Original Outings

Summer Sunsets

2011-07-19T12:00:00.004-05:00

Are you ever moving so quickly, you don't stop to look at what is going on around you? Every morning and evening we are blessed with an amazing gift of beauty and all we have to do is stop and enjoy it. There are few things greater than catching the sunrise or watching it fall below the horizon. The skies turn shades of colors that can't be reproduced.

So the next time you are stressed, grab a glass of wine and a lawn chair and watch the sunset. I promise you won't regret it.

Be Happy

2010-06-23T16:51:00.004-05:00

It's summer. It's too hot to do anything that requires walking, talking or breathing, and we can't afford to vacation somewhere cooler. My solution: HAPPY HOUR! I'm not sure this solves all of our problems, but let's face it..I give you booze, AC and half price food.....it's a pretty good start!

So, skip the gym and join me!

Tuesday Trivia Night at Third Base
All day Happy Hour on Sunday and Monday at Peche and Kenichi.
Half price (amazing) bar food every day 5-7 at Lamberts.

Cheers!

Get Carried Away...

2010-05-25T12:36:00.004-05:00

Sex and the City 11 comes out this weekend, so grab your gal pals, put on your highest heels and check it out. Just hearing the opening music gives me the chills.
I heard it's over 2 1/2 hours long, so make sure you are prepared. And don't forget to buy your tickets early!!!

To make this evening last a little longer hit up a martini bar afterward where you and your ladies can chat about the movie and unwind. If you are in Austin and haven't checked out Paggi House or La Condesa, DO IT. To save money, switch up the order and have martinis during Happy Hour and then go see the movie.

Click here to find out which Sex and the City girl you are: QUIZ

Irish I Was Drunk!

2010-03-15T11:00:00.004-05:00

Saint Patrick's Day is this Wednesday! A Partying Saint to celebrate...what more could we ask for? Green beer and Irish car bombs for everyone!

You shouldn't have a hard time finding something to do on this day. Head out to any bar and let the St. Paddy's day festivities ensue. Whether you are going to see a parade, getting in some good irish grub, or just looking for some booze, this day has you covered.

Follow this link for information on the biggest party in Austin. Starting at 2pm, there is food, dancing and music to get you in the spirit.

Warning: Don't forget to wear green and avoid getting pinched!

Pot is fun!

2010-02-05T11:10:00.007-06:00

One of my most loyal readers (and best friend) is coming to visit me this weekend. Besides hitting up some restaurants and maybe a little shopping, we will be attending a Pottery Class. I have been wanting to play with a pottery wheel since I saw the movie, "Ghost," but only want to commit to a one time class.

We are taking a three hour "Pot Shot" where we should be able to learn how, make and paint up to three pieces for only $32. She thinks I will be much better at this than her, but we shall see. The only downfall is that you can't pick up your finished pieces for a month...so we have to wait to see our masterpieces.

Think about something you have always wanted to learn how to do, research to find a local class and then drag a friend along with you for good fun. Whether it's glass blowing, painting, cake decorating or knitting, there are lots of options for your next original outing. Get out there and find your hidden talent!

Aww, Shucks!

2010-01-27T09:38:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone had a very happy Holiday and is having a good new year.

It is OYSTER time. Fried, raw, sauteed....however you like them, it's time to eat them. Find the freshest, best you can afford and sit down to a wonderfully romantic and fun meal.

I recently enjoyed dinner at the "Shuck Shack"--a new laid back restaurant in East Austin (check out many new fun restaurants in this Original Outings hot spot!!). Good music and twinkle lights surround you in what felt to me like a large back yard. The service was great and what can beat raw oysters at 6 bucks a dozen and $2 LoneStars!??

If you have a higher budget and want to check out a snazzier spot, Perla's on South Congress, is a great choice. Their oysters run you $12-$18/half dozen, but from what I hear it is worth the dough.

These are some good Austin spots, but if you don't live here ask around for oyster bars in your area and then post them here!

Healthy note: There are only 110 calories in a dozen raw oysters and TONS of vitamins and minerals. So even if you don't fall in love over oysters, you will definitely fall in love with them.

Keep Austin Bazaar!

