Giggle-Room - Austin Interior Designer of Childrens Rooms and More

Lieve Saether is the Austin based designer behind Giggle-room. She takes a fresh, pragmatic approach to designing children's room... no icky sticky pink tulle and Disney princess themes here. Only cool, inspiring, inviting rooms that truly capture the child's individuality and spirit. What child wouldn't want to call this home?

Unique color combinations and practical furniture selections that show off this little girl's most prized possessions while keeping books and artwork neatly tucked away.

A display of sweet wooden birdhouses with colorful birds to greet baby every morning and a dangling Moorish-style light fixture... an unexpected yet lovely element in a nursery.

THIS is my favorite. I have always wanted to incorporate a world map into my home but I could never figure out quite how to do it other than tacking it up with thumb tacks. ! I love this.

Girls really go for purple... but most grown ups don't. However, this shade of aubergine is welcome in my home... especially with the rest of the room's accents in turquoise, blues, and brown.

The wall on the left reads "Sparkle & Spin" in gold glitter against the alabaster wall. So chic yet so FUN.

Giggle-room offers their clients everything from a quick fix to full redesign and her services are extremely affordable. ...and of course, Lieve also does grown up rooms too. !

giggle-room.com

Spring Cleaning Inspiration

I am in midst spring cleaning and ridding my household of the clutter. I feel mostly alone in this effort... neither my children nor husband seem dedicated to cause.

Alas... some found inspiration from these lovely French filles blogging about their beautiful French lives and their impossibly chic (yet seemingly effortless) kids room decors ...

"Jojo's Room"

"les 4 rats"

Sigh. Takes me back to my Paris days.

Live Alternative Theatre in Austin

Last night was a big night.

Began with a "pre-Inaugural Ball" for toddlers at a friends' house in East Austin. I must applaud my friends for holding such a festive party to commemorate this major historical event...for not only the kiddos, but for all of us. My 3 year old daughter was thrilled to don her red and white polka dot flamenco dress (although, bad mommy forgot her dancing shoes...which she brought to my attention just as we pulled up to the party and she still had on her flip flops - I felt just awful). I dug out my grandmother's rhinestone jewelry, a floor length black bridesmaid dress, and a feather boa. My daughter was THRILLED with the attire although a little disappointed when her friend's house didn't have an actual ballroom like she has seen in the movies. (only took 3 minutes to get over this as they tore through the playroom dancing to music from the Nutcracker) Evening was complete with frosted "Obama" sugar cookies and one guest who stamped the back of her green silk charmeuse cocktail dress with Obama's election night victory speech. This dress was AMAZING... and sorry -- once again didn't have a camera handy. I am a moron.

THEN, I met a friend at Salvage Vangaurd Theater, also in East Austin, to take in opening night of "My Bugatti Story", an original play written by Paul Ehrmann, part of the 2009 Frontera fest. I am certainly not a theater critic, but I enjoyed this play immensely. Just over an hour in length, the play takes you through one man's journey of saving his own sanity when he takes on the persona of a Bugatti race car driver and becomes a hero of the French Resistance during WWII in Paris, France. Lively characters and actors. Interesting and noble concept of one's ability to save his own sanity. Next performances for "My Bugatti Story" are Saturday 1/24 at 7:45 PM, Sunday 1/25 at 5:45 PM, and Saturday 1/31 at 12:00 PM. Tickets are $10.

Also be sure to check out the rest of Frontera Fest which continues through February 14th. Other local Austin playhouses also participating in the festival include Hyde Park Theatre and Blue Theater. What a wonderful treat to have such intimate, funky venues at our fingertips to enjoy alternative theater. Off to pick out another play to attend.

Tragic End for Kids Thrift Store Finds?

Upsetting news this morning from a fellow Austin momma: A new federal law goes into effect February 10th that will ban all products sold for children 12 years of age and younger that have not been tested for lead and phthalates (chemicals used to make plastics more pliable). This includes used children's used clothing as well as handmade products. The testing is prohibitively expensive for small businesses and products that have not been tested will be considered hazardous, regardless of whether they actually contain lead.

This is really not the best way to handle the threat of lead in our children's lives.

First of all there is the economic backlash that will cause many small businesses to shut their doors including small clothing manufacturers, handmade toy companies, and children's consignment shops. We really don't need any more economic stumbling blocks for our small business owners these days. Didn't congress get the memo on that?

