Pamela Turner, New Homes, Golf Homes, Eco-Friendly Homes

Check out this new House property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 112 Winding Oak Drive in Johnson City. This House property has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.

Since 1892 audiences over the world have enjoyed the famous Russian Ballet of “The Nutcracker”…There is nothing that says Christmas more than this popular production.  On Saturday, December 20th, I attended the matinee of Ballet Austin’s 46th Annual Production of the famous “Nutcracker Suite”.  I chose to go in the afternoon as I knew there would be tons of kids attending and I love being around little children (I have 4 kids that are grown and gone…). There is nothing as delightful to see the excitement of little children attending a Theater Production that is geared for them.  Seeing the little girls in their Holiday dresses of red, with big bows in their hair was a sentimental journey…one little girl even had on her “Ballerina” dress and that was worth a big smile!  The little girl that sat next to me knew this Ballet so well she hummed along, and I almost joined in myself, ha!!  

I had a wonderful seat, Orchestra section, 4th Row, I was so close I could see the eyebrows of the Dancers!  I was very impressed with the Costumes, they were classic jewel-toned Victorian-styled with a 40’s twist…the corps had brilliant true Red gowns instead of the often White traditional you generally see and that really stood out!  When I was much younger, I took Ballet, and the teacher was of the Russian school where each and every step is so precise and the choreography of Ballet Austin was superb, and reminded me of my old Teacher, Ms. Machelik.  This choreographer made good use of the young children, you could see the delight of the kids being on-stage! 

The Orchestra was definetly on it’s mark and did not miss a single note…the score by Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky who was the first major Composer to make use of the “Celesta” (invented in 1886) in a work for a full symphony orchestra, is complex and beautiful, one of my favorites beside Swan Lake.  However, the Nutcracker did not become widely popular in America until the late 1960’s, and it really took off in the 1970’s thanks to Mikhail Baryshinikov, an incredibly talented & muscular Russian dancer who took liberty with the classical Ballet relative to the story, but still leads the pack with the best selling DVD of the Nutcracker to this day.      

I would also like to mention that the Long Center for the Performing Arts is a wonderful venue, quite new, not even a year old yet.  http://www.thelongcenter.org/ It has no bad seats, it is laid out perfectly…with 2,400 seating, it’s not too big, and not to small…it’s just right and it even has side “boxes” on three levels which is very cool! The acoustics were absolutely perfect!  And parking is easy, $7 for Garage parking, and $17 for Valet.  I did the Garage parking as I enjoy the stroll to the venue, as the excitement electrifies the air, I love the thrill of it all! 

Check out the upcoming schedule for Ballet Austin and their Youth Programs…It’s an incredible learning ground for our young. It’s a true Multi-media experience encompassing all genre’s of Art…Music, Dance, Fashion & Style, Electronics & Lighting, Set Building & Design, and Theater production….it’s Creative Expression at it’s finest!       http://www.balletaustin.org/

As for me, I still have visions of Sugar Plums dancing in my head!  Merry Christmas, y’all!

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Link to the Property Profile: http://www.415MaternCt.com

This Waterfront Estate was designed by one of America’s Top 10 Green Architects, Marley Porter, who has received numerous accolades for sustainable development in environmentally sensitive areas as well as award-winning home designs. He has also been profiled in national print magazines most notably for his design of One World Theatre in Austin, TX. Alongside LBJ Lakefront, Inc, the meticulous Builder Ken G. Martin, two years were devoted to constructing the finest and largest custom Home ever built on a speculative basis.

Located on one of Horseshoe Bay’s best lakefront home sites, the lot has up to 189 feet of depth, 91 feet of Lake LBJ waterfront, a cherished eastern exposure and an exceptionally panoramic, open-water view. For the Lake enthusiasts, enjoy an Electric Boat Lift, 4 Jet-Ski pads, Grotto-Spa, Tandem Waterfalls, exquisite Swimming and a Reflecting-Sunning Pools and Limestone Fishing Benches.

Matern Court stands out among residential streets in Horseshoe Bay due to the street and adjacent common area being Horseshoe Bay’s broadest - up to 90-feet wide and is the only Live-Oak-lined street with trees that match in size and traverse the island’s entire length. It features a Gated Entrance, and also differs from other streets by having its own private “Lighthouse, incorporating three beautifully landscaped, park-like “islands” with conversation benches within the street’s median. Adding to further distinction, Matern Island has the added prestige of being Horseshoe Bay’s only completely lake-bound subdivision.  In addition, a Private Airport, the Horseshoe Bay Jet Center has a 6,000-foot lighted runway. Aptly named Air Horseshoe, features five Dornier Jets having occupancies ranging from five to 30 passengers that are available for charter.