2009-12-14T14:19:00.002-06:00

Get your Christmas shopping done at The Original Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. There is a bar, live music and gifts for every person on your list! It goes on now until Christmas eve and is only $3 to get in before 7pm on weekdays. For more information follow this link:

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

If you don't live in Austin, search for Christmas Bazaars in your area. It is a fun place to shop for unique gifts and enjoy a nice holiday evening!

Skate Date!!

2009-12-11T12:48:00.004-06:00

For people living in the south, ice skating isn't something we do often. However, it can be a fun and different way to enjoy a cold day! Bundle up in your warm clothes and hit the ice. Afterwards you can warm up with a warm cup of cocoa.

In Austin, the only place where you can find an ice skating rink is on top of Whole Foods on Lamar. From now until January 17, for ten bucks you can skate for 50 minutes (includes skate rental). Enjoy skating and the great view in this winter wonderland!

For more details follow this link: Skating on the Plaza

Light Up Your Holiday!

2009-12-09T12:14:00.003-06:00

Now that everyone has their Holiday decorations up, it is time to go out and enjoy all the hard work. Pack some cocoa in a thermos and drive around town listening to Christmas music and viewing all the houses decked out in lights. This can be a romantic date or a great family event and the best part is that it is practically free!

Don't feel like doing the driving? Enjoy Christmas light tours around downtown Austin in the Holly Trolley through the Austin Trolley Company. Book tickets by calling 512-929-5013.

Since Austin isn't having it's large light show this year, the Trail of Lights, consider taking a mini road trip to Tyler, Texas. Here there is a drive through Christmas park where you can stay in the comfort of your warm car!

Santa Land Texas

Check out the Top Ten Christmas Light Shows

Let it Snow!!!

2009-12-03T16:18:00.004-06:00

It looks as if Texas might get snow tomorrow! What a perfect way to ring in the Christmas season!

After you build a snowman, head out to your town's Christmas tree lighting. Look up info for details on your town's shin dig.

Here is the scoop if you live in the ATX: This Saturday at 6pm make your way to the Capitol for the Holiday Sing-Along and Tree Lighting. After the lighting stroll down Congress to enjoy performances from local Austin groups. Shops and restaurants will also be open late with special deals for the event. Check out more info here: Holiday Sing-Along

Can't remember the words to Away in a Manger? Follow this link to find all the lyrics to popular Christmas Carols: Lyrics

Deck The Halls

2009-12-01T09:32:00.007-06:00

Turn on the Christmas carols, make some hot cocoa, and pull out your Christmas decorations--it is the merriest time of the year!

Make a fun evening out of decorating for Christmas this year. Now that it is chilly outside, it really feels like the Holidays are here. No matter how big or small your place is, there is always room for some lights and a wreath. You would be surprised how the smallest amount of decoration can really lift your spirits. Whether or not you go Chevy Chase style and make your house the brightest on the block, Santa will still find you, if you are nice!

Yummy Hot Cocoa Recipe:

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
4 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
miniature marshmallows

Preparation:

Blend cocoa and sugar in a small bowl. In a medium saucepan, heat milk to scalding. Mix about 1/3 cup of the hot milk into the cocoa-sugar mixture, then pour cocoa mixture into hot milk in the saucepan; stir until well blended. Stir in vanilla. Serve with mini marshmallows. Serves 4.

Looking for more family fun? Follow this link for ideas on how to make homemade Christmas ornaments. Also a good idea for low budget gifts!

Ornament Crafts

Dumpster Diving

2009-11-24T09:43:00.002-06:00

Well, sort of...

This weekend is Austin's biggest City Wide Garage Sale of the year!! If you have never attended, it takes place about 9 times a year at the Palmer Events Center. It is open Saturday and Sunday and is $5 for adults and free for kids under 12.

Not everything is second hand or antiques. A lot of the vendors sell collectible and vintage items--even fishing lures. It is a great place to find unique Christmas presents!

The link for more info is: CWGS

If you don't live in Austin (boo!), you can still go hunting for garage sales in your city. Keep an eye out on Craig's List for big ones. A lot of times local churches will do large garage sales that are fun to attend.

Remember...one man's trash is another man's treasure! Happy Hunting!

