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!
Spend the Last Days of Your Summer Staycationing in Luxury at Renaissance at North Bend—and Explore Austin with a Variety of Free Things to Do!
Before you get geared up for the return of back-to-school and other fall routines, make plans to spend the last days of your summer staycationing in luxury at Renaissance at North Bend and taking a new look at what Austin, Texas, has to offer! The American Automobile Association (AAA) says the key to a good staycation is remembering that you’re on vacation, which can be hard to do when you’re staying home. They offer a few tips for planning: Stop daily chores and routines. Focus on activities you wouldn’t normally do. Select activities that relax you and bring you joy. Have a plan, even if it’s a loose one. Set a budget and stick to it. Of course the loose plan the Renaissance at North Bend Idea Specialists™ have come up with involves hanging (with some bottles of Aperol Spritz) at the convenient community pool. And not only is it convenient, it and the sun deck and all of the landscaping and common areas are always so gorgeous and clean! That’s thanks to the outstanding work our facilities team members do, so we’re recognizing them extra by designating August as Maintenance Appreciation Month. Both AAA and Apartments.com have some great ideas about ways to spend your staycation. One suggestion is to cook a fancy meal. And sure, that’s always easy to do in your well-appointed apartment home kitchen, but the Idea Specialists™ have been amusing themselves lately by watching TikToks on private chefs in the Hamptons, which gave them an idea…… YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHEF Why not hire a personal chef for your staycation? The Conscious Chef offers an array of services designed to elevate your moments – from intimate date nights and vibrant dinner parties to the convenience of a weekly personal chef. Fun, easy, and delicious! And if you’re going to enjoy lovely meals, why not splurge a little and get some lovely new linens to freshen up your dining table? ELLE Decor has turned the Renaissance at North Bend Idea Specialists™ on to the Ridhi brand of boho-inspired linens (handmade!) in all manner of summery patterns and prints. According to the site, “You can score a set of printed cloth napkins for just $26, tablecloths starting at $53, and placemats for under $40 (all on Amazon), allowing you to create the colorful tablescape of your dreams without breaking the bank.” FAMILY SUMMER MOVIE MARATHON Another good idea for an August staycation is a family summer movie marathon. A google search (the Idea Specialists™ do so love to search!) shows that the Pioneer Woman has a popular post up: “30 Best Summer Movies for Kids That Are Almost as Fun as Being Outside” One of those is that all-time classic The Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio. It doesn’t matter whether your gang is caught up on all six series of Cobra Kai or not, it’s still worth the watch—or re-watch! EXPLORING AUSTIN Visit Austin has a great list of 50 cheap and FREE things to do in the ATX while you’re on your staycation—or any other time, for that matter. From hiking and biking to art and history, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. If you haven’t been already, now might be the time to spend a day at Zilker Park, which is right off Lady Bird Lake, nestled in the heart of downtown. Do512 has a post about 100 things to do there, one of which is to, “Let your doggo run in the off-leash area, (or just get your cute puppy fill for the day).” Of course the Idea Specialists™ loved seeing that, given that Renaissance at North Bend is a very pet-friendly community. Don’t worry, there’s a playground for humans there, too—complete with an antique fire truck you can “drive. BACK TO SCHOOL Playgrounds make the Idea Specialists™ think of school, which seems to start earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it? These days getting the kids ready to go back to class means familiarizing yourself with their different schools’ websites. Renaissance at North Bend is located in the Austin Independent School District, which has a central website that links to all schools in the area. The schools closest to Renaissance at North Bend are: Pillow Elementary School Burnet Middle School Anderson High School North Austin Montessori School Brentwood Christian School Harmony School Of Science – Austin Nyos Charter School Getting ready also means scoping out those sometimes wicked drop-off and pick-up lines, and making sure everybody has got the supplies they need. And want. According to the National Retail Federation’s Annual 2024 Back-to-School Survey, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics. The NRF’s survey said they expect $38.8 billion to be spent on school supplies in the United States—the second-highest figure on record. Hot items for teens for fall semester 2024 are North Face backpacks and Vera Bradley lunch bags. (Students at schools that require clear backpacks can still have some fun with colors if they go with a Vorspack.) HIGH SCHOOL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HORRIBLE Got somebody about to start their freshman year of high school? Here’s some guidance for them, from a teenage neighbor of one of the Idea Specialists™. “For classes keep on track with your work and make sure you have all the supplies you need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know something. Most people are nice and will talk to you if you talk to them. For things to wear be casual, don’t dress up crazy for school. Lastly, keep in mind that learning is important but that’s not what school is all about, have fun and make friends.” Oh, and: “With girls Nike, Lululemon, and Free People are popular clothing brands.” Just knew you’d want to know that!
