Well, Folks. I did it. I’m sure I’ve bored most of you with talk of real estate for the past few years. And more than a few of you have helped me and Mark with our own house remodel and projects. So, I’ve decided to follow my passion and become a licensed Realtor! I’ve found a great home at Blairfield Realty with the best mentor and friend, Donna Miller. Rest assured that any business you choose to do with me will be backed by the insanely talented Donna.

It’s exciting to be doing something I truly love. If you have any real estate needs, let me know. I am happy to help if you have any interest in buying or selling or even if you want to just talk shop. Thanks for supporting me on this journey.

Blairfield Realty will be hosting an open house this Saturday, May 11th, featuring our newest listing, 2302 Farnswood Circle. Please stop by Farnswood anytime between 1:00pm – 4:00pm to get an inside look at this charming home in Barton Hills. This 3 bed, 2.5 bath has great features including a swimming pool in a large, heavily wooded backyard, a workshop, spacious study and a 2-car detached garage. Stop by, say hello and have some refreshments on us. See you there!

Blairfield Realty has teamed up with legendary caterer to the stars and food truck chef, Luke Bibby for a neighborhood appreciation event. We love our neighbors, and we want to treat you to one of Luke’s famous sandwiches this weekend. Stop by our office this Friday, May 8th between 8am-5pm to pick up your free sandwich coupon. Don’t miss out on this amazing event! Check out more info on Luke’s Inside Out food trailer at www.lukesinsideout.com.

Cunningham Elementary

It is exciting times in the housing market this Spring and it is definitely a seller’s market. Homes are being listed and sold in the same day!  As wonderful as that is for sellers it is also a great time for buyers.

Buyers should consider 78745 zipcode area. Many affordable homes are being sold and you can’t beat the location.

The City of Austin is currently holding public workshops focusing on this South Austin area.  They are meeting with stake holders in the area to receive feedback on developing green space, creating a “civic center” at the Manchacha/Stassney intersection and how to enhance pedestrian mobility.

Many innovative ideas are being discussed in these meetings with great community partners such as ACC, the Austin Public Library and AISD. The mission is to explore how all assets can work together to create a stronger civic identity.

One active community stakeholder is Cunningham Elementary. This is a great elementary school located in 78745, celebrating their 50th anniversary this Spring.

Principal, Amy Lloyd

Principal Amy Lloyd and her staff are working on great programs and initiatives for the students at the school.

 
Attached is a link on how to build your very own box garden in five simple steps. Or ask your neighbor – I am sure there is one near you.

http://www.sunset.com/garden/perfect-raised-bed-00400000039550/

-Monica

Born in the Midwest, Monica Blackburn moved to Houston after graduating from Coe College.
In the early 90s, she and her husband moved to Austin. Looking for a place to raise their
children, they chose the Barton Hills neighborhood–a choice, she says, that benefitted her
family in innumerable ways. The two Blackburn daughters attended Barton Hills Elementary,
O.Henry and Kealing Middle Schools, and Austin High.

Ms. Blackburn has over 20 years experience in retail marketing, property management, and
leasing. Since obtaining her real estate license, her focus has shifted from commercial leasing/
sales to residential sales.

When she’s not engaged with the business of Blairfield Realty and its clients, Monica enjoys
spending time with her husband and two daughters. She also loves to run and spends a lot of
time volunteering for Austin High School’s Academy for Global Studies.

Monica would love to help you find your investment property or dream home in Austin. When
working with you, she will come to understand exactly what you want, diligently research the
market, and then secure for you your perfect place. Give her a call.

Ruth and Her Husband Demonstrate Painting a Bike Mural

Step One:
Decide on Your Design
Decide on a design for your wall. My husband is an avid mountain biker, and we hope to share this passion for biking with our new son. So, we found an image of the bike he rides online to use for a custom stencil.

Do you love sailing? Find a gorgeous image of a sloop. Do you love nature? Gather up some images of trees and birds. You get the idea.

