out months ago, and if you're just now advertising for winter clothing, shoes, and accessories you're either barely on time or already late.

This week in fashion:

Catch a winter fashion show at SoLa, a charming little boutique on S.Lamar blvd. The store will host it's 7th annual fashion show, with DJ Ozone preparing beats and Pearl Hair and Make-up Studio prepping the models. The show will finish with shopping and hors d'oeuvres by Carla Nubot.

RSVP online, or pay at the door ($5 donation goes to Safe Place). Hope to see your fashion savvy self there.

Barcelona on Mind

I can't stop thinking about Barcelona. I've been watching steamy, American-perspective movies on the city (insert obvious title here), looking at touristy websites (Gwyneth Paltrow's site GOOP has a very useful guide on the city!), delving into books (critic Robert Hughes wrote a book about the city in the 90's) and looking at all kinds of art.

"The beauty is your head" 

I'm trying to study there, summer 2010 (grades and funds allowing). The beautiful city awaits me.

Current Obsession: The xx

One of my recent favorite Blogs by the NyTimes, The Moment,  introduced me to a new obsession I think you will enjoy, regardless your music taste- The xx. The young (they are all 20!)  band of four from London successfully released an album in Europe and has recently become popular in the states as it released it's album here last month. It's difficult to put them into a genre, but their sound is very...intimate, for lack of a better word. Their voices are sweet, whimsical sounding and of course even more appealing because they grew up abroad. The four met at The Elliot School in London, known best for it's visual and performing arts, (the school that produced Hot Chip) and developed shortly after. 

Though they've been classified as "dreampop" and "indie rock" among other things across the internet, it's clear that their music reaches a broad variety of genres as they list their influences on myspace as "Aaliyah to Coco Rosie, Rihanna to The Cure, Missy Elliot to Chromatics, The Kills to Ginuwine, Pixies to Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake to Tracy, and The Plastics" Check, check, check. Right down my alley. 

Their newest single, Basic Space, will definitely strike your fancy...and the video, directed by up and coming director/photographer Anthony Dickenson is indeed aesthetically pleasing. The song is very thought and emotion provoking, not to mention, commercial/advertisement/soundtrack worthy?

The xx US tour launched today in New York, so catch them live when they come to Austin  a week from tomorrow, the 19th, at, drumroll please... The Mohawk! Tickets are $10 in advance/$12 @ the door. Be there and obsess over their glorious fresh talent with me.

Karen O in the Making?

All you have to do to be famous in the indie/electronica music scene is cut your hair into a short bob, dye it black, and sell your soul to Karen O. Just ask Crystal Castles front woman Alice Glass who's terrifying yet adorable voice led the dance party at FunFunFun Fest on Sunday evening.  Though Glass' image is quite duplicate of that of many other indie female singers, the Crystal Castles member has a certain charisma to her that stops me from hating the band entirely. Not to mention, the 21 year old Canadian has a pulled together style, and quite the large stage presence for such a tiny woman.  

While the Crystal Castles set at FFF Fest was short, the dancing seemed to last an eternity in the crowd. Their classic single, Crimewave, really set the crowd off into a dancing oblivion.  It's difficult to determine what makes CC different from, say, any other electronica/dance band, but at least they can excite their fans in a live performance. Isn't that all that matters anyways? When you've got a crowd full of screaming fans, praising your screaming rather than singing voice, I guess so. 

Holiday of Hope Charity Party and Silent Auction: The Thistle

A friend of mine is interning with this organization next semester...attend! Because it's an excuse to dress up, snack on hors d'oeuvres and support women and their families suffering through poverty. 

Spanx: The Modern Day Corset

After much fashion blog reading this morning, I'm horrifically disgusted with the amount of hype there is recently in women's fashion over spanx. According to NY Magazine after Oprah named spanx one of her favorite things, the market for the shapewear product tripled to $750 MILLION. That's embarassing. Why women feel that shoving their junk into a smaller space is going to solve any body issues beats me.  Sure, whatever get's you into that size two little black dress may be worth your nearly 80 bucks, but the result....an awkward looking, uncomfortable, embarrassment.  Besides,  will the modern day corset be useful when things get steamy with your man and that little black dress comes off?

The developer of the product Sara Blakely coined the term, "No more grid butt!" for her product, encouraging more and more women to purchase the tummy and thigh minimizing product. I suppose spanx can temporarily solve the body results of an always on the go and little time for body care lifestyle, but it's just another example of America's convenient, it-works-for-now consumerism.  The next time I hear a chick in her twenties say she wants to own some spanx, I'm officially moving to Europe after college.  

Misprint Maga-zine

This weekend at FunFunFun Fest, amongst the beer cans and site maps floating around on the ground, I managed to run into a copy of Misprint Magazine. Now I may have mentioned my interest in zines previously, but here I pose a specific case for this local magazine that I've come to enjoy and has proved itself in the past year. The magazine is  100% local, and covers a handful of Austin culture ranging from live music and fashion to art and reviews with an "irreverant cynical slant" which they deemed themselves according to their wesbite info. 

This issue titled, "END LIVE MUSIC" contained, "The Misprint Guide to College Football" an article titled "Pumping Irony" which brusquely pointed out the pros of ditching the "late night booze and queso filled lifestyle" all young texans live for one that includes the gym.  And also, "The Stupid, Futile Rallying Cries of Texas" where the reality behind a few cliche slogans (Keep Austin Weird, Yuppies off the EastSide, Kuato Lives, Dollar Long Islands!) was explored.  Among other articles, the issue also reviewed the "shitty and the glorious" bands at FunFunFun Fest. 

Overall, though the zine caters to one specific Austin persona of people, it does so successfully. With the cynical, blunt, love-to-hate voice that's used throughout the articles, one can get the true essence of Austin's young adults, hipsters, and haters. Not to mention, tips on where the "scene's at", what's trendy, and vice-like standards for hipness.

Misprint magazine is puplished bi-monthly and is completely free.  Find it at local bars, coffee shops or contact them for advertisement at: hollaback@misprintmagazine.com

Buddy's Place

Inspired by Sarah Stolfa's book, The Regulars, and as part of the Austin American Statesman's December Bar guide my entertainment journalism class is collectively putting together a piece about bar regulars in Austin.

Upon first walking into Buddy's Place I was greeted warmly from the Bartender, an old friend of mine, and when she pointed out the man I'd be interviewing, I knew I was in for dozens of stories and old school insights. Gene Higgins sat in his bar stool thrown with a pomegranate in front of him and a half-empty Pearl. After introducing myself Gene responded confidently, "Hi, I'm Gene and I'm from Earth".  

After learning about Earth, Texas and the farm Gene grew up on during our Interview last week at Buddy's Place, he reminded me to "be sincere about everything you do" and not to waste time wondering how life would turn out had you taken an alternate path. Genuine words from a man who spent his life completely opposite as planned, yet would do it all over again if he could. Saudi Arabia, Australia and Earth, Texas are among the places that Mr.Higgins spent most of his life.

While Gene hasn't resided in Austin his entire life, for over twenty years he has, and has spent his time as Associate City Manager, a lighting supply business owner and a regular at Buddy's Place.  When Gene is not running his lighting business he spends his time at Buddy's Place, where the Texans are plentiful, as are the juke box tunes, games of pool, shuffle board, and darts.  While the bar may not be the proper socializing grounds for yours truly, something about it makes the Texan in me feel at home.  

Buddy's Place is located 8619 Burnet Rd. in North Central Austin, with happy hour daily, from 2-7. Go, grab a Pearl, play some shuffle board and say hello to Gene for me.