July Means Friends, Family & Fireworks at Renaissance North Bend
Fantastic fireworks and good food shared with family and friends are two key ingredients for a successful Fourth of July, and the Renaissance North Bend team in Austin, Texas, is here with the recipe! Willie Nelson’s 4th Of July Picnic For many Austinites, it’s a family tradition to attend Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic, an annual event since 1972. Doors of the Germania Insurance Amphitheater will open at 3 p.m. Friday, July 4, 2025, and the show—featuring Bob Dylan, The Mavericks, The Avett Brothers (and Willie, of course)—will start at 4 p.m. Fireworks will light up the sky after sunset, and everything should wind down by 10 p.m. Check out Visit Austin for a great rundown on the ATX in July, including the annual Star Spangled Fest that will include patriotic music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra with a grand finale fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake. The Perfect Picnic The Renaissance North Bend team asked * the Idea Specialists™ * what they would pack for the perfect picnic to take to a July outing. They said they’re big fans of the Real Simple Picnic Checklist, which includes everything from reminders to take bug spray and a portable speaker to suggestions for food and beverages. The best advice from Real Simple? “Picnic fare is all about food that will taste great whether you eat it now or two hours from now. It should be easy to eat and clean up. And the less utensils needed, the better.” Amen to that! And, the Idea Specialists™ are in agreement that every picnic basket should contain something sweet and something savory. Small portions are better than large—easier to manage on a plate, or, even better on a skewer, like these fun—and patriotic!—peanut butter and jelly skewers from Weelicious. You could do this with just about any kind of sandwich. Heck, you could even do a skewer alternating bites of your favorite brownies and chocolate chip cookies with fruit. (Which of course you should pick up at one of the Texas Farmers Market locations, Bell or Mueller.) Now, everybody thinks they’ve got the best recipe for chocolate chip cookies in the world. We’re not going to argue, because so do we! But we are going to suggest that everyone give Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies a try. Oh my heavens at the melty goodness! Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Goodness And speaking of recipes and goodness, everybody also has their favorite macaroni and cheese, right? Just like grandma used to make—unless your grandma preferred that box of instant with the powdered orange stuff in it. Not that we’re judging. We listen, and we don’t judge. We’re talking about macaroni and cheese now not because it’s a great picnic food (cold macaroni salad works better for that), but because Monday, July 14, 2025, is…..drum roll, please…..National Mac and Cheese Day! Yep, America’s classic comfort food has its own day. Nobody’s sure quite how or why, but you can read about the history of the dish and its connection to U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. And then you can take advantage of your upscale Renaissance North Bend kitchen to make Southern Living’s Best-Ever Homemade Macaroni and Cheese. Cheers! You can’t have a picnic, whether at the Fourth of July celebration or on the sun deck by our luxury apartment home community’s resort-style pool, without something to quench your thirst. If you want more than just a plain Coke and a smile, try the popular Kalimotxo cocktail—a mix of Coca-Cola and red wine. Men’s Journal says the drink got its start in the Basque region of Spain, and now there are multiple variations on the theme. Remember, whatever you drink, don’t bring glass to the pool! And while there’s nothing wrong with a classic red SOLO 18-ounce party cup, why not treat yourself to some fun tumblers like these 24-ounce reusable thick plastic sunflower cups from Amazon? They come complete with straw and lid, perfect for sipping without spilling! Be safe, have fun! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
June at Renaissance at North Bend—Father’s Day & New Fitness Equipment
