Latest From Your Locals

In keeping with all things Valentine's Day, this week's pancake of the week at Kerbey Lane Cafe is Chocolate Covered Strawberry! It will be available through Feb 19 at all 8 Austin locations. Also available: Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberry | Gluten Free Chocolate Covered Strawberry. And in keeping with LOVE, proceeds from all Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pancakes benefit Central Texas Food Bank. We love it!

Valentine's Day shouldn't be just one day! To make sure everyone has a chance to get Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Amy's Ice Creams will have chocolate covered strawberries available through the Feb 15! Last year they sold out, so the only way to guarantee your order (even for the the day AFTER the big day) is by creating a reservation.

The Great Outdoors is happy to be hosting the 2nd Annual Presidents Day Fountain Sale from Feb 15 through Feb 19. Deep discounts of 20 to 50% off of premium fountains for you home and garden from brands like Masarelli, Fiore, Henri, and more! This is your chance to buy the fountain of your dreams. Bring the whole family, you will not want to miss these prices!

On Feb 15 at 7pm., BookPeople is thrilled to welcome Angie Thomas, award winning author of The Hate You Give. Her new book is titled On the Come Up. Buy your tickets now to make sure you're there to hear her and get your copy of her next masterpiece signed.

Imagine reinventing the way you print. You could print faster, use less energy, with more efficiency and less cost. Now you can with revolutionary HP PageWide technology from Longhorn Office Products. Longhorn is a full line office supply dealer, ready to help your business do business. Longhorn Office Products sell office products, janitorial supplies, office furniture and ad specialties.

Chez Zee has reservations open for Valentine's Day with live music all night long. Valentine's dinner specials will be available all weekend long. On Valentine's Day, they welcome Fernando Miramon and Kris Barnes in the Gallery until 10pm and Pam Hart and Dr. James Polk and Dianne Donovan with Mitch Watkins and John Fremgen in the restaurant all evening. Talk about romantic!

You know how important it is to have a strong brand, especially online. The problem is you’re too busy to tackle the project or don’t know where to start. Maybe it’s a mixture of both. Acuity Thinking understands how overwhelming and frustrating it feels. Join them for a Lunch and Learn Workshop on Mar 5 at noon and gain confidence that you can get this under control. RSVP here.

Join ClayWorks Studio/Gallery on Feb 9 from 1 to 4pm for cookies, chocolate, and clay. They'll be outside working and happy to talk about the whole process. Everything will be at least 15% off, but they will also have discounts as deep as 50% for certain items. Stop by to get something for yourself or for your love. As always, there will be a clay play table for the kids!

Amplify Austin Day, an annual day of online giving, is quickly approaching, Feb 28 to Mar 1, and the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians needs your help in making their campaign a success! The 24-hour period, beginning at 6 p.m. CST, provides an easy and fun way for our community to support all of the great causes in Austin. It's easy to #HAAMplify Austin - you can even start now!

What is it you’re passionate about? What keeps you up at night and gets you up early, excited to go out there and go do? Which news stories make your blood boil? Austin EcoNetwork wants to remind you that now si your chance to make a difference… right here in Austin by applying to serve on one of the City of Austin’s boards or commissions. Learn more on their latest blog post.

The long-awaited sequel to Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale is coming this fall, and the cover image was just released! Atwood told EW, “The cover is simple and elegant, yet with a concealed puzzle. The back is the front, the front is the back. It’s like the tapestry done by Mary, Queen of Scots: In My End Is My Beginning.” The book will release Sept 10, but you can pre-order now at BookPeople.

At End of an Ear, you can place preorders at the shop or online. For local pickup - use the discount code "LOCAL" when checking out and we will have it ready for pickup at the shop on release day. Some releases on the horizon include Jessica Pratt "Quiet Signs" on Feb 9, Boy Harsher "Careful" on Feb 1, Panda Bear "Buoys" on Feb 8, and Homeshake "Helium" on Feb 15.

