Swimming, surfing, digging in the sand, all day fishing trips, and the hot, hot summer sun. All that fun really works up an appetite. And the last thing anyone wants to do on vacation is spend too much time in the kitchen cooking. We have a solution that is quick, easy, and pleases everyone.

It’s Taco Bar time!

It’s so simple to lay out a Taco Bar buffet. There’s something for everyone: carnivore, vegan, dairy intolerant, gluten free, corn intolerant, atkins dieters and just plain picky. Put out a spread that allows your guests to customize according to their own preferences AND you’ll be out of the kitchen quickly. [It’s great for those days the fishermen don’t catch any fish…]

Here’s a list of items to offer:

• Corn tortillas
• Flour tortillas
• Beef or bison picadillo
• Chicken breasts, pre-grilled and diced
• Refried beans
• Diced avocado
• Guacamole
• Chopped tomato
• Lettuce
• Grated cheese
• Grated soy cheese
• Spicy salsa
• Mild salsa

As you can see, it is a pretty simple array of items to lay out. The surprising part is how satisfied our guests are with this meal because they make their tacos just the way they like them.

Add some limeade for the kids and fresh margaritas for the grownups and you’re all set, except for . . .

What’s for dessert?

Easy peanut butter, chocolate chip cookies.

Mix 1 cup sugar & 1 cup peanut butter, & 1 egg. Then mix in 1 teaspoon baking powder. Optionally add 3/4 cups of chocolate chips. Roll into 1 inch balls, place on a baking sheet and flatten. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Yumm!

Innovation? We got’cher innovation right here!

Forbes magazine recently published its list of the 10 Most Innovative Cities and right on its heels was a Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine article on the 10 Best Cities for the Next Decade. Of course, Kiplinger defines best as “most innovative”. Granted, they only focused on large cities, so it’s not surprising that Austin was #1 on the Kiplinger list and #2 on the Forbes list. But it got me to thinking – how would my favorite, sleepy little beach town, Port Aransas, Texas, stack up if anyone at Forbes or Kiplinger were “innovative” enough to check it out?

Here’s my take.

Forbes said; “Over the last year residents of Austin have patented inventions including a laser-guided nail clipper for dogs and cats, an electronic fishing reel system, a fertilizer that also functions as a pesticide, and a gadget that can detect explosive chemicals with microphones–along with about 2,900 other ideas, the second-most per-capita of any metro area in the U.S.”

Ok, perhaps we don’t have 2,900 ideas – heck, we barely have 2,900 full time residents. If you look at ideas per capita, we only need about 15 good ones and we’ll have Austin beat hands down. Besides, who needs a fancy nail clipper for pets, just run ‘em on the beach and they naturally wear their nails down. An electronic fishing reel system? How long do you think that expensive toy would last in our salt air? Pesticide in fertilizers? You’ll have to ask “fido” about that one. And as for explosive chemicals and microphones – I’m sure I saw something like that on stage at Sharkey’s last Saturday night.

Kiplinger said, “Austin is arguably the country’s best crucible for small business, offering a dozen community programs that form a neural network of business brainpower to help entrepreneurs. Now overlay that net with a dozen venture-capital funds and 20 or so business associations, plus incubators, educational opportunities and networking events. Mix all these elements in what many call a classless society, where hippie communalism coexists with no-nonsense capitalism, and you’ve got a breeding ground for start-ups.”

Now, to be real honest, I’m not sure I understand even half of what that said. But I do think I’ve come across a “neural network of business brainpower” in action recently. The other day, I heard two guys talking about how to make a fishing lure using metal screws, eyehooks, crazy glue and an empty beer can. Most of the conversation focused on how to make sure the beer can was empty. Of course, this was taking place in one of Port Aransas’ finer “business incubators” – The Back Porch Bar. And that part about hippies and capitalism mixed together? Heck, 90% of Port Aransas residents are hippie refugees from the big city just trying to eke out enough of a living to feed their fishing habit. That’s no-nonsense capitalism with a purpose.

I do think Kiplinger hit on the most important factor in ranking its 10 Best Cities when they said, “Don’t discount the fun factor.” Granted, Austin is a pretty fun place to hang out, especially when SXSW or ACL Festival is on. You can’t beat it for the live music scene. But what to do the other 48 weeks of the year? Seems to me that a whole lot of Austinites spend their summers and weekends on the beaches of Mustang Island. Now, what does it tell you when people who live in the “Most Innovative” and “Best City for the Next Decade” voluntarily spend their free time someplace else?

