Although the temperatures in Austin don’t feel like Autumn, the season officially begins on September 24^th.  Soon we will be embracing the cooler temperatures and seeing the trees turn their vibrant colors that signify that fall is here.

To ease you into the Autumn season, our family at Juniper Springs apartments in Austin are sharing some of their best ideas to prepare for the changing of the season. 

Go Back to School, Really! 
As the kids settle into their own school schedule, perhaps it’s time to expand your own horizons.  Want to perfect your culinary skills?  Learn how to watercolor? Discover Tai Chi or a new language? TheGreatCourses.com is without question, one of the finest resources to help you cross off that ‘some-day-I’d-like-to”  … self-improvement idea.

Here are a few more that may inspire you to rejuvenate your mind and explore something new.

Essential Secrets of Spices – The Everyday Gourmet
Decorate Like a Designer
Scientific Secrets for a Powerful Mind
Write About Anything

Throw a Tail Gate Party
Whether it’s in a parking lot at a local high school, a professional arena or the Juniper Springs pool deck, fall is “tail-gate season’ and a great reason to get the neighbors together. All it takes is a little preparation and before you know it, you will be cheering on your favorite team with friends and family alike. The easiest way to ease into your first tailgate gathering is to make it a potluck. This keeps it simple and ensures your guests will have their favorite foods to nosh.

Visit a Local Farmer’s Market

If you have yet to discover the many Farmers Markets in Austin, now is an ideal time to do so. It's safe to say that the arrival of fall brings the best cooking and baking possibilities back into your kitchen. From pumpkin patches and apple picking to the colors of beets, eggplants, and sweet potatoes to accent a fall meal, the culinary choices are almost endless this time of the year.
For a good list of Farmer’s Markets in Austin, visit the story at HelloLanding.com. 

Pick Out A Pumpkin
Within a short drive from our apartments to rent in Austin, Texas, there are plenty of opportunities to start the fall season off right – picking out that perfect pumpkin, pears, apples and then some. To get you in the spirit of the season, here is a list of our favorite farms and orchards in Austin.

PEAS Community Farm and Urban Orchard 
Boggy Creek Farm
Sweet Eats Adventure Farm
Austin Orchards
Love Creek Orchards

The post How to Ease into Autumn in Austin, Texas appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

Make the time now to make your list and check it twice, as there is so much to do and see just moments from your home within Juniper Springs apartment community in Austin, Texas!

Ho Ho Ho, away you go!

Santa on the Terrace
November 26th, 2022
Santa on the Terrace will be open to the public from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Long Center’s H-E-B Terrace. This free community event includes family photos (bring Fido, too!) with Santa in his signature sleigh with its iconic skyline background. And that is just the beginning. Stay around to participate in the kids’ reading circle with Mrs. Claus, Kiddie Express Train rides, live music by Melissa Engleman, The Moriah Sisters, and Jenny and the Corn Ponies, emceed by Erica Nix. Giveaways, food trucks, and a life-sized photo frame for “elfies,” sponsored by Favor, and a whole lot more!

Field of Light
Now through December 31, 2022
In conjunction with the Lady Bird Wildflower Center, C3 presents the spectacular Field of Light presentation, created by British artist Bruce Munro.  Within the 16 acres at the Texas Arboretum, you and your family can capture the essence of the renowned display of 28,000 fiber-optic light pods. The design celebrates and captures the natural topography through the vibrant solar-powered lights.

Santa’s Pet of the Week Promotion
Now through December 19, 2022
Help find a pet a ‘forever home’ during the Austin Humane Society’s promotion during the holidays.  They will be featuring a Pet of the Week on Instagram and Facebook in hopes of helping each pet find their forever home. So, click in when you can to share their love and yours for those furry friends who need families for life.

A Christmas Carol
Now through December 31, 2022
Among all the traditions that are a part of the fanfare in Austin during the holidays, ZACH’s adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a must-do for all.  As their website notes: “It’s all about a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score that spans all genres and eras. This family-friendly spectacular creates a joyous spirit that has everyone dancing in the aisles. Join the Cratchit family and three soulful ghosts as they take Scrooge on a joyride to rediscover his heart and love for human kindness.”

North Pole Flyer
November 26 – December 18, 2022 (Weekends)
Gather the family, bundle up and head on over to the 1912 Bertram Depot this holiday season as the North Pole Flyer is back! Take a two-hour tour and go back in time while you listen to the railroad’s version of a Christmas Story riding within one of their festively decorated rail cars.  Hot cocoa and hugs from Santa and Mrs. Claus are just part of the fun that awaits you and yours.  Be ready to thank Santa and pose for the perfect picture as he hands out a very special gift for all.
 