Spark joy this Valentine's Day with chocolate-covered, local, organic strawberries from People's RX! Order them now at your favorite Peoples Deli location. Also People's RX is happy to introduce The Cultivate Wellness podcast! Listen along as each week brings a new interview with leading-edge authors and practitioners in the world of holistic health and wellness. Find more on the podcast here.

Does this cold weather make you crave a hot breakfast? Kerbey Lane understands and is ready to help with their weekly pancake specials. This week is the Carrot Cake Pancake - yes please) and its available starting Jan 29 at 10 AM at all 8 of their Austin locations. Also available: vegan cranberry walnut and gluten free cranberry walnut.

Scottish Rite Theater is excited to host a new show Rap Unzel: an original musical adaption of the classic tale of Rapunzel, collaboratively written by Jeremy Rashad Brown and Deanna Belardinelli with music by SaulPaul. A story for all ages about #BlackBoyJoy and Rap's journey of self-care and hair! Show will run Feb 9 - Mar 3. Buy tickets here.

New podcast alert! The latest episodes of the Nature In The City podcast, produced by the Austin EcoNetwork and sponsored by the City of Austin Development Services Department, are now available online for your listening pleasure. Episode #10 (Sustainable Agriculture and the American Family Farm) as well as Episode #11 (Sustainability, Environmental Ecology, and Urban Ecology) were recently posted on AustinEcoNetwork.com. Stay informed!

Lauterstein-Conway Massage School offers online booking. Scheduling your next massage in advance increases the odds of you putting it on your calendar and keeping the appointment and prebooking allows the massage organization to hold you accountable for showing up. Consistent care is important. Massage works best to support health when it is regularly implemented. Book today!

Business Success Center will host BOSS-Talks with Entrepreneur Juan Pablo Mondragon on Feb 2 from 12pm-1pm. Juan Pablo Mondragon is Liquid Capital. He helps others get what they need for their business. Stay after the interview for our BOSS-Talks Tool, "The Role of Stakeholders in Success" with Jan Triplett, Ph.D. Join this meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone here or dial in at 872-240-3412 access code: 880-296-805.

How big is your list of "Honey-Dos"? ABC Home & Commercial can help you shrink the list no matter how long it is. Call their office today for details about our full & half day blocks of time with a handyman specialist. What a treat!

RideAustin is your local nonprofit rideshare - built for Austin by Austin! They pay drivers fairly and do not take large percentages because after all, drivers are putting in the work! Riders can expect fair prices and smaller surge prices, making them the affordable option. When you choose to RideAustin you: support local, contribute to the sustainability of Austin, and can choose to round Up your fare to help other local non-profits that directly benefit the community, Win, win, win!

Austin Clubhouse is having its first quarterly employment dinner of the year! You are invited to come join them for an evening of celebrating all of their members who are working or pursuing work. It will be Thursday, January 24th from 5pm-8pm.

Navidad Farms normally has quality fresh pecans until May or June but you never know how long they will last! PLEASE CALL FIRST if you're heading out for fresh pecans...it will be on answering machine DAILY if they are on the shelf or not. Please note their new store hours: Tues to Sat 10am to 4pm.

Texas Coffee Traders is a long time fixture on the ever changing east side of Austin. But did you know you could also grab your favorite bag of beans at Downtown Farmer's Market, the Sunset Valley Farmer's Market, and the Hope Farmer's Market? They are all over the place! Columbia beans are 5% off for the whole month of January. Get some!

Want to do business with Dell? Join in on Jan 21 at noon and meet Darlene Owens, Senior Manager of Global Supplier Diversity to learn how! This event will start right at noon so please be on time. The meeting is free but please be prepared to spend at least $10 to defray the cost of the room. This is a program of the Austin Small Biz Success Meetup and the Business Success Center but everyone is welcome. RSVP here.

Attention all local bookstore lovers - BookPeople new store hours! Starting Jan 2 their new store hours are 9am-10pm daily. Stop by to kick off 2019 with a great read, a copy of the local paper or a fantastic cup of coffee. Peruse their amazing calendar of events while you're there - always something happening at BookPeople!