No matter what you call your father—baba or tata, papa or pita, daddy or dad—it’s all about him come Father’s Day! So the Renaissance at North Bend team in Austin, Texas, asked * the Idea Specialists™ * for some ways to show the father figures in our lives a little extra love on Sunday, June 15, this year. First on the list? An ice cream outing! But before we get to that, here’s a fun little Facebook video about the grand reopening of our newly renovated fitness center, complete with new equipment! Just a quick reminder, residents must wear their community wristbands to access and use the fitness center. This helps us keep the space safe and enjoyable for everyone—thank you for your cooperation! Fun For The Entire Family Now, for Father’s Day ice cream….. Going out for frozen treats is a way the entire gang can celebrate the occasion. And where better than Amy’s Ice Creams, with its multiple locations across the city? The Idea Specialists™ have a love-hate relationship with Amy’s—love it because of how great everything tastes, hate it because there are SO many decadent and delicious choices! They swear by the vegan Siete Mexican Wedding Cookie flavor, a dreamy dessert featuring the shop’s classic Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream made with coconut milk, sweet agave, and crumbly SieteFoods Wedding Cookies. And, y’all? That Texas Dirt Cake flavor? Oh my goodness! Plus, Amy’s offer dog-friendly treats for your furry friends, which means a lot to us because Renaissance at North Bend is an extremely pet-friendly upscale apartment home community! Guilt-Free Golf For some dads, the best gift would be time spent with them watching the U.S. Open Golf Championship, the final round of which is traditionally played on the third Sunday in June (always falling on Father’s Day). Pile up on the couch in your comfy Renaissance at North Bend living room and turn the TV to NBC or the Golf Channel to see if PGA Championship winner Scottie Scheffler walks away with another one. In keeping with the golf theme, the Idea Specialists™ can vouch that Golfballs.com does a great job on customized balls, tees, and towels, with excellent customer service and a fast turnaround time. Listen Up Google for Father’s Day gift ideas and one of your first results will be the Oprah Daily list of “50 Best Gifts for Dads Who Say They Don’t Want Anything.” One of everybody’s top picks is the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which provide high-quality sound—and mean that the wearer can take calls and play music while staying aware of his surroundings. Safety and convenience! Unlimited Auto Love The Idea Specialists™ are also big fans of practical gifts. That’s why they’re going to take advantage of one of the Unlimited Membership plans offered by The Wash Shop, with multiple locations in Austin. It’s a treat for both themselves and their dads. Cheers To Dad! Whether your pops prefers bourbon or beer, there’s something on the menu at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill (downtown and Avery Ranch) that will quench his thirst (and some tasty treats on the food menu, too, including for the kiddos!). They pride themselves on taking their guests back to a simpler time—comfortable and familiar, relaxed and easygoing. And this year they’re featuring a special Father’s Day Brunch with an all-you-care-to-eat buffet. Yum! Did You Know? According to History.com, the nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. But it wasn’t until 1972—58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official—that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. That’s when then-President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making it so. Economists estimate that Americans now spend more than $1 billion each year on Father’s Day gifts. * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Moms & Memories, Pets & Pampering—It’s the Merry Month of May at Renaissance at North Bend!
It’s the merry, merry month of May at the upscale Renaissance at North Bend apartment home community in Austin, Texas, which means Mother’s Day, National Pet Month, and more! And by more, of course we mean Star Wars Day Sunday, May 4, 2025: “May the Fourth be with you.” (If you haven’t seen the LEGO Star Wars sets, then maybe this is the year!) Quickly followed by Cinco de Mayo, which—as we well know—Isn’t really that big a deal in Mexico. But, hey, who are we to argue about going out for some tacos and tequila this Monday, May 5? May Traditions And of course May in the ATX also means the Pecan Street Festival, always the first Saturday and Sunday of the month. This year, its 50th anniversary, this long-standing family-friendly street festival will take place at the Hill Country Galleria. That’s because of the restructuring of Historic Sixth Street (originally named Pecan Street when Edwin Waller designed Austin’s street grid). May also means the final two opportunities to take in Twilight Tuesdays at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at UT Austin. The Latin Dukes are on the schedule for May 6; no word yet on the May 13 act, but it’s sure to be a good one. And no matter who it is, you’ll get to enjoy some more hours with the flowers and a good time with friends! A Corsage For Your Mama The Renaissance at North Bend team asked *the Idea Specialists™* to fill us in on the background of Mother’s Day, which is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May (May 11 of this year). They turned to the venerable Smithsonian for the goods: “The credit belongs to Anna Jarvis, who organized the first official Mother’s Day services