Do It With Your Friends

2009-11-18T14:23:00.003-06:00

Work out with your friends for a natural high! We all know that working out releases endorphins that make us happy, but working out with friends can amply these results and keep you from feeling weary or bored during your work out!

Not only is it easier to drag yourself to the gym when you know a friend is meeting you there, but it will also help you work out longer and harder. You can chat about work or any other gossip that takes your mind off of how hard your body is working. Walking at a pace that is still comfortable to hold a conversation is healthy for your heart. It also takes the pressure off of going to a gym class alone.

If going to a gym isn't your thing, there are plenty of other ways to work out with buddies. You can run around a track, go hiking, get together to do videos in your living room or join some type of boot camp or recreational group. Remember that something as simple as throwing around a frisbee can get your heart rate up and burn calories!

Start a competition with your friends to see who can lose the most inches or pounds. It's a friendly challenge that can help motive you both to work out!

Comment with ideas that you have for fun ways to work out.

Balls of Fun!

2009-11-13T09:00:00.004-06:00

Batters up! Head out to the batting cages for a swingin' time. I have been frequenting batting cages here in Austin to practice for the rec softball team I joined. For a buck you get 20 balls and they provide the bat. Some batting cages you pay per half hour, but they generally aren't that expensive. You can research to find one near you. Keep in mind that they usually go hand-in- hand with parks that include arcades, rock climbing, put put golf and race cars. Visiting the batting cages can be a fun outing for a date or something you can even do by yourself.

Be prepared to be a little sore the next day if you aren't a regular ball player. Remember to keep your eye on the ball!

Trailer Park Heaven

2009-11-09T11:33:00.003-06:00

Stands aren't just for snow cones anymore. Now you can get frozen bananas, cake balls, gourmet pudding, cupcakes, crepes and tacos at the trailer park eateries in Austin, Texas.

One of the best gourmet restaurants in Austin, Hudson's on the Bend, has opened a trailer (Mighty Cone) on Congress that serves up it's famous food for under ten bucks!

Eating dinner from an array of food trailers set up around Austin is a great way to enjoy a beautiful afternoon or laid back date. One of the best parts of going to a fair is the food and now Austin is giving you the fair food any time you want it.

So be brave and experiment with a meal from an airstream. Leave comments with other yummy food trailers in your city!

Straight Road Trippin', Boo!

2009-11-03T08:52:00.005-06:00

Yep, ROAD TRIP!!! Whether you are going 5 hours or 5 days, a road trip can be a fun way to get away with out spending a ton of cash. We all remember road trips with our family that seemed endless, but with a group of friends we can be talking about a whole different ball game!

Use an atlas or one of the links below to plan your road trip. Pick your final destination and then plot your path or even better just wing it—pick a road and take it! Along the road trip, you can sleep in hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, with family or even campgrounds.

Don't forget to stop and look at all the random things along the way--historical markers, dive restaurants and tourist attractions, like the world’s largest ball of twine, that you wouldn't get to enjoy if you just hopped on a plane. You will have to break up the drive and that becomes half the fun.

When the conversation dies down and you need to stay awake, make sure to play different car games, like finding road signs with every letter of the alphabet, looking for every state license plate, twenty questions and memory games.

Also, make sure to stock your car with a cooler full of drinks and lots of good road trip snacks. Some of my favorites are jerky, twizzlers, corn nuts and M&M’s.

Follow this link for a free personalized road trip planner. You select your origination

and destination points and the site does the rest. FREE TRIP

This site has links to oddball attractions and each state page: ROADSIDE AMERICA

Cheap Treats!

2009-10-28T12:03:00.004-05:00

Trick or Treat! Give me something good to eat!! Too old for trick or treating? How about going out to eat at that new restaurant you have been dying to try, but can't afford.

Follow this link to get $25 Restaurant Gift cards for only $2: Restaurant.com

Put in your zip code to find local restaurants. Choose one that you are interested in. During check out enter code: APE

The $25 gift card will show a price of $10, but after you enter your discount code, the price drops to only $2. Offer is only valid until Halloween, so purchase today.

