Here’s a look at a few of the amazing Austin art galleries to check out.

Source: Yelp
Name: Austin Figurative Gallery
Location: 411 E. St Elmo Austin, TX 78745
Reviews: 3

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
This is a neat little gallery right above the Elephant room. I went to a group show last Friday and was impressed with several of the artists, Megan…Read More…

I love the AFG. From David O’s commitment to the community to guerilla parties that subvert the traditional gallery attitude (all are welcome). The AFG…Read More…

Despite the fact Ohlerking (Oger King) is a John Bolton and AC/DC-loving freak, this is quite possibly the most populist art gallery around.

Come as you…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Gallery D
Location: 436 W 2nd St Austin, TX 78701
Reviews: 13

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I highly recommend Gallery D in downtown Austin! Complete with fashionable clothing, jewelry, and shoes, this boutique is one of a kind! Not to mention…Read More…

Gallery D is my “go-to” boutique… every time I’ve gone in, I’ve found something fabulous to take home.

The employees and owner, Emily, are so nice and…Read More…

This shop is top notch. I can always rely on Gallery D to have well-edited, classy, fashion forward, and unique pieces. I enjoy shopping in a relaxed…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Art on 5th
Location: 1501 W 5th St Austin, TX 78703
Reviews: 15

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…

Source: Yelp
Name: Authenticity Gallery
Location: 12912 Hill Country Blvd – Ste F-157 Bee Cave, TX 78738
Reviews: 6

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I wandered in here while doing some early Christmas shopping and ended up leaving with gifts for three people! Loved their stuff! Everything they have is…Read More…

FYI this local arts and crafts gallery is no longer on South Congress per past reviews.. They are now located in the Hill Country Galleria near…Read More…

Another store,where they display a cute jewelery line and they had one floor dedicated to paintings which were good enough but expensive.

They had hand…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Yard Dog Gallery
Location: 1510 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704
Reviews: 7

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
If you are looking for Outsider/Folk art then you should check out this gallery…They have so many different pieces of art and all of them are very unique…Read More…

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Everyone watches the Super Bowl! And next week, the whole world will be watching Super Bowl 46! If you don’t have tickets for the game, your night isn’t ruined. You can still have an incredible time with lots of fun and lots of food!

If you’re hosting your very own Super Bowl party at your Saddle Creek apartment, here’s a few tips and treats to keep in mind for the big game this year.

• Have games, contests, cook offs, and competition galore! The game itself is going to be a blast. But for all who aren’t there for the game, make your party a blast too! Have board games, trivia games, prediction games and contests, cook off competition and more to entertain EVERYONE.
• The Super Bowl is usually an appetizer fest with a ton of finger foods. So make sure you know what your guests want to snack on while they watch the game or better yet, have each guest bring something to the party!
• It is a football game and usually means the presence of alcohol. So do your best to limit the alcohol at the party and remind everyone about designated drivers.

Here’s a quick roundup of 5 of the best florists in Austin.

Source: Yelp
Name: King Florist
Location: 1806 W Koenig Ln Austin, TX 78756
Reviews: 15

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Glad to have found a chic yet modern shop right here in Austin!
Had so much fun looking through the colorful selection online. When I called to order, the…Read More…

After seeing the stellar reviews on Yelp, I walked in to King Florist with high hopes. I needed a showstopping arrangement for my boss to present at a…Read More…

Oh my gorgeous flora! Two arrangements and dozens of compliments…

I purchased multiple Groupons, looked on their site as I ordered on the phone with…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Mercedes Flowers
Location: 1902 S 1st St Austin, TX 78704
Reviews: 10

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Mercedes Flowers was able to meet my student budget and prepare a beautiful little flower arrangement which I gave to my former employer as a thank-you….Read More…

Mercedes is great!! You can tell she really aims to please!
Even tho I live in Northwest Hills I will drive South to use her talents again.
Awesome job…Read More…

I called Mercedes frantically this afternoon, because I needed an arrangement delivered by the end of the day. All the other florists I spoke with said that…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Freytags Florist
Location: 2211 W Anderson Ln Austin, TX 78757
Reviews: 12

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Freytag’s did our wedding flowers and my husband uses them every year for our anniversary, and they have never disappointed us. No matter the arrangement…Read More…

Thank you again Ken, Chad and Casey! The flowers ya’ll sent were beyond beautiful!Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Breathtaking Blooms
Location: Austin, TX 78748
Reviews: 6

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Everything Linda did for our wedding was gorgeous. She made beautiful table arrangements, elegant corsages, very classic boutonnieres, and absolutely…Read More…

The flowers at my wedding were more beautiful than I could ever have imagined! I worked with Linda throughout the process to really nail down exactly what…Read More…