on the morning of May 10, 1908, in her hometown of Grafton, West Virginia, and later in the afternoon in her adopted hometown of Philadelphia.” U.S. President Woodrow Wilson gave the holiday federal recognition in 1914. It’s also because of Anna Jarvis that one of the gifts we give our mamas this month is flowers. She specifically selected her own late mother’s favorite flower, the white carnation, as the holiday’s official emblem. At many churches, particularly in the South, it became a tradition to give each female in the congregation a corsage on Mother’s Day, and not just of carnations. What mattered was the color—red or pink if your mother was still alive, and white if what remained were memories of her. Let’s Support Our Local Merchants! Renaissance at North Bend loves being a part of the greater Austin community, and always wants to support our local businesses when we can. That’s why we loved the idea of getting that perfect arrangement for mom this year from Freytag’s Florist on West Anderson Lane, which has some breathtaking designs. (Delivery or pickup starting Monday, May 5.) Or, if you’re in the market for something that will last a little longer—and want to splurge—ByGeorge on North Lamar Boulevard has everything from the latest styles in jewelry to a wonderful selection of bath and body products. (The Idea Specialists™ have fallen in love with the Brown Flowers eau de parfum by D.S. & Durga.) Mummy Yummies! And whose mom wouldn’t want to go out to eat on her special day? Visit Austin has a great list of suggested eateries! The Idea Specialists™ are strongly considering taking in the lavish spread at Fairmont Austin (complimentary dining for children 5 and younger!). We’re A Pet-Friendly Luxury Apartment Home Community Because we’re such a pet-friendly luxury apartment home community, of course we love celebrating National Pet Month! It was founded by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1981 to recognize the bonds we develop with our beloved pets and promote responsible pet care through education and awareness. And, it’s anchored by National Pet Week the first full week of May. There are an estimated 1 billion pets worldwide, and we want to pet all of them! (Well, OK, maybe not the iguanas so much.) But we do love our fur-babies, so much so that we have leash-free areas for the pups and pet stations throughout the property. The Month’s End Brings Memorial Day Memorial Day honors those who died or suffered injuries in battle, as compared to Veterans Day on November 11, which honors all who served in the military, whether they served in peace or wartime. This year, Monday, May 26, 2025, is the date of this U.S. Federal holiday; government offices will be closed. *The Idea Specialists™* The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
April Appreciations—Easter, National Library Week, The Masters & The ABC Kite Festival!
It seems like everyone’s calendars get crazier than usual when spring rolls around, and this April at Renaissance at North Bend in Austin, Texas, is no exception! The ABC Kite Festival, Easter, the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, National Library Week—there’s something for almost everybody to celebrate and appreciate! Go Fly A Kite! The ABC Kite Fest at Zilker Park—one of Austin’s most beloved family-friendly traditions—is set for Saturday, April 5 this year. This free festival (now in its amazing 97th year) will start at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. You and your friends and family can take part in day-long activities for all ages, including the traditional kite flying contest and showcase and MossFest, a children’s music concert. The Capitol 10K—Another Austin Rite of Spring Established in 1978, the Statesman Capitol 10,000 has grown to become the largest 10K in Texas and sixth largest in the country. Each year, Austin’s iconic race teems with talent and personality. Experience the 48th annual Statesman Cap10K Sunday, April 6. Now Let’s Hop Into Easter It sure does feel like the ATC has more than a baker’s dozen worth of Easter Egg Hunts and other “eggcellent” events to pick from this year! Austin Kids Out and About has a great post about lots of them, and says they’re adding new info as they get it! Many of these activities are taking place before the actual holiday because it’s late this year—Sunday, April 20, 2025 (Passover begins Saturday, April 12). Which gives you plenty of time to lay in supplies and have the fun of making your own charcuterie Easter basket! If you’re not feeling particularly creative, * The Idea Specialists™ * recommend a quick google search for the kind of goodies you want to share with family and friends. They found lots great boxes and baskets at Harry & David, as well as full holiday dinners! Locally, Austin City Gift Baskets on Pond Springs Road is an excellent option. Our Local Library This year’s theme for National Library Week April 6-12 is “Drawn to the Library,” and that’s because libraries have something that draws everyone in: books, magazines, computer stations, story time for kids, DVDS, online resources, and more. If you haven’t lately, stop by the Milwood Branch of the Austin Public Library to see what all they have to offer. Teed Up Next—The Masters For some people, it just wouldn’t be spring in without the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. If you’re lucky enough to have the chance to attend—even if only for a practice round—take it! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most of us, though, will get to enjoy the lovely azaleas and admire the prowess of professional athletes like betting favorites Rory McIllroy and Scottie Scheffler from the comfort of our Renaissance at North Bend living rooms. Here’s the guide for watching at home. We asked The Idea Specialists™ for some suggestions on how to throw a Masters party, and of course they came through! Egg salad sandwiches, pimento sandwiches, and Mini MoonPies are musts!! Don’t have time to make your own sammies in your custom-appointed kitchen? Not to worry—you can feast on tradition with the Taste of the Masters hosting kit! The world-famous classic concessions items, including pork bar-b-que, are delivered to your door, enabling you to recreate the patron experience. Another way to do that is to make an Azalea Cocktail, the beloved drink of golfers and fans alike. (Pro Tip: This pretty pink concoction goes well with most Easter menus, too!) Fore! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Bluebonnets, Hoops Madness & ALDI Fun Finds — All Slam Dunks for Renaissance North Bend in March!
Just like everybody’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, everybody’s got a bracket when March Madness rolls around. That’s why Renaissance at North Bend in Austin, Texas, asked *the Idea Specialists™* for some slam-dunk suggestions on how to celebrate both this month. The Eyes Of Texas Are Upon…..Bluebonnets! Plus, early spring in this part of the world means the Texas Hill Country sees bluebonnets and other wildflowers cover the valleys, fields, and meadows. So they’ve got some tips on where to go for the best photo opportunities! First and foremost is the city’s crown jewel of flora—the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which displays nearly 900 native Texas plant species) in gardens, meadows, and nature trails. (Purchase tickets in advance.) Just south of downtown, at beautiful St. Edward’s University, one of the best fields of bluebonnets of is located on the corner of St. Edwards and University Loop drives. Check out Visit Austin’s post on Where to See Wildflowers Near Austin for some more ideas. The Idea Specialists™ can’t wait to finally see The Bluebonnet House on scenic Highway 281 near Marble Falls, in particular. The abandoned two-story stone home surrounded by a field of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and old oaks is believed to be the most photographed house in Texas! Fellowship, Food & Fun Finds! From shamrocks to the Sweet Sixteen, and whether it’s green beer and corned beef or “Courtside Punch” and chicken wings, the things all good March parties have in common are fellowship and food. The Idea Specialists™ plan to take their shopping lists and go on a little field trip to the ALDI in Pflugerville to stock up on staples and sweets. They have learned about so many good frozen foods and specialty items and gotten so many great recipe ideas from being members of the ALDI Aisle of Shame Community on Facebook! And of course there’s nothing “shameful” about it! The name really refers to the area in the center of the store that is packed with what the grocer refers to as “ALDI Finds,” a rotating stock of limited-edition, often seasonally themed items. It’s also a prime spot to score dupes of popular name-brand products, at a fraction of the price. Who wouldn’t cheer for that? Gameday Gatherings When it comes to watching the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, plan to have a few folks over to enjoy the roundball action in the comfort of your luxury apartment home, or take advantage of the wonderful spaces in the Renaissance at North Bend clubhouse to cheer on your faves with your neighbors and friends. Decorate your drinks and spear your appetizers (served in hoop-designed snack cups!) with these fun basketball-themed cocktail picks the Idea Specialists™ found. It always adds an extra level of excitement when you’re competing against friends, so get yourself a bracket going! There doesn’t have to be any money on the line—it can be all about the bragging rights! You can also play around with non-sports brackets to get the non-fans involved—movies, music, and more, the list goes on and on. Check out this post for more ideas. The Wearing Of The Green While once thought of as primarily a day of Catholic religious observance to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, in modern times St. Patrick’s Day is more about the wearing of green clothing and celebrating all things Irish! Faith and begorrah! There’s so much St. Patrick’s Day-related activity going on in Austin this year that it’s hard to pick just one thing to highlight! As always, Visit Austin gives a good rundown, this time on where to go for Guiness and grub. Of course it wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day in the 512 without a bar crawl or two…. Enjoy, be safe! Oh, & P.S.!!! We didn’t forget that March in Austin means South by Southwest! Just kinda figured you knew that already. 