Second, there is the economic impact on all of us budget conscience parents. I personally try and take advantage of consignment shops and thrift stores to find barely used clothing and gear for my kids. I recently bought my son's baptism outfit consisting of a brand new pair of Strideright white dress shoes and a Kissy-Kissy white sweater at the Pumpkin Patch consignment shop here in Austin. (neither of which I will ever put on him again). I paid a mere $15 total. I would have paid close to $100 if I had bought them new.

Third -- what about teaching our kids to reuse and recycle? Now little Suzie and Johnny will grow up with the notion that you have to buy new for it to be safe?

I understand that we all need to practice safety and that lead in our children's toys is a significant health hazard. However, this is really not the best approach. Can't the government somehow make lead testing more affordable for small businesses? They seem to be making sure that digital television will be affordable and accessible for all Americans with the changeover next month. Or why not hold parents accountable for our buying decisions? We can all buy home lead testing kits online!

I believe this is going to create a black market for children's thrift. I envision myself opening up a "speakeasy" on a dark alley in urban East Austin (probably my own house) selling contraband used designer children's clothes, vintage Fisher Price, and Exersaucers. I will keep everyone posted on that.

Sign the petition against the law: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/handmadetoys?e

More details here: http://tinyurl.com/88wc6e

Photo credit: Brandy Sims on Flickr.com

SINCE I POSTED THIS MORNING A READER SENT ME AN UPDATE. http://tinyurl.com/7occ2n

THRIFT STORES AND CONSIGNMENT SHOPS ARE SAFE FROM THIS LAW! Still appears that the small manufacturers and crafters remain unprotected.

My Family Portrait - For Real

I am normally not one for the whole family portrait "let's all wear white shirts and jeans" thing... but check this one out!

Taken by Alison Eden, a fab child portrait photographer here in Austin...and buttoned-up family portraits really aren't her thing either.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Happiness is playground equipment that spins you round and round and round until you are so dizzy you can't walk straight and you fall to the ground in a pile of giggles.

Taken at Phil's Icehouse on Burnet Road this afternoon while we waited for our to-go order.

Giving Kids

Adults often pose the question "What is Santa Clause bringing you for Christmas?" to my very priveledged preschooler. She is quick to answer - spouting off a detailed list of many fantastic toys. It never crosses her mind that other children (and pets for that matter) are not blessed with the same loving, bountiful home life as she. While trying to instill compassion and giving in my daughter, I have been seeking out simple, easy ways around town where my daughter can give to others not quite as fortunate as herself. Here are a few ideas I came up with.

Donations to the Homeless Animals. Townlake Animal Shelter accepts lots of in-kind donations including food, toys, blankets, and towels. Since the baby doll blankets were really accumulating around my house anyway, we decided to take a tall stack of them down to the shelter. This was a double wammy act of kindness as it also teaches appreciation for her own dog who could also use additional love and kisses around here.

Pull Tabs for Ronald McDonald House. Let your Coc-a-cola and beer drinking go to a good cause this month (and every month) while your kids collect pull tabs for RMDH. RMDH provides housing for out of town families whose children are receiving medical treatment at local medical facilities. The pull tabs are recycled and proceeds go to RMDH in continuing their efforts. Pull tabs can be dropped off at the Ronald McDonald House in the new Mueller development - 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

Good ol' Goodwill Donations. My little girl and I sort through toys and throw the ones she wants to give away into a box. Even when she struggles internally to let go of a particular toy, I see the compassion in her eyes as she reflects on the little girl or boy who needs it worse than her. We go drop them off at the Goodwill together. When you buy or donate to Goodwill you are contributing to Goodwill's mission of preparing individuals for job success.

If you think of any other ways kids can give of themselves, please feel free to send a comment.