Packing for Perfection: Your Ultimate Picnic Essentials Guide
As the warm breeze beckons and the sun smiles brightly, it’s the perfect time to indulge in one of life’s simple pleasures: a picnic. Whether heading to a nearby park, a lakeside spot, or a scenic hilltop, packing essentials can elevate your picnic from ordinary to extraordinary. The Picnic Basket: Choose a sturdy, spacious basket or a comfortable backpack to carry all your goodies. It should have compartments for organization and be easy to transport. Blanket or Picnic Mat: A soft, waterproof blanket is essential for creating a cozy seating area. Opt for one large enough to accommodate your group comfortably. Food and Drinks: Pack various finger foods that are easy to eat outdoors, such as sandwiches, salads in jars, cheese and crackers, fresh fruits, and nuts. Don’t forget refreshing beverages like lemonade, iced tea, or even a bottle of wine (if permitted). Utensils and Plates: Bring reusable or biodegradable plates, cups, utensils, and napkins to minimize waste. Consider packing a small cutting board and a knife for preparing fresh ingredients on-site. Comfort Items: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a portable first aid kit can ensure everyone stays comfortable and safe throughout the picnic. Entertainment: Pack a frisbee, a ball, a book, or a deck of cards for some leisurely activities to enjoy after the meal. Trash Bags: Always carry extra bags for collecting trash and recyclables, keeping your picnic spot pristine. Optional Extras: Depending on the location and your preferences, you might want to include a portable speaker for music, a portable grill for cooking, or even a picnic umbrella for shade. Remember, the perfect picnic is not just about the food; it’s about creating lasting memories with loved ones in the great outdoors. So, pack thoughtfully, embrace spontaneity, and savor every moment of your picnic adventure. Happy picnicking!
Fireworks & Picnics—ATX is Exploding with Opportunities for Fourth of July Fun!
With America’s Independence Day and National Picnic Month both on the calendar, opportunities abound for members of the Renaissance at North Bend community to enjoy food, fun, and fireworks this July in ATX—Austin, Texas, of course! Celebrate The Fourth With The Star Spangled Fest Plan to celebrate our great nation with your family and friends by making the scene at Vic Mathis Shores, where the Austin Symphony Orchestra will present Star Spangled Fest, its annual Fourth of July concert in conjunction with a fantabulous fireworks show! The concert will start at 8:45 p.m. Thursday, July 4, 2024, with the pyrotechnics lighting up the sky starting at 9:30 p.m. But before then you can enjoy live entertainment from Sundance Head, Tameca Jones, Bidi Bidi Banda, DJ Du, and more starting at 5 p.m., play family-friendly yard games, and indulge in delicious eats from some of the city’s best food trucks. While the event is free and open to the public, you can purchase exclusive VIP packages with some top-notch perks. National Picnic Month Sometimes summer sunshine just screams out for a picnic, which is probably why the American Bakers Association picked July as National Picnic Month way back in 1952. The Renaissance at North Bend Idea Specialists™ did a little research and found that the word picnic comes from the French word piquenique, which eventually came to refer to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining. In today’s world, a picnic can be something as simple as sandwiches and soft drinks on by the sparkling Renaissance at North Bend resort-style pool, or as over the top as an Insta-worthy luxury picnic delivered by companies specializing in creating memorable experiences. Locally, Honey Social Picnic Co. offers curated packages for unforgettable gatherings. Picnicking In Austin There are plenty of places for you to plan your own picnic in Austin, including Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve and Mount Bonnell, both conveniently located to Renaissance at North Bend. Collective Retreats has some more superior suggestions of where you should take your picnic basket, so be sure to check that out. Grilling & Chilling Of course the Idea Specialists™ are going to have some suggestions for you when it comes to picnic-appropriate food and drink! First, though, check out this awesome Picnic Time combo BBQ Kit Cooler from Target they found. In addition to its large capacity for ice and drinks, it features an