The Essence of Luxury defines this spectacular Architectural Masterpiece as the Principles of Feng Shui harmonize completely with “Green and Sustainable Building” practices. This artistic design of a Texas Hill Country Contemporary-Mediterranean abode of 10,100 sq. ft. with 8,311 under Roof proudly showcases 92 Loewen windows which casually invite the majestic views of the ever-present and constant level Lake LBJ inside for a relaxing, rejuvenating, inspirational aspect.

This grand Tuscan-flavored Home is a Split-Level having two stories street side and three on the lake side, as well as a 3-story elevator. An open flowing floor plan moves seamlessly from space to space, accented by its tall ceilings, powerful, warm interiors; highlighted by rich textures, fine woods, and other organic materials. There is no paint or carpet inside the Home whatsoever. The timeless design unifies energies into a harmonious, synergistic whole by aligning and balancing the natural elements.Quality of Workmanship and Superior Materials detail the infinite intrinsic value of this captivating Estate located in the private, gated Waterfront community of Matern Island.  The outstanding amenities and features alongside State-of- the-Art appliances, fixtures and electronically advanced home automation systems are virtually unparalleled.

Chef Andrew Brooks, Faraday’s Kitchen Store, and D’Vine Wine…

Recently I attended a cooking class at Faraday’s Kitchen Store in Lakeway (www.faradayskitchenstore.com) 512-266-5666; and it was so interesting and so much fun I just had to share it with you!

Tony at Faraday’s assisted Chef Andrew Brooks, (www.spiritedfood.com) 512-844-1833;  who was cool, calm and collected making it easy for me to learn how to cook more nutritiously and varied. I grew up in the Southeastern corner of N.M. so I only learned one method of cooking: FRIED, which is as we have learned, is not necessarily healthy. Plus, after being married for 28 years, I know I need help to liven up my cooking menus! Ha!

The menu was actually quite simple, easy to learn and truly enjoyable: The Appetizer was a mouth watering Smoked Shrimp Cake with Green Tea Oil and Soy Sauce Powder; the Salad was flavorful and fresh: Basil, Red Chard, Celery and Bok Choy with a scrumptious Red Pepper puree w/Rice Vinegar. The Entree’ was an incredible Steamed Halibut with Porcini Dust and Cranberry Miso served with Pan Steamed Black Kale and Butternut Squash Ribbons, “stuff” I would never try on my own… The Desert was light with mini Ginger Snap cookies and a fun Chai Panna Cotta…talk about being fulfilled without being full! I left with a huge smile on my face and a joyful mood from the experience!

I met new people, some that were not Austinites per se and some that were…and I made some new friends to have “coffee talk” with too! The owner of the shop next door, D Vine Wines, (www.dvinewineofaustin.com) 512-266-8040, stopped by and presented us with a bottle of a specially blended wine (that is what they do rather than sell bottles of “brand names”) so all in all I can’t remember a more enjoyable and intriguing evening!

Austin is full of fabulous things to do and events just like this; I wanted to share with you what is Austintacious (a term you will hear alot here) about living in Austin! We are a friendly and fun city; fit for all ages and backgrounds.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this email or if you or someone you know is needing help with their Real Estate needs…in the meantime check out Chef Andrews’ website for upcoming cooking classes and his weekly delivery business of nutritious and fascinating foods; Faraday’s for more upcoming events + kitchen items, and D Vine wines as well!

Walk into Cafe Monet and it looks just like a “normal cafe” where you sit at a table or a bistro table; a waitress comes over to take your order.  But food is not on the Menu, for you see this is an Art Studio where you become the Artist…It’s a Paint your Own Pottery and Mosaic Studio. 

What I love about Cafe Monet is the importance they place on Children and awakening their artistic nature.  They offer a Kid’s Art Camp and I think that is Awesome!  Creativity is important and to encourage a child and feed their inner Monet is one of the greatest things you can do for a child.  They may or may not grow up to pursue art, but what a fabulous hobby to inspire into a youngster! Plan a Child’s Birthday Party at Cafe Monet, where each child can select their pottery piece, choose a stencil/stamp, paint, sign the pottery and voila a Masterpiece is Born!  They will feel proud and that is a Very Good Thing!

