How would you like to start game day off to the exciting beat of the marching band’s drums and French horns -from your driveway? If you know where to look, you could score a game day weekend rental home within walking distance of the college football stadium.

Many people are choosing to rent their homes out for big college football weekends. Some home owners, who have gotten quite good at being game day landlords, offer such generous accommodations that they make hotel rooms look like prison cells. Spacious backyards with a fire pits, Jacuzzis, free wi-fi, large kitchens, multiple flat screen TVs and even welcome baskets are some of the things you may find in your weekend home rental. The only thing missing is someone to turn down your bed. But seriously, who needs chocolate on the pillow when you rent a home that is just a five minute walk from the stadium?

Chris Brusznicki and his partner Jeff Polk run an event-based vacation rental site called Gamedayhousing.com. Their site offers a place where home owners can list their houses for rent during game weekend nationwide. Renters can browse the houses for rent listed by game. Chris, who graduated from Notre Dame in 2002, saw a need for this market when he was a Notre Dame student.

“For the big Notre Dame games, people were getting gauged on hotel rentals that can go for as much as $3,000. I saw a need for weekend housing and figured out that I could offer a better price with superior quality by renting out a home,” says Chris, co-founder of Gamedayhousing.com.

He adds, “I’ve listed some homes where you can see the stadium dome from the front porch of the house. For many Notre Dame fans, the view and atmosphere is the pinnacle of the college football experience. These people are getting together for 20-year reunions. The experience is very precious to them.” According to Chris, people book their game day houses up to two years in advance.

Of course renters are not the only people who profit from the home rental listing services. An increasing number of investors and home owners recognize the value of leasing their homes out for big event weekends. Mike Stockrahm, from South Bend, IN has been renting out his own house for game day weekends for over two years. “We’ve been averaging about 3 games per year, but we’d do more. The income is welcome since we use most of it to offset the maintenance needs of the house,” says Mike.

Mike says he uses game day weekends as a benchmark and a motivator to spruce up his house. “We painted the house this summer. I painted our old faded rattan patio furniture and bought new cushions to spruce up the back porch this year. We’re finishing a bathroom remodel with this year’s proceeds,” says Mike. Less than 2 miles away from the Notre Dame stadium, Mike’s four-bedroom house sleeps 10 people and runs about $1,800 per night.

Another great resource for renting or listing a home for the big game weekend is Rentals.com. As a vacation home rental listing site, Rentals.com has houses that are available for just one night or up to several months. If the college football game is just a part of your vacation experience, you may want to consider renting a house more centrally located near other activities. Rentals.com allows you to search for homes for rent based on other activities such as hiking, skiing, shopping or golf.

Bob Clouser, Director of Business Development of Rentals.com addresses the need for short-term housing options. “People are looking for alternatives to pricey hotels for their vacations, weekends, and even business trips,” says Bob.

Consider, for example, visiting Austin, Texas for the weekend. Hotels in downtown Austin run an average of $150-$275 per night. But if you are looking on a site like Rentals.com, you could come across a home rental listing like “Hancock Guest Nest Unique Urban Escape,” a studio loft located in the heart of Austin for a mere $100 per night. Hey Texas Longhorn fans, this house also happens to be located just a few miles from the football stadium!

April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com

It’s early evening and you’ve just made it home to your Austin apartment from work. Dinner isn’t ready, but you’re starving! What are you to do?

1. Grab the pint-sized carton of ice cream out of the freezer? (It’s been a really rough day at work).
2. Grab a can of soda out of the fridge and those greasy potato chips from on top of the fridge?
3. Ignore the rumblings in your stomach for the moment, but double up on dinner tonight?

Hopefully, you won’t do any of the above…Just go to your pantry instead!

Healthy Snack Ideas

Photo By: Dr.Coop

Here are a few healthy snack ideas every apartment pantry should have…

1. Popcorn
2. Nuts
3. Whole Grain Crackers
4. Green Tea
5. Dried Fruit
6. Rice Cakes
7. String Cheese
8. Multigrain Cereal

Homemade Granola Recipe

• 8 oz old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 ½ oz raw sunflower seeds
• 3 oz sliced almonds
• 1 ½ oz wheat germ
• 6 oz honey
• 1 ¾ oz dark brown sugar
• 1 oz unsalted butter (plus extra for the pan)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 ½ oz chopped, dried fruit

~from Alton Brown and the Food Network

Photo By: Ianqui

Butter a 9 x9 glass baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, and wheat germ onto a sheet pan and toast in the oven for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

While the oats are toasting, dissolve brown sugar in a medium saucepan, over a medium heat with the honey, butter, vanilla extract and salt.