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Earlier this month we provided you with lots of fun and festive ways to get into the mood of the holidays – and Thanksgiving in particular. To keep the theme moving through the rest of the month, here are more ways to enjoy your family and friends today and through your Thanksgiving feast!
Play Hide the Pumpkin
No matter what the weather, this game can be played indoors and out.  You only need a dozen (or more) of those cute little pumpkins and gourds and hide them like it’s Easter!  The easy part follows – let the kids keep the pumpkins to color as a decoration for the table on Thanksgiving Day. Or better yet, use them as name place cards for your guests.
Tik-Tok & In-laws
Got company in town or coming your way?  This is a perfect time for the kids to make their own documentary about their friends and family.  Think:  video for TikTok!  They will be amazed to hear what their Grandma and Grampa’s Thanksgiving memories are, and the interview will be something to treasure for years to come. 
Stroll Down Memory Lane
Once the videos are done, find some time to look through the family scrap books with your family.  If they are not marked with names or details, now is a wonderful time to chart the past so as not to lose the history of your ancestors. Families to follow will appreciate the time and talent that they will treasure and pass on for years to come. 
Create a Gratitude Vase or Bowl 
Everyday is a day to be thankful for what we have in life, yet it is during the month of November when the idea is more vivid than others.  Throughout the month, select one day a week (maybe Sunday) and have the family (and your friends if you so desire) write down their thoughts on Autumn colored paper and place their words of ‘thanks’ in a clear vase or bowl. During dessert on Thanksgiving, pass the bowl or vase around the table and read them out loud.  
Bring Out The Board Games   
When is the last time you played Bingo? How about Monopoly or a good old fashion round of Go Fish or Yahtzee!  If you don’t have games at home, hit the local thrift shops as they usually overflow with options to get the gang together this holiday season.
Thank a Soldier
There’s a program called Operation Gratitude that welcomes letters from all ages thanking our soldiers for their service.  From personal cards to hand-drawn colorful pictures of pumpkins and turkeys, any and all messages will be delivered to bring a little joy into the lives who deserve our thanks most. 
We Thank You
On behalf of our entire staff at Juniper Springs apartments, we thank YOU for being such kind and considerate neighbors.  For that, we are very grateful!
     
 

The post Festive Ideas to Celebrate Thanksgiving – All Month Long (Part Two) appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

If there is one thing that is on everyone’s mind this month, it’s the big Thanksgiving feast to come!  Yet, with 30 days in the month, there are so many other fun things to do during this time of the year.  
To get you in the mood, our family at Juniper Springs Apartments searched the world wide web to provide you with so many ways to engage your family and friends with these festive ideas.
Read on now, and then come back later this month for more ideas to jump-start the festivities for your Thanksgiving and holidays to come.

Get Festive
Wouldn’t it be fun if everyone at Juniper Springs put a small decoration at their front doorstep? The concept could be as simple as a pile of pumpkins to home-made scarecrows or ghosts made out of Kleenex or white sheets.  Whatever your inspiration, get started and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Go Leaf Peeping!
Now is the time to soak up all the sensational colors of Autumn. Ever wonder where those colors come from? It’s a science lesson that we may have all learned back in school. Let us refresh our memories.  It’s all about photosynthesis. Most of the year, we see green trees flourishing all over Austin and creating Chlorophyll – which turns the tree’s ability to take in our glorious sunshine and create glucose.  The millions of Chlorophyll cells actually saturate the leaves, which makes them look green to us. Those beautiful gold, orange, yellow and bronze are actually the REAL colors of the Autumn glow.

Host A Tailgate Party!
If the weather is our favor, why not invite your neighbors at our apartments in Austin over to the pool for a BBQ before your favorite game.  Make it a Potluck and have your friend bring the recipe of their favourite fall food.  Gather them all up and share it with all who attend.
Not into football? Host a Pie Swap by the Pool!  Caramel Cheesecake? Pecan Pie? Grandma’s Pumpkin Pie?  No matter what the final choice may be, don’t forget to bring the recipes!
But wait, there’s more.  Check our next Blog for more ways to celebrate the holidays this year.
 

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Take a Haunted Tour of Austin
If you have never done this, put it on your calendar now.  The folks at ATX offer the only haunted tour in Austin and the only tour you may ever take … in a private hearse!  Really! For those who have lived in and around the city for many years, you know that paranormal activity prevails year-round, and especially during the Halloween season.  You need to make a reservation, and these tours sell out, so don’t wait. 
During the excursion you will be escorted by their professional guides (fully dressed in creepy costume) to some of the area’s most haunted homes and establishments, including the Littlefield House, Clay Pit, the Tavern, and others. 

Murder, Mystery and Misadventure!
Make your reservation today for this must-do Halloween haunt on October 29.  Dress comfy and deck out if you want to for a creepy crawly tour through one of Austin’s most haunted cemeteries.  The tour starts at 10:00 am and leaves on the half-hour until 2:30 pm.  You will be introduced to some of its ‘finest residents’, which include a victim of a saloon shooting, a mourning mother who had to bury her kids, two ambushes (keep your eyes open!) and other colorful characters that make this tour one not to miss! 

Austin Ghost Tours
Presented by the couple that wrote “History and Hauntings in Austin” and other spooky stories, these tours are true to their tales.  The team at Austin Ghost Tours has been personally involved in investigating Austin’s famous haunted history for over a quarter century.  Based on “firsthand experiences,” the (published) tour guides will take you into a world of paranormal activity like you have never experienced before.  
As their website notes:  Reserve your spot and bring an open mind as guests have captured photographic evidence or reported interactions, whispers, and COLD SPOTS!  