Cafe Monet uses only certified, non-toxic, food-safe paints/glazes.  Be sure and check out their website here: http://www.cafemonet.org or call them at 512-892-3200.  Below are a few cool kid creations:  A Froggie scrubber, a Butterfly box and a firetruck coinbank! 

Hudson’s on the Bend 512-266-1369 http://www.hudsonsonthebend.com

Each March 14th, my Husband (of a whopping 28 1/2 years) and I make a date-night where we get all gussied up and go to our favorite Restaurant to commemorate and celebrate our anniversay.  My Husband loves this place because of the exotic and unique food they serve such as Venison, Pheasant, Quail and Wild Boar.  My Husband is one of those types that has an adventurous appetite…he’s ”Like Mikey” and will try almost anything!  Me…not so much.  I have things I like and stick to the tried and true, such as Quail or Lobster, Yum! I go as much for the incredible food as for the atmosphere.  Fine art graces the white washed walls of this farmhouse turned restaurant, the seating is intimate and our conversation lends more to the intellectually inspired rather than the normal “let’s hurry up and eat”.  We tend to savor the dining experience more, perhaps because of our annual anniversay acknowledgement but I think the actual amenities of the restaurant assists the quality of our evening. We are never disappointed.

As a Realtor, I eat out with clients, alot.  I’ve been many places around the country as well and have enjoyed the fine gourmet food/chefs in Las Vegas.  Hudson’s on the Bend is Top Notch and ranks right up there with the very best in the U.S.  Be sure to check out their website as they also offer cooking classes with the Chef followed with a scrumptious meal, cookbooks by the Chef and gift boxes for sending to your family or friends (or yourself) on special occasions.     

On Saturday’s, I am usually out showing Buyers prospective Homes…one Saturday I got off work early afternoon around 2:30 p.m. and decided to check out the new stuff at Suzie D’s…So, I called my husband to tell him I was stopping off in Lakeway to go Boutique-ing.  He said what is that???  I told him it was somewhat like “Antique-ing” only instead of shopping for “old stuff”, it was shopping for “new stuff” in small shops.

Karen Atwell and her staff at Suzie D’s are so helpful in finding that special outfit or just for everyday wear.  Mostly, I like the fact that they are only 1 of the 2 stores in Austin that carry one of my favorite lines, Joseph Ribkoff: a designer whose clothing is reasonable priced and incredibly well made with top notch fabrics.  He is known for his use of prints in contemporary designs.  I usually go the the Ribkoff website, pick what I like and call Suzie D’s to order it in for me!  Now that is a service and I have a picky persona, make me smile and I will be loyal to the core! 

I also love the bauble’s Suzie D’s has (affordable but not cheap jewelry with sparkle).  They have a wide assortment of necklaces and earrings to compliment their clothing.  They also carry a fine line of daytime handbags and evening clutches, belts and of course Designer cowboy hats…this is Texas you know.  Add in Tee’s and Jeans and you have a complete shopping experience.

Call Suzie D’s at 512-263-0329; they don’t have website as the inventory changes daily, and frankly it’s personal…shopping by you, for you.  Once you find things you like, they will put your name on a list and give you a call when they get things in they think you will like in your size! You have to love that type of effort.  Go experience Suzie D’s shopping and enjoy yourself; dress your success in style!        

I was admiring the gorgeous May-day.  I was happy as a lark, driving down the road in my little Jag…the sky was as clear and as blue as blue could be, the clouds were like cotton balls, poofy and piled on top of each other dotting the horizon.  All of the foliage was shades of green, even the sides of the road.  As I admired all, I suddenly noticed my Baby’s Safety sticker was expired! Crikey!  This was not the first time I noticed, but  the day was so fabulous, I decided I would get a Safety Sticker so I wouldn’t get pulled over and get a ticket, it was that expired!

