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City Cast Austin

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks by Austin locals, for locals.

Kelsey Bradshaw

Whether you keep your Christmas tree up until January or you tear it down right away, you need to know what to do with it once the ornaments are packaged up.

. Make sure you remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, stands and other decor. Trees must be natural and not have any artificial snow.

You don’t need to put the tree in a bag, but if your tree is taller than 6 feet, cut it in half.

Anyone can drop off natural trees, wreaths, and garlands at Zilker Park on Jan. 3 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The same rules apply:

Remove all decorations, including ornaments, tinsel, lights, and stands

For wreaths and garlands, make sure you remove them from wire frames.

You can return to Zilker Park on Jan. 8 starting at 9 a.m. to pick up free mulch from the recycled trees. The mulch will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

🎄 Free Drop-Off Locations Are Available All Over Central Texas

Not close to Zilker Park? No worries! Try one of these 

: 3219 S. Interstate 35 Round Rock; and 629 Dalton Lane, Austin

You can recycle your tree in lots of places. 

Where To Throw Away Your 2025 Christmas Tree in Austin

Tips and tricks for living your best Austin life, by locals, for locals.

Austin Life Hacks

Temperatures are dropping, it’s getting darker sooner, and election season is over. Enter: Indoor plants.

Not only do indoor plants brighten up winters, but they are also great air purifiers in the cold months when windows are closed and heaters are on, especially snake plants. Plants can also help brighten dreary moods winter tends to bring on, 

said Charlie Hall, a professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences.

“It’s amazing that just having plants in your home can have such a measurable impact on stress reduction,” Hall said.

What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make?

Adjust how much you water in the winter: Plants need less water because they’re getting less light, according to 

And if one of your plants is really happy, find similar ones in that plant family since you’ve learned how to take care of it.

Succulents are resilient and can take a lot of neglect before it shows.

Hoya, or vining plants, have succulent characteristics and come in different shapes and sizes.

Snake plants, which require minimal care, come in different colors and shapes.

ZZ plants are also tolerant of low lighting, so you can put them in further away corners of living rooms.

Cast iron plants can handle a lot of shade.

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension officials also recommend utilizing 

Pilea and peperomia variety plants tend to be more compact and firm, and have leaves that don’t flicker (or resemble cat toys).

If you take the roots out of the pot and see they are all squishy and slimy, they are dead, and it’s time to cut them off. If you cut off most of it, and the root ball is brown and squishy, the plant is ready to be composted.

But don’t be too quick to dump a droopy plant – plants are resilient and they can still provide all kinds of benefits no matter how long they last.

Plants are the perfect antidote to the winter blues.

An Austinite's Guide to Indoor Plants

Need a New Self-Care Method? Try Indoor Plants.

While September ushers in fun things like football season and the possibility of cooler temperatures, it also brings on peach depression. Peach depression is the realization that peach season is over and you didn’t eat enough peaches before it ended. This is a made-up disease, of course, but the side effects are real!

According to Fredericksburg, the peach mecca of Texas, 

. So you have just a few weeks left to make the most of peach season.

Here’s how to avoid peach depression before it’s too late:

You’ve probably driven past roadside peach stands all summer with the intention of stopping one day. Heed the call — now is the time to pull over and grab a bunch of them before they’re gone.

And if you can’t quite remember where you saw that peach stand, there are some spots in Austin where you can still find the fuzzy fruit. Central Market, on 

, is a good quick option, with several varieties like white peaches and peacharines. You can also clear up your Sunday mornings and head to the 

, where you’ll find peaches and everything else you’d want in your pantry.

A haven of juicy peaches awaits just an hour-and-a-half away, give or take. 

 has fresh peaches and they make a mean homemade peach cobbler you can take home. For those who enjoy the you-pick experience, 

 will let you pick peaches right from the source for just $5.

And since you’re already making the drive, why not make a day of it at 

Das Peach Haus at the Fischer & Wieser Farmstead

? They sell peaches in just about every form imaginable — fresh, as jam, and even peach wine. They also offer cooking classes and lodging for overnight stays.

You’ve brought more peaches home than you could possibly eat, so now what? My first recommendation is to 

 — it lasts a while and it’s easier than you think. Opt for 

 for those hot summer days. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you about the joy of grilled peaches.

For my fellow bakers, turn that fresh fruit into 

To keep your peach supply going for months, freeze them. First, you’ll need to blanch your peaches in boiling water for one minute to loosen the skin, 

. Slice them, sprinkle with lemon juice, and put in an airtight bag or container before putting peaches in the freezer.

Here is how to make the best of the Texas peach season before it ends in August.

The Best of Peach Season in Austin

How To Make the Most of Peach Season in Austin Before It Ends

 again, and with only small chances of rain possible in the next week, you need to prepare for heat, especially if you’re an Austin runner.

