Acacia Cliffs

Safety Tips for Family Camping in Austin

2012-05-17T15:44:58Z

Photo courtesy of thesenator

With everything moving so fast these days, it is hard to sit down and share some quality time with family and friends in Austin, TX. Camping can be one of the best ways to bring a family or a group of friends together for a great time. It is time to ditch all of that digital entertainment to go enjoy the beautiful weather and explore the great outdoors.

Remember, “safety first” when it comes to packing. Be sure you are prepared for the worst, and rest easy knowing you have everything you need for a safe, and fun camping trip. Here are some suggestions from campinginfo.com:

I would not suggest taking them all, rather take the ones that suit the amount of space you have available/danger inherent in your trip.

Multi tool device e.g Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman

SAS Survival Guide

Emergency/Survival Blanket

First Aid Kit

Waterproof Poncho

Hi-energy cereal bars

Map

Drink receptacle

Iodine tablets

Compass

Light, preferably wind-up

Waterproof matches/lighter/fire starter

Torch

Whistle

Extra clothes

If it is hot, take a plastic sheet to enable you to collect water through condensation

Turn off your cell phones, and plan a camping trip full of great food, games, and outdoor activity. Whatever you do, make sure you bring ingredients for s’mores! When you return, share your photos, stories, and suggestions with us by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Great Art Galleries to Take a Date in Austin

2012-05-15T13:18:00Z

Photo courtesy of photojock

Have you ever taken a date to an art show at a gallery? Many will mistakenly dismiss an art gallery as a fun place to take a date because of a common misconception that art shows are for professional elitists or artist networking. Though, there are plenty of private, invitation-only art shows that support that type of atmosphere, Austin provides many smaller galleries that are a great place to meet interesting people, and enjoy a romantic evening full of insightful, and thought provoking art pieces.

Taking a date to an art show is a great way to initiate some creative conversations. Check out these great art galleries in Austin:

Source: Yelp
Name: Workman Wally Gallery
Location: 1202 W 6th St Ste B Austin, TX 78703
Reviews: 2

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I went to a packed opening show for Ian Shults last night which left me pondering the idea of having my husband build an extension so I could fit some more…Read More…

What’s best about the Wally Workman gallery is Wally herself. She’s a spitfire/ sparkplug, intimidating but kind, tiny but huge, and a grand personality to…Read More…

Workman Wally Gallery

Source: Yelp
Name: Art on 5th
Location: 1501 W 5th St Austin, TX 78703
Reviews: 14

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
The framing at Art on 5th is a work of art itself. Clare and owner Joe Sigel have been incredibly helpful guiding me find ways to enhance art work with the…Read More…

I’ve had at least a couple hundred things professionally framed in my lifetime – whether personal or for projects – but my experience with Art on 5th…Read More…

Wow. And WOW. What a great experience. We bought a print in to have framed and Clare and the rest of the Art on 5th crew blew us away with their kind,…Read More…

Art on 5th

Source: Yelp
Name: BiRDHOUSE Gallery
Location: 1304 E Cesar Chavez St Austin, TX 78702
Reviews: 4

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Love the shows this gallery hosts – lot of talented local work and great people!! I love that it is an actual east side duplex converted into a gallery….Read More…

This unassuming east side gallery is one of my favorite’s in the country. I travel fairly regularly with my job, so I get to check out galleries in my free…Read More…

Galleries are often pretentious and sterile. You walk around with your arms crossed in front of you, sipping your drink and keeping your distance from the…Read More…

BiRDHOUSE Gallery

Let us know how your date went by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Diverse Set of Events for Memorial Day Fun in Austin

2012-05-11T18:27:19Z

Photo courtesy of wintersixfour

Another holiday weekend is on the horizon, and many of us will have the day off work. Memorial Day weekend is a great time to get the family out of the house and explore Austin. There are plenty of special events to choose from, whether you are looking for something educational, or you just want to relax with friends and family.

Check out some of these fun events:

Every Veteran Has a Story to Tell- Hear veterans from Iwo Jima to Iraq describe their experiences in “Every Veteran…
Monday Movies Under The Stars- Monday, May 14 – My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) Monday, May 21 The Wedding Singer, Monday May 28…
The First Picture Shows- Historic Austin Movie Houses at the Austin History Center. Movies have entertained and enlightened us for over a century. Just as important …
Public art installation: “Spiral Plexus”- The three, huge installations, conceived by artist Heather Tolleson, is presently …

info. courtesy of Austin360.com

Do not forget to pay your respects to our fallen and wounded soldiers, and remember the meaning behind Memorial day.

Have an exciting and safe holiday weekend, and share your Memorial Day memories with us on our Facebook page!

Memorable Mother’s Day Gift Ideas in Austin, TX

2012-05-08T13:41:20Z

Photo Courtesy of lisasolonynko

Keep in mind, the best gifts are the ones that evoke happy feelings that are derived from happy memories with your mother.Since our mothers are so special to us we want to get them a gift that reflects our gratitude for all that they do. Though, sometimes finding the right Mother’s day gift can be a challenge after all these years of gift giving. No matter what the cost or size of the gift, make sure it is meaningful. Just in case you have run out of ideas and need some inspiration, here are some sources for creative ways to show your gratitude to your mother on her special day in Austin, TX:

Crafts from the Heart

Mother’s day on a Budget

Mother’s day from the Kids

Mother’s day recipes

Flowers! Flowers! Flowers!

Let your Mother know how much you care this year by creating a theme to her gifts so that they are memorable and heartfelt. If you have any great ideas, let us know by commenting to this post on our Facebook Page.

Host a Cinco de Mayo Party at Your Community Pool in Austin

2012-05-03T19:09:21Z

Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/AcaciaCliffs

The unseasonably warm weather in Austin this spring is perfect for a party at the pool, and it is a great way to meet your neighbors! Why not throw your own Cinco de Mayo party this year?

