Another parenthack yesterday.

I've got a hack on CDBaby for kid's music up over on ParentHacks.

I don't know about you, but I have trouble spending money. I was trained by my frugal MidWesterner mother to feel guilty about spending money when I could do make do with what I have or do without. One thing I've learned is that some things simply make life easier. Less stressful. And at times when I are overwhelmed by my responsibilities and schedules or my spouse and I are arguing over something, I have learned to ask myself "Could this problem be solved by throwing money at it?"

Amazingly, there is almost always a way to lessen a problem by throwing money at it. It's not always worth it, but the excercise of asking reduces stress because the problem is no longer unsolvable or insurmountable. It may be expensive, but the problem can be solved.

Sometimes, though, the answer is "Yes, the problem can be solved by throwing money at the problem -- and why haven't you done it already?" When the cost is low enough or the stress is high enough, give yourself permission to throw money at the problem. It's worth it.

According to the Austin Business Journal, Austin is set to get $9M in funding (secured by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, so one assumes this is federal money, although that is not clear) to improve Austin's Hike and Bike System. Mayor Will Wynn is quoted saying "The home of Lance Armstrong will become the most bicycle-friendly city in the United States."

Most of the planned improvements are in Southeast Austin.

I noticed last night that Violin's Etc. seems to be moving in around the corner from my house -- Burnet and Rockwood. This is a nice addition to the neighborhood, and just strengthens a trend started by Serendipity Bridal and Terra Toys of speciality shops moving from higher priced neighborhoods (Violin's Etc. moved from Lamar & 38th, Terra Toys from South Congress) to the North Shoal Creek Area.

I ran across an intriguing new product this morning at Gelato's, the new gelato and coffee place in my neighborhood (review coming soon...). MetroMint Peppermint Water. The first whiff is like toothpaste, but after that it grows on you. It tastes almost like peppermint tea, but with none of the tannins. Quite refreshing.

I find this an interesting addition to the "Smart Water" trend -- in this case without the smarts. The ingredients are water and mint. (From Oregon and Washington, "the best peppermint you can grow.")

The MetroMint website describes the creators as a "cutting edge group of beveragites", which is a bit pretentious for my taste. Does it surprise anyone it is from San Fransisco?

Went to Central Market this weekend and got the lowdown on the renovations to the orginal store on North Lamar. Here's the skinny.
1. The store is expanding northward into the old Origins store space.
2. The produce section moves into the Origins space.
3. The "Healthy Living" section (vitamins and soaps and such) moves into the old produce section, along with bulk items.
4. The Cheese section is moving over by the wine department, and they are planning on doing wine and cheese pairings/tastings in the new combined area. As part of this move, they are getting rid of the ports and harder alcohol (some TABC rule about not serving samples if you are selling stronger alcohol -- which makes me wonder how GrapeVine Market can do wine samples, since they also sell hard liquor).
5. The old cheese section becomes part of an expaned "Cafe on the Go," serving more prepared foods, similar to the food courts of the UK department stores.
6. The "Cafe on the Go" section expands to include a smoothie bar and other cafe oriented additions.