Hi! I grew up in a one-stoplight town in rural Nebraska and my whole family still lives there with three churches, a bar, and a courthouse. I left because I like lots of people and taller buildings, and I don't like cold weather. On those rare days in Texas when it gets snowy and icy, you'll find me inside Googling beach vacations. I don't plan to leave Texas now that I've been here for most of my adult life because the barbecue and fajitas are just way too addictive. I've worked in radio from the moment I graduated from college at the University of Nebraska, and besides getting the hang out with cool people like you every day, I love sports, great restaurants, self improvement, and meeting new people. I love all movies starring Melissa McCarthy or Julia Roberts, and all TV shows with home improvements or food in them. You'll probably hear me talk about my three daughters on the air, along with the challenges of being a single mom. I'm on several of the dating apps, because trying to meet someone in person these days is way too creepy.
Jen Austin
Gingerbread House Fail!
We try it each year, and each year we fail at making pretty ribbons with the icing and properly spacing out the gumdrops. But this might have been the worst gingerbread house fail yet with the dog adding his own festive touch.
You’ll Spend $500 on Dinners and Drinks During the Holidays
Just when your budget was about to bust after buying toys, necklaces, and flat screens this month, prepare to fully blow it up with fancy appetizers and booze. We'll put $537 toward socializing during the holidays. And you'll never guess which seasonal drink is the most popular.
The Real Cost of Driving Under the Influence in Texas
It sure would be a lot more fun to spend $20,000 on a car than it would be to spend that same amount on fines and legal costs after driving drunk in one. That's the real cost of a DWI in Texas, and it serves as a warning heading into a weekend full of holiday parties.
Your East Texas Holiday Tipping Guide
Most of us don't live buildings with a doorman so we can skip that, but we should be tipping landlords, delivery drivers, and handymen this holiday season.
How much? And how do we get the tip into the hands of the trash collector without getting run over?
Celebrate National Cookie Day With Grandma’s Recipe
December 4th is National Cookie Day, and it's the perfect opportunity to whip up a batch of the peanut butter ones with the criss-cross marks like Grandma used to make.
Try Making a Fast-Food Favorite At Home
Taco Bell is bringing back its tasty Rolled Chicken Tacos, and I may have stumbled upon an alternative version that we can make at home, without the deep fryer. See what you think.
One Pacifier Could Send Your Baby to the Hospital
There is one certain food that babies under 1-year old should not have, so don't buy the pacifier that is filled with it! Four babies have been hospitalized with botulism because of it.
Lufkin Salvation Army Needs Volunteers for Red Kettle Campaign
The official kickoff of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign comes tomorrow at halftime of the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day Game, but the Lufkin Salvation Army has already launched its efforts. And they need volunteers! This could be a great thing to do with your family this holiday season.