You can decide for yourself. Me, I’m hanging in Port Aransas this summer.

Regards,
Jimi

Posting from:
The Commons at Seashell on Mustang Island, Port Aransas, Texas
http://commonsporta.com/

On the Road!

Planning a trip to the coast is sure to generate lots of excitement and anticipation. And with a little advance planning, you can make getting there part of the fun.

Click for a link to google maps!

We live in Austin and make the trip from there to Port Aransas quite often.  Over the years, we have compiled what we think is the shortest and most scenic route to take.  It’s all a matter of knowing the right route and the best stops along the way – food stops, fun stops, and especially those all important potty breaks.  Here are our own, personal driving directions with turn by turn directions and recommended side stops.

• From Austin, take 183 South towards Lockhart.
• If it’s near lunch time, take a BBQ break in Lockhart. Then continue on 183 S towards Luling. [Black’s BB Que has the best selection of non-meat sides…]
• In Luling,if you did not stop in Lockhart for BBQ, you have another chance. Turn right on Davis just before the RR tracks, and stop at City Market.
• Turn Alert!!! Turn left just over the RR tracks to stay on 183 S. Another fun place to stop is the Luling Pottery Market. You’ll see it on the left just after the Rusty Rooster on your right.
• There is a decent potty break in Gonzales at the Circle G truck stop [on your right towards the far end of Gonzales]. If you want a stop at the architectural antiques store, it is on the business road into the main square. The business 183 will come back together with 183 on the far side of town and you’ll keep heading south.
• About 5 miles before you hit Cuero, look for the Buffalo on the left side of the road.
• In Quero at Church Street is Tillmans Antiques.
• Turn Alert!!! Warning: at some point, just past Cuero, you will go over a fairly long bridge over a river over the Guadalupe River. You will need to veer left to stay on 183 ( towards Goliad).
• In Goliad, stay on 183 S towards Refugio. [If you are interested in history, there are several possible stops along 183 including the Mission on your right as you head to the coast and General Zaragosa memorial on your left.]
• Stay on 183 S until you get to Refugio. [Approx. 110 miles from Luling]
• In Refugio, 183 will veer right at the Burger King/ Shell station [on your left at the traffic light]
• Turn Alert!!! Go 1.3 miles and take a left on Empresario at the light.
• Turn Alert!!! Go 1.5 miles and turn right at the first stop sign onto Hwy 136 towards Bayside
• Turn Alert!!! Follow Hwy 136 through Bayside. Stop and eat the fried egg sandwiches at Crofutt’s. Good pre-ferry potty break too. Consider stocking up on baked goodies. Turn left at a flashing stop light [in the middle of nowhere] onto Hwy 188.
• Follow Hwy 188 until it T’s at the local Hwy 35. You will go PAST the multi-lane Hwy 35 a few miles before you turn right when 188 ends at 35.
• Follow 35. It will have a small joggle [at a donut shop] where 35 veers right but you will need stay left/straight towards Port Aransas. There is a green sign for 90 at the joggle.  Turn Alert!!! Turn left on 361 at the light where there is an HEB. [Stop to get any items you may have forgotten]. There is also a Valero / Stripes just after you turn, if you need gas. It is your last potty break opportunity before the ferry. In the peak season, NEVER get on the ferry line without stopping first.
• Take the ferry to Port Aransas. Look for dolphins, and beware of friendly birds coming to sit on your car.
• When you get off the ferry, turn right at the Valero/ Stripes  onto Cut Off Road.
• When you get off the ferry, turn right at the Valero/ Stripes  onto Cut Off Road.
• When you get to the traffic light, turn right on to Hwy 361. You’ll pick up the key at the Starkey Properties office, 1115 S. Hwy 361 Suite D which will be on your left in the strip shopping center where the Ace Hardware store is.
• After you pick up a key, go right on 361 then go right on Ave J (the street just after the shopping plaza).  Take that to 11th Street.  Go right. Go to 2120  – you’ll see the sign for the Commons on your left just after Faith Harbor Condominiums. The official address is 2120 S. 11th.