Step Two:
Get a Projector
We had access to one, but I happen to know that Rock ‘n Roll Rentals on South Lamar rents them for $15 a weekend!! Not a bad investment.

Step Three: Project Your Design
Project your image onto your wall of choice. Play around. Having our image “cut off” looked good to us; so we kept it there.
Helpful Tip: We found waiting until the sun went down made the image MUCH easier to see on the wall.

Step Four: Trace Your Image
We used pencil and it worked fine. We were able to erase any mistakes by rubbing with a wet towel. Brave souls are welcome to outline with paint or, better yet, a paint pen.

Step Five: Paint In the Lines
No need for the projector any more. Just grab some paint and some small paint brushes. I do recommend a bright color on a neutral wall or black or white on a colored wall. The contrast helps the image pop.

Step Six: Enjoy!
That’s it! Take a deep breath and enjoy your masterpiece. It’s only paint, so if there are any mistakes or your taste changes over time, it can easily be painted over.

There are few things my newborn son smiles at: me, any ceiling fan and that bike mural are among his favorites.

Good Luck!

El Mesón
Interior Mexican Cuisine

Since it’s walking distance from the office, we’re there all the time!
Address -2038 South Lamar Boulevard

Olivia
Fine Dining

We love that they use local fare whenever possible and their creme brulee!!
Address - 2043 South Lamar Boulevard

Uchi
Contemporary Japanese Dining & Sushi Restaurant

Sushi and atmosphere are top notch in this famous establishment.
Address - 801 South Lamar Boulevard

El Alma Cafe Mexican Cafe Y Cantina

Just off Barton Springs, they serve up delicious Mexican food.
Address – 1025 Barton Springs Road

Chuy’s Restaurant
Tex-Mex, Original Location

No explanation needed for this Austin favorite.
Address – 1728 Barton Springs Road

Paggi House
Fine Dining & Great View

We love their fantastic outdoor dining.
Address – 200 Lee Barton Drive

Luke’s Inside Out
Food Trailer

Right next to the Gibson, this sandwich trailer rocks!
Address – 1109 South Lamar Boulevard

Lulu B’s Vietnamese
Fast-Food Trailer

The best veggie bahn mi in town.
Address – 2113 South Lamar Boulevard 

Bon Appétit!

Barton Hills Elementary

Choosing the right home for your family may involve sleepless nights of wondering which neighborhood’s school is best. When considering the elementary schools in the area, search no further. The zip code you’re looking for is 78704, and one especially quaint neighborhood with an equally quaint school is Barton Hills.

Nestled atop a, yes, Hill, lies Barton Hills Elementary, the 48 year old neighborhood school that backs up to the Barton Creek Greenbelt. You can research the impressive facts to learn that TEA rates it Exemplary; it is small, with just 360 students; and the teacher turnover rate is extremely low. What you can’t find on any website are the experiences, connections, educators, families, and sense of community that make this school so fabulous. The dedication from students, parents, teachers, and the administration creates a positive, caring atmosphere that is noticeable throughout the halls. The daily climate at Barton Hills reminds me of attendance at a family reunion. Here, everyone smiles, gets to know one another, cares about each other, and looks forward to getting together.

Barton Hills Elementary is Oz’s Emerald City. It’s the Never-Never Land in Peter Pan, and the Hogwarts of Harry Potter.

BHE offers 6^th grade, unlike most Austin elementary schools.  It offers an after school Spanish class, Math Pentathlon, UIL, Odyssey of the Mind, Ultimate Frisbee, and a renowned choir among other extra curricular activities on campus. Barton Hills earned its “No Place for Hate” status last year, and truly lives by that. I should know. I am a proud product of, parent at, and teacher in the school.

- By: Laura Embree-

August 10, Friday - 10am-7pm    2011 Oxford Ave 78704

August 11, Saturday – 1pm-4pm   2011 Oxford Ave 78704

August 12, Sunday – 1pm-4pm      2011 Oxford Ave 78704 & 2313 Westforest Dr 78704