eight-piece stainless steel grill set that includes everything from tongs and a spatula to a cutting board and corkscrew. And because of its shoulder strap, it’s imminently portable—thus perfect for a picnic at the community poolside barbecue area. Sweet! Before you head out to wherever you’re going to spread your picnic blanket, whip up a to-go pitcher of this luscious Summertime Rosé Tequila Sangria. And depending on what you’re in the mood for, maybe one—or four, or a lot more—of these Pioneer Woman picnic foods. Cowboy caviar, loaded potato salad, chef’s salad on a stick, and blueberry bars all will go with whatever you decide to grill—ribs, chicken, burgers, YUM. Summer’s Bounty The Renaissance at North Bend Idea Specialists™ will definitely be heading back to the Farmers Market at Pepper Place for some more homegrown tomatoes now that they’ve seen this Garden & Gun article for delicious recipes for everything from tomato pudding to cracker salad. They’ll be taking that salad, and some green tomato chowchow, on their picnic, for sure. And Speaking Of Magazines If you’re new to the Lone Star State, one way to get a great current events education is by reading Texas Monthly, which has covered contemporary life all over Texas since 1973. For a closer look at the home front, Austin Monthly is THE go-to for keeping up with where to go, what to do, who to see, and the newest in bars, restaurants, and more. Enjoy!
June Brings The Joy of Father’s Day & Awareness of Alzheimer’s to Renaissance at North Bend
June brings the joys of Father’s Day and the summer solstice to the luxury apartment home community Renaissance at North Bend in Austin, Texas, along with the opportunity to join with others across the country in a show of support of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month with purple ribbons and purple clothes. In fact, a google search about initiatives of the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that one of them—The Longest Day®—encourages people to “outshine the darkness” of Alzheimer’s disease with a fundraiser of their own choice in connection with the summer solstice, the day of the year with the most light. This year that will be Thursday, June 20. Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It is not considered a normal part of aging, but, rather, a progressive disease. There is no known cure. Alzheimer’s Texas provides resources and support to all those impacted by the disease. Sharing Stories Sometimes personal stories can help us understand a medical condition that hasn’t affected us directly. The Renaissance at North Bend Idea Specialists™ were deeply moved by the 2014 movie Still Alice. Starring Julianne Moore, who won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a linguistics professor with a rare hereditary form of early-onset Alzheimer’s, it’s something you can watch in the privacy and comfort of your luxury apartment home. Another great option for Father’s Day—Sunday, June 16, 2024—is to provide him with the experience of a lifetime. Virgin Experience Gifts has something for every type of dad—foodie, gearhead, adventurer, golfer—you name it! Live, Local & Loud Something else fun to do to celebrate Dad, or the start of summer, would be to take advantage of some of Austin’s great live music scene. Austin City Limits Radio and Long Center have brought back The Drop-In, which features free acts every Thursday evening. And Alanis Morissette’s Triple Moon Tour—with special guests Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and Morgan Wade—will hit Moody Center Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The U.S. Open Finally, it just wouldn’t be a good June blog without a mention of the U.S. Open Golf Championship, being played at No. 2 Pinehurst outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, June 13-16, 2024. It’s always a memorable experience, whether you attend or watch it with a group of friends at the Renaissance at North Bend Clubhouse. Father’s Day Fun Sometimes socks just won’t cut it when it comes delighting Dad on his day. The Idea Specialists™ know that they can’t go wrong with the father figures in their lives by giving the gift of a good bourbon, and this year the Master of Malt blog has done a great list of the Top 10 everyone needs to try in 2024. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Whisky is probably a safe bet, but they’re really intrigued by the Charcoal & Cornmeal & Rickhouses & a Decade. (Wouldn’t you be? LOL)