Remove the oat mixture from the oven. Turn the oven heat down to 300 degrees. Immediately add the oat mixture to the saucepan. Also, stir in the dried fruit. Once combined, transfer the mixture to the glass baking dish and press down for even distribution.

Bake in the oven at 300 degrees for 25 minutes and allow to cool completely once removed from the oven. Enjoy your healthy, yet tasty treat!

Why These Healthy Snacks Are Ideal

The great thing about these items is that there is little to no prep time and they don’t have to be refrigerated. This way, you’ll on hand to combat those midday snack attacks, have some of theses great foods in your briefcase, backpack, or purse.

Shop Smarter and Shop Healthier

Make sure you stock up on these healthy snacks when you go to the grocery store and don’t go unprepared…Make your list, print your coupons, and grab your reusable shopping bags. You’ll be on your way to a healthier you in no time.

Photo By: Fixlr

This is especially true in the city of Austin, where there is no shortage of ways to lend a hand to the less fortunate in our community. Below is a list of a few well known and not so well known holiday charities and some specific ways you can help them.

Photo By: Zorro-Art

Whether you volunteer your time or other resources, how will you give this holiday season?

AIDS Services of Austin
Mission: to respond to the HIV needs of the Austin area by providing services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and the community in the face of an evolving epidemic.

Ways to Serve:

• Purchase an ASA holiday card
• Attend the Red Ribbon dinner at Zoot
• Financial contribution
• Visit with AIDS patients
• Office/clerical assistance
• Food donation or assistance
• Assist at community fairs

Photo By: HSWC

Austin Humane Society
Mission: the city’s largest no kill, non-profit animal adoption shelter dedicated to saving Austin’s homeless cats and dogs by educating our community about responsible pet ownership and reducing pet overpopulation.

Ways to Serve:

• Take care animals
• Office/clerical assistance
• Financial contribution
• Adopt a pet

El Buen Samaritano
Mission: to transform lives by engaging the strengths of working-poor Hispanic families to promote their successful participation in society.

Ways to Serve:

• Financial Contribution
• Daycare center (newborn to 5 years)
• Teach ESL or computer classes to older children and adults
• Office/clerical assistance
• Food donation or assistance
• Professional Services (ex. psychiatric or medical assistance)

Photo By: Gtarded

Make a Wish Foundation
Mission: to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Ways to Serve:

• Financial contribution
• Office/clerical assistance- translators, clerical work, professional help
• Donate Items- building supplies, computer equipment, hot tubs, frequent flyer miles, shopping sprees, and more

Photo By: Closelyobserved.com

Austin Groups for the Elderly
Mission: to empower caregivers, the elderly and their families through education, advocacy, resources and support.

Ways to Serve:

• Financial contribution- monthly support, scholarship, purchase a brick for their Legacy Walkway
• Donate Items- Wii controllers and games, medical equipment (wheel chairs, scooters, etc.), digital photo or video camera
• Teach seniors how to play video games
• Give a musical or theatric performance
• Office/clerical assistance
• Building Maintenance
• Help with Special Events
• Food donation or assistance

Photo By: Patrick Dentler

Austin Runners Club – If you’re just getting into running, this is a great club to join. To meet new people and start conditioning, the beginner runs held everyday of the week except Friday and Sunday are for you. If you consider yourself an advanced runner, you might be more interested in the longer runs held throughout the week at various locations. An individual club membership is only $25 per year. Not only does this membership include companionship and great workouts, it also includes discounts to local running related businesses.

Austin Cycling Association – Membership to the ACA is only $25 per year for an individual, and you get access to all of their ride maps and a one year subscription to Cycling News. Most of the rides are free; however, if the ride is specified as a fundraiser, a small entry fee is required. Don’t worry about you riding pace. Whether you think you’re too fast or too slow, it’s easy to find people or groups that ride at your speed.

Austin Sports and Social Club – If you’re new to Austin and you really want to meet new people, the Austin SSC may be the place for you. The club is open to anyone 21 years and up and offers team sports in bowling, dodgeball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball and more. There’s no membership fee; you just pay for the sports you sign up to play. All sports are co-ed and are designed for participants to meet new people and socialize as well as enjoy playing the game.