Whether you've resolved to be healthy or you're rolling into January livin' the high life, Antonelli's Cheese Shop has you covered on fun, new tastings in their charming 110-year old Cheese House. Here's some of their upcoming classes: Cheese Date Night on Jan 18, Health Benefits of Cheese on Jan 23, and Perfect Pairings: Girl Scout Cookies & Cheese Jan 28.

Waterloo Records is excited about these upcoming in-store performances. Calpurnia on Jan 12, Joan of Arc on Jan 18, Hunt Sales on Jan 24, Parker Gispert on Jan 25, A. Sinclair on Jan 28, Rebecca Loebe on Jan 29, The Bright Light Social Hour on Feb 1, Mamahawk on Feb 8 and Moving Panoramas on Feb 22. Whew!

Don't miss out on this January promotion! Order the 3-Day Seasonal Cleanse from People's RX and get a FREE Berry Kick or King Kalesmoothie! Their raw, organic PharmFresh juices, awesome smoothies and veggie broth make it pretty delicious, if they do say so their selves. Check out their other great cleanse options, new bone broths, and as always, super events and promos!

Calling all Texas Brides ... celebrate in vintage fashion on Jan 12 from 12-5pm! For one afternoon only, Bloomers and Frocks is pairing up with Amelia's Retro Vogue and Deirdre Darling to bring the best vintage bridal gowns, alternative wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, vintage headpieces and jewels, and vintage lingerie all in one place. Bubbles and personal service provided. Bring your friends and make an afternoon fulfilling your bridal vision.

This Saturday, Jan 12, KOOP Radio will be celebrating 24 years of community radio. Join them at the Spider House Ballroom for some great music, a silent auction, cake and an opportunity to hang out with some of your KOOP friends. Feeling special? Get a VIP Ticket and you'll be treated to a private show with Monte Warden and the Dangerous Few, pizza from the good folks at East Side Pies, a commemorative 24th birthday t-shirt from Fine Southern Gentlemen, and a KOOP album tote full of goodies!

Join Freestyle Language Center for their Spring Open House on Jan 10 from 6pm-8pm. Here you will learn more about their spring Game-Changer, meet their teachers and learn more about their innovative and effective curriculum, learn about their upgraded online platform; how to "Bridge the Gap", and register with a deal and grab FREE swag! RSVP Today!

Last minute holiday shopping? Need a unique New Years card to send to friends, family or your clients? Stand out with custom wrapping paper or holiday cards from Miller IDS to complete any of the great gifts you've got in mind!

You've put a portion of your hard-earned income into a flexible savings account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to save money- tax-free. It's important to make the most of the funds you have already allocated. Massage Therapy & yoga from Studio Mantra can be eligible as a medical expense - as long as a physician recommends it with a written prescription.

Warm wishes (and cold ice cream) to you and your family this holiday season from Amy's Ice Creams! Is your gift list long? Make it shorter with Amy's 2018 Holiday Collection. Buy any gift from their Holiday Collection and receive 20% OFF. Including Gift Certificates! Move fast because this deal ends on Dec 16!

Get a great deal on AC repair in the off season! ABC Home and Commercial is running an amazing off season sale on Lennox units - best deals you will see all year! It is hard to think about your cooling system when it's chilly outside but this deal is too good to pass up.

Send Popcorn Tins to all your best clients and add your company logo for a personal POP! Cornucopia ships nationwide! From 1-1000 clients, they've got you covered. Don't miss your chance to pre-order & save 15% - order online or call today 512-477-2676. Coupon code: EarlyBird. Not valid on sale items.

How does a psychologist grow a business? Learn more from this inspiring entrepreneur, licensed psychologist Alissa Sherry, CEO of Legal Consensus at BOSS Talks from the Business Success Center. This webinar will be held Dec 6 from 12pm to 1pm. Then stay after the interview for our BOSS-Talks Tool, "Saying "No" to Networking" with Jan Triplett, Ph.D.

Some of our favorite local authors are offering signed, personalized books through BookPeople for this holiday season. There's a wide variety here -- for history buffs, nerds, those who need a laugh, and those who just need a great novel. Check out what's below and place your order online by December 7th to get these signed, personalized and sent to you!