For the drive back, just do everything above backwards and leave time to make the stops you missed on the way down.  Safe travels!

Ready! Set! Let’s go!

Going to the beach with friends is something we’ve been doing for more than 15 years. After so many trips to the beach, I think we’ve got it down to a science.

In our group we divide up the breakfasts and dinners to be eaten at the beach [each family brings lunch food for their family or we go out to eat]. We assign meals in advance so no one person is stuck with preparing food too often. Each family shops for their assigned meal plus they bring a portion of the “household items” that we’ve found helpful to bring from home. The list has varied over the years, but with rental houses you’re never quite sure the household supplies will be provided. I’ll share the list we’ve formulated over the years for things we like to bring on a beach trip.

• Each family brings their own bathroom soaps and a few rolls of toilet paper
• Dish-washing liquid
• Dishwasher soap
• Laundry soap
• Paper towels
• Paper napkins
• Paper plates
• Coffee filters
• Plastic wrap
• Aluminum Foil
• Ziploc bags, gallon and quart
• Trash bags
• Dish towels
• Sponge

Since we have 4 families in our group, each of us only needs to bring about 3 items from the household list.

In our car, I also make sure to pack stuff for beach fun – kites are a huge amount of fun on the beach, bubbles, sand buckets and shovels, beach umbrella, beach towels, sand chairs

I also pack stuff for fun out of the sun – board games (Apples to Apples is great for a wide range of ages, Monopoly, Chinese checkers…) cards, Legos. Origami instruction books and paper keep us all entertained for hours. Paper lunch sacks and markers can turn into puppets for impromptu puppet shows. I try to make sure the craft items are easy to do and easy to clean so that we don’t damage the property we are renting, of course.

Last year our group of four families stayed in two units at The Commons. It worked out perfectly since the kids are old enough to be in one unit, watching their favorite movies while the adults could be next door enjoying peace and quiet. Those 10” walls worked out great!

Whew! Its hot outside!

Sometimes it isn’t what you paid for your vacation home, it is what it costs you to own your home.

Here in Texas, 2009 was the hottest summer in years. In Austin, it was the hottest summer in 155 years, dating back to 1854. This was also the warmest June-August ever at San Antonio and Del Rio. And, it was the hottest August on record at Corpus Christi.¹

If ever there were a summer to head to the beach to cool off, it was 2009. And if ever there were a summer to break the record for energy consumption and test your electricity budget, this was it.

At The Commons we have a secret weapon to controlling energy costs. Our walls are built with ICF, Insulated Concrete Forms. The exterior walls and the walls between units are 10 inches thick with 6 inches of concrete inside held by 2 inches of insulation on either side. This proven, green building technique has a direct impact on energy costs and on the owner’s bottom line.

The Commons Utilities Costs

For The Commons homeowner, our data tells us that for eight months of the year you can expect your electricity costs to average about $50 per month. During the four months of summer heat, you might average around $100 per month if you keep the thermostat steady and ask the kids to keep the door shut as we did in unit 304, the unit we use ourselves. And even if you have renters who tend to turn the thermostat down and not pay attention to open doors, you are not likely to average more than $150 per month in the summer months. Our data indicates annual electricity cost of $800-$1100 per year or an average of $80 per month.

Come visit us at The Commons in Port Aransas, Texas. Our energy efficient vacation homes will save you money. Enjoy the Texas beaches and the summer sun, just remember to close the door behind you!

¹ http://capitalclimate.blogspot.com/2009/09/its-official-austin-smashes-155-year.html

Find out about current investment opportunities in Port Aransas

Are you seeking higher returns on your money than you would expect with low interest certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, savings accounts, bonds, the stock market, or your retirement account?

Investing in coastal rental properties in a resort destination can be extremely profitable. If you are interested in finding out more about current opportunities, please contact:

Linda Johnson, Agent
lindajohnson@wesellporta.com
(361) 749-6603

Coastal Investing has Huge Upside

First you want to protect your investment, and buying in a coastal environment you want to insure you are buying real estate that will withstand the harsh coastal environment, while reducing your energy and insurance costs of holding the investment. The Commons in Port Aransas is built with ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) which are made to withstand 200mph winds and provide energy efficiency with thick insulated concrete walls.