Hiking Trails – For the nature lovers, Austin offers some great hiking trails. Whether you’re a hard core hiker or you just want to go out for a stroll in the park, you’ll find something in the city that suits your needs. Almost all of Austin parks offer some kind of walking trail and most of them are paved. Some well known trials include the Onion Creek Trail Loop and the trail at Mary Moore Searight Park. Most trails are free, but some require a small fee of $5 or so.

Fitness in Austin isn’t impossible. In fact, Austin is one of the fittest cities in Texas, so you’re sure to find something to keep you healthy and active in the city. And, you might meet a new best friend or two along the way.

Photo by: thefishface

Holiday Season Coasters

Holiday Coasters
Winter Mitten Coasters
Noel Christmas Coasters
Hannukah Wish Coasters

Vintage Coasters

1950’s Coasters
Kinkade Coasters
Vintage Poster Coasters
Vintage Shells Coaster Set
Patriotic Pin-Up Coasters
Old New York Coasters

Craft Coasters

How to Make a Sweet Drink Coaster
Cool Beans Coaster
Turn Old LPs into Cool Coasters
Do-It-Yourself Pixel Coasters
Sewing Button Coasters

Coasters Related to Beer, Wine and Coffee

Corkscrew Coasters
Vintage Coffee Coasters
Cocktail Recipe Coasters
Beer Coasters
Wine Coasters

Dog Coasters

Dog Coaster for Automobile
Dachshund Coasters
Beagle Coasters
Golden Retriever Coasters
German Shepherd Coasters
Labrador Retriever Coasters
Yorkshire Terrier Coasters
Maltese Coasters
Pug Coasters
White Poodle Coasters
Pomeranian Coasters
Siberian Husky Coasters
Welsh Corgi Coasters
Dog Poker Game Coasters

Sports Coasters

Tennis Coasters
Cartoon Golf Ball Coasters
Billiards ‘Scratch’ Coasters
Kentucky Derby Coasters

Coolest Coasters

Stainless Steel Coaster Sculpture
Blogger Coasters
Backstage Pass Coasters
Pink Floyd Coasters
Wine Cork Coasters
Tiki Coladas Drink Coasters

Odds and Ends Coasters

Horse Coasters
Blue Jean Coasters
Lighthouse Coasters
Fish Coasters
Las Vegas Coasters
Garden Stoneware Coasters
Nun Coaster Set
Bistro Coasters
United States Air Force Coasters
Fireman Coasters
Americana Coasters
Route 66 Coasters
Photo Coaster Set
Modern Black Slate Coasters
Reversible Felt Coasters
Stripy Allsorts Coaster Set
Monogram Coasters
Himalayan Flower
Personalized Glass Coasters
Cheap Colorful Coasters
Wedding Coasters
Custom Coasters
Beachcomber Coasters
Christian Coasters

Websites Dedicated to Coasters

Drink Coaster Hub

Blogs Posts About Coasters

Cork Coasters
i phone Coasters
Do-It-Yourself Roundup on Coasters
Creating Giftz Square Coaster
Chunky Resin Coaster Project Idea

Coaster Videos

Rewritable Magnetic Coasters
Create Pressed Flower Coasters
How to Make an Awesome Coaster from a Sheet of Paper
Flair Bartending – Presenting Coasters

Photo By: *hoodrat*

They come in fun colors. You can purchase Crocs in almost any color you can imagine, from the neon to the neutral, so they can match any and every outfit you have.

You can wear them anywhere! Hated by many but loved by more, Crocs have become the designated shoe for many professionals and hobbyists. Hospital and restaurant workers don Crocs for long shifts. Of course boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts swear by them because of their waterproof design, comfort and flexibility.

Winter’s here. Stock up on cold weather gear. Try The Fuzz Collection. There’s a fleece-lined Croc alternative to keep your toes toasty as the temperature drops and the seasons change.

Celebs love them. Call it a trend, a fad, or simply your favorite footwear, but celebrities can’t get enough of Croc brand signature footwear either. Celebrity kids are even a part of the Croc phenomenon.

They’re utilitarian. Crocs are specifically designed to be odor resistant, super-comfy, ergonomic, anti-microbial, lightweight and shock absorbing. Even better, Crocs Inc. has a new recycling program! So when yours get worn to death and it’s time for a new pair, you can donate your Crocs to the SolesUnited program to be remolded and donated to people in need around the world.