I chose Breathtaking Blooms to do my wedding because I knew Linda would be able to interpret my vague ideas into something absolutely “breathtaking”. I…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Always & Forever Florist
Location: 13033 Pond Springs Road Austin, TX 78729
Reviews: 4

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Carrie Beamer is a fabulous florist! I met with several other local florists while planning my June 2009 wedding, and Carrie was the only one with an eye…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Cowgirls & Flowers
Location: 508 Walsh St Austin, TX 78703
Reviews: 23

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews

After reading the great reviews here on yelp I decided to send a friend flowers from Cowgirls and Flowers, ordering over the phone because I don’t live in…Read More…

At last I have found a fabulous florist in Austin!!!! I could not be more pleased with the arrangement we sent to our daughter and son-in-law welcoming…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: La Fleur Vintage
Location: 3703 Kerbey Ln Austin, TX 78731
Reviews: 11

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
As many brides have visions of their wedding day and what flowers and decorations they would like to display, I was no exception. I cannot tell you the…Read More…

I was so glad I found La Fleur Florist on Yelp. My job was to find the most beautiful flower arrangement for a candidate who was considering a CEO position…Read More…

I cannot praise La Fleur Vintage enough for the incredible job they did at my wedding. At times, LFV was more than just a flower shop. Elizabeth, Christy,…Read More…

Image via Flickr

Don’t look now but it’s almost tax time. I’m not sure anyone actually looks forward to this time of year but it’s here!

We all know doing your taxes is a tedious and time consuming task but it’s something we must do and must do correctly. If you could use some help with completing your taxes in Austin, here’s a great resource for you.

Foundation Communities is offering free income tax preparation in Central Taxes. You can drop by one of several locations throughout Central Texas to take advantage of the free tax prep.

Austin locations include:

Community Financial Center: 2600 W. Stassney Lane, Austin, TX 78745

Goodwill Community Center: 1015 Norwood Park Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

Workforce Solutions Capital Area: 6505 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752

St. John’s Community Center: 7500 Blessing Avenue, Austin, TX 78752

Allan Elementary School: 4900 Gonzales St, Rm 153, Austin, TX 78702

Montopolis Recreation Center: 1200 Montopolis Drive, Austin, TX 78741

For more information on the free income tax preparation and see if you qualify, make sure to visit Foundation Communities online.

If you come across an Austin spa favorite that we’ve missed, feel free to leave us a comment and let us know about it!

Source: Yelp
Name: Mecca Gym and Spa
Location: 524 N Lamar Blvd – Ste 300 Austin, TX 78703
Reviews: 29

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
This place is beautiful, well placed and surprisingly easy to get a parking spot (they have a shared parking lot). The staff was very sweet and…Read More…

Fiancé bought me a package for my birthday and it was amazing!!! (worthy of the three exclamations.) it was the best spa experience I’ve ever had. And I…Read More…

You know, every time I think about this place…I get think to myself, “Why can’t I be living in Austin right now. Some clubs, “gyms” if you will, just make…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: milk + honey day spa
Location: 204 Colorado St Austin, TX 78701
Reviews: 123

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
This is my escape from watching two girls, it is sooooo worth going to. It is a great way to spoil yourself, they have complimentary drinks once in a while…Read More…

I enjoyed the “Signature Retreat” spa package for my birthday and couldn’t be more happy! This place is amazing, clean, and the staff is helpful and…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: US Spa
Location: 12636 Research Blvd Austin, TX 78759
Reviews: 52

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I love this place. The ladies there are so nice and it is always clean. The hot stone massages are so relaxing. I recommend this place to my friends and family.Read More…

I have been coming to this pedi salon for a few years, always went where was closest. I live over 30 mins from the shop but look forward to the drive for…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Viva Day Spa
Location: 215 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78704
Reviews: 75

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I received this as a gift certificate, and I knew it would be nice–but this spa FAR exceeded my expectations!
I try to get massages as much as I can,…Read More…

A little game of “Never Have I…”

1. Never have I visited a spa before.
2. Never have I sat, in the full glory of my birthday suit, with another woman.
3….Read More…

I received a gift certificate for my birthday back in October, and finally went in to redeem it about a week ago. I made a day of it, allow me to break it…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Skin Spa Austin Lounge
Location: 201 E 5th St – Ste 108 Austin, TX 78701
Reviews: 42

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I love this place. it’s so close to work and the massage therapists are amazing.Read More…

I had an amazing facial by Catherine, and can not wait until my next appointment. She was wonderfully intuitive about customizing the facial to my skin type…Read More…

I’ve been meaning to do this for a while. This place is truly awesome. They take every effort to make your experience as relaxing and rejuvenating as…Read More…

Image via Flickr

We all know that the new year brings a bunch of new year’s resolutions that in all likelihood, will probably be broken before January’s over. If one of your new year’s resolutions was to get fit and get healthy, you may have a tough road ahead of you. But the City of Austin is committed to helping you along your journey.