The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians continues to experience significant membership growth year after year, and with that comes the continued worry of raising enough funds to keep up. Thankfully, they have had several anonymous donors approach us with a matching gift of $100,000 and they're hoping that supporters will step up and help us reach that goal! Give now and DOUBLE your gift with this pledge! Help keep our musicians alive and well.

Antonelli's Cheese Shop's last #CharitableCheeseCause for the year is the annual Beer & Cheese Pairing at (512)Brewing benefiting Slow Food Austin, held Dec 13 at 6:30pm. Slow Food Austin celebrates food that is "good, clean, and fair." Get your tickets now as the event is almost sold out! Cheese and beer and a good cause - yes!

End of an Ear takes pre-orders at the shop or online so you can always be the first to own that killer album. For local pickup - use the code "LOCAL" and they will have it ready for pickup at the shop on release day. Sometimes you get a sweet little gift, like the first 5 people to pre-order Mineral "One Day When We Are Young" get a free ticket to see them perform at Mohawk on Feb 14th.

Enjoy a free gift of jewelry with any purchase of $100 or more from InStep! These adorable delicate Texas pieces make great stocking stuffers. Offer good though Dec 2. Limit one per customer while supplies last, applicable for in-store purchases only.

Eagle Office Products has everything you need to get organized before the holidays start. From planners to fasteners to display systems to desk reference guides, they have literally have it all. Order today and get your affairs in order so you can relax during the holidays this year.

The Austin Clubhouse Donor Appreciation Event will take place Nov 28 from 5 to 7pm at Kendra Scott, 1701 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78704. Come out and enjoy sips, sweets, and supporting a great cause! 20% of proceeds go right to the Clubhouse. If you're unable to join the party, please consider making a holiday donation in support of Austin Clubhouse at https://austinclubhouse.org/donate.

The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School is offering 10% off massages for Cyber Monday. Use code CYBERSALE2018 for 10% off online massage gift certificate purchases. What a great way to take care of everyone on your list by gifting the amazing experience of a massage! Plus, when you shop small, local businesses, your purchase is more than a transaction.

On Dec 1 and 2, Waterloo Records is hosting a Holiday Market! They will have a fun filled weekend with a sidewalk sale, holiday DJs starting Sunday at 2:30pm and the Austin School of Rock will perform Sunday at 5pm. Thousands of used LPs, 45s, CDs and DVDs will be on sale! Pop Figure toy sale!! Bring the family and introduce them to the joy of record shopping! Also, Nov 26 is CYBER MONDAY and that means FREE shipping on all online orders!

Each Thanksgiving morning at Studio Mantra, they share a free offering of mantra and meditation. On Nov 22 from 7:30 to 8am, enjoy a half hour of centering, chanting mantra that will close with a few sweet moments in meditation. End by declaring an intention and offering of gratitude and grace. Afterwards, enjoy a snacky, potluck breakfast, so please feel free to bring a little something to contribute! .

The Austin Clubhouse Holiday Fundraising Campaign is in full swing! As of today they have raised $215 out of their $2,000 goal! These funds will go towards Austin Clubhouse space, work, and meals during the holiday season! Help them meet this goal by donating online or in person at Austin Clubhouse or by sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family. This can be done in person, over the phone, or by email.

InStep is having a great sale on all Baggallini bags this month. From now until Nov 27, all Baggallini bags are 25% OFF. There are many items in stock, interested customers can call for styles, colors and availability - and they are happy to take phone orders.

Great ownership and and turnkey business opportunity from Sayers Real Estate Advisors. This daycare business, established in 1978 and is operating profitably today, is in the heart of a young family oriented neighborhood. Current owner has owned and operated since 2006. Please be discrete in your communication and do not contact existing employees. Just minutes from Mueller!

Richards Rodriguez & Skeith’s business and transactional lawyers are known for their creative yet practical approach to a client’s everyday business needs and the high degree of personal attention furnished to clients through direct contact with their attorneys. From ongoing outside general counsel services to guidance on a transaction-by-transaction basis, their core strength is a lean, focused teams of attorneys who craft value-added, tailor-made solutions to help clients accomplish their business objectives.