Off I went to the local “franchised” oil change place (which shall remain nameless)…However, the attendant told me it was first come, first serve and that there were 9 people in front of me.  He pointed out I was welcome to wait in the “waiting room” which was approximately 3′ x 4′, smelled of burnt coffee and although it had an Peanut M&M machine (which the M&M’s were probably 6 years old), I declined and stated I would come back in a couple of hours; and off I drove.  But I decided I would go to the local tire franchise (which shall also remain nameless). Since it was in a shopping center, I figured I could shop for groceries while my Sticker was being replaced.  The Tire Franchiser told me to come back after lunch as they were all out of Safety Stickers and had sent an employee to Tx. DOT (Texas Department of Transportation) to fetch more.  Okay, fine, I am not going to let a little setback spoil the beautiful day…back in the car and as I’m driving down the road, out of the corner of my eye, I spy a big sign that says Safety Stickers in 15 minutes!!! Ta-Da! Zooming towards the sign, I whip into ”Oak Hill Automotive”!  They have a big parking lot and as I enter the building, I notice what a lovely waiting room furnished with a full length couch, two easy chairs, plenty of up to date magazines and Complimentary refreshments!  Woo-Hoo.  Hank Amor and his staff fixed me right up and in fact I was still pleasantly reading an article when they interrupted me to announce my little red sportscar with current Safety Sticker was ready!  So, if you are thinking there is nothing particularly cool or intiguing about Oak Hill Automotive, perhaps … but if you get stuck on IH-35 on a Friday afternoon around 5:30 because your car overheats and then remember this blog…Hank doesn’t close until 6pm, and they have a tow truck and even better they have a complimentary service which will drive you home and pick you up when your car is ready!  Call the fair priced & friendly folks at Oak Hill Automotive at 512-288-3366 or visit their website at www.oakhillautomotive.net; they will fix you right up and you can depend upon their competent service….Here is a snapshot of their exterior..             

 Alongside the highway amongst the passing cars stands a peaceful park-like Vet house for pets, or so it would seem…truth is, it’s more than a Vet that just “works” there.  Truth is, it’s a place where you can trust the Doctors, the staff, the experience and the expertise of those who give Love & Care to those we Love, our Pets, our Companions…For years, I always got the name backwards, I called it the Animal Companion Hospital, but after what Dr. Margaret Leary did for “Jake the Great” I understood the name fully and with much gratitude.  Dr. Leary; a tall, slender woman with shiny dark eyes that have an inner light beaming from them like headlights in the night and with a quirky sense of humor is the reigning Queen of Compassion….she did everything she could to save “Jake the Great”.  Besides doing everything she knew to do, She personally took him to the A & M Research Labs to try to find a cure for his ever spreading cancer and it was just the heartfelt way she attended him that touched me forever and I owe her more than $$$ could even begin to repay.  I think I realized how much she cared for our Companion-Animal that we named Jake was when she told me she bought him a McDonalds hamburger…something seemingly simple.  But you see, she knew the end was near and why not give him a treat we don’t often do for our pets, she treated him with the same respect as a Human Being.  When Dr. Leary told me it was time to let Jake go to end the suffering, she and her wonderful staff helped me and held me through it as it was the toughest thing a ”Lover of Doggies” ever has to do.  As tears streamed down my face and I bubblered my love over and over, they let me cry and then told me Jake was in peace; that it was over…I will always be grateful to Dr. Margaret Leary and if you love your ”Companions”, make certain you call the “Loving Leary-Doctor” at 512-288-2713.  She, along with the kind and competent blue-eyed soulful Dr. Brown will treat your babies like their own.  Here’s our Jake…our beloved Springer Spaniel who would jump our fence just to sit on our front porch…

and Yes, friends it’s true…All Dogs Do Go To Heaven..

Thankfully and Luckily, Central Texas and the Austin area is such an incredible place to be ”My Three Sons” all choose to  live in Austin although they do not work here in Austin.  I get to see them on a regular basis and they live within 5 to 15 minutes of me… is that awesome or what?!

From left to right, Joshua the Oldest, Thomas the Youngest, and Sammy the Middle one….What Mother could not love those faces, the epitome of happy, healthy, handsome lads and what Austin embodies…fresh attitudes and faces, energetic and adventurous natures…I would have to mention that although I am their Mother, I would absolutely  love these kids even if they weren’t my own, they are that special and they are best friends with each other!

They are super-polite and well-mannered, super-duper nice, and they just have that down-home Texas-friendly nature about them…If you are downtown clubbing or eating at the local haunts, you might run into Joshua, he is well known and well liked, don’t let that long hair full you, he is not wild and crazy in the least, in fact quite the opposite.  He’s a solid fellow, he has opened his home to many a person in need to help them get on their feet or back on their feet, whatever the case.  He’s a sky-diving nut, and he loves his motorcyle rides out and around the Austin Hill Country.

