Liz Stella

We're big fans of this brand at home and this is excellent, natural sunscreen. I've seen some of the chemicals involved in other sprays and I really like this one for the family.

If you enjoy the occasional tipple and are looking for a good dry cider, this is the one. A great local brewery that puts out a lot of different flavours but I'm not a fan of sweet and this is perfect!

There's surely more products like this out there but this is the first one I bought for my husband and it works like a charm! Suction cups to the mirror so those annoying hairs can be kept from falling all over the bathroom. Also doubles up as a fringe-trimmer for me!

I'm a fan of these simple covers and the fact they come in a variety of pastel colours! My little hasn't figured out how to pull these off (yet) and they're not an eyesore either.

I'm a fan of Neem Oil for most pest control. I've used the BONIDE 32 oz Neem Oil Fungicide, Miticide, & Insecticide Ready-To-Use for initial attacks and have found it to be quite successful and non-hazardous to humans!

We've had some success moving up to Contigo which has several sizes and an easy-clean flip up straw. Kohl's currently has a sale on these too btw!

This is a lovely, affordable AM/FM radio that works with bluetooth too. Battery life is long and it's rechargeable!

I needed a book light and went with the Reading Light with Clip - Deaunbr USB Rechargeable Book Lights. It has a huge clamp which fits most places and is dimmable AND rechargeable. A great purchase that has a long battery life!

I got an urban commuter Del Sol bike and I love it. It's a good hybrid and I ended up with some customizations (changed the handlebar to an FSA Metropolis handlebar which is more ergonomic). The whole design is pretty unisex.

Organic Fruit Bars Wrapped in Edible Paper for Kids. I'm always looking for ways to get fruit/veggies into my child's diet and this great small business have created a bar that helps prevent mess! Plus my daughter loves them so win-win!

The was the first cordless vacuum I've owned and it's a life-saver! I can operate it easily even while holding my child in the other arm. Light and rechargeable, it has a max suction mode that does great things in short bursts. Great to have a vac do use in the car too!

I have a good solid wave going with my hair and have been enjoying the Gisou texturising wave spray at Sephora! It tames the hair without dampening the wave and isn't stiff like hairspray! Just apply to wet hair and let it dry naturally.

My husband got the Graco Extend2Fit for his car and it's easy to use and my toddler sits so comfortably in it!

I'm a big fan of this brand and this board will last for many years to come due the height-adjusters. Paper, chalk and dry erase; good for so many things!

We had some trouble with sleep training and this saved us! A bit more expensive than the Hatch Rest original but we needed a dim clock in baby's bedroom too which helps with schedules! Our daughter is now triggered into sleeping on cue thanks to our pre-programmed scheduling. So much easier than manually managing a sound machine, all done through an app.

It can be challenge feeding hummingbirds because you need to swap out the food every few days but this product enables you to keep it fresh for two weeks! And there's no nasty dyes. An ideal feed!

A very sturdy bottle that withstands multiple drops! I like that it holds a decent amount too and is easy to wash.

Have a child means organization is key to not losing your mind! These easy to assembly units and light plastic bins are a nice height and help encourage clean-up time behaviour. The bins are bigger than you think!

This is my dream grater. I've been searching for one that I can easily clean and use over bowls etc, this does the job perfectly!

I am pretty hard-wearing on my sunglasses and have gone through high-end and lower-end brands. Le Specs has me converted. They're a good median price, very cool designs and can withstand multiple drops plus frequent grab and shakes by my toddler without getting ruined!

The absolute best product. No mess, ginger, lime, so many possibilities. A very pro tool.

This has been a life-saving cookbook for a culinary cook with minimal time. A selection of global recipes that breaks down into easy chapters based on cooking-time, 45 minutes and less. Made so many meals from this!

I'm a fan of NARS Climax. It's perfect consistency, no clogging and nice shaped wand.

I've tried a variety of make-up wipes over the years and these ones consistently have not irritated my eyes and cleared away grime. They're biodegradable now too which is a BIG plus!

This tin is so lovely and recreates the design beautifully in baked goods with no problems. I'm a bundt cake convert!

The perfect first board game for your child! Concentration levels are low for 18-24 months plus so this I was ecstatic that this bought me more than ten minutes of focus! Fun and interactive with the only aim being to have a good giggle!

I guarantee you'll find it hard to stop eating these once you open a packet! Tastes better than Funyuns with a lot less junk.

I switched to a Philips Wake-Up Light with Sunrise Simulation Alarm Clock because I needed to do same thing! It's a gradual alarm sound if you want it, but I just use the light which is much more soothing and just brightens up to wake you.

This is a lovely book, perfect as a gift for yourself or a poetry lover. It includes poems to uplift any mood and help refresh the soul.

New parent must-have! This is the best mirror you can get for a rear-facing carseat, in my humble opinion. I had tried bigger brand names but this mirror has the best straps and a wonderful wide mirror that both you and baby can actually see each other in.

It's nice to have a bin that has equal opportunity for both garbage and recycling! Easy to operate and clean, it fits well into our lives and our kitchen.