Nov 23 is RECORD STORE DAY Black Friday at Waterloo Records! Over 175 indie exclusive, limited edition releases on LP and CD. The store will open at 9am and have treat from Irene's and hot coffee. Stick around for fresh, un-picked used records (and a cooler of Lagunitas) at 2pm and hot pizza from Austin’s Pizza at 3pm. Be there!

The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School is excited to host a "Day of Massage for Cindy Anderson", a long time teacher and colleague of theirs who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 G.I.S.T. cancer. During this fund-raising day on Nov 13, contributions can be made from each person or employer individually, wherever you may be, and via the gofundme campaign that has been started by Cindy’s friends and family.

Autumn is the best at Assistance League of Austin. Featuring jackets for women, maternity clothes, boots, vinyl/records/45s. Also going fast is everything Halloween and Thanksgiving for 75% off. The Holiday Preview Party will be Nov 6 from 5:30 to 7:30pm and tickets are on sale now! $10 cash or $13 at the door.

Link & Pin Gallery is hosting five outstanding local artists and one collective this year in the 2018 East Austin Studio Tour. Featured artists include Lyle Adair, Larry Goode, Pete Holland, Jill Robinson, Minden Ten Eyck, and the Notches Collective (Murphy McBride and Clara Newby). This show runs Nov 2-18, Gallery hours are Fri-Sat-Sun 12-4 with extended hours 11 am-6 pm during the two East Tour weekends Nov 10-11, 17-18.

Join Studio Mantra at the Mesa Woods Shopping Center and get to know some amazing local businesses who have your health and wellness at heart! Info, samples, demos - and free chair massage. The event will be held Nov 3 from 9am to 1pm and is open to the public. A great opportunity to check out some great natural and healthy product and service providers.

What issues can arise if your business is moving, expanding or opening a new location? Richards Rodriguez & Skeith partner Jim Howicz helps prepare your business in this Business Law Breakdown. They can help you with these and many other issues your business may face as you grow and adapt to the ever changing Austin economy.

Antonelli's Cheese Shop has some amazing classes and events lined up for November. Here is a quick overview of what's coming up: Nov 1 - Prosciutto, Salami, & Cheese...Oh My!, Nov 3 - Austin Beerworks & Antonelli's Cheese (for Austin Beer Week), Nov 6 - Cheese 101: The Seven Styles of Cheese, Nov 8 - Cheese 101: The Seven Styles of Cheese, Nov 13 - Thanksgiving Holiday Pairings, Nov 15 - Thanksgiving Holiday Pairings, Nov 27 - Cheese 101 benefitting Junior League's Food in Tummies. Find details and sign up here.

The City of Austin Economic Develpment Department held A Conversation with Dre London on Oct 29 from 6:30 to 8:30pm - a Free Event! Students joined us for a conversation with Dre London, Founder of London Ent. on how to navigate a career in the music industry. Discussion topics include:  Ins and outs of artist management, How to create and sustain a brand, Building a company from the ground up using limited resources, Best networking practices. Details here.

TexHealth has openings in its Premium Assistance Program for small business employees that need help getting and paying for group health insurance. There is no fee to participate and TexHealth will reimburse one-third of the total premium up to $110 for eligible employees (owners may qualify too!). Eligible employees are those earning $48,560 or less and the business Is located in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Burnet, Milam or Harris County. For more information please visit www.texhealthct.org or contact Jim Rodriguez at 512-524-2618 or jrodriguez@texhealthct.org.

The official 2018 Texas Book Festival Weekend schedule is out and BookPeople couldn't be more excited. With two days packed full of more than 300 authors in 250+ events, including book talks and signings, live entertainment, activities and storytimes for kids, cooking demonstrations and more, there is truly something for every reader at the 2018 Texas Book Festival. Some of the favorite authors to add to your list are Jacqueline Woodson, Tommy Orange, Jose Antonio Vargas, Jamel Brinkley, & Yuyi Morales.