Exercising when it’s hot out can have serious consequences — even during short workouts — but there are ways to do it without compromising your health. Here’s how to stay safe:

The human body is very good at regulating its own temperature — think of a cool breeze hitting the sweat on your forehead — and any sort of physical activity will trigger that thermoregulation. But the capacity to stay cool varies from person to person, and adding exposure to high temps can overload the system, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

While negative health effects are of most concern, overheating 

 and keep you from getting the most out of your workout.

Hydration seems so obvious that it’s basically 

, but when you hydrate is just as important as how much water you’re drinking. The Texas Heart Institute recommends drinking 

 at least one hour before you exercise, five ounces every 10 minutes during your run, and another 16 ounces when you’re done.

Opt for electrolytes for added hydration.

Our very own Eva Ruth Moravec has another great tip for cooling down after a run: Add a pool like Barton Springs to your running route for immediate relief.

So many of our closets are filled with “performance” clothes, but pay close attention to fabric tags. Here’s a quick guide:

Natural fibers like cotton are not great at wicking sweat, especially when they’re tight. Go for synthetics like polyester and nylon instead.

Minimal clothing will let the breeze hit more of your body, but it also exposes your skin to the sun.

Here's how to stay safe when running in the Texas heat.

Tips for Running in the Texas Heat

Happy Bike to Work Day, Austin! Today is part of a 

 and there’s lots to know. Let’s ride:

🥤 Fueling Stations Are Set Up All Over the City

If you’re commuting to work today on your bike, look for fueling stations from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Stations will have items like coffee, tacos, waffles, and other snacks, as well as complimentary bike tune-ups. 

🎉 A Bike Celebration Is Happening at City Hall

Head over to Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St., starting at 7 a.m. for breakfast tacos, drinks, and swag. Remarks from speakers like Mayor Kirk Watson will start at 9 a.m. and end with a group photo at 9:20 a.m.

🎧 Is Austin Truly Safe for Cyclists?

CapMetro is waiving the daily fee for an e-bike, 

, for Bike to Work Day. Use the code “B2WD25” when renting a CapMetro bike.

👀 Guided Rides Are Happening All Morning

Looking for a group to cycle with? Check out Bike Month ATX’s 

🍺 Finish Off the Day at Central Machine Works

Pedal over to Central Machine Works, 4824 E. Cesar Chavez St., starting at 5:30 p.m. for an after-party! The fun goes until 9 p.m. and includes food and drink specials, live music, and prizes. If you want to ride with a group to the brewery, meet at City Hall at 5:15 p.m.

A Guide to Austin Bike to Work Day

There’s still time to start a spring garden, but starting your own garden can be intimidating. Here’s a guide on how to prepare, what you’ll need, and what to plant.

First, you’ll need to assess the type of space you have. 

, better soil control, and the ability to garden in tight spaces. If you’re planting directly on the ground, 

Here are some essential tools you’ll need to get started:

Watering tools like a hose nozzle and watering wand for larger areas, or a watering can for smaller areas and indoor plants

For large outdoor gardens, you’ll also need a rake, garden fork, and hoe

Don’t have yard space? Try a community garden. You can also start an indoor garden with kits from 

 — it will help you decide the best time to plant different things in Austin. Here’s a quick guide:

For the colder part of spring — peas, carrots, spinach, and broccoli.

For the warmer part of spring — cucumbers, potatoes, and swiss chard.

Plant tomatoes and peppers in the late spring or early summer.

Herbs like mint and parsley come back every year, making them an easy place to start. (But mint in particular likes to SPREAD. So be mindful about where and how you plant it.)

Spring weather can be unpredictable in Austin, so it’s important to 

The benefit of shopping local is that you can talk to experts that can give you gardening advice specific to Austin. Here are some of our favorites:

If you’d rather buy online, retailers like 

 have a wide selection of seeds for flowers, vegetables, and herbs, along with heirloom varieties. Or, try Austin-based 

, which is currently online-only with local delivery. Just be sure to reference 

Spring season is upon us. We've rounded out the best nurseries in Austin, plus tips and tricks, to get you started on your spring garden.

How to Plant a Spring Garden in Austin

. Don’t worry, though! You can still experience all the festival has to offer for the low, 

 price of $0. It just takes a little bit of planning (and the help of your fave newsletter crew, 

We caught up with Austinite Lisa Hernandez 

. Her creds? She’s been attending SXSW for at least 16 years and has refined her free-finding skills. “If you're spending one penny at South by, you're doing it wrong,” says Hernandez. Here are three things we learned:

 is going to be one of your best real-time resources for the festival. The crowd sharing will be endless, from where to find free food, where a badge is not required, where a “secret” performance has just been announced, and so much more.

“I usually just Uber into the middle of it all, and then open discord and I'm like, let's go,” she says. Hernandez likes to send a blast on Discord asking festival-goers what’s the latest move, and what people are up to, and says she often gets a stream of replies. Be sure to keep your notifications on (and bring a portable charger) so you don’t miss anything important.