😎 * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Sweet Valentine’s Dreams are Made of This
True love and romance is worth celebrating at all of its stages—from initial spark to hot flame, brightly burning fire to softly glowing embers. That’s why the Renaissance at North Bend luxury apartment homes community in Austin, Texas, asked the *Idea Specialists™* for suggestions on making this Valentine’s Day a memorable one. Champagne & Caviar The first thing they said is that a great choice for this Valentine’s Day weekend would be to indulge in champagne and decadent caviar delicacies at Room 725 (on the seventh floor of the Fairmont Austin on Red River Street). The intimate experience for you and your love will include a performance by acclaimed Austin artist Mélat. Amor Eterno! From Thursday, February 13, through Sunday, February 16, downtown’s Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina is offering a special Valentine’s dinner for two, including braised short ribs, papas bravas, charred rapini, and escabeche. What the Idea Specialists™ are most excited about, of course, is dessert—a chocolate mousse topped with pistachio brittle and a drizzle of red wine caramel. Oh my! Love eternal, indeed! Hearts & Fizzes The Idea Specialist™ love the idea of the specialty cocktail Loudmouth on Rosewood Avenue has concocted for this Valentine’s Day. “You Make My Heart Fizz” is a pink gin fizz with gin, lemon, lime, blackberry, cinnamon heavy cream, egg white, and rose water, and it’s on the special occasion menu that will feature a duroc pork chop for two (according to The Austin American-Statesman). Other Ideas For other ideas about how to celebrate in the city, check out Do512. And The Knot has a fun list—95 Romantic, Unique and Spicy Valentine’s Day Ideas for Every Couple. Sweets For Your Sweetie And speaking of chocolate….. Oh, my, but did the Idea Specialists™ come through for Renaissance at North Bend with suggestions on this front! They hit the jackpot when they found this Food Network post on best buys for Valentine’s Day. Favorites? First up is the Salts of the World Chocolate Collection; each of these chocolates celebrates a different country and features salt, ingredients, and a wildflower all native to that country. So cool! Then there’s the Belgian Chocolate Covered Mini Doughnut Bouquet. Flowers are nice, but could anything really beat a beautifully packaged bouquet of chocolate-covered mini doughnuts? Then, for the vegan Valentines out there, the Idea Specialists™ recommend that you go with the Berry Bouquet Vegan Chocolate Box from Compartés. It is packed with raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, cranberries and cherries, all dipped in absurdly good vegan dark chocolate. Kids & Puppies The Idea Specialists™ also gave the Renaissance at North Bend team a cute suggestion on how to celebrate the little lovies in your life—a cute mini-waffle maker! You can make kid-sized waffles in a heart shape perfect for Valentine’s Day morning—or as a dessert treat with ice cream and hot fudge! (Pro Tip: Add a little pink or red food coloring to the batter for that extra flair.) And because they know that Renaissance at North Bend is a very pet-friendly apartment community (woofs and whiskers welcomed!), the Idea Specialists™ made it a point to share some info on animal safety. Each year the experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) see a rise in cases around February 14, many involving chocolate or lilies. Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans—as long as dangerous items are kept out of paws’ reach! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Those Little Special Somethings
