Find Like-Minded Austin Athletes & Fans

September 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Need a Football Watching Buddy?

So many people relocate to Austin from around the country (and even world) and feel like everyone here is freakish about UT Football. Oh, but it’s not true- people like ME (who *went* to UT) care, but we have Sooners, Jayhawks, Mavericks, Raiders and Cowboys in Austin that stay at home alone and watch the game. Wouldn’t it be more fun if they knew where to go to watch the game with fellow fans? SportsFanLive.com steps in to fill in the blanks- simply tell it what team you love and where you live and BOOM, they’ll tell you where others are watching the big game!

Want to Physically Play Sports?

Another part of relocating is meeting people that like to engage in whatever your chosen sport is. We have endless parks and arenas to play basketball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee and the like and all you have to do is visit Sportsvite to network with fellow athletes. Find a pick up game to join or start your own, this is the place for people to get out and hit the courts together!

No More Excuses

You’re new to Austin or you’ve been too lazy lately to get out, so here’s your excuse- find fellow fans of your hometeam or go play some dodgeball. No one likes to sit at home alone and watch the game and no one likes playing volleyball with the wall- so GET OUT THERE, AUSTIN!

photo credit

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin People, Austin Real Estate Blog 

Hunger in Austin- Take Action!

August 28, 2008 | 1 Comment

Hunger is Unacceptable
View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own.


slides designed by Lani Anglin-Rosales

Hunger is a Problem

After watching the above slideshow, it’s hard not to feel called to action and it’s not hard to do. September is Hunger Action Month and Austinites are reaching out in a big way by participating in the first annual HAM-up (short for Hunger Action Month twitter user’s meet up) on September 13th. With so many thousands of people in Austin living in hunger every day, we can take simple steps to help, starting with the HAM-up- everyone’s welcome, will you be joining us?

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin Events, Austin People, Austin Real Estate Blog 

Austin Named Top City for Hispanics

August 12, 2008 | Leave a Comment

austin real estate is diverse

From the Austinist.com:

In the August issue of Hispanic Magazine, Austin is listed as one of the Top Ten Cities for Hispanics. This is the seventh year our city has been included on the list, which remarks on the importance of education to our city, the moderate cost of living here, and Austin’s dedication to the environment. The magazine also says that our fair city has earned “a reputation as a place that not only supports artists, but where artists can make a living at their craft.”

Filling out the list are Albuquerque, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, San Diego, Tucson, and our neighbor to the south, San Antonio. Factors the magazine considered in their listing included representation of Hispanics in local government, a city’s obesity rate/overall state of health, and whether a city’s diverse and welcoming community included a high number of Latinos.

President and CEO of Austin’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Bob Lander, responded positively to our city’s inclusion on the list, saying, “We are proud that Austin is once again recognized as one of the best cities in the nation for Hispanics to live and work . . . Our world-class cultural attractions and diverse population continue to draw attention to Austin, bolster our reputation as a premier travel destination, and enhance the local experience for residents and visitors alike.”

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin News, Austin People, Austin Real Estate Blog 

Austinite in Need of Help

July 1, 2008 | 1 Comment

Originally posted on RERevealed.com:

I just got off the phone with a friend who needs your help. Like right now. Karyn Ford is in her early twenties here in Austin and she and her friend Bridget Novak are single moms living in 2 bedroom homes. Recently, they have taken voluntary placement from Child Protective Services and because it’s voluntary, they do not receive any financial assistance. Between them, their families have grown to include one handicapped 14 year old, a 5 year old, 8 year old and an infant. Their needs are great, ranging from gas, food, clothes, entertainment to school supplies. Bridget’s car overheats on the way to the store up the street and isn’t big enough to fit the children!

Their focus is to provide a safe and healthy environment for the kiddos but they are humbly asking for help.

Ways we ask you to help:
(1) HEB Gift Cards for gas and groceries
(2) Target Gift Cards for clothes
(3) Simon Gift Cards for everything
(don’t get discouraged if any of these make you log in… remember, you’re helping a friend)

If you’d like to ship these or simply mail a check, please please do so:
Karyn Ford
417 Fantail Loop Unit A
Lakeway, TX 78734

We all read about “help” needed every day, but today’s hits much closer to home- my friend Karyn needs your help now! Karyn was one of the first to message me when my brother (who she was friends with) died last fall and the most vivid thing I remember about her is her smile and her selflessness which clearly have not changed over time. If you have $0 to share, please pause to pray for the well being of everyone involved.