This recipe book by Maria Elia provides a wide selection of beautiful plates that taste just as good to eat. I'm not a vegetarian but I cook from it often. There's an apricot roulade dessert that has impressed many a dinner guest!

I'm a huge fan of the original Silver Spoon, the essential Italian cookbook. I was delighted to find out there is now a veggie version, The Vegetarian Silver Spoon! Great photos and recipe ideas.

It's hard to get a few hours of free time to sit and play scrabble so this is the PERFECT board for ongoing games! It helps me use my brain a bit and my husband and I can enjoy something without feeling rushed for time.

My husband is a fan of the Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker System with Extra Filters and Silicone Stoppers Bundle and it's been a long-standing fave in our house. It holds 60+ oz so you'll have more than enough caffeine between new brews!

If you're a fan of fresh bread and are always scrambling for the right knife to carve off a slice, THIS IS THE ONE! I bought mine from a baker and it's superb! Top quality, super sharp, and lasted for years.

I’m a fan of all Vagabond shoes!

I'm a fan of Verb's Ghost Weightless Hair Oil. I've used it for years since discovering it in Austin. It ticks all the boxes and is also vegan! It doesn't weigh down the hair or leave it greasy.

I like Weleda 24 Hour Roll-On Deodorant, Citrus, 1.7 Fluid Ounce. Their whole range is based on natural care and I like this product!

This is an amazing stain remover that has worked on so many things (wine, mud, blood etc.). It's earth friendly too, non-toxic and has a mild smell. My first go-to when in need of salvaging something!

I've had many a good night here and it's an Austin staple for live music lovers. A solid place to support local and visiting musicians!

This is great place for some authentic Italian food. The owner takes great care with his food, even making recommendations on what to order and what will/won't reheat well! Quick service for some yummy dishes to take home and savour.

Yes, you can buy a lot of books online, but why would you when you can have a wonderful experience and discover so many more products not driven by paid ads! This is an essential place to go if you're a book lover, for all ages and with a great selection of magazines too!

A bookstore that specializes in books BY and ABOUT women. What's not to love?! They have great gifts too, activist magnets and a wide array of female-forward books. A must-stop by and buy!

I've been a fan of this place for years, since it started as a small shop on the Drag to the successful business it has become. The dill pickle is a family favorite!

Delicious Arabic sweets! Discovered this relatively new stall at the Sunset Valley Farmer's Market in April 2021. I'm going to be trying more but had a lovely, light carrot cake which was so good!

This Mexican restaurant specializes in regional cuisine and is beloved by many for their excellent dishes and stunning interior. We celebrated our wedding here and it has many good memories. Always a good time!

Jodi is a talented jeweler and has a gorgeous selection of gems! I discovered labradorite stones through her and have had many compliments when wearing her jewelry.

This restaurant does Japanese excellence with a Texan spin. Fantastic sushi and specials, in particular their Tarantula roll. The best miso in town too!

Efficient service and an outstanding selection of utterly delicious cakes and pastries! The most mouth-watering french pastries you'll find in ATX. Personal faves are the eclairs and vanilla/choc cronut. Divine!

A year-round schedule of outdoor events for all the family, surrounded by wonderful native plants and beautiful landscaped gardens. I adore this place and membership is highly recommended so you can make regular visits. Fortlandia is a particular highlight for active littles to run around in a safe space!

I've never had a marble rye taco and this place makes them in-house! Great coffee and food/pastries with a Bavarian twist, a cool addition to the South ATX neighbourhood!

A regular go-to for the best brunch south of the river. My husband and I have brought locals and visiting friends for some easy-going American breakfast food with their own special touch. An array of hot sauce condiments too to add some fire!

An energetic, fun, live band who I enjoyed at a restaurant setting. Lots of recognisable covers and the musicians have a great dynamic that comes across well while performing.

A beautiful little store with a lovely selection of gifts, from jewellery to home accessories. A great local business to support!

This is a great all-day bakery/restaurant/café where you can enjoy a simple snack made with locally sourced ingredients or a few yummy cocktails. Their Buckwheat Almond Financier is my new fave go-to baked good! Nicely spread out outside and accommodating for young kids.

So much support for expectant and nursing mothers. The staff know SO much about breastfeeding and I've found them to be more knowledgable than some docs! Helped me through so much.

We're huge fans of this restaurant! Delicious selection of dishes and also a great side bakery that's gluten-free providing sweet treats. They incorporate fair wages and holiday etc. into the price so you don't have to tip. A model that could be followed by many more restaurants!

A lifeline for those who like good food, good drinks, and a great outdoor space. A more refined menu than your average "bar and grill" which good spacing for families, especially during pandemic times! Staff are cool and efficient, they even have merch.

A blues music jewel in Austin, my husband has jammed here and it's always welcoming. When you enter this dark, unassuming bar you'll lose track of time in a good way, savouring great live music and a well-stocked bar.

Thank goodness we have a bona fide location for great Israeli food in Austin! The BEST hummus you will find. Owner/Chef Berty Richter is so passionate about everything he does and it's no wonder he made such a success with this business. Go try the food now, it's unforgettable!