It's truly autumn over at the Assistance League of Austin. This week they are featuring: Autumn everything, Thanksgiving decor, suede and leather, plaid for everyone, and designer shoes.Their holiday preview party is coming! Tickets are available for this 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Nov 6 event. Please remind your cashier that you would like to purchase an early-bird ticket for $10 cash. It's a tax-free evening and all ticket proceeds help clothe Austin area children in need.

Fall may not seem like an ideal time to think about lawn care, considering that your grass will go dormant for the winter. However, it's the perfect time to prepare your lawn for beautiful growth next spring. Fall's cool and wetter weather helps roots develop, and taking advantage of this growing period will ensure a luscious green expanse next year. The Great Outdoors has all of the supplies and advice you could need to get set for a beautiful healthy lawn or "yarden".

In the Venn diagram of people who are members/owners at Wheatsville Food Coop and people who listen to KOOP Radio, we know there is a large crossover (or "intersection" for you Venn fans). ow is the time for the Intersection to make itself heard! Wheatsville Food Co-op is reminding its members to vote for the ten final Community Action Nominee organizations who will be assigned fundraising months in 2019. KOOP is one of the selections for Community Action Nominee this year! The deadline for voting is Nov 9. To vote, or for more information about membership, you may visit Wheatsville.coop.

It happens. Sometimes you get the wrong client. Now, what do you do about it? This meetup from the Business Success Center on Sept 11 from 7 to 8pm will discuss why, when and how to fire these customers. You might even be able to save the relationship and take them back when it can be win-win for you both or keep them as customers but with a better understanding. Bring your experiences, questions and concerns. Presenter Jan Triplett, Ph.D. has spent over twenty years mentoring and providing growth strategy to clients. RSVP here.

Assistance League of Austin is ready for some boot scootin' and bargain hunting.  They have boots for women, unique photo frames, tons of little black dresses, a beautiful bride doll collection and lots of brand new clothing with original labels still on! Right now men's button down shirts, LP records, vacuum cleaners and stuffed animals are 50% off. Let's go shopping!

The Fowler Law Firm PC has received the top rating in the Austin Law Firm Diversity Report Card for the fourth consecutive year.  This year, 10 law firms earned “A” grades for their exceptional minority recruitment, hiring and retention. The Fowler Law Firm PC is one of the smallest of the 29 law firms participating. “Our primary criterion for employment of any attorney is very different than that of many law firms,” said managing shareholder, Laura Fowler. “We make every effort to find attorneys who are not only experienced and accomplished, but also abundantly kind.” Way to go, Fowler Law Firm!

Come meet the stars of HGTV's show Home Town at BookPeople Oct 4 at 4pm. Ben and Erin Napier will be here this afternoon to sign their new memoir, Make Something Good Today, which tells us all to seek out the good in life, celebrate the beauty of family and friends, and prosper within our communities because everything we need in life to be happy, is within our grasp. Buy your event voucher now to reserve a spot in the signing line so you can meet the Napiers!

Bistro Vonish all about good food and good company. This Thursday, Sept 6 from 6-9pm, they'll be serving up lots of menu specials outside, along with some hors d'oeuvres inside, as they welcome some new neighbors to the hood. Join in the  fundraiser for a new herbalist and artist cooperative. Hope to see you all there! The food trailer is located at 701 E 53rd St. and Bistro Vonish is always BYOB, as well as kid friendly and dog friendly.

You shop local; why not host local? Local-Based CenTex Hosting is offering 30% off shared business class web hosting to locally owned Austin businesses. Sign up today at Centex Hosting with Promo Code: Shoplocal CenTex Hosting offers free site migration and 24/7 support. The team at CenTex Hosting strives everyday to deliver high level and secure hosting packages to businesses large and small.

Link & Pin Gallery presents three Austin Painters, expressing their individual impressions of the ordinary to the extraordinary historically courageous womanhood. Though difficult to choose a single example, there is a remarkable history of women rising above their circumstances to excel beyond even their own expectations. These artists bring their own unique interpretations of courage in the feminine.Reception Sept 8 from 7 to 9pm. Exhibit Sept 1-30 Fri-Sat-Sun Noon- 4pm.