Don’t judge an event by its event page! Hernandez says you should RSVP for any and every event anyway, because appearances are deceiving and the event could turn out to be way better in person than online.

“It's just nuts how some of the most mundane sounding events at South by end up being the most fun,” she says. Hernandez says she always RSVPs for Fast Company (which fills up early), and any of the international houses for their incredible food spreads.

While rolling with a big crew may feel fun and glamorous, Hernandez says it can actually slow you down and affect your ability to get free experiences.

“If you have a group of people, it's much harder to navigate the crowds. It's much harder to schmooze your way into an event if you don't have a badge,” she says. Hernandez says when she’s traveling solo, or with just one other friend, she’s able to move around quickly.

😍 SXSW accounts to follow, travel tips, and more!

SXSW is upon us — and it’s expensive. Don’t worry, though! We've got the ultimate guide on how to get into the best free events and get all the freebies.

Free Events and Experiences at South by Southwest 

Allergy season — of which there are three in Austin — can make us feel like we have no control. Out of the blue, you’re suddenly sneezing, and wheezing, and your eyes are so itchy that you feel helpless to Mother Nature’s whims. While you can’t control the seasons, you 

control and reduce allergens in your home.

 are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.

But never fear, Hey Austin is here with you your room-by-room guide to setting up your allergen-free home:

, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).

 that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.

Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses 

Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.

Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub surfaces weekly.

When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.

If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.

Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your local store — or 

Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.

 — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. 

Check the pollen count during peak allergy seasons

Wipe down dog and cat fur with a towel or disposable wipes.

Wash clothes soon after returning from outdoors.

Check the soil of your indoor plants for mold growth.

What tips do you have for surviving Austin’s allergy seasons? 

Allergy season — of which there are three in Austin — can make us feel like we have no control. 

How to Prep Your Home for Allergy Season in Austin

How to Prep Your Home for Allergy Season

The benefits to hosting a clothing swap are numerous: You get to offload old clothes, acquire new ones, hang out with your pals, and help the planet. It’s the perfect event. I went to a clothing swap over the weekend and it was the best day of my life, and I’m barely kidding!

. Hosting a clothing swap or attending one helps lessen that number just a bit – your old clothes can land in someone else’s closet instead of further littering our earth. That alone is reason enough to participate in one, but swaps are also 

First you’ll want to send an invite to as many friends as possible. Tell your invitees to bring a friend, too. More people means more shopping. 😉 Bonus points if you or your friends have a backyard to use. Make sure your guests bring a towel or sheet to lay their loot out on for easy viewing.

🍕 Make the Swap a Party With Food and Music.

Ask your guests to bring a snack or drink to share. This way, you can catch up or meet new people over light bites and beverages in between swapping. Put on a fun playlist, too! Our friend who moonlights as a DJ made sure we had a nice shopping soundtrack.

The best part of the swap is the actual shopping part, if you ask me. Guests take what they want! The best part of doing this with friends is that it was all free. Some swaps hosted around town require an attendance fee, which is fine, but free clothes are the best!

♻️ Find a Good Spot To Take Your Swap Leftovers.

Inevitably, some clothes won’t find new homes. That’s OK! Austin has many places that actually need clothing donations. Heartening, a $3 clothing warehouse in North Austin, has a 

web page with a list of organizations and what they are looking for

. You could also take your donations to a 

local thrift store like one of the Austin Pets Alive! locations

The benefits to hosting a clothing swap are numerous: You get to offload old clothes, acquire new ones, hang out with your pals, and help the planet. 

Why Ausinites Need To Host a Clothing Swap ASAP

Why You Need To Host a Clothing Swap ASAP

It’s that time of year – Austin is about to experience freezing temperatures and colder days. 

 say that temperatures will get as low as 30 degrees next week and if previous winter weather emergencies have you feeling anxious, we’re here to help.

Planning for emergencies can feel daunting, but the key to being prepared is to take it one step at a time. Here are some essentials to get started:

The most simple items are often the most essential in an emergency, but that means it’s also the best place to start.

Most local home improvement and outdoor stores carry kits with necessities like bandages and ointments. The 

 sells kits and manuals for specific situations like CPR, lifeguarding, bodily trauma, and more — I always keep one of their 

Prefer the DIY route? Check the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready website for 

how to build your own emergency supplies kit

According to the National Safety Council, a home emergency supply kit should have three days worth of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days. Beyond the basics, Readywise specializes in 

Pick up a few extra camping food packs next time you’re shopping for new hiking gear — they make for good rations in a pinch.

Saving money can feel like an impossibility these days, but putting aside as little as $10 a week can make a difference. Get started with 

financial tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency

, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, can help save someone’s life during an overdose. Naloxone can be purchased directly through the manufacturer’s website or 

Feeling prepared ahead of freezing weather can soothe concerns. Let us know if these tips were helpful! Stay bundled!

Freezing temperatures are expected in January. 