I have done this before and it really works. They will e-mail you the gift card. You just print it and bring it in to the restaurant. Each restaurant has different stipulations. You can't use the certificate towards the purchase of alcohol, and you usually have to purchase at least two entrees that total at least $35 or something along those lines. Just make sure you read the fine print before you order. You still get a great deal, and it is a good way to try an expensive restaurant for a cheaper price!

Halloween is Frighteningly Close!!

2009-10-21T09:11:00.004-05:00

It is getting darker earlier, the wind is picking up and the temperature is finally cooling off. We all know that Halloween is just around the corner, and that means it's time to check out a spooky haunted house!

Get a group of friends together and find out which haunted house is the scariest in your hood.

If haunted houses aren't really your thing....try ghost tours or fright nights at local amusement parks or even just play scary movies at home with some friends. There are lots of spooky ways to get in the Halloween spirit!

Follow this link to find everything creepy...including ghost stories and haunted buildings:

http://hauntedhouses.com/

Brain Storming!!!

2009-10-14T08:53:00.002-05:00

Hello readers!! I wanted to apologize for not posting anything new this week. I am crazy with my actual job and will be with out a computer. I was hoping you all would leave comments with ideas for future posts! Let me know any original outing ideas you may have. Thank you! : )

P-P-P-Poker Face

2009-10-09T12:16:00.003-05:00

Looking for a fun, low-key evening? Invite some friends over for a night of poker. It's a great way to catch up with friends, and heck...maybe even make a little money!

First, you need to decide what kind of poker night it will be. If you are playing a dealer's choice game where seven-card stud is a possibility, you can't have more than 7 players at the table. If you are playing Texas Hold'em, then you can have 6-10 players. Invite friends accordingly.

Then you need to decide what the buy-in and the stakes are. You will need to tell your friends how much cash to bring for the "buy in". It can be anywhere from $10 to $100. It is fun to make the money matter, but we aren't trying to send our friends to the curb if you they lose. The other thing you have to consider is what the stakes, or the betting structure, will be. How much will the min/max bets be, and so on?

Before your big poker night, make sure you have all the supplies to play--along with some food/drink to nourish the players! You will need poker chips, two decks of cards and a table to play on.

Here is a link to brush up on Poker rules/terms/games! Poker

Have fun and Good luck!

Have a "Spooktacular" Time

2009-10-06T09:55:00.004-05:00

Fall is here and that means it's time to cover your house in fake spider webs, burn your pumpkin spice candle you have been saving all year and sharpen your carving knives! To get you geared up I am going to go over all things pumpkin!

First of all you need to get a pumpkin! You can do this at a local pumpkin patch or just grab one from the grocery store. They range from all different colors and sizes.

Here are some tips in choosing the perfect pumpkin:

-Carefully examine the pumpkin. You don't want any cracks, splits or soft spots. The shell should be hard and not dent or scratch easily.

-Medium pumpkins are best for carving. Small pumpkins are better for cooking.

Once you have your pumpkin, keep it in a cool, dark area until you are ready to carve. If you choose not to carve your pumpkin, it can last through Thanksgiving. However, once you carve your pumpkin, it will only last less than a week or two. To expand the life of your carved creation, apply a light coating of petroleum jelly on the cuts.

To carve your pumpkin, cut open the top and clean out all the "pumpkin brains." You want the inside walls about an inch thick. Choose your design and draw it on the outside of the pumpkin with pencil. Use a pumpkin carving knife to cut out the design.

You can also paint or decorate your pumpkin in other ways, if you want it to last longer. Follow this link for fun ideas: Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Use every part of your pumpkin! You can use pumpkin in bread, waffles, pancakes, soups, lasagna, pie, etc. Search for recipes that inspire you.

A common use of the pumpkin guts is roasting the seeds. Here is all the info you need to make a yummy snack:

1. Do a mediocre job of separating the goo and guts from the actual seeds. Don’t rinse them or they won’t taste as good.

2. Add salt to the seeds. I suggest 1 teaspoon for every 2 cups of seeds.

3. Add the melted butter. I use 1 tablespoon.

4. Mix the salt (and/or seasonings), melted butter and seeds and then spread them on the baking sheet.

5. Roast them at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes. Stir them halfway through.

6. Take them out and eat them.

Pumpkin Seed Seasoning Ideas:

Sweet and Spicy: quarter cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and half teaspoon cayenne pepper. Curry: 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon salt

Spicy Garlic: 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, half teaspoon cayenne pepper

Southwest: 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, half teaspoon cayenne pepper

Pumpkin Seed Eating Facts:

1. Some types of pumpkin seeds have less husk than others.

2. You can eat the whole seed, husk and all. Don’t worry.

3. 50 grams of seeds has 5 grams of dietary fiber. That will keep you regular.

