New to Radiance?

Tips for Radiance Newcomers

Water in Radiance

The water in central texas is hard. It has a lot of calcium and magnesium in it. Calcium leaves a white residue, particularly when the water has been heated. Our community well is monitored regularly so you can be assured it’s safe to drink.

If you want better tasting water, I recommend getting a water filter. We bought a PUR water filter that attaches to the existing kitchen faucet.

Amazon link to the model we use. Approx $25 . Best price on replacement filters is at Costco.

http://tinyurl.com/6xxb5et

For ease of use, we fill a gallon-size water pitcher with filtered water, and fill this pitcher as needed. It’s faster (to us) to use the filter + gallon pitcher method vs filtering for each use.

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Lemishine

Your glasses will start to become hazy if you wash them in the dishwasher. That’s the calcium from the hard water. Cascade dish water detergent is supposed to solve this problem. Doesn’t work.

The best stuff on the planet for getting your glasses clean is “Lemi Shine”

Amazon link:

http://tinyurl.com/3qkreat

It’s natural (made from lemon rinds).

You can find it at HEB although it’s often sold out. Walmart tends to keep it in stock.

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Your Coffee Maker

Over time, calcium will build up inside your coffee maker. You may need to click the START button 3-4 times just to get one pot of coffee. You can use Lemi Shine to get rid of the calcium.

I put approx 3 tablespoons of Lemi Shine in the coffee water container and stir it so it dissolves as much as possible. I then run the water through the coffee maker the same way I would if I was making coffee (no filter). When done, I take the water from the coffee pot, add a little more Lemi Shine, and re-run it through the coffee maker.

After 3 times, I dump the Lemi Shine water, and run clean water through the coffee maker. I empty this water, and make another pot with clean water, and then dump the water. That’s it. Your coffee maker will be back in action, and no lemon taste in your coffee!

I only have to do this 3 times a year.

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Austin Library

You can get a free Austin library card for each of your kids (17 years old and below) even though Radiance is not within Austin city limits (we’re even in the next county south!)

There is no restriction on the types of items you can check out meaning you can check out DVDs, CDs, Books, etc for adults as well as kids.

Children’s Library Card Info:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/starengl.htm

The library has a great movie collection.

You can search, and reserve all online!

The closest Austin library to us is on Convict Hill Road

5125 Convict Hill Rd., 78749; (512) 974-9900
Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
closed Thursday
Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
closed Sunday
[holiday schedule]

Caveats: you will have a learning curve with using the library’s online database.

My recommendation is to do your research using Amazon, create your wish list, and then type in your specific desired movies, books, etc into the library online search.

You cannot create a “wish list” with the library database. Each session is a new session except for the items you already have checked out, or on hold.

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Inexpensive and Kid Friendly Places to Eat

Torchy’s Tacos (william cannon)

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Best Playscape in Austin

Circle C Metropolitan Park

Google Maps Link:
http://tinyurl.com/3ws8pxy

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Swimming / Cooling Off

Besides our neighborhood pool, here are some other options…

Little Stacy Pool

It has a wading pool perfect for small children. Lots of shade from Oak trees.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/little-stacy-park-austin

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Pease Park Splash Pad

The kids really like this place. Bring a blanket to put down under the single tree that provides shade. Afterwards you can walk over the large playscape.

YouTube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg9mWiufrYk

Directions

http://www.austinparks.org/apfweb/park.php?parkId=307

City of Austin Pool Schedule
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/pools_schedule.htm

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13 Water Playscapes and Splash Pads in Austin

http://www.examiner.com/family-entertainment-in-austin/13-water-playscapes-and-splash-pads-you-can-enjoy-for-free

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Free Kids Movies During the Summer

A number of theatres offer free movies. Here’s a comprehensive list from 2011

http://www.austin360.com/movies/family-movies-for-free-or-almost-free-fill-1559711.html