One Change To Make In Each Room To Make Your Life Better In 2025 Bedroom Magic The bright and airy bedrooms at the Renaissance at North Bend luxury apartment home community in Austin are just brimming with design potential! One way to maximize the natural light from their windows is with a large mirror to reflect that gorgeous Texas sunshine and get your day off to a pleasant start. Like magic, it will make the already spacious rooms seem even larger! The *Idea Specialists™* love the idea of leaning an oversized arched mirror against a wall (no nail holes!!). From ornate to Midcentury Modern the styles abound, but you really can’t go wrong with classic black (available from Amazon). Bathroom Beautiful Tired of reaching for your toothpaste only to knock over your deodorant and lotion because your bathroom vanity has gotten so cluttered? It’s easy to get organized and beautify your surroundings with all of the container options available now, especially if you follow some of the tips in this House Beautiful piece! Some faves: Don’t double up! Buy cleaning supplies when you need them, instead of stockpiling. And keep them in a convenient caddy! Declutter once a season. Do you really wear the same lipstick in June that you do in November? No. So store stuff accordingly. And speaking of lipstick, check out this groovy rotating cosmetics display case! Kitchen Confidential You can instantly liven up your space, add warmth, and protect the floors in your kitchen by adding a colorful or patterned area rug or runner. The great thing about this change is that it’s almost the ultimate in temporary decoration—you can rotate rugs with the seasons without spending very much money so your culinary space stays fresh. (Like your vegetables, we hope!) Ruggable has unbeatable selections, easy-to-swap styles, and—best of all—their products are machine-washable! Good Housekeeping has everything you need to know before you buy in this post. Den Delights When it comes to choosing lamps for your den, the options can seem endless. Before you make a decision, think about how you’re using the various spaces in the room. Do you need task lighting for an area you’ve dedicated as a work space? A table lamp by the couch for reading? Once you know, then consider your color and style options. The Idea Specialists™ recently found this great combination floor lamp and end table. And, if you, too, are not a fan of visible cords, you can take your pick of colors with these affordable decorative covers. The Idea Specialists™ recently discovered Scott+Cooner Austin, which is an easy drive from Renaissance at North Bend on 1-35 South, and could spend just hours there exploring decorating options (including delightful lighting, of course!). Balcony Bonus One of the great things about living at Renaissance at North Bend is the option of having a patio or private balcony. Whichever you choose, one easy way to bring color and comfort to the space is by adding greenery with potted plants, hanging planters, or even faux plants for a touch of nature. Artificial plant bonus: No worries about watering or changes in the weather! The Idea Specialists™ recently used a luxe combo of pots of trailing variegated String Of Hearts from Pottery Barn and traditional ferns by House of Silk Flowers (from Bed Bath & Beyond) to soften corners and enliven a balcony. For other ideas, check out great tips on selecting faux plants from The Spruce. Community Calendar Looking to get out and about to shake off the winter blues? ATX doesn’t ever disappoint. Check out these sites for all your options: – Do512 – The Austinot – Visit Austin * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Festive Holiday Cooking & Entertaining: Big Cheer for Clever Entertaining at Renaissance North Bend, Austin, TX
Who says you need to be a pro to host a holiday bash? With fun recipes and clever decorating tricks, even YOU can transform your home into a festive wonderland this holiday season. We asked the Idea Specialists© for their recommendations for high-impact low-effort entertaining and here is what they said… Let’s start with the food. Easy Recipes for the Star Host Glazed Maple Dijon Salmon Swap the classic roast for something sleek and simple. Brush salmon fillets with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of soy sauce. Bake for 15 minutes and serve with pre-steamed green beans. It’s elegant, delicious, and practically effortless. Holiday Charcuterie Cups Skip the giant grazing boards and opt for individual charcuterie cups. Fill small glasses or paper cones with cheese cubes, nuts, cured meats, and festive touches like rosemary sprigs or cranberries. They’re portable, Instagram-worthy, and perfect for mingling. Mini Yule Log Brownies Bake brownie batter in a loaf pan, then slice and roll pieces into mini logs. Frost with chocolate ganache, dust with powdered sugar, and top with candy holly. These bite-sized treats are as show-stopping as they are easy to make. Décor That Wows in Small Spaces Twinkle with Lights: String fairy lights along bookshelves, doorframes, or around a mirror to create a warm, inviting glow. Bonus: they double as mood lighting. Mini Centerpieces: Fill mason jars with ornaments, cranberries, or pinecones. Top with a tea light for an affordable and chic decoration. Maximize Vertical Space: Hang wreaths or garlands on walls or doors to add holiday cheer without taking up floor space. Pro Tips for Stress-Free Hosting Make It Interactive: Let guests garnish their drinks with cranberries, citrus slices, or candy canes at a DIY holiday drink station. Or serve up a pitcher of White Chocolate Christmas Margaritas and garnish with cranberries and rosemary. Here’s the recipe: https://charmingcocktails.com/white-christmas-margarita/ Prep Ahead: Choose recipes that can be made the day before so you can enjoy the party too. Small Touches, Big Impact: Personalized place cards or festive napkins add an elegant touch without much effort. Apartment living doesn’t mean you have to downsize your holiday dreams. With these easy recipes, clever décor ideas, and hosting hacks, you’ll be the toast of the season. So, crank up the holiday playlist, pour some spiced cider, and get ready to entertain like a pro! Enjoy Michael Bublé – Best Christmas Songs (Yule Log Fireplace)
Let’s Talk Turkey …And Dressing!
The Idea Specialists™ at Renaissance at North Bend in Austin, Texas, are already getting excited about Thanksgiving! They’re once again having the great “stuffing vs dressing” debate, researching all things cranberry, and making sure they’ve signed up for the annual Turkey Trot. And this year, they’re also going to try something new to them—tandoori turkey! Veterans Day But before Thanksgiving comes Veterans Day, which honors U.S. veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The Austin Veterans Day Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2024, at Congress Avenue and end at the Texas Capitol with a 10:50 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony with bell tolling, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of Taps to honor those who have served. And, there’s an AVAFest “Vets & Their Pets” exhibit this year, Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Bakery & Art Emporium. AVAFest, a nonprofit initiative, will showcase paintings by veterans either of themselves and their pets—or just their pets. You know the Renaissance at North Bend team just loves this concept, given that we are such a pet-friendly community! More Upcoming Events Even before Veterans Day there is plenty of fun to be had in and around the ATX. Do512-Family has put together an awesome list of family-friendly events going on this month, some of them FREE! You should probably go ahead and make a plan now for how you want to experience two Austin holiday season traditions—Mozart’s Lake Austin Festival of Lights and the North Pole Flyer! The lights will begin their magical twinkle Friday, November 29, 2024, and new this year, Mozart’s will offer small-group and private on the water experiences (the Idea Specialists™ are very intrigued by the idea of Euro Igloos!). Departing from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot, the 2024 Flyer special two-hour excursion on a real train features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, live balloon twisters, on-board caroling and a locally baked holiday cookie. Fun! The Thanksgiving Table So, dressing or stuffing? What’s the difference? The Renaissance at North Bend Idea Specialists™ will let you in on a secret—they actually like both! And there’s no way they’re going to try to settle the great debate about what the difference is…..they’ll let certain culinary experts do that. Instead, knowing full well that everybody thinks their grandma’s recipe is best, they’re sharing two they like: Southern Living’s Cornbread Dressing and Food & Wine’s Mushroom-and-Chestnut Stuffing with Giblets. Either would go great with tandoori turkey, a culinary delight that combines the best of East Indian flavors with that perennial American favorite roasted bird. Cranberry Creations Another perennial American favorite at Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce. Some people swear by homemade, others prefer it right out of that familiar comforting can. Another popular spin is cranberry chutney, a sweet, spicy, and tangy blend of cranberries cooked with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne. Yep, you guessed it—it pairs beautifully with tandoori turkey! This is also the time to try out some different cranberry juice mock- and cocktails while gathering in your luxe Renaissance at North Bend apartment home. The Ginger Shandy (another name for a Cranberry Mule) is a perfect mix of sweet, zest, and effervescence that nicely balances out the heavy holiday foods (we’re looking at you, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole!). Gobble, Wobble, Shuffle & Trot! Sign the whole family up to make special holiday memories this Thanksgiving by taking your pick of one of the many Turkey Trots in and around Austin! Whether you lace up the morning of Thursday, November 28, 2024 or over the weekend, you can connect with the community, enjoy the outdoors, and kick off Thanksgiving with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. RunGuide gives the rundown on all your options—so many good causes to support!