If you are out for a night on the town and like Country-Western dancing, you might run into Thomas, or even more to the point, he might be running into you by asking you to Dance the Two-Step!  Thomas is the Cowboy of the family, generally with a cowboy hat atop his head, a colorful (and I do mean colorful) western shirt and of course a good pair of western boots all shined up to do the Boot Scoot Boogie!  He is also an outdoor type, with hunting being his favorite hobby.

If you are wake-boarding on Lake Austin or out fishing, you might run into Sammy (affectionately known as Sambo)…Or if you are out cycling on the Austin Veloway in the Southwest corridor of Austin, he might be there exercising his wry and dry humor which will crack you up to the point of hilarity. Easy-going and relaxed is his nature…

Home is definitely where my Heart Is! 

Many years ago, when my Husband and I lived in the Southeastern corner of New Mexico a very sweet little ole’ lady named Opal Pearl would gather Pecans from her daughters Pecan trees, crack them, shell them whole and bring to us during the fall, we loved it alot…When we moved to Austin, she would send me a couple of bags; but they didn’t last long with four kids and a husband that would eat them like hotcakes right out of the freezer… I would purchase them at the local grocery store and some were downright rancid tasting and some were okay, but mostly not much on flavor.  Then one day as I was driving out on Hwy 290 West towards Dripping (Springs, that is), exploring some new subdivision, I saw a sign and thought I alone had discovered NAVIDAD FARMS!!! Glory be, Woo-hoo and Hallelujah! I know just how Christopher Columbus felt, ha!

Finally, a place were I could purchase whole or chopped pecans for my precious home-baked au-natural banana nut muffins!!! As I raved to my family about my discovery and they stuffed their rosy cheeks; within a few weeks I had to make another trip to Navidad Farms.  Now there is much going on in that small store, and that is a severe understatement…Owner, Jeanne Roe, is an incredibly talented individual if you were to assess her on the store itself.  The store is all about Texas and that is super-cool…Lucky for us, She has all sorts of Pecans, milk chocolate covered, cinnamon spiced, chili spiced, pralined, carmelized and my personal favorite, White Chocolate-covered (and yes, I can’t eat just one!).  Beyond Pecans, she has a room devoted to Jim Shore and Christmasy type stuff, a room for BBQ type stuff and a room where you can purchase candles or coffee mugs in a gift box that is a piece of art all on it’s own, a box you will not throw away, I guarantee you on that one - Add into that all different kinds of pickles, zesty-tasty jalepeno’s, Texas cavier, Texas cheese dips/dressings/marinades, and you have just walked into a shop for all tastes and all seasons.  Jeanne also has gift-baskets where you you can select your own goodies for shipping to family/friends, etc. and she always makes the package so purty you almost don’t want tear into it! 

Here’s a funny story…One time, I bought a texas-shaped basket and stuffed it with various items to welcome a new client to Austin…well, the client-buyer was not able to make the trip to Austin and my husband snuk downstairs to the garage-refrigerator where I had it stored (hidden), he opened the basket and then he munched out!  Man-oh-man, I have to admit I was a little hot under the collar when I discovered he had opened the client’s gift-basket, but the comical aspect of it got the best of me and I just had to laugh at the “Taste Bud Thief” aka husband Tommy over the whole thing.  After all, Jeanne is just a call away for another gift basket or for more Pecan-shopping…Please do yourself a “Flavor” and visit Navidad Farms at www.navidadfarms.com or call Jeanne at 512-288-1196 and tell her Pamela sent you!  She has her big annual Open House coming up in October and it is comparable to Market Days in Dallas, one you do not want to miss!

Here is an amazing songwriter/singer, who is a well known long time local musician that appears quite regularly on the music scene.  I was blown away by his Saturday morning performance….so here I was just a-strolling through the Farmers Market when I heard some guitar pickin’ that was quite good.  As I continued to listen I was very impressed thinking “Wow”…is that Robert Earl Keen or Jerry Jeff Walker bestowing upon us their music?   So I proceeded to find out…and started walking towards the sound of the deep voice singing a song that reminded me of the incredible John Prine (who has a knack for story-telling).  As I finally found a huge tent there was Jimmy Joe Natoli (see photo, far right) just a-pickin’ & a-grinnin’….even though it was not Jerry Jeff or Robert Earl, I was not disappointed in Jimmy Joe!  His classic “Mango Song” had me rolling with laughter and delight!