4. Pumpkin seeds are also said to be good for Gout, Prostate Health and are supposedly an aphrodesiac.

5. Both German and Bulgarian folk medicines say that eating pumpkin seeds prevents impotence.

6. Roasted pumpkin seeds will keep for about a week in the fridge.

Whip It Good

2009-10-01T09:01:00.007-05:00

Need plans for this weekend? Make an event out of the release of the new roller derby flick, "Whip It." Watch the movie with some friends and then make your way to the local roller rink to have some fun of your own.

This movie is getting a lot of publicity. It is Drew Berrymore's directorial debut and stars Ellen Page (Juno) as a misfit teen who deals with her small-town misery by joining the rowdy world of roller derby. The rating so far are great (7.8 out of 10). For all my Texas readers, this movie takes place in Bodeen, Texas and the roller derby league is in the ATX!

Got the movie covered, but not sure where to find a roller rink? Follow this link to find one near you: Roller Rink Locations

I have a feeling this movie will inspire you to become a derby doll yourself!

Want even more fun? Visit http://www.foxsearchlight.com/whipit/ to create your derby name! Mine is Wreckin Tyger. Watch out...I'm dangerous on wheels.

Pitch a Tent

2009-09-28T08:41:00.003-05:00

As the weather gets cooler, camping time gets closer! Pull out that dusty tent and sleeping bag and reserve your spot at the local camping grounds. Whether you decide to drive far or just go somewhere close, camping is a fun way to get out of the city and get closer to nature.

If you aren't the type that likes ruffing it in the woods, you might want to think about renting a trailer or staying in a cabin--although, I am firm believer that going a day with out showering never killed anyone.

What can be better than hot dogs cooked over an open fire, roasting the perfect marshmallow and stories told around a crackling campfire? Another idea is to coordinate your camping trip around a meteor shower.

Check the link below for a list of state parks: http://www.stateparks.com/usa.html

Please remember to be safe while camping. Don't drink too much and always be aware of your surrounds.

Mini Golf, Maximum Fun

2009-09-23T13:01:00.005-05:00

Mini Golf is making a comeback!

While the WMF, World Minigolf Sport Federation, (um...yeah....) prefers to use the name "minigolf," the general public uses many other names including: miniature golf, mini-golf, midget golf, goofy golf, shorties, extreme golf, crazy golf, adventure golf, mini-putt, putt-putt, and even weenie golf. Please feel free to comment with names you and your family might have used!

Mini Golf can be a fun first date or a good family outing. Who doesn't have fun playing glow-in-the-dark golf?! Even better, some mini golf courses let you bring in your own cooler!

This link to the Professional Miniature Golf Association shows a directory for all mini golf courses: PMGA Mini Golf Directory

Keep in mind that some mini golf courses also include batting cages, race tracks, arcades, rock climbing walls, etc to enhance your evening!

Check out this link for more fun and kind of creepy mini golf information.

http://minigolfenthusiast.blogspot.com/

Betting is encouraged.

Don't Whine, Drink Wine

2009-09-21T12:10:00.005-05:00

Depending on whether you are looking for something to do for just a few hours or a few days, there are lots of options when it comes to wineries. Do some research and see what suites your needs the best.

You can tour a winery, stop by for a tasting, buy a bottle and enjoy dinner or even make your own bottles. This can be a romantic evening or a fun way to hang out with friends. If you don't know a lot about wine, this is also a great way to learn and see what you like.

Blue Bonnet Wine Tours lets you schedule 1/2 day or full day wine tours around different parts of Texas. Jump in a limo and start your wining! (I'm thinking this would be a fantastic girl's weekend!) http://www.bluebonnetwinetours.com/index.html

Comment with your favorite winery!