Christmas is fast approaching, and many of us spend the holiday season looking for ways to spread good cheer and give back to others. If you’re looking to donate or support a local charity this season, here are a few notable ones in or around the Austin area:

Children’s Miracle Network – The Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. The Children’s Miracle Network has been providing hope and support to thousands of sick and injured children throughout the United States for more than 35 years. Through its extensive network of hospitals, this charity helps bridge the financial gap for families that face the rising cost of medical and hospital expenses when Medicaid and private insurance are not enough. The Dell Children’s Medical Center of…

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Thanksgiving is a day for spending time with your family and enjoying some delicious food. There is a build-up to the big meal, but after the meal is over, what do you do? You can always take a nap, but we would like to offer up a few other ideas.  Here are 5 great yard games you can play with the family post-turkey meal.

Football or Other Sports

Nothing says Thanksgiving like a family game of football. Depending on the ages and athleticism of your family members, you can make this as intense or as friendly as you like. All you need to get a game of football going is a pigskin and a set of flags and belts if you plan to play flag football. If not, you can always play two-hand touch. Other sports you might play include soccer, softball, basketball,…

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Enjoying this beautiful fall weather? Well, attention all nature lovers: The state parks in Texas are officially open for life-changing experiences! Whether you are in pursuit of a long hike, a white water rafting adventure, or a tranquil camping experience under the stars with your family, Texas state parks have something for everyone.

Inks Lake

This state park is located off the magical Colorado River. The lake waters provide a number of water activities including paddle boating, swimming, kayaking, water skiing, fishing and scuba diving. You can also hit the trails for a hike. You will find trails for individuals of all hiking levels and capabilities. And, for a different type of adventure, a few fun secret places exist in the form of a…

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Halloween in Central Texas is a fun time. Children love the chance to dress up as their favorite characters and stroll the streets for treats. This year, skip some of the overly sweet foods and consider these delightful candy alternatives.

Apples and Pears

As the fall season continues in Central Texas, many people look for fall fruit to enjoy. A crisp apple or juicy pear is the perfect thing to eat on a warm fall day. Apples and pears come into perfect ripeness during this time of the year. Go apple picking or head out and buy a few different varieties of Granny Smiths and Empire apples. Fall fruit makes wonderful candy alternatives. Wash the fruit before you give it so it's even safer to eat.

Flower Seeds

Fall is a great time to think…

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Looking for some fall fun around Austin, TX? The area is full of opportunities to experience the season. Whether you’re hoping to visit a fair, a corn maze, or sample some beer, Austin is bursting with autumn cheer. Round up the family, pile into the car, and head out to enjoy the season's many offerings in and around Austin.

Barton Hill Farms hosts a Fall Festival and corn maze on Saturdays and Sundays between late September and early November. Kid-friendly and a wonderful excuse to spend the day outside, Barton Hill even has entertainment built in. Activities, a corn maze, pumpkin picking, artisans, and friendly furry pals make this a venue to remember. The kids will be a beautiful kind of tired at the end of the day, and you'll have relaxed…

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You may have heard that selling your home during the fall months, or “off” season, can be more of a challenge than if you list it during the "on" seasons of spring and summer. There are several reasons why this is not always true, especially this year.

Buyer demand has remained strong this fall, so you are less likely this year to see a drop off in showings. You also have less competition from other sellers in the autumn, so your home is likely to be considered as a serious option soon after you list it.

In past years, showings of your home might have dropped off because there are typically not as many buyers in the fall. This year, according to the Realtors Confidence Index Survey there is a strong demand among home buyers and a steady growth…

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