There are a variety of styles You’d be surprised to discover all the varieties of Croc shoes you can get. Croc sandals, high-heels, ones that lace up, boots, slip-on, and sports designs are just a few of many.

Anybody can wear them. Old and young, male and female, kids and adults, Crocs are for any and everyone! So if you’re living in Austin and coveting a pair of these infamous Croc shoes, find a store near you today!

An Ode to Crocs

Crocs on kid, Crocs on a bike
Crocs take a swim, Crocs go on a hike
They weather the seasons, they take on the trends
They can be festive, Crocs are your friends!

Photo by: fionaandneil

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Look back on the years and months that you’ve known each other and think of some of the more special and important moments in your relationship. Did you meet in front of the library at your college? Was your first date at a local pizza joint? Do you spend a lot of quality time together outdoors? Was your first kiss at a baseball game? Choose a location that means something to both of you and propose there. She’ll appreciate that you remember the little things in your relationship.

Take a Trip

If you really want to make it a special occasion, plan a weekend trip together and surprise her with the proposal. Again, choose a location that means something to you as a couple. Go somewhere you’ve been meaning to go together or somewhere she’s showed interest in lately. Even if it’s only a day trip to a location outside of your city, it will make the day that much more special and significant.

Photo by: Kelly Krupka

Somewhere She’d Least Expect

Choosing a new place that neither of you have been together before might be a good idea if you don’t want to overshadow your favorite memories of the past with your engagement. Choose somewhere new to make the new memory. Set up a picnic at a local park, take a stroll through the city’s botanical garden or plan a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant. Even though the proposal is not associated with past memories, your thoughtfulness and creativity will be appreciated.

If You Get Scared

If you can’t handle the pressure of standing face to face, plan a surprise attack. Get her out of the house and make a romantic dinner with some flowers and champaign. Light a few candles and place the ring where she can see it when she comes in while you hide in the closet or pantry. When she sees the ring, you’ll be encouraged by her reaction and excitement, and then you can pop out and ask the question yourself. This will take a little pressure off of you, and it will be a romantic surprise for her.

Maybe by now you’ve got the wheels turning in your brain and you’re coming up with even better ideas than these. Just remember to keep it romantic and focus on the love you have for each other.

Photo by: Kristen Taylor

East Side Pies – Residents of Austin know that this little pizza stand is worth a visit. As a fairly new restaurant established in 2006, the pizzeria is already famous for its crispy, thin crust and creative specialty pies like the Homer with habaneros, onions, meatballs and red peppers or the Olivia with Pesto, eggplant, artichoke, olives and feta cheese. The prices are surprisingly affordable for so much pizza goodness.

Home Slice Pizza – If thin crispy crust isn’t your thing, check out the pies Home Slice is serving up. with a little crispiness to the outside, the crust is light and fluffy on the inside. Choose from a wide selection of toppings to get it just the way you like it. If you can’t choose from the many toppings, check out the “Tried and True” section of their menu with topping combinations that are sure to please the taste buds. Oh, and don’t forget to try their calzones; they’re pretty awesome too.

Arpeggio Grill – This restaurant isn’t strictly a pizzeria, but they offer a great selection of delicious pizza combinations with a light, crunchy crust. It’s a typical grill atmosphere with friendly service and easy to swallow prices. Try the Arpeggio Pizza with pepperoni, sausage, olives, red onions, peppers and extra cheese. And, if you’re looking for something a little different than pizza, the rest of the menu offers Mediterranean favorites like Soltani, Gyros, salads and Kabobs.

Brick Oven on 35th – The great thing about this pizzeria is the fact that they have a gluten-free section on their menu and are serving vegetarian favorites as well. Fresh baked pizza in a wood oven can’t be beat. They’re also doing other Italian favorites right like lasagna. When the weather’s nice take a seat on the patio and enjoy fresh bread sticks and a delicious Everything Pizza.

Rounders Pizza – A true pizzeria with sections solely for Pizza, Toppings and Starters on their menu. Choose from a variety of traditional toppings and unique toppings like zucchini, artichoke and chicken. While this restaurant sounds like a traditional pizzeria, think again. Video games for $.25 a pop and rooms for watching movies make this place truly unique. To add a little spice to your weekly pizza night, head over to Rounder’s with a pocket full of quarters and a big appetite.

It’s hard to narrow the best pizza list down to five restaurants, because in Austin, there’s a great pizza joint near all homes, and most of them deliver. Check out online reviews to find more great pizza joints in Austin.