Austin is quite famous for being the “Live Music Capitol of the Southwest”, and Jimmy Joe is just one of the many artists that bring us that title with great pride.  Check him out here: www.myspace.com/jimmyjoenatoli

#9: The good ole’ backyard BBQ, a gathering of families and friends with nuttin’ but a good time to be had by all!  Austin is famous for BBQ, casualness and the outdoors…oh yeah and the cooler full of beer which can be used as a spot to hang yourself for a while.  There is nothing more fun on an evening than to enjoy some chicken legs, babyback ribs and Elgin sausage over a mesquite wood-fired flame.  Trust me on this one, you will throw your inhibitions to the wind and just relax, sit a spell and exchange recipes for potato salad, brownies and the like…check out my funny silly wacky son here…he loves to make me laugh with his posing…     

YogaYoga is one of the most renowned studios in the U.S. and rightfully so.  They have four locations around Austin and offer several disciplines of Yoga: Hatha, Kundalini, Ashtanga & Restorative.  They have classes every day, over 300 offered weekly so the opportunity is there…They say do Yoga once a week and it will change your mind; do Yoga twice a week and it will change your body; and do Yoga daily and it will change your life.  From the classes I’ve attended, most people were there not only for their body, but for the restlessness of the mind and the stresses of life.  It has been written that Yoga is the Science of well-being that ensures health on all levels by restoring inner harmony and balancing the physical body.  It balances your physical, emotional, mental and spirtual body, it is absolutely amazing.  And this I can tell you with all earnestness; my arch on my right foot was in pain from walking, jogging on the treadmill and I was looking for a way to alleve that pain without going to a doctor or taking pills.  So I signed up for the beginner series of Hatha Yoga.  The next day after class my foot was not 100% pain free, but at least with each step I take, it is not in constant pain.  I did also buy a very good pair of tennis shoes for support but I wore those for two weeks prior to Yoga class with minimal results…so for me, being pain free and exploring the practice has been truly Transformational! 

They also serve a Chai Tea after each class putting that personal touch to the experience!

Check this studio out here: http://www.yogayoga.com  I think you will benefit one way or another! 

Hey, Cupcake!

Call me a kid at heart and I will not be insulted!!!  I L-O-V-E this funky South Congress business that sells nothing but good ole’ fashioned hearty heavily frosting topped Cupcakes, what an American Classic….Yes, out of this silver-bullet styled trailer just a few blocks from the State Capitol and in the artsy district laced with antique shops and cool little eateries, this whimsical and popular food source thrives.  If you are within shouting distance, they also deliver!!! As you can see on the top of the Silver bullet is a revolving Cupcake!!!! How cool is that?!? Way cool in my estimation and by the number of cupcakes they sell; I think many are in agreement…plus they give you a little magnet so you can order ahead for parties, etc….Check them out here: http://www.heycupcake.com

 The infamous Austin Vibe: 

I moved to Austin 20 years ago and discovered an eclectic, progressive, friendly and social city-or more aptly put it’s like several cities in one, from the barrio to the bourgeoisie. South Austin is all types of funky & retro ’60s hip / it’s wavy-gravy, Central Austin is  cooly upscale and historical heritage types, East Austin has a chips-and-salsa belt and North Austin is corporate and techno-savvy… They’re all here, frosty-haired church ladies to the last remnants of blue haired punksters, conservatives to liberals. They come for the atmosphere, the many recreational pursuits, or maybe just the BBQ, - but mainly for each other, a celebration of their city’s growing diversity. Warning: summer time in the Texas sun heats up; bring a hat.

Spa at the Lake:

For the past several Syears I have been a frequent & familar face at the Spa at the Lake which is located at the entrance of Lakeway (the little town that sits on the South shore of Lake Travis) on Ranch Road 620 South.  They take great care of me and offer the best products for Haircare (Kerastase), Skincare (Dermologica) and Makeup (Jane Iredale)…I can get my hair styled, my back massaged, my face scrubbed, as well as nails & pedicures. Basically anything that has to do with Spa or Salon services, they can handle, plus they are super-understanding of my busy often changing schedule!  Fellows, if you think this place is just for girls, think again!