Personally Enjoy the Investment You’ve Made

The second major consideration is where will you want to vacation and what will be your best value proposition. Beach properties never lose their value. It is good to choose a location close to the beach, without having to pay the premium for direct beachfront property. Your property should have a large pool, and be easy for you and your family, or rental families to enjoy. The Commons was built with all of these factors in mind. It is located a few blocks from the beach, and is designed with a courtyard design around a large pool. The three bedroom two and a half bath design accommodates most groups and families. In addition, the design of several units together as a courtyard around the main feature of a pool makes for a perfect design for gatherings of large families or groups.

Can You Think of Anything Better Than Beach Life?

Finally, staying at The Commons is just plain fun. The downstairs living area is an open design so that you can enjoy a glass of wine with the chef, while the kids play a game of Clue at the dining room table and everyone else sits in the living room watching Hannah Montana or checking stock quotes on their laptop with The Commons free wireless internet. Upstairs separate bedrooms offer a quiet place to nap, or you can go outside and try out the hammocks. You can sit on the front patio enjoying the gulf breeze under palm trees while overlooking the oversize swimming pool. All units have their own patios so you can visit with your neighbors or not. Large groups or families love The Commons because there are so many choices to be together, or not. Our units are next door to each other, but separated by concrete walls so you can be next door, and not hear a thing from unit to unit.

The Commons is Pet Friendly

And don’t forget to bring your pup, because The Commons is pet friendly and pets are welcome. Our easy care stained concrete floors means Fido won’t be in the doghouse for spilling his water bowl.

Come join us at The Commons. We know you will love it as much as we do. Finally, an investment that you can enjoy!

Growing Demand for Retirement Property in Texas

Texas has become the second most popular state to retire to, and the baby boom retirement inflow has just begun. The baby boom represents 76 million Americans, approximately 28% of the U.S. population. Of this population, 55% say they will move upon retirements – Source. Baby boomers will be looking for the best lifestyle for their money and Texas offers many benefits. Texas offers a low cost of living, a great climate, affordable housing and no state income tax!

Enjoy Coastal Living in Port Aransas, Texas

Port Aransas and Mustang Island offer retirees the dream of days spent walking on the beach, fishing in the bay, golfing, and a slower pace to enjoy friends and leisure. For generations of Texans, summers were spent on the beaches at Port Aransas, and as they retire, they dream of returning. For those locating from the colder climates, Texas beaches offer a dream destination.

The Real Estate Climate in Port Aransas on the Texas Coast

The crown jewel of the Texas coast is Mustang Island, one of the longest barrier islands in the world offering 18 miles of wonderful sandy beaches. At the tip of this island is the small fishing town of Port Aransas, which is home to some of the best fishing and birding on the Texas Gulf Coast. The beaches, the birding, the kayaking and fishing have made Port Aransas a destination for generations of Texans. This environment makes the perfect location for investment in rental or second home real estate.

An investment in rental or second home property in Port Aransas, Texas is a solid investment. From 1995 to 2007, the average Condo Sales Price increased 19% a year, and the average home sales price increased 16% a year. And even though the last few years have been difficult for real estate in general, the demographics of the Texas Coast, Mustang Island and Port Aransas support a continued increase in the flow of people wanting to buy investment or second home real estate in Port Aransas.

Reasons why Investing in Texas Real Estate is a Smart Move

The advantages of investing in real estate are many. Real estate is a great hedge against inflation. Rental properties can appreciate in value as inflation increases. Inflation is also rent friendly in that rents will increase with inflation while the mortgage payments on your property typically remain stable. The best news is real estate can be rented out, allowing someone else to pay for the costs of owning the real estate and gradually paying down any loans on the property.

Real Estate Prices are Rising in Texas

The Price of Texas homes had steadily increased over the last few decades. Between 1979 and 2005, the average home price appreciation in Texas increased 3-5.5% a year. http://recenter.tamu.edu/pdf/1762.pdf

This home price appreciation results in an improvement in the equity for the owner increasing the return on the real estate investment. Using financing through mortgages, an investor is able to increase the leverage of their money.

So now that you have decided to invest in real estate, and it is clear that an investment on the Texas coast, specifically Mustang Island or Port Aransas is a great way to go, how do you decide what to choose?