Photo by: Elizabeth Green

Bubble Wrap History and Facts

• Believe it or not, bubble wrap was created accidentally when two engineers, Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, were trying to create an easy-to-clean plastic wallpaper.
• Bubble wrap appreciation day is the 4th Monday of January.
• The phrase “bubble wrap” is a name trademarked by the Sealed Air Corporation which makes bubble wrap supplies.
• The Sealed Air corporation sponsors a contest for children in grades 5 through 8 to create an invention that incorporates bubble wrap.

Bubble Wrap Packing Tips

Bubble wrap comes in many different forms. You can find rolls or sheets as well as envelopes lined with it. The bubbles also come in different sizes to wrap different-sized objects.

Pack electronics in anti-static bubble wrap to prevent static from building up which can damage some electronic chips or items.

Make sure you have about 2 inches of padding between your item and the walls of the packing box. You may also want to fill the extra space around your item with packing peanuts or additional bubble wrap.

Re-Use Bubble Wrap

Some bubble wrap is biodegradable, but to keep bubble wrap from becoming useless, resist the urge to pop it and keep it for reuse later. It’s hard to resist, but it will be one step to reducing waste. Some ways to reuse bubble wrap include:

• Wrap plants on your balcony or patio to insulate and protect them from the cold and frost.
• Insulate windows in your garage or attic during colder months.
• Place it in the bottom of the produce drawer in the fridge to protect fruits and vegetables from bruising.
• For birthdays and the holiday season, reuse bubble wrap to ship or wrap fragile items.
• For picnics on warm days, wrap foods that must stay cool in bubble wrap and then place them in a cooler to keep them extra chilly.

Bubble Wrap Extras

If you don’t have any bubble wrap or you don’t want to waste it, you can pop it on the internet. If you’re feeling a little frustrated, check out the Virtual Bubble Wrap site and pop now. The site also provides bubble wrap etiquette and common methods for popping bubble wrap.

Another cool gadget that allows you to simulate the popping of bubble wrap is a key chain called Punchi Punchi. Just push the bubbles and the same sensation and sound is created. Since the bubbles never run out, it’s like having an endless amount of free bubble wrap.

Photo by: Jordon Cooper

Austin Restaurant Week – This event is going to be offered in Austin twice this month – October 12-15 and 19-22. There are over 40 restaurants all across the city participating in this event. Each night you can choose a restaurant and partake in a three-course menu at either $25 or $35. You can also make reservations and browse menus on the Restaurant Week website. If you’ve just moved to an Austin apartment, this is a great opportunity to experience the tastes of the city.

Photo by: Mack Male

Austin Energy AltCar Expo and Conference – If you’re looking for something free to do on the weekend of the 17th and 18th of October, head over to this alternative energy expo at the Palmer Events Center between 8:30am and 5pm. In addition to learning how to shrink your carbon footprint, you can also participate in a “ride and drive” area where you can test Segways, scooters and cars.

American Heart Association Start! Heart Walk – This 5K non-competitive walk on October 18th at 8am is a great way to fit some exercise into your morning while supporting a worthy cause. All proceeds from this walk go toward the mission of the American Heart Association. The event starts and finishes in front of the Texas State Capitol.

Fall Plant Sale and Gardening Festival – If you’re looking for some new plants to spruce up your patio, check out this event at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center on October 18th and 19th from 9am to 5pm. The festival provides a wide selection of almost 300 native Texan plants and seeds. There will also be workshops on how to prepare your garden for next spring and guided tours of the gardens.

2nd Annual Texas Wine and Song Festival – This special event takes place on the 19th of October at the Copper Tank Events Center, and if you sign up before the 3rd, you only pay $25. After the 3rd, ticket prices will be $30 in advance and $35 at the door. This price includes 10 local food and/or wine samples and performances by The Gourds, Carolyn Wonderland and Suzanna Choffel. You can also purchase 10 additional samples at $10.

Photo by: Bryon Realey

Goblins in the Garden – Take the kids to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for some early Halloween fun in the gardens on October 26th between 4 and 7pm. Costumed children can enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the gardens and participate in a Mad Scientist’s Laboratory. The cafe will be open for meals and snacks while the store will be featuring special guests and events throughout the evening. Admission for children under 5 is free. Adult tickets are $7 and children between the ages of 5 and 12 are only $3.