Take the Kids to Boo at the Zoo!
On Friday and Saturday nights, kids of all ages can take a spooky train ride, be entertained by goofy puppets and hang around in the haunted mansion, too. Wear your costumes (no masks, please) and stroll through the illuminated trails and décor. Bring flashlights to see all the critters at night at our famously friendly Austin Zoo.  
 

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Many of our holidays have traditional characters or icons are symbolic of our celebrations throughout the year.  From Cupid at Valentine’s Day, four-leaf clover during St. Patrick’s Day, pumpkins in October, and St. Nick, these colorful elements have become iconic to some of the most celebrated holidays around the world.

 So what’s up with a bunny and a basket that are so iconic to Easter which is just around the corner?

There are almost endless references throughout the world wide web that tell the tale of the furry friend that brings joy to all during this time of the year.  

We selected some insight from an article in TIME magazine that seemed to provide a succinct story that we will share with you now.

They note that the connection of the bunny to Easter started back in time and evolved during pagan celebrations that occurred during the beginning of spring.  During this time of the year, throughout the world, spring is symbolic of ‘renewal of life.’  Mirroring this vision was, and continues to be, the observation of Christ’s resurrection that also occurs during the vernal equinox. Included in many of the stories that we researched was another connection of Eostre, ‘The Goddess of Dawn and Fertility.”

It is also noted that the credit for tying these concepts and occurrences together goes to Missionaries who were said to merge the pagan traditions with Christian holidays.  Apparently this made the celebrations of Eostre and the resurrection an easier story to tell … and be accepted worldwide.  

Fast forwarding the whole concept of the Easter Bunny, postings note that it was the German’s who brought the bunny into the picture.  The historic rabbit, named “Oschter Haws’ or ‘Easter Hare, gets the credit.  

As the story is told, Oschter Haws laid a nest of colorful eggs that were then presented to well-behaved children.  Much like Christmas Eve when children leave cookies and milk for Santa, back in the early 1660s, children would leave carrots in bunny nests.  Today,  Easter Baskets are reminiscent of days gone by when children would make nests for Oschter’s eggs.  Throughout time, the “eggs” have transformed into more than something for a meal for all.  Chocolate bunnies, candies, and little gifts now fill children’s baskets on this day of celebration of the resurrection of Christ. 
So there you have it!  Watch for our next blog for delicious recipes to prepare for your 
 

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It’s hard to believe that another year is quickly coming to a close. Before the ball drops in New York City, our family at our apartments to rent in Austin, Texas, are sharing some of our favorite ways to celebrate the season’s many traditions. We encourage you to find the time to enjoy some ‘holy jolly’ happenings within your apartment at Juniper Springs. 

Trim Your Christmas Tree

With more and more families spending time at home, there’s no doubt most will be diving into the holiday spirit earlier than ever before. This tradition of decorating a tree is a longstanding custom in our home which started way back in Middle Ages! Within the history books, they tell us that the concept of decorating trees is believed to have started in Germany and reached popularity in America around the early 10th century. 

Get A Pickle

Speaking of traditions from Germany, here is an interesting tidbit about “Christmas Pickles.”  Although we do not have a green pickle ornament, millions of families across the globe hide one of these funny-looking things on their tree as a game for their kids. The first one to find it usually gets a special gift. So how did this start? History notes that the former Woolworths retail store started the idea when they got a surplus of these odd items to put on a tree from Germany … back in the late 1800s. 

Make a Calendar for Advent

It looks like this tradition started in Germany as well. Credit apparently goes to Gerhard Lard who was a publisher and decided to create a way for children to prepare for the birth of Jesus. As time went on, the 12-day calendar, which included a door that opened to a verse from the Bible, took on many new forms. Today, the Advent calendars may include a piece of chocolate, a toy, or verse to share with family and friends.

Bake, Bake, Bake and Decorate 

Here’s an interesting piece of history. The concept of Christmas cookies actually started way back in ancient times and is a part of Norse mythology. As the story goes, the cookie concept began when children would leave cookies and milk out for Santa. During the Depression, when families were close at home, the concept of baking and decorating cookies took off and grew into one of most popular things to do during the holiday season. We encourage you and your family to bake a batch for all those first responders who stopped their lives for all of us this past year.

Don’t forget the Christmas Cards!

Leave technology for business matters and send good-old-fashioned cards out to your friends and family this year. The worldwide tradition dates back to 1843 and is still very much alive today. Credit for the first card concept goes to a company called the Hall Brothers who lived in Kansas City. Today, “Hallmark” and thousands of other printing companies produce the 1.6 billion cards that are purchased today.

At our apartments for rent in Austin, TX, we love to hand-make our cards and send them to people who made a difference in our lives. Maybe you will too? 

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we thank you for being part of our community and wish you a healthy and memorable holiday to come!
 

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