The Walk Texas Active Austin 10-Week Challenge takes place on Saturday, January 28, from 10:30am-11:30 am. The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department’s Walk Texas- Active Austin is a free fitness program which will kick off the next 10-Week Challenge with a brief orientation.

The Active Austin 10-Week Challenge, is a free program offered four times a year to encourage everyone to become more physically active. You can join as a family, a group, a worksite, or as an individual. Anyone who lives or works in Austin or Travis County can participate. The program provides a “Fun Kit” to provide the structure, so you can start a walking group, bike club, swim club, skate club, or dance club, through the Active Austin 10-Week Challenge. Physical activity options are limitless. It helps you stay motivated, meet new people, and have fun being active.

For more information on the Walk Texas Active Austin 10-Week Challenge, be sure to check out Active Austin and RSVP with Sabrina McCarty at 512-972-5463.

Image via Flickr

The winter could be boring and lifeless unless you make it fun and exciting! There’s always some great events going on in Austin where you can pick up a new skill or learn about something you’ve been interested in.

If the art of ceramics interests you in any way, Austin parks and recreation offers some great ceramic activities to check out this winter. Here’s a quick look at upcoming ceramics courses near Saddle Creek apartment to keep you busy.

• Ceramics: Clay Razzle: Try your hand at either hand building or beginning wheel throwing (or both!) in this all-level inclusive class. The goal is for students to seek alternative and inventive claymaking techniques with projects that include: teapots, found and handmade tools, stencils and resists, hinges and moving parts, glazesgraffito and creative brush design. Limit 12 students.
• Ceramics: Clay Your Way: The goal of this class is to have a great time and gain an understanding of various ceramic techniques. Raku firing available during class. Spend a fun-filled afternoon with nationally recognized clay artist, Ryan Mckerley. Limit 12 students.
• Ceramics: Earth, Fire, Water=Clay: The goal of this class is to match your individual creativity with the unlimited techniques of hand building or wheel throwing on a potter’s wheel or both! Decorating choices include terra sigillata, carving, burnishing, slip/glaze trailing, goshu patterns, or lithographs on clay. Learn or relearn successful glazing habits – color combinations, wax resist, and staining. Whether you create functional pieces for cone 10 stoneware, or non-functional pieces for raku or horsehair. Limit 15 students.
• Ceramics: Handbuilding, Wheel and Glaze, Oh My!: This class is designed for students of all skill levels. The goal of this class is to explore new techniques and take your hand built or wheel thrown pottery to the next level. The possibilities are endless and there are many ways to achieve great results. Wheel thrown, hand built, extruded, sprig molded, and stamped methods will all be demonstrated along with basic glaze chemistry and application. Raku firing offered during class; come join in on the fun! Limit 12 students.

They also have Santa visiting (so to secure your place squarely on the nice list), a Jingle Bells Express train and a literacy exhibit where children can donate (and pick-up) gently used books.

It’s a fantastic way to spend an evening and they are hosting tours from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 6 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.  Going on now through December 31st.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Tell us about them by leaving a comment or posting a message on the Saddle Creek Facebook page. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Image via MorgueFile

See everything Austin has to offer for less!!

During times like these, it’s often best to get out around town, have a good time and keep your mind off of the troubles. But as I’m sure all of us know, enjoying yourself around Austin could get incredibly expensive! Just think about the price of a fine dinner, a movie, a special event, a day at the spa and you’ll see how quickly things add up!

BUT, it’s not all bad! There is a silver lining that will help you keep some change in your pockets and they’re called daily deals. If you haven’t heard about the daily deals available in Austin yet, this post is for you!

You can have the pricey dinner, see that new movie, attend that special event, or enjoy that day at the spa for less when you take advantage of some of these daily deal sites! Check them out to see how much you can save in Austin!

Austin Coupons: Sign up to receive special savings offers on food, spas, and activities around Austin.

The Daily Deal: How much can you save around Austin? Sign up at this daily deal site to see how!

Deal Catch: Catch a great deal in Austin with these special offers where you can up to 90% off on pretty much everything!

All of this begs the question, why wouldn’t you want to share the luxury?

Refer a friend to Saddle Creek Apartments and if they sign a lease by November 30th, you will receive a $350 discount off of your next month’s rent. So, not only will you be sharing the joy of the Saddle Creek lifestyle, you will also add a little extra money to your pocket. And since the holidays are just around the corner, who could ask for more?

Stop by our offices for more information, and then refer your newest neighbor to their new home. Want to learn more about what’s going on at Saddle Creek Apartments? Check us out on Facebook!