Wheatesville... Under Construction ... But Still A Favorite

This is my favorite Austin grocery store, Wheatsville Co-Op on Guadaloupe, just north of the University. Yes, yes, in Austin we do have the famed Whole Foods Flagship downtown that is seriously...the most beautiful grocery store on earth...and I go there occasionally. BUT my favorite place to grocery shop is here at Wheatsville. It's a small store with that friendly, hometown feel, full of yummy, natural products to fuel yourself on. It's a true co-op, and by paying the annual "ownership" fee, you can be an owner too. Owners get lots of special coupons and savings, as well as a monthly newspaper that again...has that warm fuzzy feeling. Non-owners pay an additional % on their bill Produce at Wheatsville is super fresh and comes from local growers whenever possible. They carry farm fresh eggs. Their wine department is also on the upswing offering an eclectic collection of good wines at good prices. I love that it never takes me more than 3 minutes to walk from my car in the parking lot to the front door...unlike the mega grocery store's whose parking lots are bigger than the stores themselves. If you have kids, there is also the bonus of little mini shopping carts. My little girl loves getting her own shopping cart (located at front of the store, to the left when you walk in) and filling it with her favorite foods. Wheatesville is in the middle of a renovation, but don't let that deter you, this is a wonderful place to shop. Also to fall in love with are their smoothies and deli items at the back of the store. Located at 3101 Guadalupe, in Hyde Park, North of the University.

Thursday is 99 cent day at SAVERS

If you are a little bit thrifty and you subscribe to the idea of reusing and conserving in this age of mass consumerism --- then you gotta go to Savers. Savers is the department store of thrift stores, two locations in Austin (Burnet & North Loop, South Lamar & Hwy 70). Thursdays is the best day to go when they designate one color of tag throughout the store as 99 cents. ...and you can walk out of there with some seriously great finds like brand new tennis shoes for the kids, a television, or some groovy boots for yourself. Plus, shopping at Savers teaches our kids to reuse and conserve...which is the best message of all.

DinoLand Adventures

Do not be afraid. This T-Rex is not real. It was opening weekend of "DinoLand" at Zilker Botanical Gardens this weekend...and we went with the kiddos and some friends (who also had kiddos). I have to say, I really wouldn't recommend going to this exhibit if you DIDN'T have kiddos. There were kiddos and babies everywhere.

The dinos are nestled among the gardens and peak out every now and then. No dramatic effects...just life size dinosaurs. There was a pretty cool "DinoMan" show in the rose garden that was entertaining, but a little too advanced for our tots who are still preschool age. If you have grade school age kids, I would definitely try and make that. Overall, a nice way to spend a few hours in the Botanical Gardens with your fam...especially since it's almost entirely shaded.

Note on the parking situation: We were quite fearful about parking and therefore we took the bus...but in the end...the parking wasn't bad at all...and the bus was pretty annoying...so I would recommend you drive and park. Two large parking lots are dedicated to the event.

Why Dogs Love Living in Austin

If I were a dog, I would want to live here in Austin where the city really seems to care about a dog's quality of life. The city has specifically identified some of the hottest nature spots in town as leash-free zones. I have a blond Labrador named Lola who has personally tested several of the hottest spots in town...

1. Auditorium Shores - South side of Lady Bird Lake, just west of First Street Bridge.
Big expansive green field on the banks of Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake)...think "size of a football field"....with a downtown city view. Water dogs can get their fill of the lake. Land lubbers can run and run and run...and run some more. Watch out for joggers and bikers whizzing by on the trail...not all of them are understanding that it's a leash free zone right there. We like to go on Sunday's with a tennis ball and let Lola chase the ball into the water until her heart's content. She always seems to make friends too.

2. Norwood Estate Dog Park - Northwest corner of I-35 and Riverside
This park is better known as "the dog park on Riverside". There are community drinking water stations for the dogs (be sure to bring a jug of water to contribute if you can remember.) This is a good ol' standby dog park, with ample parking and comfy plastic lawn chairs for the human race... it's especially a good call when it's too much effort to go down to Auditorium Shores due to parking, traffic, etc. There's no water feature...but plenty of shade and always a good natured crowd of playmates for your dog.

3. Zilker Park - soccer fields north side of Barton Springs Rd.
Simply put: BIG OPEN GREEN SPACE Those Frisbee catching, ball fetching pooches will especially love you for it.

4. Shoal Creek Greenbelt - West side of Lamar, between 26th and 28th streets
This really feels more like a jogging trail that is permitting your dog a visit than a dog park. It's really a problem if you have the kind of dog who thinks everyone is a playmate and wants to run after every jogger who passes by. Still...it's green, and beautiful...but you do have to tune out Lamar traffic.

5. Red Bud Isle -- MY FAVE -- take 6th street west until it turns into Lake Austin Blvd. then turn left on Red Bud Trail. Park is on left...
Okay seriously, this little island on Lady Bird Lake feels like you are visiting another world! We like to go early in the morning with the kids and dog before it gets too hot. It's actually an entirely leash free island and the dog can swim to his/her heart content while you and the kids enjoy snacks on the shoreline.

