🌵 Mother’s Day plans still open? Here’s what’s available

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A Cautionary Tale (From Houston)

I went to Houston this week.

Mistake number one, obvious. But the bigger mistake? I ordered chicken tortilla soup.

What was I thinking?

Let’s just say… it had something to be desired. Like soul. And flavor.

In my defense, I was probably mentally impaired. Smog will do that to a man.

So here’s my advice:

Some risks just aren’t worth taking.

Cheers,
Nolan

The Gist: County leaders announced $17M in child care funding, plus plans for a 1,300-acre park and a new downtown museum district. Thousands of families could see expanded care options, while green space and cultural spots get a boost.

Why It Matters: This is about how livable our community feels day to day. More child care means fewer families scrambling, and new parks and public spaces give us room to breathe, connect, and enjoy our beautiful city.

Read more here.

The Gist: Eanes ISD is now projecting a $1.6M surplus after earlier worries about a multimillion-dollar shortfall. The turnaround comes from administrative cuts, staff attrition, and new revenue strategies, with district leaders saying their goal is to protect classrooms, instruction, and programming. Final budget decisions are expected by June 30.

Why it Matters: School budgets shape what students experience every day. This update is encouraging because it points to fewer immediate classroom impacts, but there are still tough choices ahead, including administrative cuts, unfilled positions, and a possible delay on broader staff raises.

Mother’s Day is a great excuse to get Mom out of the house and let someone else do the cooking! Whether she’s into brunch, wine, dessert, or just a meal where she doesn’t have to plan a single thing, there are some sweet local spots doing Mother’s Day specials. Grab a reservation, bring the people she loves, and let her enjoy being celebrated. 💗

🍖 Steiner Ranch Steakhouse | Austin | Brunch buffet with premium entrées pastries desserts | Details here.

🤤 Vaquero’s Cafe & Cantina | Austin | Brunch reservations required with limited seating availability | Details here.

🍽️ Sixty Three Restaurant & Bar | Lakeway | Elevated brunch buffet with complimentary mimosa or bubbles for moms | Details here.

If Mother’s Day somehow snuck up on you this year, no worries, you still have time to look like the thoughtful favorite. From sweet gifts and pampering treats to fun outings and memory-making plans, here are some local specials and promos perfect for celebrating your favorite mama.

🎨 My Poterie | Lakeway | Paint-your-own pottery kits and studio sessions | Creative pottery painting and keepsake gifts | Details here.

🛍️ Runaway Luna Lifestyle | Bee Cave | Catering, robes, and gift drops | Boutique lifestyle gifts and curated Mother’s Day items | Details here.

Mulch might not sound too exciting, but it is one of the most important tools for a healthy Austin landscape.

This week’s guide answers common questions like how deep to mulch, which types work best locally, and why native hardwood mulch comes out on top. You’ll learn how to prevent weeds, retain moisture, and avoid common mistakes like piling mulch against trunks.

Bonus: simple tips like “donut, not volcano” and refreshing once or twice a year keep your beds looking sharp and working hard year-round.

Check it out HERE.

🧭 Orienteering Challenge | St. Stephen’s Episcopal School | Austin | 05/09 | More
Outdoor navigation course with timed challenges and friendly competition.

🍕 Mother’s Day Pizza Celebration | Curry Pizza House | Bee Cave | 05/09–05/10 | More
Relaxed family dining with special Mother’s Day discount and shared meals.

🎨 Pecan Street Festival | Hill Country Galleria | Bee Cave | 05/09–05/10 | More
Iconic arts, crafts, and live music festival with local vendors and performances.

🍽️ Mother’s Day Brunch | Blind Salamander | Austin | 05/10 | More
Upscale brunch with seafood bar, carving stations, and sweet surprise gift for moms.

🍵 Mom Playdate Tea Party | Pikopye’s Town | Lakeway | 05/10 | More
Kid-friendly tea party with crafts, treats, and relaxed playtime celebration.

🦞 Mother’s Day Crawfish Boil | Hops & Thyme | Lakeway | 05/10 | More
Casual crawfish feast with drinks and messy, family-style fun.

🎨 Mother’s Day Paint & Sip | Jim Bob’s Terrace | Austin | 05/09 | More
Guided painting session paired with cocktails and curated charcuterie.

😂 G.O.A.T. Shot | Civil Goat Coffee Co. | Austin | 05/09 | More
Top local comics deliver sharp stand-up and laid-back patio laughs.

🤝 Lakeway Business Networking | High 5 Exchange | Lakeway | 05/13 | More
Business meetup with networking, updates, and community discussion.

🧠 Dementia Awareness & Resource Fair | Silverleaf Eldercare | Bee Cave | 05/13 | More
Educational fair with caregiver support, resources, and memory-friendly activities.

🍷 Wine & Wagyu Wednesdays | Little Woodrow’s | Bee Cave | 05/13 | More
Half-price Wagyu burgers and wine for a midweek indulgent hangout.

🧚 Fae Fest: Mosswood Renaissance Faire | Ani’s Day & Night | Austin | 05/09 | More
Immersive fantasy festival with artisans, performances, and whimsical market magic.

🎨 Art-O-Rama Street Art Festival | Dougherty Arts Center | Austin | 05/09 | More
Interactive murals, live graffiti, and playful street art experiences for all ages.

🎶 Songfest | Texas State Capitol | Austin | 05/09 | More
Girl Scouts unite for joyful singing, dancing, and community tradition.

🎤 Romeo Santos & Prince Royce | Moody Center ATX | Austin | 05/10 | More
A high-energy night of romantic bachata hits and crowd singalongs.

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