Gather your friends and family for some Mexican-inspired food off the grill, and relax. Acacia Cliffs has plenty of great amenities to take advantage of for holiday parties, and the pool is a great place to gather your friends and family for some rest and relaxation.

Make sure you follow safety rules, be courteous to your neighbors, and most of all, have fun! Try to prep your food if you are hosting a party that requires grilling so that others can use the area as well.

If you are planning a party in Austin, share your plans with your neighbors by posting a comment on our Facebook page.

Picnic Health Food Safety Tips for Austin, TX Residents

2012-04-26T15:59:09Z

Before the weather takes a turn, take advantage of the cool breeze, and round up your family and friends for a relaxing picnic. There are plenty of state parks with very nice amenities all over the place in Austin, and the cool breezes this year provide the perfect setting for fun!

Also, keep health and food safety in mind when picnicking in Austin:

*Keep food safety in mind, and make sure you are packing non-perishable items.

*Do not forget that comfortable old blanket, or, better yet, a fold out table set.

*Keep the hot food hot, and the cold food cold to avoid any harmful bacteria.

*If eating takout, make sure you do not wait more than 2 hours to eat the food.

*Since running water is usually unavailable, bring some sort of anti-bacterial wipes or lotion.

*Bring plenty of sunscreen!

Enjoy your day in the shade, and let us know your favorite picnic locations by commenting to this post on our Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn rose

Amusement Parks and Spring Family Fun in Austin

2012-04-25T17:48:26Z

Reward yourself after all of that laborious spring cleaning with some drop-jaw thrill rides and family fun. Theme parks are opening their gates, and there are plenty of options for adult thrill-seekers, as well as the family to enjoy. Here are some great places to choose from near Austin:

The Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex- roller skating · movie theater showtimes · alleys ·mad hatters tea party · skating bowling

Clubhouse For Kids- registration fee · block hours · background checked ·cpr and first aid ·

Kiddie Acres Amusement Park & Miniature Golf- pony rides · ferris wheel · military discounts · merry go round

Info courtesy of maps.google.com

Be prepared, and do not for get to pack plenty of sunscreen, snacks, water, towels,extra clothes, a camera and a first aid kit! If you have any recommendations, pictures, or reviews to share please leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of young grasshopper

Help Spread the Earth Day 2012 Initiative in Austin on April 22

2012-04-20T12:56:54Z

Many people did not even consider their ecological footprint until recent studies revealed the environmentally negative, and degrading effects of their everyday activities, and now Saving the Earth has become a worldwide movement!

*Earth Day 2012 is April 22!

As residents of this Earth, we have an incredible responsibility to maintain a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations. Here are some great resources to get you started as an environmental activist in Austin:

The History of Earth Day

Your Ecological Footprint

Earth Day Activities for Kids

Campaign for Communities

Become an Activist

Get involved in Earth Day 2012, and be a positive influence, and resource of information for your friends and family so that they all have the knowledge and opportunity to contribute to a healthy future for our environment. Communities around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day by contributing whatever they can to saving and protecting the environment. Spread the good word, and become an activist in your own community! Happy Earth Day 2012!

Image courtesy of Katrin Ray

Exercise and Relax This Spring at Your Community Pool in Austin!

2012-04-17T14:41:09Z

The amenities available at Acacia Cliffs are abundant, and the pool is simply beautiful! Instead of heading to the gym, why not begin a relaxing water workout program for yourself in Austin this spring? The continuous resistance of water will force more muscle fibers to engage through a larger range of motion. Here are some easy water workouts to get started:

The easiest workout is to get in the water! Simply treading water vigorously can zap 11 calories a minute, same as a six-mile-per-hour run.

Standing in shallow end of pool, simultaneously sit back into water, treading with hands by sides, and lift both legs together so that you fold at the hips (like a jackknife) and your body forms a wide V, with head and toes just above surface. Maintaining V position, move cupped hands in small circles by hips to tread water and propel yourself forward (sculling) down length of pool for 30 seconds.

In the deep end, tread water, making small circles with cupped hands, and lift right leg straight in front of you at hip level while reaching toes of left leg toward bottom of pool. Hold for 5 seconds. Switch legs quickly, bringing right leg down as you raise left leg, and hold for 5 seconds. Continue for 30 seconds, alternating sides.

Information courteous of Fitnessmagazine.com

Remember to be courteous of other pool attendees, and follow your property’s pool safety rules. Wear plenty of sunscreen, and enjoy your workout at the pool!

Photo courteous of facebook.com/acaciacliffs

Yet Another Great Austin Music Festival Coming Mid-April!

2012-04-10T14:46:10Z

The Old Settler’s Music Festival starts at the stage in Camp Ben McCulloch, with performances on Thursday night and on Friday afternoon from noon to 4 pm. Lovers of music in Austin, TX will enjoy the upcoming 25^th anniversary of the event. This nationally-known festival has some of the best American music in history and is held in beautiful Texas hill country. The festival occurs on April 19 through 22 during the height of the wildflower season, so there’ll be plenty of beautiful scenery for residents to enjoy.

Then the Festival moves across the street to the Salt Lick Pavilion for many more memorable performances. Anyone who wants to see some of the best music in Austin, TX should take the time to check out the Old Settler’s Music Festival.

Camp Ben McCulloch and Salt Lick Pavilion are just a few minutes away from Austin itself. Visitors can expect to enjoy the performances of more than two dozen bands, as well as a variety of performance workshops, crafts and a youth talent competition.

Children’s activities and a music store are also available, with a special “Settle In” show from 4:30 to midnight on Thursday evening.

Photo courtesy of Oldsettlermusicfest.org