Check them out here…. http://www.spaatthelake.com/

Lady Bird Johnson, who was the wife and “First Lady” of our 36th President of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson did way more with her life than this blog can mention, but what I what like to showcase is the Wildflower Center in South Austin.  Intended to preserve North America’s native plants and natural landscapes, my belief and affirmation is that it also encompasses the restorative power of nature on the human spirit…I enjoyed the casual browsing the gardens and especially the sculptures positioned within the displays.  There were benches everywhere so you could sit, think, look, meditate at every juncture.  Volunteers were also tending to the plots of wildflowers throughout the Center.  As I enjoyed the freshness of the morning and the cool breezes, there was a class of youngsters being educated about Texas landscapes! There is also a Wildflower store, a cafe’, and a visitor’s gallery with art exhibits and videos for more in-depth learning.  I am a huge fan of the Texas rock, Sandstone, which along with Limestone is used exclusively in the architecture.  One of the best features though is the Free Cell Phone Audio Tour..it’s easy, using your cell phone you dial in and enter the corresponding code as your pass through the tour (you’ll see the codes displayed in a red circle). For more information here’s the link: http://www.wildflower.org/

 The variety and incredible Asian inspired Buffet Palace

Since I eat at least once daily  the Buffet Palace is a favorite spot for myself and many other Austinites…this has been called “the Mother of all of Austin’s Asian buffets”!  With an interior that is casual & comfy with an obvious Asian-inspired theme, the menu features a large selection of food to appeal to college kids, families looking for an inexpensive evening out or someone like me who wants to get the most bang for the buck and eat well at the same time! I enjoy the variety of chicken dishes that are battered, fried, or served in a spicy sesame sauce. Buffet Palace also has an assortment of salads, stir-fried vegetables, soups, yummy daily made Sushi rolls, and at least 10 different deserts including soft-serve ice cream…I see just as many adults as youngsters getting ice cream! Here’s their link, eat and enjoy!     http://www.buffetpalace.com/

       The Hill Country Galleria, it’s called Shopping Outside the Box.  And yes, the Hill Country Galleria is located in the Hill Country, in a little community that is growing by leaps and bounds called “Bee Cave”.  The locals (me included) call it “Bee Caves”; plural, but the official name is Bee Cave; as if there is just one “bee-cave” out there in them ‘thar hills…it is a little suburb just a hop, skip and a jump Northwest of Austin towards Lakeway and the Lake Travis area.  The whole concept of the Hill Country Galleria is to have all the same stores & shopping conveniences you have at the mall located in a town square type atmosphere where you can stroll down the street like we used to do way back when (the old days)…Hence, the ”shop outside the box” slogan…You have City Hall located at the entrance with the Library in the same building.  Across the street from City Hall is an open pavilion area, more aptly termed Ampitheater with hillside seating on local-area quarried limestone blocks where they have weekly musical & art happenings.  The ambiance and casual-ness is very “Austintacious”, a word you will hear quite a bit around here…and the interpretation of that term is as individual and unique as the Hill Country Galleria.        

 Local & Organic Food.

As a much desired place to live and work; Austin is always on somebody’s list for something!  Eating Well Magazine has rated the Sunset Valley Farmers Market in Southwest Austin as one of the Top Ten in the United States due to the large readers poll taken.  Sign up for the online newsletter which comes each Friday to let you know what is happening, what veggies are available, which musicians are strumming,  etc.  You can also shop at Whole Foods or Central Market for Organic Food, but the Sunset Valley Farmers Market is fun for the entire family.  You can just walk around if you like and soak up the atmosphere, the sunshine, meet new people. listen to live music and enjoy the fresh air…there is not much pollution in the blue skies of Austin and Austinites are some of the friendliest people on the planet! Check it out, here’s the info…

Sat., 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the Tony Burger Center | http:sunsetvalleyfarmersmarket.org

Welcome to Pamela Turner’s “Meet the Faces & Place of Central Texas” Blog!  I wanted to do a blog that was different and not so real estate-centric, the internet is abundant with that….I wanted to bring you something that was 100% original and utterly authentic, just like Central Texas! As a Realtor, I specialize in New Home Construction, Eco friendly-Green Homes & Golfing Communities, and as I journey through my daily excursions & work, I can easily and happily bring you my blog!  This is my photo-journalistic effort to inspire you, to encourage you, and to motivate you towards a Home Purchase with my assistance, of course.  It is my singular and sincere effort to bring you into my community, from my eyes…I want you to meet the people, places and things I see and to fall in love with Central Texas as I have.  So, Sit back, relax and enjoy these tidbits of interesting happenings in and around Austin, Lake Travis and Horseshoe Bay, Texas.