We sincerely thank you!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin People, Austin Real Estate Blog 

Little Pieces of Austin

May 13, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Recently, we moved to a new home in Pflugerville and we absolutely love it. I have lived in Austin my whole life and had never been to downtown Pflugerville (just up the street from the new place)- it seems like everyone smiles, says ma’am and sir and even driving is a friendly experience.

Case in point, there is a regular lemonade stand in our subdivision- talk about a blast from the past! We got all nostalgic passing by. These kiddos are serious business too, there’s almost always someone pulled over to buy 25 cent lemonade! This is just a little piece of how it feels to live in Austin:

pflugerville lemonade stand

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin People, Austin Real Estate Blog 

Austinite You Should Know- Francesca Montoya

March 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment

hair stylistIn every person’s life, there are three people you should know- (1) a Realtor (duh), (2) a spiritual advisor and (3) a stylist. Obviously, my Realtor of choice is at Single Pointe Realty, my spiritual advisor is Father Elmer and my stylist is today’s “Austinite You Should Know,” Francesca Montoya.

I am a die hard Francesca fan and if you’ve met me in person, you probably already know that- I have never raved about a service quite so highly. I have this naturally mousy, dish-water brown hair that is stringy, but Francesca makes me look like a superstar blonde! I get compliments on my hair everywhere I go which sound silly, but it really adds to my quality of life!

Francesca has an awesome memory about personal details I share with her in the chair (you know by profession, we expect her to be part psychiatrist!) and she always makes it fun! You would expect someone of her calibre to be at a six star salon (and I know she will be any day now), but she has worked her way up to running a local Regis salon, so prices are ridiculously reasonable (don’t act like you weren’t going to ask)!

Okay, enough gushing from me, let’s talk to Francesca.

What is the best part of your job?

Honestly, Wow that is a hard .. I love the looks on clients faces when they see how different and beautiful they can look and feel with a little change of color or a new cut.

What makes you better than most in your profession?

I wouldn’t say better..If I see a new trick that another stylist can do I’m not afraid to ask” Can you show me that ?” The fact that I actually love what I do makes me appreciate my job more! I take the time to realize its the clients hair and not mine all they want is a professional opinion and a honest answer.

Why do you practice in Austin instead of other cities?

Well moving to Austin was a split decision one morning. I never thought I would stay here this long. I’ve met a lot of great people here friends, clients, I have a great job, I would never think of moving away from them!!!

Why should readers come see you?

You would have to ask one of my clients (Lani). If you feel like you need a change, just a trim, or the picture of a celebrity hairstyle you are dying to have, or just a shampoo venting session I’m here!

Name a quirk of yours and a guilty pleasure…

My guilty pleasure is a $6.00 cup of Starbucks coffee!

If you are already a client of Francesca’s, let us know in the comments what you think! If you aren’t yet a client, go set up your appointment right now at 512.918.9223.

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin People, Austin Real Estate Blog 

Austin Through a Photographer’s Lense

January 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Buying a home in Austin is more than just selecting what stone you want on the exterior of your home or about what type of backsplash you like in the kitchen.  For those living here, we can all attest that Austin provides a higher quality of life than most places the collective population has experienced elsewhere.  Living in Austin is about music, friends, landscape, wildlife, fitness, art and more.  This is Austin through local photographer Julian Humphries’ eyes:

Chilling in Austin

Laaaaid Back- with my mind on my doggie and my doggie on my mind!

Austin 360 Bridge

bet you haven’t seen the bridge like this, have ya?

Below the 360 Bridge

and here’s what’s below the 360 bridge- I got engaged there!!!

Frost Tower Downtown

Frost Tower in Downtown Austin

The University of Texas Stadium

Hook ‘Em Horns!!!! The University of Texas Stadium

The Pedernales River

The Pedernales River- wow

The University of Texas Tower

The University of Texas Main Tower from a unique perspective

Oakwood Cemetery

Oakwood Cemetery in Austin- bet you didn’t think a cemetary could be beautiful, did you?