Live & Local, Fall & Football!
With fall comes football, and with football comes tailgating! Whether you’re going to an NFL game or watching ESPN and rooting for your college alma mater out of the weather and in the sumptuous comfort of your apartment home at Renaissance North Bend in Austin, Texas, you’ll want to make sure to have plenty of tasty treats on hand to satisfy family and friends. And yourself, of course! But before we get to dishing the goods on tailgate goodies, let’s talk about having some non-football fun. (It can be done, we promise! LOL) LOOKING AHEAD TO SOMETHING LIVE & LOCAL Can’t talk about live and local in Austin without mentioning the granddaddy of them all—the world-renowned Austin City Limits Music Festival—now can we? This fall’s event is coming up the weekends of October 4-6 and October 11-13 in Zilker Park. And of course there’s Boo at the Zoo, you don’t want to miss taking the kiddos in your life to it! Not to mention your own inner kiddo—visitors of all ages are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes! You can get tickets in person or at Austin Zoo online. Check out Visit Austin for more about upcoming events over the next few months, you’ll be glad you did. NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT POPULAR GAMEDAY GOODIES Google for gameday goodies and you’ll find that pickles are really hot this fall—especially when you serve them cold in this Duke’s Mayo Pickle Dip. The Renaissance North Bend Idea Specialists™ love the idea of putting this on burgers and hot dogs, using it for a different kind of chicken nugget sauce, and of course just eating it on some chips or crackers. Check out more sweet and sour food for thought in Delish’s 53 Pickle Recipes You Never Knew You Needed. The Idea Specialists™ know that you can never go wrong with this particular Southern Living Fire Cracker recipe. But they want to up their cracker game this fall, so they’re going to give the Bacon Bow Tie Crackers recipe a go, too. COOLER CONCOCTIONS Beers, spritzers, soft drinks, and water are all cooler staples. Treat your guests to a little something extra with a special tailgate cocktail like the Lunchbox, which you can make ahead in a large lidded pitcher or non-glass beverage dispenser for easy transport. If the combo of orange juice, beer, Southern Comfort, and amaretto doesn’t sound like your cup of fun, Mix that Drink has several more fun recipes to choose from! BBQ FOR YOU No time to get in your well-appointed Renaissance at North Bend kitchen before the next get-together? No worries! The ATX is flat-out blessed with some barbecue joints; in our neck of the woods there’s everything from SLAB to Stiles Switch with Terry Black’s and so many more in between. Whether you’re craving ribs (beef or pork) or want a turkey sandwich and some extra-special slaw, you are covered. Don’t forget the Oreo pudding! Yummers! GAMEDAY MUST-HAVE The Renaissance North Bend Idea Specialists™ know from experience that while it’s all fun and games on the field, collegiate and pro stadiums don’t play around when it comes to fan do’s and don’ts. One of the biggies is making sure that any bag you take in with you meets guidelines. These days you can go to Amazon and spend about as much or as little as you’d like on a bag. The ET website has the skinny; the Specialists are going with the imminently practical LOXOMU crossbody bag. (But this acrylic WJCD bag that comes in SO many colors and has a removable chain looks like so much fun! Maybe both?) Go Team!