There are 12 total "off leash areas" in Austin... sounds like Lola has some more exploring to do.

Photo courtesy of http://www.austindogwalker.com/ -- owner Kevin took it at Zilker Park on a beautiful sunny day in Austin.

The Low Down on Austin Schools by Neighborhood

As a realtor, I get asked a lot which neighborhoods have the best public schools in Austin. As a parent of a preschooler here in Austin, I am currently struggling myself with the private school vs. public school dilemma as I live in an area with not so great public schools. It's amazing to me that there are a lot of neighborhoods in Austin where you can buy a million dollar home, but only have a lowly academically acceptable elementary school to send your children to! I love Central Austin and wouldn't move to out to the burbs for anything in the world, but that $600 per month I am likely going to shell out for private school for the next 8 years in order to avoid sending my child to the local elementary school is going to be painful.

So if you are looking for a neighborhood with good public schools in central Austin, here are the neighborhoods I would recommend buying in from the beginning:

BEST BETS - good public schools elementary through high school...
-Zilker

- Barton Hills

- Bryker Woods
- Rosedale
- Northwest Hills

- Highland Park
- Tarrytown

- Anywhere in Westlake -- Eanes School District...where every school is exemplary

SOME PRETTY GOOD OPTIONS

- Crestview

- French Place

- Hyde Park (amazing LEE elementary but not so great middle school...KEALING)

- Clarksville

- Downtown Austin (PEASE elementary is apparently pretty neat with small class sizes)

...also to note, in Delwood, which is a quickly gentrifying East Side neighborhood, the public elementary school, Blanton Elementary, just received an exemplary rating from Texas Education Association for 2007. That neighborhood has great homes for the money and is extremely centrally located. Unfortunately, that neighborhood also has terrible middle school and high schools so don't plan on staying forever.

PLAN ON PRIVATE SCHOOL (at least I would)

- East Austin - 78702 zip code

- Travis Heights

That being said, I am sure there are parents of school age students who live in these neighborhoods and who might disagree with my opinion. Please leave a comment as I am eager to learn more.

All Texas public school TEA ratings can be found here.

Thanks to woodleywonderworks on flickr.com for the pic.

Sno-Beach ... Reviewed

We went to "Sno-Beach" this past week. Sno-Beach is a snow cone stand situated on Barton Springs Road between South First and Lamar. I love the concept of Sno-Beach...a random seasonal trailer that pops up during hot summer months selling wonderful ice cold treats. I was a little disappointed with the execution...but really...what can you expect from an establishment housed in a trailer that can be rolled away at a moment's notice? It was hot, very, very hot...and there was basically no shade...except that generated by an office building next door...and the bumle bees were out en masse making nose dives into our snow cones! Oh - and the snow cones are actually served in cups, not actual cones, which was a little disappointing too. (although I guess less mess) Anyway, my 3 year old was thrilled with the whole scene regardless - thumbs up from her. Oh - and kudos that they pass out giant golf umbrellas to everyone waiting in line.

Best Wading Pool in Austin

I love Eastwoods wading pool in Hyde Park, just north of the university. It's cool. It's clean. It's shady. It's free. It's almost never crowded. It's open 3-7 Tuesday - Friday. 2-6 on Saturdays, Sundays. Closed Mondays. ...and closes for the winter August 24th...so sad. Oh - and here's a little secret if you live in the area and you have a water-lovin' dog...casually show up at closing time and the lifeguards will let your pooch go for a dip before they drain the pool for the night.

Lewitt X2 Exhibit at AMOA

Right now at AMOA downtown is an exhibit featuring both the artwork of Sol Lewitt and his personal art collection. Lewitt's pencil drawings, colorful gouaches, and wood/aluminum "structures" are continually recognized for pushing the limits in the minimalism and conceptual art genres during the past 40 years. Runs until August 17th...and next Saturday, August 9th, is family day at AMOA!

What We Did for the 4th

We spent the warm evening of July 4th this year on the banks of Lake Austin with our kids and close friends. This is the view from Austin Country Club’s golf course where we situated ourselves to watch the amazing fireworks show that went off about 100 yards from us. The kids were in complete awe and it was really cool to watch their reactions!
I also heard that the Auditorium Shores fireworks show was pretty cool this year as well as all of the neighborhood parades around town during the day.