Austin Hill Country View

oh yes, the splendor of the Hill Country!

Green Mesquite BBQ

Green Mesquite BBQ- what did you *think* this was a picture of?

Beer Breweries

GET KRUNK, AUSTIN!

Betsey Johnson in The Domain

ooooh- Betsey Johnson!

Austin Wildlife

tweet tweet tweet

Bull Creek

Bull Creek after a great rain- surreal

Live Music!

Anagen at Antones- you know you need live music- that’s what Austin’s for!

Julian Humphries’ love of Austin is evident in his art.  Which image of his is YOUR favorite?

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Any use of Julian’s work from this site without permission will be punished- severely.  We are very protective of our Austin artists and take theft very very seriously. 

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin People, Buying 

Annalee Newitz Wants a Wii and so Shall You

December 14, 2007 | Leave a Comment

go buy a wiiHow can you not love an article that uses the words “hippie,” “crap,” “juggernaut,” and “gizmo?”   We’ve long been a fan of Annalee and demand that you read her article about her wishes for the holidays and go buy her a Wii when you pick up your own.

Best part of the article:
“Do you hear that, hippies? I want to strap electronics to my body and trance out to violent imagery while I wave my arms around, killing imaginary things. That’s what I want to do for the holidays.”

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin People, Austin Real Estate Blog, humor 

Austinite You Should Know- Dan Herron

November 30, 2007 | 5 Comments

dan herron austin photographerWe are so excited to introduce you to local photographer Dan Herron- his talent is unmatched and his eye for beauty in the Hill Country is amazing!   We had the unique opportunity to interview Dan about his talents and his background so you can get to know him, so let’s get started:

What kind of photography do you specialize in?

I dabble in a little bit of everything, but my favorite subject would be landscape photography and portraits, trying to document an appealing scene in time or capture somebody’s soul on film.
Professionally, I work as photographer for an oil-field technology company and travel the world shooting our products.

How did you get started in photography?

I don’t know, I’ve always had a camera around my neck. I worked on the yearbook staff in high school. I think that’s where I first learned about assignment shooting and enjoyed it.

Would you ever move from Austin?  If so, where to?  If not, what keeps you grounded here?

Sure I would. I grew up in Marble Falls and San Angelo so I would love to own a second get away, somewhere in the high country near Marble Falls, Kingsland, Burnet, Inks or Buchanan Lake, somewhere along the Highland Lakes among the vast scenic hill country.

What is your favorite subject matter?

Right now, I’m interested in panoramic landscapes; also, I love to shoot portraits. I’ve got a series of Austin panoramics I’ve shot that I hope to unveil next summer in a gallery showing.

How do you use social media to promote yourself?

Flickr is phenomenal tool for promotion. Also, Wordpress weblogs. There’s so many software products available right now for promotion it’s mind boggling to try and sort through. With a Mac and iLife software, you’ve got unlimited creative print, video and web potential to publicize.

What do you most want readers to know about you?

I’m a hard worker, good shooter, creative, and single (females only).

Wink! Okay, readers, now you are lucky to know Dan Herron! You can reach him by going to his WEBSITE or his FLICKR site. Below is just a sampling of Dan’s skill… behold!
 congress bridge photo by dan herrondan herron portrait of a couple
congress bridge in action by dan herrondan herron country photographycountry photo by dan herronportrait by dan herron, austin photographeraustin city skyline photo by dan herron

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DAN HERRON PHOTORAPHY BIO:
Dan Herron is an award-winning still and video photographer, graphic designer, and film editor based in Austin, Texas. Raised in Marble Falls (Luckenbach on the weekends), Texas, Dan is innovative in his approach to creative marketing promotions utilizing photography and videography for clients in several industries.

Dan’s expertise ranges from specialty on-location shoots to highly energetic and vibrant studio shoots of beautiful people and products. Additionally, Dan breathes life into architectural and objects de art in any setting. Dan then utilizes his video production, motion graphics, and editing skills to package any ensemble his client can dream up.

Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, and a master’s degree in management. Dan is a member of the prestigious, ASMP Ð American Society of Media Photographers.

OMG, Dan is a videographer; you’ve seen his work before, check out a sampling!!!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin People, Austin Real Estate Blog