One of the top places to get a good taco and bbq meet. The pulled chicken and brisket are favorites. This is a place that you have to take out-of-towners to for them to have had GOOD food.

One of the best tacos you'll find in ATX. Women-owned business. Try the Reyna with chorizo. You'll be converted!

This downtown business has been around for a while but yet is a new discovery for so many! If you have any music lovers in your network, this shop will have something to make them smile. Everything from music-inspired attire to cookware, toys and instruments. A family business, open 7 days a week. You'll be buying yourself a few gifts too!

The best and most generously-sized empanadas I've tasted! Enjoy a beef bourguignon filling. "Yapa" means to give more, which makes sense! Highly recommended.

Bringing my first-born into the world was the most positive experience I could have dreamed of because of ATX Doulas! Cary was my doula and I can now count her as my friend. Responsive, intuitive, empowering, and so much more. Cary supported my husband on labor day too and brought us food after the birth. A superhuman, they all are!

Dr. Heide Busceme has provided the best quality care for my child since birth and helped me feel confident as a mother. Highly recommended.

I have only good things to say about Dr. Kish, she helped through my entire pregnancy and delivered my first-born so I'll always be thankful for that! She continues to be my gynecologist and I completely trust her expertise.

Being able to rely on this practice has eased our lives! My teeth health has improved since seeing them, without having to worry about extortionate fees. Always welcoming and helpful.

This is my first experience of a pediatric dentist and they've been absolutely superb. I looked around at a few dentists in ATX for my child but either got no callbacks to sign-up or they changed accepted insurance provider. I'm with Delta Dental and this place has been so helpful and welcoming. They're also reconstructing and the new building looks great!

I was recommended to them by a friend and I've had such wonderful support pre-pregnancy and throughout my motherhood journey! The staff are always patient and helpful and I always felt reassured by my OB (Dr. Kish) throughout my pregnancy through to an excellently-managed birth. Highly recommended!

Dallas has worked on a few house projects for us and has been reliable and knowledgeable. Knows so much about fixing house and garden!

For food snobs that need to stock up on authentic Italian groceries, look no further! I'm a fan of Mulino Bianco cookies/biscuits, and they have many other store cupboard essentials that I just can't find in local stores. They ship efficiently and offer great prices too.

We love this store because you always find something quirky and distinctive. Everything from mirrors to chests of drawers plus very helpful staff.

Delicious cured salmon and other delights, made by a local producer! Fish is their forte, a great gourmet gift idea too.

A wide selection of plants that are both unique and not always found at other garden centers and reasonably-priced. The staff are all friendly and willing to assist. One of my happy places in Austin. You'll end up bringing home many wonderful plant babies!

We've used them for a few years and I'm totally happy with how affordable and reliable they are. We have an annual termite treatment and a monthly mosquito spray in the yard. The staff are always courteous and respectful of the property, sharing great tips for maintenance too.

They did a great job recreating a signature for a tattoo. Mike was the tattooist and was efficient and clean!

Bear is a certified badass musician and is now a welcome addition to the barber trade. Specializing in classic haircuts, beard trims, shaves, and grooming, she can help with all!

This Burnet road-based salon consistently helps me feel and look good. They make you feel welcome for the whole experience. Top points for their Sharamey, she has the skills!

It's great to have a dedicated place for children to enjoy activity and use their brains! We're members and they've been so considerate during the pandemic too, limiting capacity and closing when necessary. Lots of fun for families!

Incredible care and support for my child from a few months old up. The staff are caring and responsive. They use the app Kaymbu to keep you updated on your child and send pics! Keeps you connected when you're apart. They love the kids and are such a great help!

As a new(ish) driver, I was searching for a mechanic that didn't try to give me a sales pitch every time I went back. I found them in South Austin! So courteous and they help explain things clearly. Good prices too!

If you own birds, you must check out this store! I live in South ATX but will still make the drive there because of the wide selection of seed (which you can get by the pound), toys and accessories. Very knowledgeable staff too.

We refinanced with this company and dealt with Ivan Diaz who need a fantastic job getting us a superb rate! Very responsive and helped clear up any jargon. Highly recommended.

Co-founder David is always a pleasure to do business with. Honest, helpful, and SO experienced with bikes. This place and the staff are the absolute best.

It's the first place you should go to check out art exhibitions! A beautiful building and interior, with vast, blue tile. The building "Austin" by Ellsworth Kelly is one of the essential ATX experiences.

This is a wonderful, historic place! Anyone who enjoys the farm to table experience can obtain fresh eggs, meats, dairy, veg, and other produce from this fantastic farm. You can even visit the chickens outside. A cool urban farm that everyone can support.

It's great to have more places like this in Austin where you can get adult beverages or coffee but it still be family-friendly. Great outdoor space with food trucks, plus live music sometimes too. Always popular for all ages!

A great new addition to our local food truck park, serving southern cuisine and bringing fresh Louisiana crawfish to South Austin, as well as Étouffée and other deliciousness. Friendly staff with a family-friendly business!

More than just a coffee shop, it's a sanctuary for remote workers, families (with active kids!), and anyone in need for a refreshment in easy-going surroundings. The owners are making many improvements too so expect live music again in the future!